karen's country calendar

 Today I made the first of hopefully several trips to Brampton Wood this summer to see the specialised butterflies as they emerge.  I had read reports of a number  Black hairstreaks being seen  and as it was a sunny day and I was able to go in good time I made the 15 minute drive at 9am.  I knew exactly where to go although there was also helpful signage and immediately saw several of the small butterflies flying  amongst the blackthorn. It wasnt long before one came down and  settled nearby for several minutes giving me ample time to photograph it. Today there were also numerous black tailed skimmer dragonflies flying up and down the main  ride and I also saw my first large skipper of the year.                                                                                 Black Hairstreak                                                                            Black tailed skimmers