Azure Hawker

29 July - A good but brief ( no photo ) view of a male Azure Hawker west of Creag Meaghaidh in the central Highlands today - settled a couple of times on the gravel track. Also good numbers of Scotch Argus flying over the wet grassland.

Ravensroost Again

25 July - A pre-work visit on a sunny morning. Southern and Brown Hawkers flying, and butterflies included 10+ Silver-washed Fritillaries, a single White Admiral, and 3 Purple Hairstreaks around the car park. A real high summer day.

Purple Emperor !

22 July - A morning stop at Savernake proved to be very well timed, as after a few minutes a male Purple Emperor obligingly landed on the column to find salt and minerals. Good views of the iridescent wings as it turned in the sun. A memorable sighting.

Very hot Ravensroost

19 July - 32 degrees for an afternoon stop at Ravensroost, and 3 White Admirals see, but all flying very actively so no chance of a photo. A Southern Hawker obligingly perched for a minute or two - also hunting Brown Hawkers. Large Skippers and Silver-washed Fritillaries also seen.

Ravensroost Wood

10 July - Good numbers of Silver-washed Fritillaries on the wing at Ravensroost, some posing for the camera, but just one White Admiral seen. Also Large Skippers buzzing around, and many Ringlets.

Silver-studded Blues at Acres Down.....

7 July - despite fairly cloudy weather, the warmth and humidity meant that Silver-studded Blues were fairly active at Acres Down, New Forest, after my raptor watching session, with several fairly obliging for the camera. I couldn't find any Graylings on the bare ground or paths though.

Large Blues at Daneway........

3 July - At last some summer sun, and quite a few people at Daneway Banks at Sapperton for the Large Blues - in an afternoon visit, I saw several, though they were quite flighty in the heat. Also lots of Marbled Whites and a few Large Skippers.