Return To Sender.

Apologies folks but my letter from Barnwell yesterday turned out to be junk mail as the butterfly in question was in fact a Purple Hairstreak. Sorry about the unsavoury stringy business but I thought that I could see the white W that gives the species its name. The orange spot on the underwing should have tipped me off but it's not all bad as the photo is much better than the one I already had of Purple. It's a good job that the county recorder saw the picture, I promise that I will try harder in the future.

A Letter from Amer...Oops I mean Barnwell.

I braved the legions of squealing brats and headed over to Barnwell CP where apart from the kids, frazzled looking parents and plunge diving pooches there was also some wildlife. As I got an early bus I chose to walk along the river for a while so that the day could warm up a bit. Once again both Kingfishers and Herons showed well, I've said it before but this really is the most reliable area that I know for Kingfishers.

A view of the Nene from the south bridge, Oundle.

Beyond the Princess fishing lake I found a fox hunting in a stubble field, it was perhaps just as well for the rabbits that he left the horse paddocks alone where they could carry on with their breakfast. Large numbers of Swallows and House Martins are now gathering and feeding over the lakes and river, the sight of so many perching on lines is so evocative of this season. On the grass next to the marina a family party of Egyptian Geese were grazing until they copped a look at me and decided to make themselves scarce.

Rabbit on sentry duty.

Though this fox appeared to be a little too busy to bother bunnies.

With the day beginning to heat up a little the appearance of the first butterfly, a Gatekeeper which was then followed by a pair of Common Darter dragonflies suggested that it was time to give Barnwell a bash. Mill Lake where I saw lots of Small Red-eyed Damsels on a previous visit could only muster one this time. It did manage a female Emperor ovipositing, they seem to be getting a little scarcer as the Summer moves along now so I appreciate every sighting. Both Migrant and Brown Hawkers were seen, one of the latter posed nicely on a balsam plant.

Getting ready for the off.

Butterflies seemed scarce today with only a few species such as Comma and Peacock showing so it was with some surprise that I found a White-lettered Hairstreak. It was a rather shop worn example but a first at this site for me so I was pretty happy with it. Other butterflies were more run of the mill with some Speckled Woods, Small White and a Meadow Brown completing a less than extensive list.

Worn but still going strong, a White-lettered Hairstreak.

Emperor or rather Empress egg laying.

Banded Demoiselles are definitely declining as Autumn approaches and I had to search intently for them before finally finding a male. A few Common Blues did not live up to their name and a Blue-tailed or two were observed. On the largest lake, the one closest to Oundle, a good number of Red-eyed Damsels were present, I though that their season was all but over but that goes to show how much I know! They were joined by several Small Red-eyes and were the last interesting things that I saw today.

Brown Hawker.

Young Chaffinch moulting into adult plumage.

Phew, That was a Bit Good.

In stark contrast to yesterday's relative snorefest I had an excellent day out nature spotting today. Walking out through Weldon I took in Deenethorpe, Deene and Priors Hall before coming back through Weldon.

Small White.

Brown Hare.

I left the house before seven this morning and headed out before the traffic got too heavy. It's always slightly depressing to see all the rubbish next to the roads where morons have lobbed their drinks cans and bottles or fast food packaging out of the window. Mc Garbage, I'm not loving it. Bears Lane produced a selection of the commoner birds and also a few early rising Small Whites. From here it was an uneventful couple of fields before things began to stir.

Busy at the airfield.

Yellowhammer.

Along the hedge that runs down towards the A427 a selection of butterflies were found with the ever aggressive Speckled Woods first but soon joined by their cousins Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown. A couple of Common Darters were early, it was still before nine at this point. Closer to the road a few Small Heaths were seen, it really is developing into a good year for this species.

Small Copper.

Over the road and heading towards Deenethorpe Airfield Brown Argus was soon added to the day list while mammals were not to be neglected either. At least three Brown Hares were running around a stubble field while a Fallow Deer showed briefly. Pausing to watch some aeroplane activity I was passed by two Silver-washed Fritillaries, a third was found soon afterwards. Other butterflies, Red Admiral, Large and Green-veined White were added while a first Migrant Hawker was seen. Strolling on across the old airfield site I found a Small Copper, always a personal favourite of mine. Taking the lane down towards Deenethorpe a Silver-washed Frit was a bit of a surprise, this battered specimen was my first for the area.

Almost a whole Silver-washed Fritillary.

In the village itself several White-legged Damsels were noted and they included a mating pair. Over the road at Deene Lake inflow there was still a large flock of Lapwings. Of slightly more interest however was a group of six Green Sandpipers around the WBT area. Fishing here must have been good as four Grey Herons were hunting in the shallows.

Three of six Green Sandpipers at the Wheelie Bin Triangle.

