2 JULY 2026 – HATFIELD FOREST, ESSEX

John, Mike and I left mine at 0845 hrs with the intention of trying for Purple Emperor, Silver-washed Fritillary butterflies; and White-legged Damselfly as our main target species. We had an exceptional day on 3 July last year, but we had no idea that we were going to absolutely eclipse that this time round.

Starting out from the car park near the Shell House, we took the main ride through Collins Coppice, taking in the plethora of butterfly species along the way, which included surprisingly good numbers of Silver-washed Fritillaries; Red Admirals; Peacocks; Large, Small and Essex Skippers; many Ringlets; Meadow Browns; exceptional numbers of Marbled Whites; a couple of Purple Hairstreaks…….and a Purple Emperor (which I actually missed!!). A Garden Warbler and a Blackcap sang vociferously but didn’t show themselves; several family parties of Common Whitethroats were seen, as well as a Great Spotted Woodpecker. Then we made our way to Boxwood Drive which is the main ride as part of Lodge Coppice to the west of the forest.

Boxwood Drive is an exceptionally long drive, and our target was a tall oak, the master tree for the Purple Emperor butterfly, which was more than halfway along. I should say at this point that it was a very warm morning, with a strong SW breeze, which played havoc in terms of attempting to photograph the butterflies, which at times were rather profuse, with the brambles on each side of the ride, literally heaving with Ringlets; Marbled Whites; Skipper species; Silver-washed Fritillaries and even good numbers of Painted Ladies (although the vast majority were extremely worn and pale individuals). We also saw several Emperor Dragonflies (both sexes) and at least one Brown Hawker.

But before we even reached the ‘master’ oak, Mike suddenly cried out……… ‘Purple Emperor!!’ as one literally stormed past at ground level, even passing by John’s feet, and away before any of us could get a proper view. A little later another (or maybe even the same individual) was seen over the brambles and seemed to settle there, although we couldn’t connect with it, which was tad frustrating. At the ‘master’ oak with the breeze seemingly even stronger, it was no surprise that Purple Emperors were not flying, although one or two Purple Hairstreaks were seen lower down.

Beneath the oak, Mike found a White-legged Damselfly (in virtually the same location as last year) and in fact in the next few minutes we saw several adults and tenerals, which indicated that the species was having a good year, but more especially that it was possibly even increasing in numbers (we only saw just one individual here in previous years).

Later, away from Boxwood Drive, we searched in vain along the Elms for White-letter Hairstreaks. But once again Marbled Whites, and Skippers proliferated, including several Painted Ladies, and one pristine individual (which John and Mike missed). We also saw at least two Small Copper butterflies, a lone Brown Argus (which Mike found); and later, I found a singleton Small Heath, which John and Mike missed.

At this point it was just after noon, and with the sun beating down and the temperature rising, I was really feeling the heat which was manifesting itself in a complete lack of energy and possible signs of a diabetic ‘hypo’ which even my water rations and some areas of shade couldn’t shake off completely; so I was glad that the decision was made to return to the Shell House for some refreshment, though it was certainly true to say that I was struggling, and was at times, lagging behind the others by some considerable way. But with a welcome cappuccino, a bottle of Spring Water, and a rest in the shade at the Shell House, I soon recuperated, after which it was down to the Decoy Pond for some dragonflies.

We had no idea what we were going to find at the Decoy Pond, but if we had something approaching the different species of dragonfly we had here last year, we were in for a good day. But we didn’t anticipate actually exceeding it…………………. and not just because of the dragonflies!

It was obvious from the beginning that Ruddy Darters were having a good year, and we even saw several pairs in tandem, which we hadn’t always observed previously. But the number of species was simply astounding, as the Decoy pond (well actually it was more akin to a small lake than a pond) was buzzing with activity. There were good numbers of Red-eyed Damselflies skimming over the surface, with Common and Azure Damselflies; Four-Spot Chasers; Broad-bodied Chasers; several Emperors and Brown Hawkers; one or two Common Darters (which Mike and John missed)………… and at one point I thought I had a fleeting glimpse of a Willow Emerald Damselfly……… but I couldn’t be certain, so I didn’t count it! But one species we saw here last year was the Small Red-eyed Damselfly, but regrettably we didn’t connect.

