Phew, That was a Bit Good.

In stark contrast to yesterday's relative snorefest I had an excellent day out nature spotting today. Walking out through Weldon I took in Deenethorpe, Deene and Priors Hall before coming back through Weldon.

Small White.

Brown Hare.

I left the house before seven this morning and headed out before the traffic got too heavy. It's always slightly depressing to see all the rubbish next to the roads where morons have lobbed their drinks cans and bottles or fast food packaging out of the window. Mc Garbage, I'm not loving it. Bears Lane produced a selection of the commoner birds and also a few early rising Small Whites. From here it was an uneventful couple of fields before things began to stir.

Busy at the airfield.

Yellowhammer.

Along the hedge that runs down towards the A427 a selection of butterflies were found with the ever aggressive Speckled Woods first but soon joined by their cousins Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown. A couple of Common Darters were early, it was still before nine at this point. Closer to the road a few Small Heaths were seen, it really is developing into a good year for this species.

Small Copper.

Over the road and heading towards Deenethorpe Airfield Brown Argus was soon added to the day list while mammals were not to be neglected either. At least three Brown Hares were running around a stubble field while a Fallow Deer showed briefly. Pausing to watch some aeroplane activity I was passed by two Silver-washed Fritillaries, a third was found soon afterwards. Other butterflies, Red Admiral, Large and Green-veined White were added while a first Migrant Hawker was seen. Strolling on across the old airfield site I found a Small Copper, always a personal favourite of mine. Taking the lane down towards Deenethorpe a Silver-washed Frit was a bit of a surprise, this battered specimen was my first for the area.

Almost a whole Silver-washed Fritillary.

In the village itself several White-legged Damsels were noted and they included a mating pair. Over the road at Deene Lake inflow there was still a large flock of Lapwings. Of slightly more interest however was a group of six Green Sandpipers around the WBT area. Fishing here must have been good as four Grey Herons were hunting in the shallows.

Three of six Green Sandpipers at the Wheelie Bin Triangle.

At the lake proper next to the outflow Small Red-eyed Damsels were showing well and were joined by Banded Demoiselles, Blue-tailed. Common Blue and White-legged Damsels as well as a Brown Hawker. A family party of six Grey Wagtails were feeding on the stream and you get to enjoy yet another picture. In nearby Deene Churchyard a Southern Hawker was feeding while the Buddleia had attracted several Peacocks along with a Comma. An Emperor was seen at the farm ponds where many pairs of Common Darters were ovipositing. A Kingfisher here was as welcome as they always are.

White-legged Damsels making sequels.

Small Red-eyed Damsel.

From here it was on towards Priors Hall and the first stop was the large field where Small Heaths in particular were common. Common Blues found their way on to the day list as well as a large Hornet mimic hoverfly. A look at the first pond produced several Emerald Damsels but these were eclipsed by a sighting of two Common Lizards, always a rare treat. Next up was a Clouded Yellow which flew past without pausing, I set off in pursuit hoping for a picture but my efforts went unrewarded.

Grey Wagtail again.

Common Lizard.

The day still had one more sting in the tail as it were when I found a single Small Red-eyed on one of the ponds, a site first. In all honesty I was expecting them to show here given that both Deene and Weldon have them but it's still nice to confirm them.

Emerald Damsel.