Pittswood Birds

Back to work this morning, and as is always the case, the weather improved drastically. It was so warm when I left home at 06:45 I was in a teeshirt! Oh well such is life. I did at least add another species to this months list, when I saw a GREY WAGTAIL fly up the stream at the colllege, it seems ages since I added a species for this month.

This afternoon was very warm and humid, not an afternoon for finding birds. So I went over to the wet ditch to find some Odonata, but of course I kept an eye on the sky, just in case something interesting flew over, which nothing did, just a KESTREL.

At the ditch I found scores of Azure damselflies, some laying eggs, some mating, and some just chasing around, also there were Large Red damselflies, and a single Beautiful demoiselle with a couple of Broad bodied Chasers - doing what it says in their name ''chasing''.

I also paid a visit to to college gardens, on the way a CUCKOO flew over, and the Painted Lady butterflies were noted continuing their northward passage, but some were staying to feed, one sweet smelling shrub had 14 on it!

There was some bird song here, BLACKCAP, CHIFFCHAFF, SONGTHRUSH, and BLACKBIRD, and I aslo saw my first GOLDCREST fledgling being fed by its parents. The good weather is set to continue tomorrow, so I might leave it until the late afternoon for my walk if its too hot.


Below is yet another Painted Lady photo. get 'em while the're here!
Also I found this Speckled Wood butterfly at the college

Below is my first male Broad Bodied chaser

While below is the female, she was laying eggs while hoverring over the water

below is loadsa azures!

With a couple here mating

large red was also around

Lastly this large hoverfly just kept buzzing me, I dont know what kind it is - anyone know ?