Turtle Dove at Watercress Farm, North Somerset today.

Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly pair mating at Watercress Farm, North Somerset. I believe that the female is a rare blue form example. @UKdragonflies @BDSdragonflies @AllanChard

I couldn't resist a trip to see the Large Copper butterflies that have appeared in a park in Dudley, West Midlands in the last week. About 10 of them seen. @savebutterflies @CanonUKandIE @ukbutterflies @britishbutterflies @wildlife_uk

Visited Kenfig NR this week. This was close to Broad-leaved Helleborines and where I had been told there were Dune Helleborines. Is this a DH, or a hybrid BLH x DH? It looks paler and greener than the BLH. Help with the ID appreciated. @ukorchids @avonorchids @hardyorchidsoc

Hi, could I have some help please with the ID of this orchid, seen today at Kenfig NNR, growing very close to the Fen Orchids, so a usually damp environment. The lip seems to have just two lobes with no central lobe. It also seems to have a prominent hood. @ukorchids @avonorchids

Bird’s Nest Orchid in Gloucestershire yesterday. @ukorchids

A new orchid for me, a lovely Sword-leaved Helleborine in Gloucestershire a few days ago. @ukorchids

Allan Chard & I went for a walk on Watercress Farm, North Somerset today following a report of a single Willow Emerald Damselfly there previously . We found 5 pairs, 10 individuals, both male and female, and ovipositing into the bark of a small tree. @UKdragonflies @AllanChard

A few more from my recent @Mariposa_Nature tour in Spain. Iberian Scarce Swallowtail, Striped Grayling, Ocellated Lizard female and a Scarlet Darter Dragonfly.

Just returned from a superb butterfly tour in Spain with @Mariposa_Nature. I saw about 70 species, of which around 30 were new for me. Pics:Zapater's Ringlet, The Hermit, Knapweed Fritillary, Chestnut Heath mating pair.

Couldn't resist a trip down to Dorset today with @AllanChard to see the Scarlet Darter Dragonflies at Knighton Reserve. Well worth the effort as we saw two or three individual males. Stunning dragonflies. @UKdragonflies @AllanChard

A day out at Warren Heath and Buckler's Forest yesterday with @AllanChard. First visits for both of us and they are great sites for wildlife. Several Brilliant Emeralds seen briefly but no chance of photos. Photos are Small Red Damselflies and Keeled Skimmers. @UKdragonflies

Immature female Migrant Hawker in my North Somerset garden today. First one of these I've seen in the garden. @UKdragonflies

Could I ask for some help with this orchid, seen in Stoke Park, Bristol on 23rd May 2024. My guess is Common Spotted x Early Marsh. Any corrections welcome. @ukorchids

Went to Lower Moor in Wiltshire today with @AllanChard. Male Lesser Emperor flying but never settled. Later, a female drab form Lesser Emperor landed on algae then a twig to oviposit. On it's own not in tandem with a male. Seems to have darker bands on all wings.@UKdragonflies

Finally from Beinn Eighe, some photos of what I believe is a Golden Eagle. It was one of two interacting in mid-air, and seems to be carrying something. Not great photos as it was distant and these are huge crops in the pictures. @RSPBScotland

Final dragonflies from Beinn Eighe. Lots of Golden-ringed there, here's a selection. Male posing nicely on heather, male on Bog Myrtle, two males resting together, female on old heather. @ScotlandBds @BDSdragonflies @UKdragonflies

Before the dragonfly fest, I spent a day orchid hunting in the Cairngorms. I managed to see 5 new orchids. Coralroot & Lesser Twayblade growing together, Creeping Lady's-tresses, Small White & Heath Fragrant. Many thanks to @pollymm & @HarryBeaman96 for location help. @ukorchids

As well as the dragonflies, also saw several Large Heath butterflies ssp. scotica at Beinn Eighe, in the Scottish Highlands. @savebutterflies

Also from Scotland, Common Hawkers. First is an immature male. Then a blue form female top and side view. First time that I have seen this colour form. @ScotlandBds @BDSdragonflies @UKdragonflies