Good numbers of Black Hairstreak around the pond area at WhiteCross Green Wood in Oxfordshire today.
I arrived on site at about 10 this morning and walked down the rides to the pond area.I was impressed with how many large skipper there were.Also seen were Meadow Brown ,although not too numerous yet.
A Red Admiral greeted me as i reached the pond area , heralding the arrival of Black Hairstreak...not all of whom were shy.Certainly in the 5 hours i was on site numerous butterflies descended to nectar and give the waiting photographers the chance to get a few pics.Best action today was at about 1130 and 1300.
At all other times individuals were able to be seen flying around the tops of the blackthorn.All of the other people who had cameras today managed to get the photos that they were after.I met with Tim the BBOWT warden for the site and he stayed all day..talking to people and sharing his knowledge of the wood. He is planning to be there tomorrow and at the weekend too..so if you see him say Hi.
On the way back to the car park i saw my first Marbled White of the year..but he was in no hurry to be photographed as he flew down the ride looking for a mate.
Neil Hulme also made an appearance at about 1500..he had already been to the Bernwood M40 compensation area(id love to see his fuel bill...hes everywhere) and reported about 20 BH there.
My advice would be go tomorrow (friday) if you can because the weekend at WhiteCross is going to be manic !!
Cheers
Rob
Under canvas. Just the wild woods for company.