The grassland on top of the coal tips has come alive with Burnet moths. I sort of expected this as the number of cocoons stuck to grass blades was impressive earlier this year. Was not quite ready for that many. I counted 100 in an area of about 5m by 5m. Large numbers flying and a lot more breeding. Seems they mate as soon as they emerge as many couples are right next to empty cocoons. Burnet moths are a stunning example of our daytime flying moths. The handsome blue black wing with a hint of oily irredesence, covered with red splodges that looks like a child's finger painting. They are strong fliers and capable of a fair turn of speed. Even better, from a photographers perspective, they are easy to approach. Perhaps they are made brave as they contain cyanide that they picked up as caterpillars off their food plant, Birds foot trefoil. Those distinctivly moth like antenna are worth a look as well.
The butterflies are doing well. Numbers of Graylings and Small Heaths are up and I finally managed to get a photograph of a Meadow Brown. The Meadow Brown is easily one of our most common butterflies but tricky to photograph. Even on overcast days the Meadow Brown is seriously active, in the sun it never seems to stop! This one was far to interested was in feeding on the bramble flower to be disturbed by me.
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