On the Wing in the Sun

Sunday, July 11th 2021

Warm is good but sun is better as the insects fly, although that does cause problems as they then are so active they don't always sit still! 

A movement and a tiny flash of blue indicates that the Common Blue is on the wing.  Amazingly they can disappear before your eyes and then appear elsewhere!

Small Heath Butterflies have been recorded on the reserve across the years but never in large numbers.  This year sightings are much increased.  These small brown/orange butterflies fly erratically before landing on flowers to feed.

The summer butterflies are on the wing.  Meadow Browns are to be seen across the middle moor meadow.

Dark Green Fritillary butterflies are larger than many and are conspicuous with the highly patterned wings.

Damselflies and dragonflies can be seen not only near water but hunting in the sunny glades.  Watching them fly across the water is fascinating.  Some of the chasers defend their territory and really fight off other males.  Whilst watching some of the fights a female was egg laying, which is probably why one male was watching over her. 

No damsels were harmed in the taking of this photograph!  They did all sit still all at once!

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