Butterflies of La Brenne - July 2008 - part 1

4-8 July 2008 - a short Naturetrek trip for the Butterflies of La Brenne, central France, by Eurostar/TGV. 55 species seen despite cool, showery weather. Photos (part 1) show some of the highlights - Pearly Heath and Woodland Brown, one of Europe's rarest butterflies, at Foret de l'Ancosme, toether with Marbled Fritillary - Large Blue, Adonis Blue and Heath Fritillary at Fonterland, a wonderful organic farm - Ilex Hairstreak nearby - Alcon Blue at the marshes at La Touche reserve - and Rock Grayling at the limestone valley at La Boudinniere.

Butterflies of La Brenne - July 2008 - part 2

4-8 July 2008 - Photos part 2 - Scarlet Darter and Beautiful Demoiselle are fairly widely distributed in La Brenne - Large Skipper is common - Long-tailed Blue near Etang Vieux - Large Chequered Skipper is widespread but not numerous - Mallow Skipper seen at Le Paradis d'An - Hummingbird Hawkmoth at Fonterland Farm - Southern White Admiral and (eventually) Purple Emperor at Foret de l'Ancosme, on our sunny but windy last afternoon.

Brown Hawkers

27 July - Hot sun at Swillbrook CWP, and 3 Brown Hawkers were cruising around - very difficult to photograph in flight... also 2 Emperors seen.

Slimbridge safari

26 July - a morning Slimbridge safari in sunny hot weather gave good views of a few butterflies and dragonflies. Several Small Tortoiseshells seen. Emperor, Black-tailed Skimmer, Ruddy(photo) and Common Darter, Migrant Hawker and female Broad-bodied Chaser(photo) all identified.

Black Darters and Keeled Skimmers

24 July - a morning visit to the New Forest in sunny weather. Slufter's Pond was very productive with 6-8 Black Darters (photo) and a couple of Keeled Skimmers (photo). Latchmore Brook gave good views of Beautiful Demoiselles, also Brown and Migrant Hawkers and Golden-Ringed Dragonflies. Damselflies take more sorting out.....

White-letter Hairstreaks at Stockbridge Down

13 July - a rare treat, a fine summers day. I went to the eastern side of Stockbridge Down and had flight views of 6-8 White-letter Hairstreaks around the elms and large ash along the footpath. I managed to get a good view of one settled via the scope - not my photo, but just like it! Also seen, White Admiral, Silver-washed and Dark Green Fritillaries, Marbled White and Gatekeeper.