Cold Edge

This afternoon we went to monitor butterflies in the 2km square above Cold Edge. We wern' t expecting much as the afternoon was quite overcast at first. We were surprised to find 50 or more butterflies on a patch of nettles/thistles and other weeds etc. They were on a small area of rough land just 50 mtrs up the road from the former Withens Pub opposite the communications mast just behind the wall.

They were mostly Small Tortoiseshells along with Peacocks, Red Admirals, Small and Green-viened Whites, Meadow Browns and at least 1 Comma and 1 Small Copper nearby. Well worth a visit if you can pick a nice warm afternoon!

The downside to the afternoon (for a Wheatear anyway) was near Cold Edge. As we were watching a Sparrowhawk take a long fast glide and chase low over the field it 'hit' a Wheatear on the ground. The Wheatear momentarily escaped but the hawk took it in an instance at the second attempt. 2 Kestrels chased in to take the prey but the Sparrowhawk saw them off and took the Wheatear into the trees to devour. 'Nature red in tooth and claw'.