Aston Rowant

Aston Rowant looking NE towards Didcot

Despite the glorious weather and brilliant views looking out from Aston Rowant Nature Reserve with Dave and Bob it was hard to get away from the sounds of the M40 droning on in the background but it did not spoil a fantasic visit with 17 species of butterfly seen including 30+ Silver-spotted Skipper and 150+ Chalkhill Blue added to a growing year list among the hundreds that were in flight. Plenty of moths around as well with 100s of Six-spotted Burnets, 10 Silver Y, Yellow Shell and White Plume Moth. Birds included the ever present Red Kite plus 2 Hobby and a Sparrowhawk. As the temperature soared over the 30s we retreated for refreshment in the Carrier Arms at Watlington to cool down.

Silver-spotted Skipper

Chalkhill Blue
both moth pics by Bob Hazel