June Round-up...

Thanks again to Dave Helliar for a photographic round-up of wildlife seen in the last few weeks of June:

First the plants. Giant Hogweed is a much maligned introduction, which is usually eradicated as soon as it appears. In Somerset it is widespread but never very common and always nice to see. Unfortunately these few plants have already been sprayed since the photos below were taken.

Giant Hogweed: Dave Helliar

Giant Hogweed: Dave Helliar

Common Spotted Orchid: Dave Helliar

And some butterflies...

Ringlet (possible ‘caeca’ form showing only the
inner white dots): D. Helliar

Ringlet (possible ‘caeca’ form showing only the 
inner white dots): D. Helliar

Marbled White - one of our most
striking species: D. Helliar

Marbled White: D. Helliar

Marbled White on Southern Marsh Orchid
D. Helliar

A normal Ringlet (compare to above): D. Helliar

Large Skipper: D. Helliar

Small Skipper: D. Helliar

Small Magpie moth: D. Helliar

Dragons and hoverflies...

Golden-Ringed Dragonfly: D. Helliar

Banded Demoiselle: D. Helliar

Helophilus pendulus: D. Helliar

Ruby-tailed Wasp (Chrysis sp): D.Helliar

Little-ringed Plover: D. Helliar

Family of Mandarin Ducks: D. Helliar

Imm Nuthatch: D. Helliar

Juvenile Swallow: D. Helliar

Juvenile Swallows: D. Helliar

Large female Grass Snake Natrix natrix helvetica
about to slough: D.Helliar

A great pictorial overview of our local wildlife by Dave Helliar.