Not Terned On

 I'd just left the house having completed my morning's chores when news came through that a White-winged Black Tern had been found at Summer Leys. I briefly toyed with the idea of getting over but I've already been treated to quite a few this year and have seen them in the county before so in the end I decided to continue on to Harry's Park Wood. To begin with the weather was a bit rubbish with grey skies and a cool breeze suggesting that my insect watching ambitions might be thwarted. Luckily the sun did eventually emerge and my visit produced a few decent results.

Merlin having some fun (I hope so anyway!)

Both male and female Cuckoos were calling around the wood and there was a Grasshopper Warbler reeling along one of the rides but they were the pick of the birding bunch. Merlin suggested that a better bird was around but I didn't hear it and believe that the app was throwing a bit of a wobbler as it sometimes does, I hope so otherwise I've just dipped on an absolute cracker!

Fresh looking Speckled Wood, G-v White and Scarce Chaser.

Once the sun had decided to honour me with its presence I was able to connect with a few insects. I only managed to find one dragonfly but it was a good 'un. My first Scarce Chaser at this site provided some excellent views as it rested on vegetation. I suspect this individual emerged from the Willowbrook several days ago and was maturing in the wood before becoming fully adult. Green-veined Whites and Speckled Woods were the commonest butterflies, some of the latter looked very fresh. A few Orange-tips and at least two Brown Arguses  joined a Peacock on the day list but it was another species that stole the show. Wood Whites are a very scarce species in Harry's Park, prior to today I'd only seen four but this afternoon I managed to see two. Hopefully this signifies a change in status for this delicate species and it becomes a resident rather than an infrequent wanderer - fingers crossed! My time was limited and I had to leave in order to catch my bus, no doubt I'll be back as soon as time allows.

Wood Whites