A mixed bag today with little birdwise at Blashford other than a single distant Hobby, one Black'wit and plenty of Tern activity. Reserve was very quiet with only a couple of cars. Just this single Beewolf in the usual spot and ONLY ONE hover, the Volucella zonaria above plus the mating Small Coppers and day-flying (Lesser?) Treble-bar moth.
Getting back early I popped into the park for a cuppa followed by the usual circuit. A flash of blue wings over the pond was surely a Swallow but turned into a day-hunting bat showing at point blank range and with bright sunshine turning the wing membranes blue against the brown body. No idea of spp but it felt maybe a little too large for a Pip - was actively either taking insects from the pond surface or drinking, not sure which - either way a real delight.
Thousands of hovers, mostly common stuff, augmented by Leucozona laternaria and glaucia, Scaeva pyrastri and Myathropa florea.
Three Phasia hemiptera also on umbellifer plus new tachinid Hemyda vittata (above).
Lots of butterflies including Silver-washed Fritillaries, Chalkhill Blues and Marbled Whites; all the skippers seemed to be Small.
On the bird front just a tatty overflying Red Kite.