But we had an even more unusual find here, because Mike picked up a Grass Snake swimming on the far side of the pond, and luckily, we all saw it well. Amazing!

And then John picked up a glimpse of a large dragonfly storming through, which he claimed was definitely not a Brown Hawker or an Emperor, and could have had ‘green eyes’, which meant it could only be a Norfolk Hawker (which we know had been seen the day before by others at Southern Country Park not far away over the county border in Hertfordshire) so it wasn’t out of the question. But it was quite a while - with us breezing up and down the edges of the pond (which was difficult to see at times due to the ‘heavy’ vegetation around its shores) - before John saw it again, but this time flying against the reeds on the opposite side. And then it settled, and we were able to view it through our binoculars. Absolutely no doubt, a definite Norfolk Hawkers. We were ecstatic with excitement. What a find!

I tried to photograph it, but even with a 100-400mm telephoto it was almost impossible to pick up. But when I enlarged the image, it was clear enough to identify it as a Norfolk Hawker. Brilliant!

Other birds seen included Little Egret; Common Tern; Egyptian Goose (bit of a joke bird really); Common Buzzard; Sparrowhawk, and Red Kite. 

20 JUNE 2026 - SOUTHERN COUNTRY PARK

Another hot spell of weather had been forecast for the next week or so, with temperatures peaking around 35 degrees C. But I absolutely hate such conditions, not the least because it plays havoc with my diabetes. However, today was forecast to be somewhat cloudy and humid, with bright or sunny intervals, and a temperature peaking at around 25 degrees C by mid-afternoon; so, I thought I’d give Southern Country Park (SCP) a go, with the Marbled White butterfly and Black-tailed Skimmer my target species.

I started out a tad later then expected because initially I almost called it off as the cloud cover was heavier than I’d expected, but after breakfast the skies cleared with fleeting glimpses of sunlight, which spurred me on to go out as planned.

I arrived at SCP at 10.00 a.m. with the cloud just beginning to clear again and made my way directly to the area known as Chalky Bank, then on via Middle Wood; the Wedge, then back to Chalky bank via Moor Hall Bank. All these areas were smothered in Oxeyes; Scabious; Vetches; Buttercups; Pyramidal Orchids (that were in profusion here) and other wildflowers and were therefore potentially excellent for butterfly species. I got my first Marbled White within a few seconds of entering the Chalky Bank, and a good number more throughout the morning, although other species were less forthcoming, doubtless due to the cloudy conditions as anything else - but small numbers of both Large and Small Whites were seen, along with several Ringlets, Meadow Browns; a few Small Skippers; a single Painted Lady, and a trio of rather worn Red Admirals.

Several more Marbled Whites were seen around the lake, and when I made it to the walkway at the northern end of the lake, I was greeted by the sight of two sparring male Black-tailed Skimmers, although surprisingly no other species of dragonfly were noted - again, probably down to the cloudy conditions.

From there I made my way to the Flower Meadow (previously known as the Maze) where I hoped to see a plethora of Marbled Whites as I’d done in previous years (my personal record being around 90 individual butterflies in the Maze area alone), but I only saw a handful, which was slightly disappointing - but overall I’d seen around 40 individuals throughout the Park that morning, so I couldn’t really complain - although trying to photograph them was extremely difficult as they were almost continually on the move.

So, I got both of my target species and noted good numbers of Small Skippers which was excellent given that they’d declined drastically locally in recent years.

With thanks to Stephen Patmore who guided me with regard to the I.D. of the Hoverfly species in the second picture of the Pyramidal Orchid below.

MARBLED WHITE

RED ADMIRAL

SMALL SKIPPER

A PROLIFERATION OF OXEYES

PYRAMIDAL ORCHID

PYRAMIDAL ORCHID with HOVERFLY Sp

(probably Sphaerophoria scripta)

OXEYES; SCABIOUS and VETCHES

SCABIOUS

KIDNEY VETCH (?)

