Butterfly Walks at Garston Coastal Reserve BioBlitz
Along with all the rare flora & the internationally important area for wintering ducks & waders, Mersey Estuary Costal Reserve is cited as a Local Wildlife Site for supporting a breeding assemblage of eleven species of butterflies.
As part of the BioBlitz, Biodiverse Society Project Officer Julia Simons, along with Tony Parker of Liverpool World Museum & TCV’s Lorna Blackmore, led butterfly walks across the reserve. Whilst the weather was breezy, the temperature was good throughout the weekend and a total of nine species of butterfly were recorded.
We set off in search of butterflies in sheltered areas. A sunny path which leads from the Sailing Club towards Speke Hall proved most fruitful for butterflies. The tall hedgerows lining the path provided just enough shelter & sunshine. Large White, Small White, Green-veined White & both male & female Orange Tip were found in abundance. Small Tortoiseshell & Peacock were seen basking on the bare ground on the path ahead of us. As the hedgerow became more enclosed and sunlight became dappled, several Speckled Wood were observed.
A highlight for many of the attendees on the walks were both the male & female Brimstones, with their distinctive leaf shaped wings & lemon-yellow colouring. Finally at the end of Friday, Julia relocated to the Western end of the reserve towards Garston. Whilst surveying the habitats with trainee officers Rachael & Catrin, the 9th butterfly species of the BioBlitz was recorded. A line of trees separate the reserve from allotments beyond where Holly Blue was recorded. It had its diagnostic light silvery blue underside with black spots & was flying up & down the height of the trees.
As part of the BioBlitz, Biodiverse Society Project Officer Julia Simons, along with Tony Parker of Liverpool World Museum & TCV’s Lorna Blackmore, led butterfly walks across the reserve. Whilst the weather was breezy, the temperature was good throughout the weekend and a total of nine species of butterfly were recorded.
We set off in search of butterflies in sheltered areas. A sunny path which leads from the Sailing Club towards Speke Hall proved most fruitful for butterflies. The tall hedgerows lining the path provided just enough shelter & sunshine. Large White, Small White, Green-veined White & both male & female Orange Tip were found in abundance. Small Tortoiseshell & Peacock were seen basking on the bare ground on the path ahead of us. As the hedgerow became more enclosed and sunlight became dappled, several Speckled Wood were observed.
A highlight for many of the attendees on the walks were both the male & female Brimstones, with their distinctive leaf shaped wings & lemon-yellow colouring. Finally at the end of Friday, Julia relocated to the Western end of the reserve towards Garston. Whilst surveying the habitats with trainee officers Rachael & Catrin, the 9th butterfly species of the BioBlitz was recorded. A line of trees separate the reserve from allotments beyond where Holly Blue was recorded. It had its diagnostic light silvery blue underside with black spots & was flying up & down the height of the trees.
by Howard Harris
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