Whinchat and Hairy Dragonflies

 We usually get Whinchat during autumn migration, with only a single Whinchat in spring before according to my records (6 May 2022). It was therefore a nice surprise to see one this morning in first field.

Whinchat looking good

 While I was clicking away on the Whinchat, a Reed Warbler popped up just to the side of it momentarily.

Reed Warbler

Yesterday was a good day for Hairy Dragonflies as I saw three in the morning. Never seen more than one in a day before so that was pleasing.

 

Hairy Dragonfly ((Brachytron pratense)

Cropped image showing the hairs

As I was reviewing my photos last night I saw that there was a bug right next to the dragonfly on a couple of the pics. Zooming in on the image, it was a very small creature, and I have tried to get an id but it's difficult as the light may be washing out any colours.

Any ideas on id for the bug? Ignoring colours could be Harpocera thoracica?

It's worth keeping your eyes on the ground at the moment as all manner of wild flowers are flowering now. One of my favourites is Burnet Saxifrage, not particularly for the plant itself but for the name, as I remember it from my childhood when I collected Brooke Bond tea cards 🤣🤣

Burnet Saxifrage (Pimpinella saxifraga)

Common Dog-violet (Viola riviniana)

Bugle (Ajuga reptans)

At the Mere I also came across a new insect that I hadn't seen before - Dimorphic bumblefly. I've seen beeflies before but never a bumblefly 😀

Dimorphic bumblefly (Criorhina berberina)