Chelworth

14 Aug - A quick check in the afternoon as the sun came out, and quite warm. A Brown Hairstreak seen flitting around the top of a Ash along Chelworth lane, and seen briefly perched on a leaf before crawling out of sight. Also a Holly Blue seen.

Aston Rowant NNR, Skippers and Blues

12 Aug - A sunny, warm, breezy day for my annual pilgrimage to Aston Rowant NNR near Oxford. At least 25 Silver-spotted Skippers seen, buzzing around in the heat of the day - their northern-most UK site. Also good numbers of Chalkhill Blues, a few Brown Argus and Common Blue.

Darters and Hairstreaks......

5 Aug - A warm, bright summer day and several Black Darters seen at Slufters Pond, on the edge of the New Forest, including a male after some searching. Then very good views of 2 male Brown Hairstreaks at Shipton Bellinger en route home.

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.