Aston Rowant NNR (N) - 12th July

I deleted this by mistake when editing and so have re-posted. Apologies to newer post

Silver-spotted Skipper
Confirmed by BC as first UK sighting for 2014

Chalkhill Blues

Small Skipper
huge numbers of these flying currently

Worn Dark Green Fritillary defending his patch

Otmoor July 14th

Female Banded Demoiselle and Silver-washed Fritillary along the Roman road

Dragons & Damsels Otmoor 12th July

Emerald Damselfly

(Gareth Blockley)

Ruddy Darter

(Andy Last)

Scarce Chaser Dragonfly Otmoor 6th July

Scarce Chaser photo courtesey of T.S

A male Scarce Chaser Dragonfly on Otmoor RSPB

A first for Oxfordshire found late morning on Sunday.

More details on Otmoor Birding 

Otmoor purple patch - 6th July

It's unusual to get this close to Purple Hairstreak especially with their wings open

Purple Hairstreak

As with Emperors the purpleness can depend on how the light catches them



Nectaring at hedge height usually means a lack of honey dew in the Oak tree tops




Purple top wings showing more clearly from this angle




Male Gatekeeper
Lots of these making up a supporting cast



Essex Skipper in Oxford

Essex Skipper butterflies are currently posing their annual identification challenge in Burgess Field Nature Park, Oxford

No doubt about this one
Look at the inky black antennae tips

But things are not always so clear cut



And this one?  Mmmm, probably



But here's an Essex man for sure
All it needs is a medalion and gangland accent

Wantage 05 July 14

Water vole

Badgers filmed in Stonesfield

A pair of Badgers filmed this week in Paul & Vics garden in Stonesfield.

Emperors at Bernwood 4th July

At least 3 this morning

 

Bernwood Forest 3rd July

Purple Emperor