Brockholes Nature Reserve LWT - 24th July 2011

I spent 3 hours in the sunshine wandering around the reserve with Howard Prescot looking mainly for the White-letter and Purple Hairstreaks that are seen in small numbers at this time of year. Though the sun was out there was no sign of them on this visit but there were many other species flying across the reserve.

  Comma

 Green-Veined White

 Red Admiral

Meadow Brown
Including the above there were also Peacock, Gatekeeper and Speckled Wood also Small and Large Skipper have been reported recently.
With the variety of flowering plants across the reserve is wasn't a supprise to see a great number of bumble bees including the 2 shown below.

 Red-tailed Bumblebee

Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Dragonflies and Damselflies were around in numbers including 6+ Brown Hawkers as well as those shown below.

  Common Darter

Female Empreror Dragonfly oviposting

I believe the bottom photograph is of a newly emerged Common Darter as the wings are much more transparent. Whilst I was looking for the White-letter Hairstreak I came across this Common Toad amongst the undergrowth and quite a way from any of the pools.

Common Toad