Green

I don't know why I was surprised to get this beautiful green hairstreak on camera but I was as it's a couple of years since I tracked one down. If you look closely you can see she is egg laying between the flower buds before they burst into bloom shortly. 

This area is perfect for the hairstreaks as it's oolitic limestone underneath 'ancient windblown sands' with plenty of scattered shrubs and is warm and sheltered. I was very chuffed to have seen it especially without having to hike to the bottom of the hill in the heat.

The Duke of Burgundy butterfly was exactly where I'd found it years ago on the path down the reserve and led me a merry dance up and down the scarp. Skidding up and down trying to get a shot I was rewarded with the Extra.

I chanced on a dingy skipper briefly. No surprise here on the dry bank as its food source can be Bird's Foot Trefoil or Horseshoe Vetch. 

Numerous small blues and 6 spot burnets so  a lovely couple of hours this morning.