Emeralds in the sunshine!

It's been a frantic few days: loads of orders for space-flown and aviation items to frame and process, so little opportunity for a check on the patch, However, the combination of a Migrant Hawker on the Buddleia right outside my office window and a clear blue sky was all the excuse needed for a quick expedition to Strumpshaw. First stop was the railway crossing dyke, where the first insect I saw was a beautiful Willow Emerald, glowing in the evening sunlight! Brown, Migrant, Southern & even Norfolk Hawkers were everywhere, but none settled to have their picture taken. The exposed mud along the Riverside Walk has begun to attract waders, including tonight Ruff, Greenshank and Bar-tailed Godwit - two patch ticks for the year! Final photo opportunity was one of several families of Marsh Deer: a hind and two fawns.