Skipper Surprise At Spanhoe

 There have been more than a few records of Crossbills over the past month or so suggesting that an influx may be underway. For this reason Alan Shorrock and I popped along to Wakerley Wood this morning as it's one of the most reliable sites in the county for these large finches. Sadly for us we didn't manage to connect with any and the wood was fairly quiet for birds in general though we did see and hear at least two Ravens. Lucky for us then that the weather was good enough to bring out some butterflies and we enjoyed a fairly productive saunter around.

Silver-washed Fritillary, White Admiral and Gatekeeper

The ride near the carpark seemed to be alive with butterflies and we soon began to build up a decent day list. Although several White Admirals were easily outnumbered by the many Silver-washed Fritillaries it was these classy butterflies that stole the show. I've not had my best year for White Admirals so all sightings are greatly appreciated. Sharing their airspace were good numbers of both Peacocks and Red Admirals with a few fresh looking Brimstones keeping them company. Other highlights that stick out in my mind were a Brown Argus, Holly Blue and Essex Skipper. Not that many odes were observed with just a few Brown Hawkers, an Emperor and a female Banded Demoiselle being noted.

Brimstone, Essex Skipper and Banded Demoiselle

Not too far away at Spanhoe Quarry a stiff breeze was blowing which meant that most insect activity was taking place in the more sheltered spots. One big surprise  was the discovery of a fresh looking Dingy Skipper suggesting a rare second brood. Dingies apparently do have another brood in southern England but it is quite a rare event in Northants, it was certainly the first time that I've seen one in late July! Other species to add to our growing list included Marbled White while Shozzer saw a Small Copper. With not much else of note to add we headed off to the George in Weldon for a well earned pint.

Dingy Skipper