At the lake proper next to the outflow Small Red-eyed Damsels were showing well and were joined by Banded Demoiselles, Blue-tailed. Common Blue and White-legged Damsels as well as a Brown Hawker. A family party of six Grey Wagtails were feeding on the stream and you get to enjoy yet another picture. In nearby Deene Churchyard a Southern Hawker was feeding while the Buddleia had attracted several Peacocks along with a Comma. An Emperor was seen at the farm ponds where many pairs of Common Darters were ovipositing. A Kingfisher here was as welcome as they always are.

White-legged Damsels making sequels.

Small Red-eyed Damsel.

From here it was on towards Priors Hall and the first stop was the large field where Small Heaths in particular were common. Common Blues found their way on to the day list as well as a large Hornet mimic hoverfly. A look at the first pond produced several Emerald Damsels but these were eclipsed by a sighting of two Common Lizards, always a rare treat. Next up was a Clouded Yellow which flew past without pausing, I set off in pursuit hoping for a picture but my efforts went unrewarded.

Grey Wagtail again.

Common Lizard.

The day still had one more sting in the tail as it were when I found a single Small Red-eyed on one of the ponds, a site first. In all honesty I was expecting them to show here given that both Deene and Weldon have them but it's still nice to confirm them.

Emerald Damsel.

Grey Britannia*

* Well it was in my part of the world for much of the time.

Rockingham Castle.

I took a day off work today and to some degree wish that I hadn't. With the weather on the cloudy side for most of the morning there was not much to look at on my walk along the Welland Valley between Middleton and Gretton.

Here's looking at you kid, a White-legged Damsel.

At the river below Middleton the highlight was White-legged Damsel, half a dozen were seen. Aside from these only a Small White and a couple of Speckled Woods were seen. Things stayed on the dull side as I made my way towards Rockingham with little to distract me from the many speeding cars. At Rockingham sewage works a Grey Wagtail shared the settling bed with a couple of Chiffchaffs. The first genuinely interesting sighting for some time appeared at this point, a Spitfire and a De Haviland Dove making several passes. I think that it must have been a photo shoot but either way I love the sound of a Merlin engine.

Grey Wagtail.

The normally reliable Gretton Weir could not add many insects, a few Banded Demoiselles, another White-leg and a Migrant being the only dragonflies. Butterflies too were hard to find, an Essex Skipper and a couple of Small Torties were the only rewards for my searching. Thankfully birds took up some of the slack with a Kingfisher zooming past and adding a dash of colour. A Raven's croak had me looking upwards which in turn helped me find a passing Hobby, throw in a Sparrowhawk, some Buzzards and a few kites and it was more than OK.

A familiar site, a Red Kite.

I popped into the Hatton Arms in Gretton for a couple of ciders (you have to maintain fluid levels you know) and made my way to Brookfield. Not much here either, a few Southern Hawkers and more Migrants joining several Common Darters. Common Blue, Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper were the only new butterflies. Walking back towards home I walked across the old Sunday Market site where a few Small Heaths were the only addition to the list. I'm hoping that tomorrow will be better!

Buzzard.

More Tales From the Riverbank

Another Monday stroll along the Nene at Oundle though this time I went out past the marina and on as far as the A605 bridge. Not a great deal to report with the weather mainly cloudy with either the occasional drizzly shower or a brief burst of sunshine, in other words a typically English Summer's day.

Distant but I'm sure you can make out what it is.

At the Princess fishing lake across the river from the marina a Kingfisher and a couple of Cormorants were doing just that while a Mandarin broke the Mallard monopoly. A Common Tern was fishing in the marina whereas one of the grebe juveniles had taken to the river. In the fairly dismal conditions only a few damsels showed with Blue-tailed being the commonest and several of the colour forms of this variable species were observed. A few Azures were present amongst the Common Blues, their season will be coming to an end soon. Banded Demoiselle numbers are not at the levels that they were at a little while ago though there are still males amongst the waterside vegetation, the females prefer to sit out all the fuss on nearby nettles.

One form of Blue-tailed Damsel....


 

....And another one

Butterflies were also hard to come by, even the cloud tolerant browns preferring to hide themselves away. A few Gatekeepers were found while Speckled Woods responded to even the briefest burst of sun. These browns really do love a scrap and not always with their own species, one Speckled Wood even deciding that a passing demoiselle required chasing! Single Common Blue and Small Tortoisehell joined Small and Large White on the rather short day list.

Female Banded Demoiselle.

A comparatively long spell of sunny weather brought a few dragons out with Migrant Hawker, Emperor and Common Darter coming out to hunt. Two Red-eyed Damsels shunned such energetic endeavours however and opted for resting on lily pads instead, this is another species that will be coming to the end of their flight season soon.

Goldfinches.

Not much else of interest was seen, a vocal Kestrel and good numbers of Red Kites were the pick of the rest.

Hurry up Harry

A family lunch at the pub in Harringworth meant that I was a bit limited in what I could do today so I opted for the easy option and headed along the Jurassic Way to the Lodge Lake. While I didn't see anything out of the norm it was still a decent day.

