Insects to the fore

Hello

As the birds quieten down to breed and the chances of more migrants diminishes, this is the time for insects! The warmer conditions today provided an opportunity for some butterflies to show themselves and a Dark Green Fritillary was noted at Fineshade. Wood Whites and Black Hairstreaks have already been seen in the usual Northamptonshire woodlands and we seem to be experiencing a mini invasion of Painted Ladies.

Moth traps have been busy around the county and a few more unusual migrants have been recorded and the odonata are now on the hatch with the scarce and localised Variable Blue Damselflies being seen at Wicksteed Park, Kettering and both Banded and Beautiful Demoiselles are on the wing.

Here at Hanging Houghton today a singing Spotted Flycatcher was in the grounds of Lamport Grange and a couple of noisy Ravens were present this afternoon. A drake Garganey remains at Summer Leys LNR but the White Stork wasn't reportedly seen at Barnwell today.

Regards

Neil M

Grizzled Skipper
butterfly courtesy
of Robin Gossage.

Median Queen Wasp
courtesy of Robin Gossage.

Undertaker Sexton Beetle
 courtesy of Robin Gossage.

Spotted Flycatcher courtesy
of Bethan Clyne.