Black Hairstreak

At the turn of the year, when I decided that I would try to complete the list of UK butterflies, I thought that the Black Hairstreak would be the hardest to get. Of course I didn't factor in the miserable weather we had whilst we were in Scotland making the Chequered Skipper a dip. So when we set off for Oxford yesterday morning I wasn't optimistic that the day would be successful. As we travelled round the M25 the skies were leaden and it was raining hard, not really June weather at all and certainly not conducive to a butterfly hunt. As we passed through Stokenchurch cutting on the M40 the clouds lifted and there were patches of blue, by the time we reached Bernwood Forest things had brightened considerably.

Sitting in the car park we realised we had a bit of a problem, Bernwood Forest is huge,  where exactly do we find these elusive butterflies? We had expected to gain info on the site but the only people present were dog walkers - a bit of a dilemma. A phone call to Leigh Prevost and we had an exact location and we were on our way. Thanks Leigh.

Finally, just after mid-day, Martin located our first specimen, halfway up a tall privet bush, not really accessible and difficult to photograph, just as we were getting sorted a bee took exception the to the butterfly and saw it off. Never mind - a result  and the wait began for another.

During the afternoon we saw at least six specimens, none of which came close, save for one tatty specimen and that didn't hang around long. So we obtained what I would call record shots - not those captured where everything is in clear focus and the background is clear - still beggars can't be choosers and the list now stands at 53. Looks like the next journey will be northwards.



My first Black Hairstreak

The only one to come down to our level and it is well worn!

So in the last week I have been lucky enough to add three lifer butterflies and the Terek Sandpiper - am I happy? Not really - this morning I missed the 10  Bee Eaters in East Sussex!