Large Skipper

The day started with an early morning survey at Ring Haw NR, where Clustered Bellflower and Grass Vetchling were flowering on the Calcining Banks. I was watched a group of five deer walk across the far side of the field - as each one emerged from the hedge, they looked in my direction, decided I was harmless, and then proceeded on their way.
The afternoon was spent doing some much needed management in our garden 'nature reserve'. I spotted my first Large Skipper of the year - an absolutely pristine male which must have hatched locally. The mix of cultivated and wild flowers is at its best at this time of year and is positively buzzing with bees, hoverflies and damselflies.