24 JULY 2026 - BS CEMETERY

On 24 July 2026, Andy Saunders (a friend from the Bishop’s Stortford Natural History Society (now Stort Valley Nature Group) told me that he’d seen a possible Dark-Green Fritillary at the Bishop’s Stortford Cemetery on 23 July; so, I went over to check it out, eventually finding a fritillary-type butterfly very near to the location he’d seen his; so, I assumed it was the same butterfly.

I have to confess, I really wasn’t sure, but from my limited experience of Dark-Green Fritillaries - given that I’ve only seen a handful in Therfield Heath, Herts; Trosley Country Park, Kent, and Heddon Valley, Devon (the last being in Devon in 2019) - I thought it was in fact a female Silver-Washed Fritillary. I took several photographs before the butterfly was disturbed by a member of the public, but using these, together with two guides (one of them photographic) I came down on the side of Silver-Washed, but not before I’d consulted other friends, who confirmed my initial identification.

But it was still a good record, and a first for me for the site - indeed, it was the fifth new butterfly species I’d recorded at the site this year - the others being Painted Lady; Marbled White; Brown Argus and Small Heath; arguably an indication the unusually hot and dry conditions since the end of May 2026, not only in the UK but the whole of Europe, with some species of butterfly (and dragonfly too) occurring  much further north of their normal ranges, for example although Painted Lady and Clouded Yellow usually occur every year in the UK, their numbers this year have been truly exceptional. 

The same morning I must have seen well over 12 Painted Ladies; over 15 Common Blues; 5 Brown Argus (new for me for the site) and 3 Small Heaths (also new for the site). In addition a Red Kite was seen circling over the cemetery in full moult.

SILVER-WASHED FRITILLARY (probable female)

SILVER-WASHED FRITILLARY

SILVER-WASHED FRITILLARY

PAINTED LADY

PAINTED LADY

COMMON BLUE (M)

RED KITE - IN FULL MOULT

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)

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

  

26 MARCH 2026 – IN THE BRECKS

It was a sunny cloudless morning that saw us (John, Mike, and me) setting off at 0815 hrs to the Brecklands of Norfolk and Suffolk, although it was deceptively chilly, with a moderate North Westerly, which could well have an influence on what we might see. John had his Landrover Discovery back from the garage, following necessary repairs.

Our first port of call was Lynford Arboretum, but right from the start it seemed somehow rather depleted of birds, with only a pair of Crossbills being the highlight here. Also, the usual array of snowdrops and daffodils had gone over earlier than one might normally expect, so it wasn’t in such pristine condition, although this was compensated for in no small way by the elegant, tall beeches (just coming into leaf), interspersed by aged oaks and conifers; it is such an impressive environment. After a welcome coffee at the Shepherd’s Baa, we moved off to Mayday Farm, near Thetford.

Over the years Mayday Farm (owned and operated by the Forestry Commission) has been an excellent site for birdwatching, with its extensive areas of both deciduous and coniferous woodlands interspersed with wide, open areas of scrub, suitable for many species of birds, and is renowned for less common birds such as Woodlark; Nightjar; Goshawk; Long-eared Owl, and Crossbill, despite or even because of the way the land has been managed. But, like so many of our inheritance of beautiful landscapes, the charge of modernity has shown itself here too with the introduction of parking meters, which were being installed as we arrived. One might hope of course that the proceeds go towards the upkeep of the forest, so maybe it’s not such a negative measure.

After a longish walk along an often-stony track, we came across a small trackside pool, where a couple of birdwatching photographers had set-up their cameras, waiting for birds to come down and take a drink. We were advised that Siskins; Redpolls and Crossbills had been seen throughout the morning, so we stopped awhile in the hope of getting some good close views ourselves. We didn’t have long to wait.

There was a tall conifer overlooking the pool, with a mixture of bramble and broom (or maybe gorse) and other shrubs, so there was plenty of cover. The pool was quite small in area - approximately 2 metres square - and was illuminated with bright sunlight throughout the time we were there.

The first birds to appear were Siskins (both sexes) followed by Redpolls (again, both sexes); a Goldfinch or two; a Chiffchaff; a Robin; a Blue Tit; a Chaffinch; a Great Tit; a Coal Tit, followed by a single female Crossbill, then another; then a male Crossbill; then a male and female Crossbill together; and then a lovely male Brambling. And finally, John spotted a juvenile Crossbill right at the very top of the conifer - the first juvenile either Mike or I had ever seen. What a treat!!

As the time was getting on (it was about 13.00 hrs by then) we moved off along the track hoping to get a glimpse of a Goshawk (which Mike had observed here earlier in the year) but we were to be disappointed in that that regard. But there were quite large numbers of Redpoll and Linnets along the trail, with the odd Chiffchaff and Chaffinch, although John did see a Yellowhammer too. With nothing else of note other than a female Minotaur Beetle and a lone Peacock Butterfly, we headed back to the car, with a brief stop back at the drinking pool - which was in shade by then, with few birds drinking, and headed off to Weeting (a few miles away), hoping to see Stone Curlews.

The reserve at Weeting is no longer operative as such, but the hides are still open to the public. Regrettably, there were no Stone Curlews on view either from any of the hides or indeed on the fields opposite, so it was assumed that either they hadn’t yet arrived, or the species no longer occurs there; though with little if any breeding success in recent years, it isn’t looking hopeful. The only birds present and likely to breed were several pairs of Lapwing. But scoping the fields John picked up a pair of Mistle Thrushes and a lone Fieldfare (both of which, unbelievably, were new to me for the year); then scoping more distantly, picked up a pair of Stonechats, and an early migrant female Wheatear.

To end the day, we called in at RSPB Lakenheath hoping to see a drake Garganey which had been recorded lately; but although we failed to find it, we did see a lone adult Whooper Swan; a Great Egret; a female Western Marsh Harrier and a pair of Marsh Tits. John also picked up a Little Egret and a probable Merlin, both of which Mike and I missed.

Overall, a reasonable day’s birding, with the undoubted highlight being the stunning mix of finches, and other species at the drinking pool at Mayday Farm.

REDPOLL

REDPOLL

SISKIN (M)

SISKIN (M)

SISKIN (M)

RED CROSSBILL (F)

RED CROSSBILLS (F)

RED CROSSBILL (M)

RED CROSSBILL (M)

MALE AND FEMALE RED CROSSBILLS with SISKIN

JUVENILE CROSSBILL 

BRAMBLING (M)

BRAMBLING with SISKINS and REDPOLL

COAL TIT

GOLDFINCH

MINOTAUR BEETLE (F)