Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly

A very encouraging sign.

I have observed a few of these now in the last week. I did see the first one of the year back in mid March. There was a lot of reports that this species was in decline in the previous couple of years and the numbers had suffered badly due to the inclement weather. Hopefully they are starting to recover, if the sightings I have had is anything to go by.

Two Immatures

Immature Swallows resting on a branch.

Immature Reed Warbler (I think), sitting at the side of a river. 

It was a little too exposed for my liking in that position, but it enabled me to shoot across the river to get these images.

Large Skipper Butterfly

This male Large Skipper is the first of two that I have seen and as its nearly a month into the species flight time, I should have seen considerably more by now. Perhaps the poor showing relates to the fact that Spring was a month behind, as a consequence of which it follows on with each season.

The Painted Lady Returns (Maybe)

The first I have seen of the species this year (which is 100% more than last year already). I also had to travel well out of the local area to find it. So I was fortunate to get some shots of this beauty.

I am inclined to think that its a female above. Its a migrating species arriving from North Africa in May and June and I did read an interesting fact that its the only species that has been recorded as being observed in Iceland. (must have flown First Class on British Airways.) {:))

I have read of some sightings this year, but don't know how many we will see altogether. 

A brood created in country by the migrators will appear in August. This will be the time when, if many have made it here in the first place) that we shall see brilliant fresh new Painted Ladies.

Horses in the Wood

During a woodland walk on a Natural England Reserve I came across these horses. 

It was warm and still and flies where swarming around these poor animals. They really should have had the fly face masks that are used to protect horses from being bothered too much.

Common Spotted-Orchid

The Common Spotted-Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) is a widespread species of wild orchid. 

We are fortunate that at this time of year in the local are, many of these grow on a large nature reserve.

They vary in colour from white through to purple and bloom between June and August.

'Scheduled Post'

Dragons and Damsels

These are the first I have seen this year. 

Four-spotted Chaser

Large Red Damselfly

Banded Demoiselles are not easy to get close to and I will need to improve these shots I have taken so far.

Banded Demoiselle (Males)

Banded Demoiselle (Female)

'Scheduled Post'