20 JULY 2026 - THORLEY WEDGE and SOUTHERN COUNTRY PARK (SCP)

I started out from my house at 0850 hrs heading for Southern Country Park, Bishop’s Stortford via Thorley Wedge. It was sunny and warm, with a light NE breeze, so I was hopeful that I could connect with dragonfly and butterfly species.

There is a Buddleia in Thorley Wedge that in recent years usually attracted decent numbers of butterflies (and occasionally Hummingbird Hawk Moths) at this time of year; but this year, having been substantially lopped by the council, it held not a single butterfly! 

Along the way the grasslands in Thorley Wedge were incredibly dry and almost colourless; but I did see an interesting butterfly settled on a patch of thistles maybe a hundred feet or so away through my binoculars, and when I approached, saw a pristine Painted Lady butterfly, and nearby a huge hoverfly - Volucella zonaria - both of which got the photographic treatment. So, on to Southern Country Park(SCP) using the ‘back way’ via the local Sainsburys supermarket, where in previously at this time of year, I’d found Willow Emerald Damselflies and at least two Jersey Tiger Moths. However, on this occasion no sign of any damselflies, but I did find another Jersey Tiger in virtually the same location as previously.

As soon as I was into SCP, I made my way directly to the west side of the lake, hoping to find at least one Green Eyed Hawker (previously known as Norfolk Hawker) that had been recorded here in recent weeks, but not a single dragonfly stirred, and butterflies were restricted to a few Small Whites, and the odd Common Blue. Really strange. I did a circuit of the lake, but once again nothing of note was seen. So, I made my way to the Chalky Bank which looked good for butterflies, as it was smothered with Chicory, Scabious, Wild Carrot, and other wildflowers. I did a complete circuit around The Wedge, Middle Wood, and back round along the Chalky Bank from around 10.15 hrs without seeing many butterflies at all, and then suddenly, I started to see a few more Common Blues, Brown Argus, and Painted Ladies from around 10.45 hrs which then became a flood of butterflies. Common Blues were in profusion; followed by more Painted Ladies than I can recall seeing in one location (except for an amazing time in July/August when I had about 32 singletons on my Buddleia in the early 2000’s); and then many more Brown Argus than I can ever recall seeing here (or anywhere else for that matter). I was certainly in my element photographically.

I continued snapping away until I reached the spot where I began my circuit, when I noticed a bright yellow butterfly (or was it a moth?) storming past me. It took me a few seconds to realise that it was a Clouded Yellow Butterfly, which I’d never recorded in the park; and indeed, never recorded many at all locally since I moved to Stortford in 2002. Of course, I hoped that the butterfly might settle so that I could record it photographically, but it continued its strong flight up and down the track before it settled. But of course, as soon as I got anywhere near (even with the telephoto poised) it got up again; but eventually, I managed a few shots when it settled on the bare earth, amongst weeds, where it was perfectly camouflaged. It wasn’t until I processed the photos back home, when I discovered that the insect wasn’t in prime condition - its wings were sadly quite badly worn.

Feeling somewhat elated, I thought that I’d make my way back to the lake in case the warmer conditions had persuaded some dragonfly species to emerge into the bright sunlight. However, on the way I noticed another photographer taking pictures on the Chalky Bank, so I thought he’d surely like to know about the Clouded Yellow, so approached, by asking what he was trying to photograph. He replied to the effect that Common Blues were almost everywhere on the bank but were incredibly difficult to photograph as they were constantly moving from one flower to another and hardly settling for long; something I could readily appreciate, giving similar experiences that morning.

After a while, he introduced himself as Richard and informed me that he was a member of Stortford Nature (a Facebook group where he posted most of his nature photographs); but when he mentioned that his surname was Stead, I countered ……………. “Oh, I know that name…………………I hate you……………… your photos are superb;” then offered an explanation directly.

I’d often seen his photos on local natural history sites on the Web and had always been an admirer of his photography. And when I gave my surname, he said he’d seen my photography too and thought they were of a high standard. So, we knew each other’s work quite well, which for me meant a lot.

Anyway, he was interested in the Clouded Yellow, and after giving him suitable directions, we parted on good terms, with the hope that we’d soon meet up again. But later in the day he posted me a link to todays set of photographs when I learned that he’d seen several Clouded Yellows over the entire area of the Park - which seemed to include the very same ‘tatty’ individual I’d seen earlier! Seems I should have stayed with him for longer!

Because the insects were now beginning to “erupt” I returned to the lake, where I found a couple of Black-tailed Skimmers; a male Emperor Dragonfly; a few Migrant Hawkers; a single Blue-tailed Damselfly, and a lone Common Blue Damselfly; a couple of Ruddy Darters, a single Common Darter, and a Brown Hawker; but sadly, no sign of any other species ……… and certainly no Green Eyed Hawkers!! Oh, and a Terrapin showing its head above the surface of the lake – indeed, this individual has been seen many times over the past few years, evidently having been introduced by a member of the public, who should have known better. But it was certainly surviving and had grown substantially since its early days in the lake.

Later, Richard and I exchanged contact details, and he kindly offered me to accompany him on some local trips in future; and I look forward to that.

PAINTED LADY - THORLEY WEDGE

VOLUCELLA ZONARIA

JERSEY TIGER MOTH

NORTHERN REEDBED - SCP

CHALKY BANK SCP - ARRAY OF WILDLFOWERS

COMMON BLUE BUTTERFLY (M)

COMMON BLUE BUTTERFLY (M)

BROWN ARGUS BUTTERFLY (M)

SMALL HEATH BUTTERFLY

PAINTED LADY SCP

CLOUDED YELLOW BUTTERFLY

CLOUDED YELLOW BUTTERFLY

CLOUDED YELLOW - WORSE FOR WEAR

BLACK-TAILED SKIMMER

RUDDY DARTER

RUDDY DARTER

VOLUCELLA ZONARIA - SCP

GOLDFINCH

TWIST-TAIL HOVERFLY (F) ON CHICORY

TERRAPIN Sp

 

 

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. We also had a Shaded Broad-bar Moth, which I'd never seen before. 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 - one of the known 'master' trees of the Purple Emperor butterfly - which was more than halfway along. I should say at this point that it was a very sunny and 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, although we couldn’t connect with it, which was a 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, a singleton Small Heath, which John and Mike missed.

At this point it was just after midday, 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 this time round.

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; a real bonus!

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 Hawker. 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. 

SILVER-WASHED FRITILLARY (F)

SILVER-WASHED FRITILLARY (M)

LARGE SKIPPER (M)

SMALL SKIPPER (PROBABLE F)

SHADED BROAD-BAR MOTH

GATEKEEPER

MARBLED WHITE

PAINTED LADY

WHITE-LEGGED DAMSELFLY

BROWN HAWKER (F) OVIPOSITING

NORFOLK HAWKER - from way across the decoy pond

RUDDY DARTER (F)

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