 

13 JUNE 2026 – DOWNTOWN BISHOP’S STORTFORD; GRANGE PADDOCKS and BAT WILLOW HURST CP

I hadn’t really been out anywhere local for at least three weeks, mainly down to the recent hot spell, and the subsequent wet weather. But I wanted to make amends.

I’d not yet connected with House Martins thus far this year, so my first port of call was The Maltings where the species had bred in previous years - although in diminishing numbers; and sure enough, before I ‘d even crossed the road, a pair of House Martins flew overhead - but when I looked for new nests under the eaves of the Maltings buildings, I didn’t see any further sign of any House Martins; but I did see a pair of Grey Wagtails nearby beside moored barges along the river Stort.

My next location was Castle Gardens, where I knew Mistle Thrushes had been seen regularly (I hadn’t yet recorded the species locally this year), and as soon as I approached the area, I located an adult in the long grass at the foot of the castle remains; and it was remarkably confiding. Part of the area had been planted with wildflowers, and it was wonderful to see such a superb array of different species - such as Oxeyes; Poppies; Knapweed; Cornflower; Scabious, as well as a variety of grasses.

I followed the course of the Stort through the park towards Grange Paddocks looking for butterflies and other insects amid the nettles growing profusely beside the pathway, but apart from a couple of Small Whites, all I could find were various small bee species, and Ladybirds - the vast majority of which seemed to be Harlequins and their Nymphs. One or two Banded Demoiselle Damselflies were seen too, but no other Odonata. Indeed, no butterfly species at all were seen through Grange Paddock playing fields; Cannons Mill, and Grange Paddock Meadow, and that remained the case through to Bat Willow Hurst Country Park - extremely disappointing, given that it was mid-June.

I’d decided to walk up to Bat Willow Hurst CP to try and see a few dragonfly species at this location (which had been so accommodating in previous years - although usually not until the months of July - September). I made my way to the smallest pond, and carefully (very carefully, as the pond surrounds were extremely steep sided) made my way down to the edge, where almost immediately I found a beautiful Bee Orchid in full flower (although it was to be the only one I could find) and several Centuary plants. Then I saw my first Emperor Dragonfly of the year - a stunning female sweeping over the surface of the water and later witnessed it ovipositing; then a male Azure Damselfly; and my first Four-spot Chaser of the year…………… then a coupled pair in flight. A lone male Banded Demoiselle (flashing its wings I assumed in some sort of mating ritual); then a single male Blue-tailed Damselfly; regrettably none of them near enough to photograph. Then I went looking for butterflies, but not a single species could be found in the entire area. So, I made my way back.

I’d intended to get a bus back to town, but either I was too late, or it never arrived; so, as the next scheduled bus was an hour away, I had no choice but to walk back through Grange Paddocks Meadow; Cannons Mill etc where I saw a few Large and Small White butterflies, and my first Meadow Brown of the year. It took me just over an hour to get into town and pick up a bus to take me home.

I’d been out over four and a half hours, and was utterly shattered – down largely to the fact that I’d missed a bus, and was forced to walk back to town from Bat Willow Hurst CP.  It’s quite a walk!!

MISTLE THRUSH - CASTLE GARDENS

WILD FLOWERS - CASTLE GARDENS

HARLEQUIN LADYBIRD and APHIDS 

LADYBIRD NYMPHS

CARRION CROW - GRANGE PADDOCKS PLAYING FIELDS 

BEE ORCHID - BAT WILLOW HURST CP

CENTUARY - BAT WILLOW HURST CP

 

 

9 MAY 2026 – THORLEY QUARRY and SOUTHERN COUNTRY PARK (SCP)

A reasonably early start was necessary to try and catch the ‘early bird’ so to speak - so I was out of the house by 0720 hrs. To save time I took a bus and disembarked at the stop after the one for the Coach and Horses pub, then took the designated footpath across farm fields to Thorley Quarry.

