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Thursday, 30 July 2026

A Local Walk

Another hot walk in the countryside.

It wasn't so long ago that this river below was in full flood. We really could do with some of that water now.




There is a place on this particular walk where a few small groups of Field Scabious flowers grow on the side of a track. I can be quite sure that each time I reach this spot there will be Butterflies on the flowers.


This time in was a Wall Brown that was feeding on the flowers.





Bumble Bees like them as well.


This field of Maize is high now and soon will be harvested.


The sight of birds in bushes and trees is quite rare at the moment due to the extreme heat.
An immature Blue Tit showed out for a few moments.



A Robin also showed itself making lots of noise as it was becoming concerned about its territory as another one was beginning to intrude.



All of the wheat fields in this image have been harvested and it is not dried grass, which is becoming the typical view.


This female Red Admiral is ovipositing.


This is a grass track normally, but as you can see it is brown now with the hot weather.



A pleasant surprise on this walk was the appearance of a Painted Lady on yellow flowers.






Holly Blue Butterflies are very common this year.


There always appears to be an abundance of Large White butterflies whatever the weather. 


Similarly the same can be said about the Small Whites.


Blackberries everywhere.
Bramble bushes are deep rooted and probably not affected by the drought.


The long dusty track on my return part of the walk.



Friday, 24 July 2026

Nature and the Heat

We and nature still wilt under the extremely hot weather conditions that have prevailed over the last few weeks.  Birds hide away and only move when they have to. Butterflies tend to bask in one place and not always suitable for photography. Animals sensibly look for shelter. Crops such as wheat are at the point where harvesting is necessary, but the grain has not swelled sufficiently. Rain dancing may soon be necessary.!!


A chance encounter with a few Southern Hawker dragonflies, which is the first time this year for me.










Encounters with Red Admiral butterflies are becoming less as well. This also true with Peacock butterflies. Appernetly it is something to do with it getting warmer in the South of the country and these species reacting by moving North.







Marbled White butterflies are much easier to find this year than last.


Also a very pleasant surprise is that on three occasions this year I have observed Clouded Yellow butterflies on the wing. If I get to see one a year that is good.



There are plenty of Meadow Browns around as always.



Scarce Chaser Dragonflies have been quite active at certain locations this year.


Gatekeeper butterflies are always a pleasure to see and shoot.