With only 1 prev record (‘24) at Watermead, I watched the same small Oak beside the R.Thame for 1/2hr & was rewarded with a single PURPLE HAIRSTREAK…
+ only the 3rd rec. of BROWN ARGUS here on the bank.

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Hot weather has brought some interesting day-flying moths to Watermead - a HUMMINGBIRD HAWKMOTH stopped to nectar briefly on Red Valerian at my flat y’day, & on Weds the 1st record of 6-SPOT BURNET MOTH here, unfortunately stuck on the lake & shortly eaten by a Mallard!

@savebutterflies.bsky.social

Aberrant MEADOW BROWN near Chlolesbury today with pale cream hindwings, more striking in flight as upper side appeared normal brown on the forewings & almost white on the hindwings…

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Few bits from this morn’s survey at Watermead…

CUCKOO calling again,
REED WARBLER singing (scarce here, esp. in June),
Increase in MARBLED WHITES,
BROAD-BODIED CHASER devouring a Hoverfly - great to see side-by-side with BLACK-TAILED SKIMMER.

@upperthames.bsky.social #dragonflies #wildlife #nature

A few nice bits at Watermead this eve:

Best by far - male CUCKOO calling at small lake, 21.10,
PAINTED LADY stopped for a couple of secs for a shot before shooting off,
Pair of BAR-HEADED GEESE,
& lots of NOCTULE BATS hunting…

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