As soon as I reached the farm fields, I saw a Painted Lady butterfly (my first of the year) though it gave me the run-around for a bit before it settled and I was able to take just the one photograph before it flew away and was never seen again. It was rather faded specimen, suggestive of its long journey from Africa. A couple of Green-veined Whites and Small Whites were also seen but no other species of butterfly, although to be fair it was still relatively early in the day, despite bright sunshine.

It was interesting crossing the field because there was a huge variety of wild flowers amongst the dregs of crops from when the field was last in production a couple of years back; plants like Red Campion; Poppies; Ox-Eye Daisies, and many others, and on my way to the quarry I took time to photograph them for identification later.

Over the brow of the hill as I approached the lake, I had hoped to see species of wading birds, but in fact the lake appeared deserted of birds, but a rudimentary scan in my binoculars revealed one Little Ringed Plover (LRP) and a Great Crested Grebe (which had been reported earlier in the week and is the first one I’ve seen at this location). Then grebe was over by the far bank and was almost invisible; a couple of Black-headed Gulls were seen there too, and a Lesser Black-backed Gull came down as I watched. But there were no Martins (Sand or House) and no Swallows or Swifts, nor was there any sign of any other waders like the Greenshank, Common Sandpiper or Green Sandpiper of recent weeks.

As I walked around the far bank the grebe moved accordingly and always remained a long way off, but as I continued I heard a wader calling, in time to see it fly across the surface of the lake to the opposite side, but I knew from it’s flight pattern and call that it was a Little Ringed Plover, and another was seen about fifty metres or so away below me, and that too joined the other on the opposite bank. So at least there was still a pair of LRP’s present, so a possibility that they might be breeding.

At that point, there seemed no point in staying around in the vain hope that something else might drop in, so I made may way up the track on the way to St. James’ Church and Southern Country Park, and in the process heard the call of a Yellowhammer somewhere along a hedge, without actually seeing the bird. It was the first Yellowhammer I’d recorded in the vicinity of the Quarry, and the first I’d seen since a wintering flock in January, by the commercial buildings behind the Church.

Since the morning was warming up nicely, I had hoped that I might see more butterfly activity once I arrived at SCP at around 0945 hrs, but I was to be disappointed on that score. I passed by the flower meadow (ex the Maze) without seeing a single butterfly, then down through Middle Wood; the Wedge and round to the chalk bank and saw a couple of Green-veined Whites; a few Small Whites; a lovely male Brimstone on the ground!); a few Holly Blues, and possibly a Common Blue too but that was about it. So, I made my way to the lake to look for dragonflies and immediately saw an adult Common Tern taking fish to another Common Tern resting on the fence along the walkway at the northern end of the lake and made a hasty beeline there. I could see both birds on the fence at that point and knew that I was likely to get some decent photos (as I’d done in previous years); but as the birds had only very recently arrived, I thought I’d test out my 2x Converter and telephoto combination, which meant that I didn’t have to approach the birds so near. And this approach paid off with excellent results, although both birds were very confiding - well, amazingly so, in fact. There was no dragonfly activity along the walkway, and no sign of any Reed Warblers - just the scratching song of a lone Sedge Warbler.

There was a small family unit of Mallards next to the feeding station, so I tested the camera and converter combination on them too, with very pleasing results. I started to leave the park at that point, but immediately before I did so, I had a better view of a Common Blue butterfly, and a beautiful female Broad-bodied Chaser (my first of the year) that alighted very conveniently on a twig by the exit, and was able to get a few really good photos, in excellent bright, warm sunlight.

So, overall, a reasonably successful morning, with the highlight being the Common Terns and the Broad-bodied Chaser.

PAINTED LADY BUTTERFLY - THORLEY QUARRY FIELDS

(FIRST) POPPY

(Not yet identified)

HEDGEROW CRANESBILL (?)

