Thorpeness Common field trip
Saturday 30th September
Leader Kevin Verlander
This is a beautiful area for a walk and one the group had not been to for sometime. Often a hot spot for migrant birds, resting, sheltering or feeding up before continuing their journeys. Unfortunately the unfavourable winds that had plagued birdwatchers for some weeks continued today giving us little to record
Two mistle thrushes moved quickly off the bushes as we approached obviously gorging themselves on this autumn's abundance of fruit. While overhead 30 + goldfinches followed by a smaller number of greenfinches passed down the coast.
After sheltering from the briefest of showers we moved onto the Ness for a spot of sea watching. Dropping down to the beach we continued our walk along the base of the Sizewell Cliff and it was here we saw the highlight of the day. Member Brian Buffery spotted a Clouded Yellow butterfly enjoying the sunshine restlessly flitting from the ragwort to valerian and back. Two more were seen as we spent thirty minutes following these migratory butterflies backwards and forwards amongst the shingle flora.
Brian eventually managed to get the photograph attached to this report.
Cutting back in land we joined the old railway line to Sheepwash Crossing, were we enjoyed good views of hobby before returning to the car park.
Clouded Yellow, photo Brian Buffery
Barry Cooper
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