Toft Garden Update

The Wild Carrot, Knapweed, Yarrow and Marjoram are all doing ok in the garden despite the lack of rain and the hot temperatures and the insects are certainly enjoying their flowers. The Gatekeepers are the dominant species; maximum count for one Majoram plant was 15  Gatekeepers and a couple of  Large White (plus the other small insects in the lower areas of the plants). The Purple Loosestrife is in full flower by the pond giving a wonderful backdrop for the frequent visits from the Brimstones while Fennel, Yellow Solidago, Blue Clary and Mallow plus other seedheads all have their microcosm of species.

Hardwick Wood Butterflies

Great to see several Silver-washed Fritillaries in my local wood feeding on the Bramble along with Large Whites, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Comma and Brimstone. I hoped to also see the Purple Hairstreaks but the sky clouded over just as I reached the area and they magically disappear into the oak trees when the sun disappears.

Paxton 18th July

 A few images taken on the Third Thursday Walk at Paxton. A warm day so a few insects around including a Bee-wolf Wasp, Brimstone, Robber Fly and Southern Hawker, the Great Crested Grebes and the Common Terns were busy fishing and feeding their young, Tufted ducks have returned, while up to 6 Little Egrets have taken up residence with the Grey Herons.

Sharpenhoe Butterflies

 Despite the strong winds, most of the RPS Nature Group on an outing to Sharpenhoe yesterday managed to photograph two of the target species - the Chalkhill Blues (all males so probably early in the season) and Dark Green Fritillaries (getting a bit worn and mainly females so late in their season). However, the favourite was a Brimstone male emerging from its cocoon. Also shown Large Skipper, Red Admiral, Small White and Holly Blue.

Butterflies at Buxton Heath

The lighting for photographs at Buxton Heath on Sunday was very contrasty with very bright sunlight. Silver-studded Blues were present in abundance  - an unusual trio appeared on a twig of heather. We also recorded Red Admiral, Large Skipper, Meadow Brown and Brimstone