Lynchcombe Steps

Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID JB4_8412

Over the years I have seen lots of dragonflies on Lynchcombe. This week was prime dragonfly season on this Somerset Wildlife Trust reserve.

Sheep

But as you climb over the stile into the reserve its sheep you notice first.

Lynchcombe – Somerset, UK. ID IG_6636

They do a great job of eating the grass, as they nibble around the rare plants.

Lynchcombe – Somerset, UK. ID IG_6653

Autumn Time

Its not really autumn just yet but all the berries are out.  Sloes, hawthorn and blackberries everywhere.

Sloe berries on Blackthorn – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID 825_6681

Hawthorn Berries – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID 825_6993

Brown Hairstreak

I keep looking out for brown hairstreak butterflies on the reserve – but with no luck (and probably with no skill).   There is plenty of ash, oak and blackthorn that they love and lots of brambles.  But I’ve never see one.  I spent a lot of time looking high up in the trees.  All I saw were speckled woods looking back.

Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID 825_6984

Dragonflies

There is virtually no water on the reserve but that does not stop it being covered in dragonflies.

Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID 823_2223

Especially migrant hawkers and common darters.

Migrant Hawker (Aeshna mixta) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID 825_6799

Migrant Hawker (Aeshna mixta) – Lynchcombe, Somerset, UK. ID JB3_2826

And Finally…

Time for a rest.

Lynchcombe – Somerset, UK. ID IG_6999