| After a quick look at Culpepper's Dish itself we walked south from the car park noting the large numbers of Common Earthballs growing at the edges of the path. |
© Bob Ford/Nature Portfolio
Common Earthball |
© Bob Ford/Nature Portfolio
Bog Asphodel |
We soon were out on the heath itself and overlooking the beautiful Rimsmoor Pond, where there was a good show of Bog Asphodels.
From here we had a good view over the heath and in quick succession saw a superb selection of raptors. First a Sparrowhawk, then a Hobby and finally the real star of the afternoon - a Honey Buzzard! |
| Turning round to get back onto the path a Sand Lizard was curled up under the heather. Later we saw several Common Lizards as well. |
© Bob Ford/Nature Portfolio
Sand Lizard |
© Bob Ford/Nature Portfolio
Common Lizard |
© Bob Ford/Nature Portfolio
Common Polypody |
© Bob Ford/Nature Portfolio
Lady Fern |
Next came a wet and muddy section of the walk that at least enabled us to come across some very nice ferns including Common Polypody, Hard Fern and the very delicate Lady Fern.
A Bog Bush-cricket was a good find here as were a pair of Common Groundhoppers. We finished with some more excellent birdwatching as very smart male Stonechat appeared and was joined briefly by a Dartford Warbler. As if this wasn't enough we then came across a mixed flock of woodland birds including Willow Warblers, Long-tailed Tits, Blue Tits and Coal Tits. |
| As we got back to the car park the rain started ... |