Golden Ringed Dragonflies are just the biz aren’t they? There’s something about them that makes them quite enigmatic. Maybe it’s because they patrol along shady peaty rivers at speed making them difficult to photograph. We were lucky to find this individual hung up resting in the sun this week on a trip to Hampshire.
I found myself in Gilbert White’s patch a few weeks ago. The 18th Century naturalist was a pioneer in natural history. I thought I’d retrace his steps and have another go at Brown Hairstreak before the season ended. Walking on the dew laden heath I was trying to find an optimum spot for a phone signal when a hairstreak shot by me at break-neck speed. I chased it but it disappeared into impenetrable blackthorn. A spotted flycatcher sallied down and caught something but I’m not completely sure it was ‘my’ butterfly. It took me a further two hours to find another. Eventually I managed to get close enough for a half decent shot but it evaporated before I could get the underwing. Difficult subject this species. Ah well! Maybe next year.
Letter From Norfolk 