Black and Blues

 I was out again in the company of Alan Shorrock today with our first port of call being Wicksteed Park in Kettering. There was no sign of the Norfolk Hawkers which I still feel will turn up in Northants sooner rather than later. What there was and in good numbers too were Variable Damselflies around the fishing lake, it's good to see that they're having a good year. Other damsels on the wing were Banded Demoiselle, Common Blue, Azure, Red-eyed and Blue-tailed while the only dragons were Emperors and Black-tailed Skimmers. A few butterflies were also noted and these included Commas, Small Tortoiseshell, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper and Red Admiral. There was only one bird of note and that was a singing Cetti's Warbler.

Summertime blues - Variable, Common Blue and Blue-tailed Damselflies

Once we decided to move on we headed of to the Old Kettering Road where Alan had seen at least four Black Hairstreaks during the week. We managed to see but not photograph at least two as they were very active around the tops of the blackthorn and other trees. On did settle long enough to raise hopes of getting a shot but flew before my camera could focus. A fairly similar selection of butterflies were on view here though there was also at least one Ringlet and a few Speckled Woods to add to the list. Best bird was a Raven which called several times as it flew overhead.

Green Woodpecker and butterfly selection.