Mike's Natural Musings: Lake District, May, Day 4

Saturday, 14 May 2022

Lake District, May, Day 4

Despite lying in bed listening to the dawn chorus, when we opened the blinds it was to a misty, foggy morning. Fortunately the wind had dropped away completely and it was much warmer. Whilst sorting the cameras out a call from Heather alerted me to the fact that a red kite was circling bove the caravan; totally unexpected and away from its normal range. As the day went on the skies cleared and the temperature rose to 18C. We waited until late morning for the weather to improve and then set out for Gait Barrows. As we turned into the track leading to the car park we realised that we had driven past from Leighton Moss to Arnside on numerous occasions without realising it was there. We looked forward to our first visit. Setting out into the reserve my aim was to find The Duke, Duke of Burgundy butterlies and, perhaps, pearl bordered fritillary. Fortunately we met two butterfly hunters who gave us directions to the colony as we would never have found them as they are off all the regular reserve trails. When we reached the spot the were a few other people and so we were able to find them relatively easily. Their habitat is roped off to protect these vulnerable, extremely rare and declining insects. Although I had read up about them and knew they were tiny (common blue size), they were more difficult to spot than I expected as their orange chequered pattern allowed them to merge into the background unlike common blues. When settled they were nearly impossible to see but they tend to keep fluttering up and then the trick is to see where they settle. Fortunately we obtained some excellent close views. There were three individuals in the spot we were in and, others nearby, possible half a dozen or ten all told. I was pleased to get distant dingy skipper images too.

After finding our way back to the car, we headed for Arnside, thirsty and enjoyed our drinks sitting in the warm sun on the terrace of the Albion overlooking the Kent Estuary. Bliss! On returning to the site it was BBQ time and the weather remained warm enough to eat outside. The nearly full Flower moon came up while there was still light in the sky and it looked beautiful. Tomorrow morning, just before dawn not only is it full moon, it is also a total eclipse, but at the moment the weather is forecast to be cloudy but one never knows. An excellent end to a fine day.

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