Dene Park 16/07/21

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My annual visit to this site, usually in search of Purple Emperor and today was no exception. Dave and I arrived by 11 a.m. by which time it was already very warm. 

We watched a couple of Purple Hairstreak on oak in the car park, and then headed up the track towards the first triangle. A White Admiral and Comma were found there plus another Purple Hairstreak. However, no sign of Purple Emperor so we walked further on to the 'master tree'. 

A White Admiral on the ground was very photogenic, though a Silver-washed Fritillary much less so. Whilst waiting in this area a passing dog walker kindly informed us that others were watching a Purple Emperor further along the track, so promptly headed in that direction. The male was fortunately still present, probing for salts on the ground for about ten minutes before flying off.

On the way back a Southern Hawker of the rarer blue form was found, plus my first of year Spotted Flycatcher!

The meadow by the car park had Gatekeeper and another very mobile Silver-washed Fritillary.

Purple Emperor





Purple Emperor

White Admiral



Southern Hawker

Gatekeeper


 



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