Hanging Around

Sunday, August 20th 2023

Normally the hawkers and dragonflies are hunting across ponds and meadows and flying quickly and then high up into the air.  I could hardly believe it when one sat in front of me and stayed there for ages allowing me to take a photograph.  It was a male Southern Hawker, nowhere near water, but near the Orchard.  It may have regretted this decision when it took to the air again as it was then chased by one of the fritillary butterflies!

Butterflies were more co-operative and flitted from flower to flower feeding.  At one time the Brimstone was a rare sighting on the reserve, but not now, in fact it is seen frequently across many areas.

Last year the Silver-washed Fritillary was recorded for the first time on the reserve.  This year we thought we had two or three, recognisable by their very battered appearance.  But no, we have several and again they can be sighted in several places.  A rest from feeding for some warmth from the sunshine.

Once it was the Brimstone that was hard to find and photograph, now it is the Holly Blue that is being 'chased' with absolutely no chance of a photograph, as it went that way or was blown the other way.  We will keep trying.  Another butterfly that is elusive at Foxglove this year is the Small Tortoiseshell, although people are seeing several in their gardens.  Hopefully both these butterflies will hang around long enough for a photograph.

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