Overton Biodiversity Society

July 2013

3^rd

a large Hedgehog almost caused an RTA as it trundled across the High Street at Town Meadow late evening.

4^th

A Goldfinch visited a Greyhound Lane garden.

5^th

the Creatures of the Night event running from mid-evening saw residents of the Parish partaking in the delights of both pre-dark refreshments and presentations and post-dark wildlife about the Parish — Glow Worm (50+ glowing female and two male), bats and moths during the latter. Of the moths attracted to light, some 55+ species, the following were perhaps some of the most notable: Scallop Shell, Elephant Hawk-moth, Privet Hawk-moth and Poplar Hawk-moth.

6^th

A detailed Glow Worm count at the churchyard returned 60 females glowing in the night.

7^th

3 Red Kite were spotted flying over Southley farm.

8^th

A slow-worm at Foxdown was found dead on the road.

13^th

a juvenile Cuckoo spent several hours about Southington. 36°C was recorded at Mallards, the highest both this year and since records were taken by the weather station about the village. A Garden Tiger moth visited flowers in a Greyhound Lane garden.

14^th

Swift continued to gather in vocal groups over and about the village, often chasing in amongst the buildings. A Buzzard was flying over Southington. A Early Thorn moth landed on a gardener picking red currants in a garden.

Right: Early Thorn moth, Selenia dentaria - Picture: Adam Trickett

15^th

a Hedgehog put in a pre-dusk appearance in Woodlands.

16^th

a Buzzard lingered over the village early afternoon, as did 20+ Swift; the latter perhaps already having a mind to move off southwards once again. A hover fly, Sphareophoria scripta, was photographed on a poppy in a local garden.

Right: hover fly, Sphareophoria scripta - Picture: Adam Trickett

17^th

Small Tortoiseshell was among the butterflies again noted today.

22^nd

Ringlet, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Large White and Peacock were seen in one garden. Good numbers of both Red Kite and Buzzard were moving over the village during the afternoon, as did single Herring and Black-headed Gull.

24^th

rain! Falling from late in the evening, the first notable drenching this month.

25^th

our Red Kite were lingering over fields at Southley Farm early evening. At least five Peacock were visiting one buddleia in a Woodlands garden. The rain of the early morning and previous late evening did not last for long, though the residue was still apparent post-dawn.

Contributors: Alison Hutchins, Peter E. Hutchins, Doug. Kelson, Veronique Kerguelen, Jane MacKenzie, Ken MacKenzie & Adam Trickett.