The viaduct at Harringworth

Walking across the old Sunday market site produced little as it was still too early for insects and bird activity was minimal. In Brookfield the two species of regular deer, Muntjac and Fallow showed and the wood seemed alive with mixed flocks of tits and crests. An overflying Peregrine was appreciated by me at least, I'm not sure the local birdlife were as pleased to see it! Crossing the large field towards the flooded quarry the first Gatekeepers and Meadow Browns began to appear, the latter are now starting to look pretty ropey and faded. A newly emerged Common Darter flew weakly away with the sunlight glinting off shiny new wings.


Buzzard
 

Having passed through Gretton where Swifts are still scything through the sky I made my way on to the Jurassic Way stopping to admire a large flock of House Sparrows. Bright sunshine was having a good effect on insect numbers with Speckled Wood, Small Heath and Red Admiral being joined by first Brown Hawker and then Migrants. A pair of Ravens flew over croaking to each other and Buzzards were showing well too. A ragwort infested corner of a field was attracting a good number of Common Blue butterflies but little else. A Southern Hawker paused briefly but not long enough for a picture.

Speckled Wood
 

Just about hanging on, a Meadow Brown

First highlight at the lake was a Hobby which dashed past as if on a mission, bad news perhaps for local hirundines or dragonflies. For the second weekend in a row I found myself looking at a colony of Small Red-eyed Damsels with a minimum of ten noted including several mating pairs. Other damsels about included Common Blue and Blue-tailed. Dragons around the lake included Emperor and a latish Four-spotted Chaser while both species of darter were recorded. A brood of Great Crested Grebes were competing with a Muntjac to see who could be the loudest, I don't know who won the volume battle but honours were equal in the annoying stakes.

Deja vu, another site for Small Red-eyed Damsel.


 

Common Darter

The path between the lake and the road added a Sparrowhawk and Red Kites to the list while both Large and Green-veined Whites showed. As I reached the village about an hour before my dinner date I made my way to the Welland from where I had an excellent view of the viaduct. Clouds were beginning to become a bit of a problem but in sunnier periods rather a lot of Banded Demoiselles were dancing around and over the reeds. At least half a dozen White-legged Damsels were active too though the highlight for me was an Emerald Damsel, I've never seen one at a river before. I was able to get a record shot but it was by no means my finest hour!

Juvenile Bullfinch

That was pretty much it for the day though if you do find yourself in this neighbourhood I can recommend the Rutland cider, it's a nice way to support the local economy and a decent drop too.

Annoying kids, noisy grebe family.

A Walk Along the River.

X4 time again this morning when I took my favourite mode of transport over to Oundle. As a change from my normal routine I walked from the north bridge to Cotterstock before having a quick look at the site of the old Dragonfly Museum at Ashton Mill.

Cotterstock.

While we're still very firmly in the grip of Summer it's not difficult to detect the gentle touch of Autumn on the countryside. Rowan berries are already red on the trees and providing a meal for Blackbirds and other thrushes while many blackberries and elderberries are also ripening. With the haws slowly beginning to colour up too and the first leaves beginning to change it's hard to believe that yet another Summer is passing by. A trickle of passage migrants is beginning to filter southwards and will soon become a stream, eyes grown accustomed to looking down will have to get used to looking upwards again but for now the emphasis is still very much on insects.

One of several Grey Herons seen today.


 

A rather worn looking Small Copper.

It was still a little cool when I set out and the only things stirring were the birds, the riverside vegetation seemed alive with warblers. Swallows and Martins were joined by the occasional Swift in their dashing pursuit of insects while a passing Buzzard annoyed the local crows. I enjoyed watching a family of Green Woodpeckers feeding in one of the fields and also heard Great Spotteds calling from the trees. Once again I was treated to good views of Kingfishers and Herons while at Cotterstock weir a Grey Wagtail showed well.

Male Grey Wagtail.

Yesterday's Migrant Hawker disappointment was soon forgotten as one of several seen today stopped long enough for my autofocus to work, sadly the Brown Hawkers did not oblige. Even in warming conditions it was a struggle to find much, a tatty Small Copper at Cotterstock was one of the few highlights. Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper numbers were low and a single Common Blue was a meagre return for my walk. A couple of Burdocks did at least give me the chance to admire a male Brimstone which was joined by a Comma and two Red Admirals.

Gotcha! Migrant Hawker.

 

Brimstone.

Continuing along the river a couple of Common Darters showed well and several Red-eyeds were sitting on the lilies with a single Blue-tailed keeping them company. Closer to Ashton a male Black-tailed Skimmer was having a bit of a lazing session on a log. Around the mill itself it was butterflies that grabbed the attention, a single male Brimstone was rather eclipsed by an immaculate Painted Lady. Lots of Peacocks were feeding on the many teasels and a few Large Whites flitted by. A Brown Hawker did land but was so obscured by the stalks of thistles and grasses that I didn't bother with a photo.

Black-tailed Skimmer.

Painted Lady.