QUIET REFUGE - ST.JAMES' CHURCH

YELLOW FLAG - with HOVERFLY Sp - ST. JAMES'

BRIMSTONE - SCP

COMMON TERN - SCP

COMMON TERN - SCP

THE OTHER COMMON TERN (A MATE?) - SCP

3 MALLARD DUCKLINGS - SCP

MALLARD DUCKLING - SCP

MALLARD DUCKLING - SCP

MUM MALLARD TAKING A 'NAP' NEARBY - SCP

BROAD-BODIED CHASER - SCP

 

 

4 MAY 2026 - OLD HALL MARSHES, ESSEX

I’d agreed to go birding with John and Mike, but the choices of venue were restricted to Old Hall Marshes (for an American Golden Plover); Abberton Reservoir for possible Black Terns and a glossy Ibis); or Rainham Marsh if all else failed (for Black-winged Stilts and Ring Ouzel - which Mike missed out on John and my visit to Rainham two days before). A pick-up time of around 0800 hrs was agreed.

However, news was restricted to the plover being seen that morning on the Bale Field at Old Hall Marshes, so that was where we headed, although it wasn’t a venue I was initially keen to visit due to the very long walk involved in walking around the reserve. But I was assured that we wouldn’t need to walk that far, so I felt a tad more comfortable given the amount of walking I’d done in recent days.

It was rather cloudy skies that greeted us when we arrived shortly after 0900 hrs, although brighter conditions were promised around midday, and around 40 minutes later we approached the Bale Field, immediately south of the Salcott Channel (which itself was a tributary of the River Blackwater) where John set-up his telescope, and almost immediately claimed our target bird - a stunning, summer plumaged American Golden Plover a very long way off on the banks of one of the many managed pools constructed by the RSPB on the field for the purpose of attracting mainly water birds.

The bird wasn’t immediately obvious as it was resting directly in front of a gull, next to a European Golden Plover, which was useful for size comparison; and anyway, for most of the time seemed content to keep is head nestled into its mantle. But occasionally it lifted its head, and even chose to move right or left, when somewhat better views were obtained, though only through John’s scope (as binocular views were not so good due to the distance involved). Nearby, John found a Whimbrel, and other waders such as Little Ringed Plovers; a lone Dunlin; a Ruff, many Northern Lapwings (with their chicks) and Redshanks were also seen amongst the gulls and various duck species, including a lone Brent Goose. A couple of Hares were seen out on the open fields too.

We moved round a few hundred yards or so, where we gained slightly closer views of the American Golden Plover, and through John’s scope, were able to appreciate just what a beautiful plover it was with its partially black face, black breast and belly, white shawl on the side of the neck and upper breast, and extensive white supercilium. It is known to be a slightly smaller bird, and longer legged than the Golden Plover, although these details were hardly noticeable, given the distance of viewing. Other birds seen included Ringed Plover; three Ruff in summer plumage - one bore a striking black neck-ruff; Dunlin, and a single Common Snipe. The marsh also resounded to the scratching calls of both Reed and Sedge Warblers.

The tide was coming in along the Solcotte Channel, where between us we saw the lovely mating ritual of a pair of Great Crested Grebes (including the male offering up a wad of seaweed); around eighteen or so Grey Plovers (including several in summer plumage); four Turnstone, and a Curlew.

Being Essex, it wasn’t surprising that Essex birders formed the bulk of people out to see the American Golden Plover, and some familiar faces were seen, including some from our own neck of the woods in Hertfordshire. But the voice of one individual who I certainly hadn’t expected to run into, seemed very familiar, and when I turned around was surprised and delighted to see Jeremy Hurley who - in his day - was a well-respected Essex birdwatcher and twitcher, and a friend I hadn’t seen for almost 25 years!! Of course, it was an occasion for reminisces, but in the end, he took my e-mail address and promised to be in touch soon. It would be great if we could meet up again and go over our various birding (and other) ventures over the thirty years or so, before we eventually lost touch.

On the way back to the car, we saw several butterfly species, including Wall Brown and Small Heath, as well as a Lattice Heath Moth, which was the first I’ve ever seen anywhere.

