BBOWT Whitecross Green Wood 3rd August 2023

I set out today intending to see Brown Hairstreak butterflies, and having seen some lovely photos of some recent sightings at Otmoor, I headed there first. I was lucky to see at least half a dozen, and several very confiding males along the Roman Road.

I then moved on to Whitecross Green Wood in hope of some more butterflies, and also some dragonflies and damselflies. Despite overcast conditions I almost immediately found two more Brown Hairstreaks near the car park. Both females this time. 

Once the sun came out, there was more insect activity and I saw a good number of butterfly species including Purple Hairstreaks, Silver-washed Fritillaries, a Small Copper, and good numbers of the more common species. There were plenty of Migrant Hawkers and a few Brown Hawkers. I didn't manage to see a Southern Migrant Hawker today. The best damselfly was a nice female White-legged Damselfly.

Aside from insects, there were a few Fallow Deer along the rides, and at least 5 juvenile Swallows resting in an overhanging tree, allowing for some close up views.