Yesterday, locally, despite good weather saw only a dozen butterflies of five species with three summer generation Holly Blue the best. The small patch of Hemp Agrimony (just a couple of feet square) in the sunshine was popular with hovers - Eristalis, Sphaerophoria, Helophilus and this V. zonaria, with a couple more of the latter on bramble elsewhere.
A small mixed tit flock around the pond (Blue, Great, Long-tailed) was augmented with a handful of Phylloscs which all seemed to be Chiffchaffs, some scruffy adults and some very fresh individuals, presumably 1cys. Great Spotted Woodpeckers were audible both sides of the field with them or others near the tennis courts and over the pond heading off westward.
Today, after a hospital blood test, a visit to SC for lunch (and very nice too!!) where lots more butterflies (thirty of ten species) included three fresh Common Blues and this Painted Lady. No time to check but at least four male Phasia hemiptera on one plant.
Just audible Nuthatches, Greenfinches and Green Woodpecker.
