More abundant than usual in the hot weather this summer, probably not adding to gardeners’ pleasure, large white butterflies.
Heron by the far bank, hunting
I was going along the canal, between the Water Bridge and Aldersley Junction, when I was attracted by the alarm cries of a moorhen chick.
As I stopped to look, the chick was heading off at speed for the far bank of the canal. Then I noticed a heron, also by the far bank, hard to spot in the shadow of the trees. It had also spotted the chick, and was giving it most of its attention. It began wading through the water in the chick’s direction, stalk, pause, stalk. Suddenly, it seemed to change its mind. It stopped once again, then took off.
Southern hawker (probably) on patrol
Southern hawker dragonfly (probably – it was flying too fast for me to get a really good look) on patrol over the canal by the Wildside Centre.
Two dragonflies, both the same species, were zig-zagging up and down the same stretch of water, with no signs they were interacting at all while I was watching them.
Flying visit: large red damselfly
Large red damselfly on vegetation at the edge of the pool in Compton Park. This year there has only been a flying visit from this one individual, there one day at the start of June, and no sign of any others since.
Hairy flowers: courgette
Hairy flowers on this courgette plant, a means to try to discourage anything from using them as a tasty snack.
Small heath butterfly at rest, Baggeridge Country Park
Small heath butterfly at rest on vegetation, half way up the slope of Toposcope Hill, Baggeridge Country Park, recently.