July has been generally scorching hot, as shown by the awful moorland wildfires, some caused by barbecues and even fireworks and campfires… You really can’t believe how daft some people are. Thank you to the fire service who are non-stop in their efforts.
In terms of wildlife, the insects and butterflies have been abundant, loving the sunshine. People have locally seen Peacock, Red Admiral, Orange Spot, Tortoiseshell, and even Hummingbird Hawkmoths. Brilliant!
I have started to regularly see the Kingfisher return to the Torrside park, and after standing still on a rock in the river for 40 minutes, managed to get a pretty close up shot of a dazzling male (fully black bill – female has orange lower bill).
Our local Kestrels have fledged and left the Torrs, but I did manage to get a photo of two of them snuggled up, one nodding off with one eye just about open. I’ve seen a few voles too, which is good news for the Kestrels!
There are still many small species’ fledglings about, gangs of long-tailed tits scurrying from bush to bush, and still birdsong in the air, but less intense than springtime. The Swifts are still magnificently shrieking through the skies, occasionally accompanied by House Martins and Swallows. Summer time is in full flow! Enjoy!
John Kitching
Photos from New Mills Wildlife Photography
Photos from New Mills Wildlife Photography