A quick trip to Abberton Reservoir for the Glossy Ibis proved fruitless so, after a welcome Cappuccino in the visitors’ centre we made our way home. Apologies for the lack of pictures.

LATTICE HEATH

SMALL HEATH

 

 

30 APRIL/1 MAY 2026 - THORLEY QUARRY and THORLEY WASH, HERTS

30 APRIL 2026

I was persuaded by reports of a huge movement of waders on 29 April in East Anglia, to make a return visit to Thorley Quarry; and it certainly paid off.

I arrived at the site around 10.00 hrs and straight away was greeted by the sight of a Red Kite and Eurasian Buzzard circling over the lake. But as I approached over the brow of a stony hillock (created during the recent gravel excavations, now completed) the alarm calls of a Greenshank echoed out, and as I scanned the lake two Greenshank took to flight, landing on the opposite bank.

Then, as I began walking (slowly) around the perimeter of the lake, I disturbed a Common Sandpiper (a bird I’d not seen locally since 2005) which also flew to the opposite bank, where it was joined by a second. And then the call of a Green Sandpiper rang out (a bird I hadn’t seen locally since 2017) and I was just in time to see the bird fly to a slightly different area of the lake, but still on the opposite bank. Wow I thought, this was amazing.

Meanwhile a Little Ringed Plover was seen on the near bank, quite content to stay put, despite my presence, although I was conscious of the need to be cautious, given that there could well be a nest in the vicinity.

I tried to get closer views of the Greenshanks, but it was difficult to follow the birds as most of the time I was looking into the sun, and anyway I didn’t want to disturb them unduly; so, I left the site content at what I’d observed here. I also saw a party of six Common Swifts, and three Barn Swallows that were new to me for the year locally.

I went on to Southern Country Park nearby, where I heard the rattling song of a male Lesser Whitethroat (although I didn’t see the bird) and a Sedge Warbler singing in the reedbed at the northern end of the lake, although once again the bird remained unseen.

1 MAY 2026

I returned to the quarry around 0830 hrs the following day, being persuaded by Stephen Patmore (who’d alerted us to the large movement of waders in East Anglia) to get there earlier in the event new waders had called in. The two Greenshanks were still present (although still quite flighty), but no other waders were present except for a lone Little Ringed Plover.

From there I made my way on to Thorley Wash along the River Stort Navigation. On the towpath which runs along the Walbury Estate, I heard two separate male Reed Warblers singing strongly from the phragmites on either side of the path within fifty metres of each other, but neither revealed themselves, I assumed because there was relatively frequent human activity along the towpath here. But I did have particularly good views (albeit rather brief) of a male Cetti’s Warbler in the scrubby reedbed, a bird that is usually stubbornly secretive, despite its forcefully loud call. Indeed, along the entire towpath and on the reserve itself at least five different male Cetti’s were heard, which was encouraging.

I had hoped to catch up with the Cuckoo I’d heard from Thorley Quarry, but although the bird was certainly present in the area, it was calling from quite a distance away; and it wasn’t until later in the morning, that I came close to seeing the bird in the trees above my head; but it just wasn’t to be, and I had to be content with hearing its familiar springtime call.

I was surprised too that there was absolutely no evidence of the presence of Sedge Warblers, since none was heard or even seen that morning, which I confess was slightly worrying; although Common Whitethroats certainly were making their presence felt, despite arguably in less numbers than previous years.

At the northern end of the reserve, I found a juvenile Eurasian Jay, which was not a bird I see often here.

As I was about to exit the reserve to make my way north up to Twyford Lock, I recorded at least three male Banded Demoiselle Damselflies (my first of the year) and a male Large Red Damselfly, as well as several Orange-tip and Small White butterflies.

At Twyford Lock I stopped awhile on a lock-side bench talking to a couple of cyclists when I noticed a male Grey Wagtail carrying food, which mean that the birds had a nest somewhere nearby - traditionally in recent years, in the lock gates - and indeed, the bird made its way to the said gates where it dropped down to where the nest was situated actually within the gates itself, although it was completely hidden from view. The female soon followed carrying the body of a large species of dragonfly (more likely a Hairy dragonfly, minus its wings - being the only large species on the wing at this time of the year). I hung around watching the birds bring in more food and was able to take a few photographs of this attractive Wagtail.

