Purple Emperor!

25 July - a quick visit to Savernake, as the weather was sunny, and a late male Purple Emperor was flying strongly around the treetops near the monument. Seen well with binoculars sitting on the leaves and patrolling frequently. A surprisingly intact specimen for so late in the season, the first male I have seen in the UK. I took this picture last year in France.

New Forest Dragonflies - and Graylings

25 July - a sunny morning (at last!) and some successful Dragon/Damselfly photography in the boggy heaths of the New Forest - photo shows habitat near Beaulieu Road Station. I went first to Crockford bridge - species here included Beautiful Demoiselle (1), Southern Damselfly (2), Large(3) and Small Red Damselflies (4), Golden-ringed Dragonfly, Common Hawker and Keeled Skimmer (5). Unfortunately the weather went downhill, but in sunny intervals later, I saw a Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly at Beaulieu Road, and several Black Darters, including one male (6-female), at Slufter's pond. I also saw a total of 4 Dartford Warblers, a pair and 2 further males. A couple of Grayling (7) butterflies were seen on the more open, gravel areas (photo at Beaulieu Road).