Hothfield Common

Tuesday 24th July 2012
Very hot 30C, calm, dry and sunny.

I've been working far too much lately while it's hot and sunny outside, so with an early shift finishing at 4.30pm in Ashford I took my camera and bins to work and hoped if I finished on time I might get out for a walk in the evening sun.

By 5pm I was drawing into Hothfield Common car park, and only 1 other car in the small car park. Perfect for a quiet walk. I strolled over to the bog where there are Keeled Skimmers every summer, and as I approached the walkway I could see about a dozen of the dainty skimmers, some sitting on sticks in the bog, and a few darting around. Most of the skimmers were looking a bit tatty, I guess in previous years I have been over a bit earlier in the season. Still, it was nice to see them.

I sat in the sun watching them for a while, to the backdrop of Yellowhammers singing and calling, and young Green Woodpeckers 'chuckling' softly.

Walking around the reserve there were very few other dragonflies, just a couple of darters that wouldn't sit still. Only 1 darter landed within view, and although a bit far off I'm fairly sure it was a Ruddy Darter (legs looked all black).

Butterflies seen included Large White, Comma, Small and Large Skippers, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper and a beautiful Small Copper.

A rather nice evening stroll in very warm sunshine.