May 2023
2nd May 2023 - (Tuesday, Kedd)
By the time I reached the SQ, the clouds had started to move in. Hence, only one butterfly was seen - a Grizzled Skipper. 3 Green Lizards were seen, two of them being juveniles. Two Green-winged Orchids were found in their usual places (inside near the houses, and outside, beside the airfield road). I believe we have a new type of plant gall, this time on Dalmatian Toadflax. I'm currently checking the exact species, but it is looking like a Stem Weevil (beetle) belonging to the Rhinusa genus. Note: The Weevil Rhinusa pilosa is supposedly only linked to the Common Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris), so I need to explore further in this genus. My 3 photos of the galls start on the 4th row of this gallery. A few Fire-bellied Toads were piping from the reedbed area.
4th May 2023 - (Thursday, Csütörtök)
The cloud started to roll over soon after arrival, but butterflies seen were: Scarce Swallowtail, Orange Tip (male), and Grizzled Skipper. Also found the first Mother Shipton moth of 2023. Clucking sounds were heard from some underwater Common Spadefoot Toads. In addition to the two 'usual' Green-winged Orchids, at least 3 others were found on the area adjacent to the house parking area. Some of the white poppies (Long-headed Poppy) seem to have hybridised with the Common Poppy (red), as some pink specimens were found on the top rim of the SQ. A Nightingale was singing from the boundary trees and bushes. There were clouds of the Green Longhorn moth, but in an unusual place: the area near the junction of the pathways. In the past, they've only been recorded near the large Oak tree on the top rim. After the massive rainstorm of the previous day, I was surprised that our water levels had not risen, but it seems that the storm only affected Mátrafüred and the Western Mountains.
17th May 2023 - (Wednesday, Szerda)
We've been having several very wet days, with very heavy downpours. This means that The Bowl is nicely full again and maybe some of our amphibians will have breeding success this year. Not good for the emerged insects though! The following picture were taken by Teréz who braved the rain to obtain them.
19th May 2023 - (Friday, Péntek)
My first opportunity to visit the site this week, and I was determined not to miss such a warm, sunny afternoon after a week of mostly cloudy, rainy conditions. My trip was worthwhile, as Green Lizards were in evidence, and Fire-bellied Toads were constantly piping from the reedbed area. Unfortunately the latter species couldn't be seen. I also heard a few calls from Green Tree Frogs. A small flock of Bee Eaters flew over the site, and a Nightingale perched momentarily on a wire fence. I was not quick enough to photograph either event! I feel sure that a snake made its way through the lush grass as I approached ... probably a Grass Snake. As can be seen from the photographs, The Bowl is 'nicely full' of water, and more is still running in via the waterfall. All 3 Rock Baths have water. Butterflies seen were: Orange Tip (female, egg-laying), 3 Scarce Swallowtail, at least one Glanville Fritillary, a few Small Heath, Grizzled Skipper, and a blue which I think could be Adonis. Moths seen were: 2 x Mother Shipton, Silver Y, Black-veined, and Speckled Yellow.