Scarlet Lady.

I have seen a few Dragonflies at Shellingford quarry recently and I photographed this pair of Scarlet Tiger Moths outside my front door yesterday (Thursday) , I also had permission from the Farmer to look for Black Hairstreak Butterflies on an undisclosed Oxfordshire site but it was windy and I drew a blank. I must admit identifying Dragonflies is only made possible by the Richard Lewington Guide and the Stephen Burch website.
The Oxon Feather.

 Scarlet Tigers

 Emperor

 Four -Spotted Chaser

House Martins & Black-Tailed Skimmer.

The Farm Managers house at Friars Farm not far from Dix Pit is as usual home to some forty breeding pairs of House Martin. A trip out there Tuesday 24th to look at a couple of nests that the Manager had noticed had been taken over and used to rear broods of Tree Sparrows was the focus of my interest, and indeed two of the nests had enlarged entry holes although the Tree Sparrow chicks had flown . Tree Sparrow interest was noted with birds settling on the nearby guttering .
Later at Shellingford Quarry A swimming Grass Snake along with many Four-Spotted Chaser Dragonflies and assorted Damselflies were flying but the best of the Dragonflies was the Black-Tailed Skimmer that settled on a large flat stone and gave me a chance to get a few photos unlike many of the other Dragonflies that were perpetual motion as they patrolled their patch.
The Oxon Feather.

 Cute House Martin Chick.

 Grub Up !

 Tree Sparrow taking a different view of things.

 Close-up of the Black-Tailed Skimmer.

 One to look up in the Moth book - but is it a micro or macro ?

Hurtle to the Turtle.

                                          Micro Moth Scoparia Pyralella

No! I didn't exactly hurtle to the Turtle as family commitments dictated I could not get across to Denchworth  until about 8.00 pm which I consequently did. This bird had been reported by RBA and Oxford Blogged by the bold Badger and on getting out of the car I could hear it turtling away at the top of an oak tree. I managed to get a few distant snaps before it flew to another part of the village. This is a most gratifying sighting after the loss of the Buscot Turtle Dove that has not been seen or heard this year after some five years of making Buscot its summer home. Hover Fly possible  Sphaerophoria Mentharastri
The Oxon Feather.

No! It's Not Old Father Clackers.

In a field by St. Johns Lock between Lechlade and Buscot among a flock of Canada Geese is a Red-Breasted Goose , surprisingly easily overlooked . This bird was first brought to my attention by "The Greek God" (Bill Haynes) . Of course I don't know its history so it may be out of a private collection or just a roving non-breeder either way it is a rather attractive specimen.
I photographed the statue of Old Father Thames that is by the lock and it looks as if Clackers could have modeled for it.
The Oxon Feather.

Wild Goose Chase.

Following up on a report of a Red-Breasted Goose in the Buscot Thames area I failed to find any sign of the bird  so I guess it had either moved on or was able to remain hidden by the lush riverside vegetation.. The area was awash with Small tortoiseshell Butterflies and Banded Demoiselles. Reed Warbler were abundant and a Kestrel put in an appearance, although the stars of the show were good numbers of the Scarlet Tiger Moth.
The Oxon Feather.

                                           Scarlet Tiger

                                          Banded Demoiselle

                                           Reed Warbler

                                             Kestrel

                                          Family of cross bred Ducks

                                              Scarlet Tiger

IT Makes Sense.

Leaving a few weed seed producing plants in the tended flower beds in your garden can be very rewarding as this Bullfinch in my garden demonstrates. Not had a lot of time out and about lately so will post a few photos that have been snapped, when I have had a chance to grab a few minutes in the great outdoors.
The activities of other bloggers interests me and it's good to hear what others are finding out in the countryside. Recently a blog I occasionally look at I think it's titled "What Richard Did" or something like that is now denying me access I wonder why? Surely the whole point of blogging is to inform other like minded individuals what we are finding and learning and sharing our experiences, so if i'm confused I hope you'll understand why particularly as I have not seen nor been given an explanation.
The Oxon Feather.

                                                Bully in the fluff

                                                White Ermine Moth

                                            I've No Idea.

Grassed Up !

Motored a bit and walked a lot today taking in Shellingford Quarry and Seven Barrows. Looked for and found my first Dragonflies of the season firstly the attractive and as usual easy to photograph Four-Spotted Chaser and then an Emperor followed by an array of Damselflies mostly if not all the Blue-Tailed variety. Butterflies were represented by Large Skipper, Common Blue and the delightful Small Copper, the Burnet Companion was the only moth I noted but on Shellingford Quarry a most colourful Grass Snake slid from underfoot and took to the water.
The Oxon Feather.