Dragonfly (and Butterfly) Walk at Paxton

August's official Butterfly and Dragonfly Survey has been moved to Tuesday when it looks warmer and sunnier but five of us did the walk as planned yesterday and saw a large number of  white butterflies (mainly Small White we thought) and occasional Meadow Browns and one Small Copper but nothing settled for long. The Dragonflies were more obliging with several Brown Hawkers in the air and several Migrant Hawkers both flying and perched in the hedges. (Flight shot taken in afternoon from hide). All the darters we looked at turned out to be Common Darters. Otherwise a good variety of impressive flies and Grass-mimicing Bugs and Moths. ID sheet at end.

Wet Insects at RSPB Sandy

We hoped for a fine sunny day to photograph solitary bees, dragonflies and butterflies in RSPB Sandy's grounds but had light rain most of the day. However, we found plenty of interesting subjects  covered with rain droplets, including this Common Wasp, Hairy Shieldbug and Green-eyed Flowerbee sleeping attached to a twig by its mandible.

River Ouse at Brampton

The intention was to hunt for Fritillaries and White Admirals etc in Brampton Wood but it was closed for Management tasks so we diverted to the River Ouse banks and spent an enjoyable morning hunting sheltered spots for Dragonflies etc. Here some of the captures - interesting that we identified our last dragonfly of the morning as a Skimmer in the field but the photo (image 1) clearly shows the dark patches at the base of the wing and tips (compare image 2).

 

Butterfly Walk at Trumpington Meadows

Joined a butterfly walk at Trumpington Meadows, a Cambridgeshire  Wildlife Trust Reserve. We eventually found the three target species, the Small blue, Purple Hairstreak and White-Letter Hairstreak along with lots of other species. This Copper photo was my favourite along with the Small Blue. A small fly took my eye - Eliozeta pellucens - which looks to be quite rare in the area. Species iID list at the end.