Summertime Blues

With the sun shining brightly after work I decided to pop over the road to the pond at Eurohub. Water levels continue to fall as the dry conditions continue but at least it still has plenty of water in it unlike many smaller pools.

Four-spotted Chaser and violacea Blue-tailed Damselfly.

Not too many dragonflies were on view with an Emperor and a Brown Hawker hunting over the water, the same individuals may have been seen later over the woodland paths. Of the damsels Blue-tailed were the commonest with at least one of the very attractive violacea form being present. Several Common Blues were also observed but in all numbers of everything seemed low. A final species, Four-spotted Chaser was seen some distance away from the pond.

Two different female Silver-washed Frits.

Silver-washed Fritillaries were the best butterflies seen with three males and two females being on site. Two species of blues, both probably new brood were noted, one Holly and five Common Blues. Of the other species Peacock was the most colourful though some of the Gatekeepers seemed very bright. Meadow Browns and Ringlets were present in reasonable numbers while the three species of orange skippers were whizzing around too. Finally rather a lot of whites, mainly Small were found and there were also several Silver-Y moths as well.

Holly and Common Blues.

Not many birds about though the local Red Kites did put on their usual good show.

Gatekeeper and Large Skippers.