Otmoor

1 July - A few Butterflies and Dragonflies seen on a morning trip to Otmoor in fairly sunny weather - Large Skippers (1), Marbled (3) and Green-veined Whites (2), Ringlets (4), Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell. Dragonflies included Brown Hawker, Black-tailed Skimmer and Ruddy Darter (5). Photos JM.

Emperors

26 June - My first 3 Emperor dragonflies of the summer seen in CWP today, no camera with me, so the photo is copyright David Kitching.....

Butterflies at Monfrague

16-17 June - A few butterflies seen around the Castillo at Monfrague on a birding trip - A very smart Scarce Swallowtail (1), 2 Swallowtails (2-3) and a Two-tailed Pasha (4).

Common Club-tail at Goring

2 June - A morning visit to the River Thames at Goring, in warm sunny weather, and excellent views of a teneral Common Club-tail emerging, drying and taking its maiden flight over the space of about 45 mins (1-3). the club-shaped tail was more obvious as it matured and perched briefly on riverside vegetation, before flying off high towards the surrounding woods. My first sighting of this very localised species. Also seen - 2-3 Banded Demoiselles (4).

Seven Barrows

24 May - An afternoon visit to Seven Barrows near Lambourn in sunny weather, 3 Marsh Fritillaries (1-2) seen after a bit of searching, flying very actively. Also - 20+ Common Blues (5), 5-10 Small Blues (3-4), 30+ Small Heaths (8), 2 Small Coppers (6), a Dingy Skipper (7) and a Brimstone.

Bill Smylie reserve - Duke of Burgundies

2 May - A sunny bank holiday and a good opportunity to look for Duke of Burgundies at Bill Smylie reserve at Cleeve Hill - flying early this year in the prolonged warm and sunny weather. At least 4 seen well (2-5). Also present - Green Hairstreak (7), Small Blue (6), Common Blue, Orange Tips, Brown Argus (9), Dingy Skipper (8) (and a probable Grizzled Skipper )and Speckled Woods. All photos JM.

2011 season commences - Orange Tips

25 April - With the warm, sunny spring so far, it has been an excellent early season for butterflies. This Orange Tip was one of several I saw at Shorncote in the Cotswold Water Park this morning.