OK At Oundle

 I have a couple of days off and spent a part of the first of them visiting the Oundle area incorporating a stroll around Barnwell CP on my travels. With the weather forecast looking promising I was optimistic about seeing a few dragons and damsels and was not too disappointed with the results. Birding however was a bit of a let down, the floods near the A605 held many Black-headed Gulls and some Lapwings but a late drake Teal was the highlight. One other bright spot on the bird front was a Kingfisher glimpsed near the Oundle Mill before it sped off up river.

Four-spotted and Scarce Chasers

Three species of dragon included my first Four-spotted Chasers of the year including two at Barnwell. Also making it on to the list was a Scarce Chaser and about half a dozen Hairies though none of the latter settled where I could see them. Commonest damsels on view were Banded Demoiselles and Red-eyeds along the river while at Barnwell Azures were present in good numbers. Other species on show were Large Red, Common Blue and Blue-tailed.

Damselfly selection

Butterflies were fairly scarce today, a few Brimstones and a Small Tortoiseshells were presumably survivors of the wintering generation. A Small White and several Orange-tips were joined by a Speckled Wood and a Holly Blue. With a pre booked dinner appointment to consider I couldn't hang around for too long and so caught my bus home after having several pints in the Rose and Crown.

Holly Blue and Brimstone