Black Hairstreaks......

27 June -

2015 season.......Orange Tips

Apr 21 -

Brown Hairstreaks........

16 Aug - I was surprised to get views of Brown Hairstreaks this afternoon, as I called in at Shipton Bellinger on the off-chance after the Winterbourne Stone Curlew trip - there were 3-4, both male and female, in the top of an Ash Tree (the same tree as last year!) difficult to photograph as being blown around in the wind (2-4).....also good views of Speckled Wood (5,6).

Scotch Argus, and Golden-ringed Dragonfly........

1 Aug - A brief visit to Kinlochleven in the Highlands, and some sunshine, gave the opportunity to photograph both Golden-ringed Dragonfly (1) and Scotch Argus (2) in the valley above the loch - both these photos were taken with a 50mm lens!

Blakehill summer.....

29 July - Good numbers of common Butterflies, and a few dragonflies, at Blakehill in continuing sunny hot weather....20+ Common Blues(2,3) and 4+ Small Skippers(4,5) also a female Black-tailed Skimmer (6).Very active, and difficult to photograph, in the heat.

New Forest Dragons........

26 July - A good mix of dragonflies in the New Forest - Emperors (2), Black (5-7) and Common Darters (3) at Slufters Pond, also Keeled Skimmers (8)and Emerald Damselflies (4). 2-3 Grayling butterflies (1) also seen on bare areas of ground, amazingly camouflaged except when taking to flight. Photos JM.

A good Butterfly Day.........

20 July - I managed a lunchtime visit to Linkey Down, Aston Rowant (1), in warm conditions with sunny intervals - after a search, I found my first Silver-spotted Skipper of the year (2,3), an early date due to the fine weather......Chalkhill Blues were flying in impressive numbers (5,6) - also seen, a faded Dark Green Fritillary (7), Small Heaths (8), and Essex (4) and Small Skippers. I also had another look at Ravensroost in afternoon sun - 2 Purple Hairstreaks were flying in the treetops by the car park, and good numbers of White Admirals (12) and Silver-washed Fritillaries (13,14) in the wood (9), along with Peacocks (10) and Brimstones (11). Dragonflies included Brown and Migrant Hawkers. Photos JM.