2nd July 2017

No bird news! However, the number of White-letter Hairstreaks showing just west of the orchard rose to six. A male Purple Emperor gave itself up at the Harholt Plantation early afternoon. Some 14 Silver-washed Fritillaries were counted, providing a decent support act. A Holly Blue was noteworthy, with other BW sector butterflies including 10 Small Skippers, two Large Skippers, a Brimstone, three Small Whites, two Large Whites, five Commas, five Red Admirals, two Small Tortoiseshells and three Speckled Woods. Good numbers of Marbled White, Meadow Brown and Ringlet were also on the wing.

A female Emperor was perched on a Horse Chestnut tree by Holly Lane and three Southern Hawkers were in the BW sector. Five Large Red Damselflies and 17 Azure Damselflies were counted at Piddly Pond. A Broad-bodied Chaser was also seen.

♂ Purple Emperor at the Harholt Plantation
Comma at BW
♀ Emperor by Holly Lane
Pyramidal Orchid in Barn Field
Orange Hawkweed in Barn Field

Steve Gale, Ian Magness (photos 5-6) and Ian Ward (photos 1-4)