www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

We set off for Oxford with drizzle on the windscreen. Despite grey cloud and a temperature of about 16 C, we managed to find some Black Hairstreaks at Whitecross Green. I was expecting them to be on the top of Blackthorn bushes but one came right down to ground level and appeared to be taking moisture from the grass. Whatever it was doing, it posed for a few snaps.
Black Hairstreak by Alastair Rae, on Flickr

Later at Bernwood Meadows somebody pointed out an absolutely pristine specimen with intact tails but it was too far for a decent shot. Lovely to see though.