Yesterday I went to Low Moor Banks to do some recording work and look for any early Bee Orchids. Sadly I could not find any orchids but it is slightly early for this site so not too down hearted.
![](http://www.lowmoorwildlife.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/0F0A9361.jpg)
However, there were some surprises. Small Heath butterflies (opposite) were out in record numbers with a minimum count of 29 recorded!
Perhaps the biggest surprise ( given there is no water) on the site was a female Emperor dragonfly (A site first) hunting over the meadow.
I netted a Two-spot Ladybird which is also a site first.
Two new moth species were added to my moth list for the site a Ancylis badiana & a Grapholita Compostitella.
Talking of moths I used my Six-belted Clearwing lure at a large patch of Birds foot trefoil and attracted a single clearwing.
![](http://www.lowmoorwildlife.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/0F0A9392.jpg)
Three male Common Blue butterlies were on the wing but no females.
At least one pair of Common Whitethroat has bred at the site as I saw an adult with a juvenile.
Also a juvenile Willow Warbler was seen suggesting the species has also bred.
A total of 4 new species were added the Low Moor Banks species lists with a further 2 species needed further ID work.