Shropshire Butterflies and Dragonflies

Great day out today with the two Martin's and Mike to Whixall Moss and Prees Heath in Shropshire. Our main target was White Faced Darter at Whixall Moss which we failed to get. Weather conditions were definitely against us overcast with some wind, the sun hardly showed itself all morning. However we also hoped for Large Heath butterfly and after some early very good candidates which would not land in view for us we finally nailed one down. A lifer for all of us. Really good numbers were then seen especially on the walk back to the car.

We travelled the short distance to Prees Heath. It was now raining steadily and our hopes of getting Silver Studded Blue were not looking good. The gods however were looking down on us as Mr Bevan and Mike found some close together in a quite small patch of land. On counting we found at least 30 there packed quite close together. The day's total was in excess of 60. Amazing considering the weather conditions.

Large Skipper

Large Heath

Ringlet

Black Darter

Silver Studded Blue