Temperatures have exceeded 30 degrees Celsius. Not since 1976 has Dorset been this hot. There have been great opportunities to photograph widely differing species, some like the dragon flies and butterflies quite exquisitely beautiful. The sparrow population in particular has increased significantly since spring.
Bugs and butterflies
The garden has well and truly come alive with all sorts of creepy crawlies: peacock butterfly, red admiral, greenbottle flies, hoverflies, dragonflies, bumble-bees, honey bees.
Dragonflies
Buzzards overhead
Record temperatures have encouraged buzzards to soar on thermals in search of prey. As they pass over the garden, smaller birds call out warnings to each other, as they scurry around seeking cover.
Juveniles
Jays, blue tits, robins, goldfinch and sparrow are among the juvenile species seen this month.
Sparrow population growth
At least two clutches of juvenile sparrows have produced so far. Judging by the antics of these two, there are more to come.
Stephen's Wildlife 