Butterflies and Dragons

Actually, the day was all about getting a picture of a Brown Hawker Dragonfly. I saw a lot of them at Houghton Wood and spent a long time chasing them down, but I couldn't find one grounded and I just couldn't pull focus fast enough to get one in flight. Still it was a good day for "the others", the Butterflies and Dragonflies that don't tend to get mentioned when everything works out and get your main target.

I staked out a nice fresh dog turd on one of the rides, hoping to get a Purple Emperor or White Admiral. The plan worked but unfortunately the butterfly that came along was only a Comma.

Comma

Further down the track and another fresh pile from an obliging horse rider, Commas, Red Admirals and a Holly Blue but no Emperor. To be clear, that is a fresh pile from the horse not the rider.

Holly Blue

There were plenty of Silver-washed Fritillaries flying but it was a bit early in the day to find them nectering. It was only the older and slightly worn specimens that were favouring feeding instead of flirting.

Silver-washed Fritillary

But it was nice to see a fresh Brimstone stopping to nectar even if only briefly.

Brimstone

Next stop was Pulborough Brooks for the Dragonflies. Loads of Emerald Damselflies on the wing but unfortunately no Scarce Emeralds amongst them.

Emerald Damselfly

Plenty of Blue Damselflies

Blue-tailed

Azure Blue

Azure Blue

The usual Four-spotted and Broad-bodied Chasers and a few fresh Darters.

Four-spotted Chaser

Broad-bodied Chaser

Black Darter

Ruddy Darter

Ruddy Dater

Looks like a female Common Darter

Female Emperor oviposting

and one last butterfly

Common Blue

I didn't manage to see anything unusual but it was actually a great day out with lots to photograph.

Sussex seems to be going through it usual summer doldrums. Good birds are being reported all around the country but they all seem to avoid coming our way.