Birds and Butterflies...

It's been a good year so far for most wildlife, some species have had an exceptionally good year whilst others continue to struggle. At the time of writing I have yet to find an adder locally this year, surely a sign that they have declined beyond all expectations. Places I use to find them annually now seem to be completely devoid of them, despite prey animals being present. Worrying stuff. On the other hand many insects are thriving and my thanks to Dave Helliar for supplying the following photos taken locally in the south Somerset area during the past few weeks.

Common Blue: D. Helliar

Holly Blue: D. Helliar

An exquisite Silver-washed Fritillary: D. Helliar

Silver-washed Fritillary: D. Helliar

Comma: D. Helliar

Rutpela maculata: D. Helliar

Goat Moth: D. Helliar

Goat Moth: D. Helliar

Dave also saw this Emperor Dragonfly catch a Marbled White butterfly - large prey even for an Emperor!

Emperor Dragonfly with Marbled White: D. Helliar

Emperor Dragonfly with Marbled White: D. Helliar

Hoverfly Sp: D. Helliar

A few birds too:

Kingfisher: D. Helliar

Tufted Duck with brood: D. Helliar

Little-ringed Plover, Chard Res: D. Helliar

Greenshank: D. Helliar

I've not been too far this week but whilst searching for reps locally I had the following:

Common Centuary: R. Harris

Roe Deer: R. Harris

Loads of these - very good year for them, another SW Frit: R. Harris

Common Lizard Zootoca vivipara, male: R. Harris

Such stunning little lizards - you don't need to go far to find beautiful wildlife, it's right on your doorstep.