Further along the river, almost opposite the entrance to Rushy Mead Reserve, I rested again on a riverside bench and heard the call of a Common Tern (which are seen occasionally this far up the Stort Navigation) and saw the bird flying over one of the lakes privately owned and operated as an angling club. This was very encouraging as I had no records of the species anywhere along the Stort in 2025.

RED KITE

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER

MUTE  SWAN

BANDED DEMOISELLE DAMSELFLY (M)

CARRION CROW

MARSH MARIGOLD

GREY WAGTAIL

COMMON TERN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 MAY 2026 – RAINHAM MARSH, RSPB NATURE RESERVE

It was just John and me today as Mike was on family duties. When John arrived to pick me up at 0730 hrs, we hadn’t sorted out a venue, but there were a few possibilities: Languard Point, Suffolk (for a Tawny Pipit); Abberton Reservoir, Essex (general birdwatching); and Rainham Marshes for Black-winged Stilts; Wood Sandpipers and Ring Ouzel. We chose the latter, arriving at the reserve around 8.15 a.m.

The reserve wasn’t due to open until 0930 hrs, so John suggested we take the river path along the Thames to where the Ring Ouzel had been seen the day before. When we arrived at the said location, the County Recorder for Essex (his name escapes me) had just seen the bird at the base of a hawthorn, although it wasn’t on show; but within minutes a Blackbird sized bird - dark brown; silvery mantle, and a somewhat indistinct georgette on its breast - flew out and away, crossing the pathway and disappeared into bushes below us. Yet within minutes it had returned to the original bush, where we got much better views of the bird, despite being quite deep within it. Yet very soon it was disturbed, and flew out once again, when we got much better views of its distinctive features as this time it flew much further away. But at least we’d ‘bagged’ it for the day and were very pleased considering that Ring Ouzels (spring and autumn migrants here) were almost always extremely elusive.

Scoping the reserve pools John eventually found the Black-winged Stilts on the far side of the reserve, so he suggested making our way to the visitor centre, then try and see if could get closer views. It proved a long drag around the reserve pathways to where we found we could view the stilts from the track, yet even so they remained distant, with heat haze beginning to interfere to some extent. There were a single Wood Sandpiper and a Ruff at the same location. Above this point, at least two Hobbys were hunting  high up in the skies, with at least three Common Terns flying over the reedbeds. Two Western Marsh Harriers were seen here too, with the song of a male Cuckoo echoing over the marsh.

Rather than walk round the entire reserve, as we’d seen our target birds, John suggested we turn back and try and find out own Green Hairstreak butterflies, which were apparently common on the reserve at this time of year. It seems that a favoured location for the species was known as the Cordite store - which was sheltered from any wind and was also an ideal sunspot.  We didn’t have long to wait, when the said Hairstreak (all males - well several in fact) made a welcome appearance, with some very good views as the insects occasionally alighted on leaves of bushes (mainly Elderberry). We also saw at least two male Small Coppers and several Peacock butterflies. And the Cuckoo we’d heard earlier, gave good views as it flew between the trees. There were also several teneral Large Red Damselflies and an adult Azure Damselfly, as well as two species of Shield Bug (although I didn't find that out until I'd examined the photos later that day) in this relatively small open area. Earlier in the day we’d also seen a few Wall Brown butterflies and at least two Hairy Dragonflies.

On the way back to the car park, we attempted to gain more views of the Black-winged Stilts, but the birds remained stubbornly distant - though from all viewpoints, the scratchy songs of Reed and Sedge Warblers pervaded, along with the deafening rattling croaking of Marsh Frogs.

GREEN HAIRSTREAK BUTTERFLY

SMALL COPPER BUTTERFLY

SMALL COPPER BUTTERFLY

WALL BROWN BUTTERFLY

DOCK BUG

GREEN SHIELD BUG