Butterfly Transect day for me at Woodside NR today. On and off the transect, Dingy Skipper numbers quite good, reflecting high numbers at various locations locally in the Nutbrook catchment after a slow start to the flight period. The highlight counts for the reserve were 10 Dingy Skipper, 10 Common Blue and a couple of Small Heath. Swifts, Buzzard and Kestrel aloft. Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Whitethroat all singing. 

Some great views of dragonflies at the raised ponds by the barn - Broad-bodied Chaser (pic), Four-spot Chaser (pic), Large Red Damselfly and Azure Damselfly (pic). Azure is identified by the 'U-shaped' black marking on abdominal section 2, whereas Common Blue shows a round marking.

Just off the reserve at Shipley View were lots more Dingy Skipper, Common Blue and a Holly Blue. Beware the Burnet Companion moths - they look surprisingly like the Dingy Skipper. Spring in full swing! Jim