.@BedsNthantsBC .@savebutterflies Several Black Hairstreak hanging around in the shade at Salcey Forest today. Earliest I have seen them in this beautiful place.
I spent most of yesterday exploring the flooded meadows along the river misbourne. A good selection of soldierflies seen, including, Long-horned General, Flecked General and Black Colonel.
22.5 2026.
Ophrys insectifera, Kent.
Third time lucky. I've tried in 2 previous years to see these in Kent with no success, but they were certainly worth the wait. All in all, a splendid day of orchid hunting, despite the intense heat.
#Kent#nativeorchids#ophrys
A mid morning visit to Amersham flood meadows today, and it was great to find the first immature Scarce Blue-tailed Damselflies of the year of the form aurantiaca. Also several Blue-tailed Damselfies of the form violacea.