Arnside Knott - Scotch Argus emerging

29 July - continued fine weather, and a visit to Arnside Knott to look for another new species. After a bit of a search, Scotch Argus seen on the southern slopes below the summit. Also Grayling (photo) and Wall basking, and in the woods a High Brown Fritillary (photo) seen briefly with several worn Dark Green Fritillaries.

Durlston Country Park

28 July - a morning visit to Durlston in Dorset, with sun forecast. A walk around the gullies and slopes revealed at least 20 Lulworth Skippers, a very localised resident of coastal Dorset, and a new species for me. Fairly restless, but nectaring in the sun in sheltered corners. Also seen - 2 Walls, Marbled Whites and my first Chalkhill Blues of the year.

Fritillaries....High Brown and others

19 July - A visit to Dunsford, Devon, the weather proving much better than the forecast with hot sun and no wind. A lot of butterfly activity, and a couple of hours around the bracken meadows alongside the river produced the main target, a couple of worn High Brown Fritillaries, the underwing being seen (as in photo x2), also probable Dark Green Fritillary and fresh Silver-washed Fritillaries (photo). Ringlet, Common Blue, Marbled White, Small Skipper and Small Copper also seen.

Heathland foray

14 July - a rare appearance by the sun coincided with an excursion to Hazeley Heath in Hampshire. 20-25 Silver-studded Blues were seen (including some fresh males) a beautiful tiny member of the Blue family, and rather localised. I also flushed a Grayling from the path and saw it well several times as it settled. Heath Orchids were also flowering, and dragonflies included Keeled Skimmer and Ruddy Darter.

Emperor!

7 July - a visit to a packed Bentley Wood, and a wait in the car park, eventually gave good but brief views of a presumed female Purple Emperor, flying from the oaks to a sallow then perching on an oak branch (in the shade) before flying off back to the oakwoods. I managed a record shot only. White Admiral was also seen.