More White-leggeds at Weldon.

With plenty of sunshine after work I decided to make the best of it and head down to Weldon. I wanted to check whether any Small Red-eyed Damselflies had emerged here yet and was able to confirm that none have.

Trio of dragons.

There were plenty of their larger cousins, Red-eyeds, present around the pond though they were outnumbered by the aptly named Common Blues. Small numbers of Azures were noted though no Variables, the other damsel at the pond being Blue-tailed. A male Emperor was patrolling his territory and no doubt ensured that the Four-spotted Chasers and Black-tailed Skimmers were keeping at least one eye out for him before making any move of their own. Ringlets are certainly on the increase and a number were feeding on bramble flowers, lesser numbers of Meadow Browns were noted. One Small Heath, a Marbled White, Brown Argus and a Comma rounded off the butterflies seen around the pond. Highlight amongst the birds was a Kingfisher, June and July are often good months for for seeing this colourful species.

Brown Argus, Comma and Ringlet.

Two Red Admirals were a welcome sight next to the stream as they've been a little on the scarce side this summer so far. Near the weir an immature Ruddy Darter was using a hawthorn twig for a perch. Although no further dragons were seen here there were three White-legged Damselflies hanging out among the nettles along with rather more Banded Demoiselles. I then walked from this stretch of stream along to the section closer to the church. Along the way some Red Valerian was again attracting a couple of Painted Ladies and four or five Small Tortoiseshells.

Red Admiral and Banded Demoiselle.

A further three White-legged Damsels were seen near the church as well as more Banded Demoiselles. A Peacock was my first for some time while another Red Admiral rounded off the day's spotting.

Painted Lady, White-legged Damsel and Peacock.