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12 members and 2 guests arrived at the Moorgates just in time to hear and see a Cuckoo being pursued by several Meadow Pipits. On our walk to the west side of Hawnby Hill one lucky member saw a Green Hairstreak with one also being seen on the return. The party dropped down to Low Wood where we had six moorhen chicks on one of the two ponds and the first sighting of Redstart.

The woodland was resplendent in a carpet of Bluebells and thanks to one of our member’s earlier visit he was able to direct us to an open area where we saw both male and female Pied Flycatcher. The female entered a nest site high up the tree that looked as though it was initially a woodpecker hole that had been sealed with mud presumably by Nuthatch. Redstart was again observed a little closer and we then headed back the way we came. Left: male pied flycatcher on singing perch

Duke of Burgundy butterflies showing markings on both underside and upperside

Our walk took us higher up Hawnby Hill to the site of the Duke of Burgundy butterfly. Thankfully the sun was shining and there were many flying around, well photographed not only by us but others. Several Dingy Skippers were seen and lunch was taken in very pleasant surroundings. A look under the prrimrose leaves revealed some Duke of Burgundy eggs in ones and twos and small clusters. On hatching the caterpillars will feed on the primrose.

Duke of Burgundy eggs on primrose leaf

Dingy skipper butterlfy and petty whin

Although this was not a botany trip it was lovely to see a few plants of Petty Whin amongst the heather, as well as the wonderful carpet of bluebells in the wood (also several different sedges that led to some debate as to species!).

We also identified the spider Xysticus cristatus. Overall this was a very enjoyable and interesting day.

Birds seen or heard