Plan B

 Phil Rogers, Alan Shorrock and I had originally planned to pop down to Suffolk today in search of some Queen of Spain Fritillaries. News that they were more likely to be of captive origin and not migrants from continental Europe was enough to persuade us to abandon the trip. An alternative plan came in the shape of a visit to Bedford Purlieus where there were just enough sunny spells to bring out the butterflies.

White-lettered Hairstreak, Brown Argus and Silver-washed Fritillary

One of the first species to show was White-lettered Hairstreak, the Majoram growing in the ride seemed to attract quite a lot of them down, at least twenty were noted. Another species doing well was Brown Argus and plenty of fresh looking specimens were seen. Lots of Silver-washed Fritillaries were also on the wing, I'd estimate as many as fifty were found along the main ride. In total seventeen species where observed and these included some fresh looking Peacocks and Holly Blues. Some dragonflies also attracted our attention, Brown Hawker was the commonest but Emperors, a Southern Hawker and a few Common Darters were also showing. Best bird was a Crossbill which called loudly as it passed overhead.

Peacock, Holly Blue and Southern Hawker

In the open area adjacent to the wood three further butterflies were added to the day list with the pick being some tatty looking Dark Green Fritillaries. Their season is coming to an end so I was glad to see them before they finish until next year.

Dark Green Fritillary and Roesel's Bush-cricket