Otmoor RSPB Reserve

After three months without transport in the UK (a lot of it in isolation) it was absolutely wonderful to spend a day in good habitat at this excellent reserve near Oxford. Unfortunately due to continuing restrictions the narrow path to the main wetlands (with the promise of Bittern among other birds) was closed but the surrounding wet fields and habitats were rich enough with wildlife and the weather warmed up greatly in the afternoon leading to a good array of insect life on show.

Birding was good, despite the target species of Cuckoo and Turtle Dove not performing. Curlew, Cetti's Warbler, Marsh Harrier and Hobby were among the best.

Redshank Tringa totanus and Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Dragonflies were particularly good and with less wind I'm sure more species would be possible. The Grass Snake was basking on top of bankside vegetation after a shower.

Broad-bodied Chaser Libellula depressa

Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum

Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea

Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella

Grass Snake Natrix natrix

Parhelophilus Hoverfly

Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta

Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus

Yellow Shell Camptogramma bilineata

Tree Wasp Dolichovespula sylvestris