A Purple Patch (at least if you ignore the photography)

Oh dear! The quality of the photography has taken a nosedive. I think this indicates more digscoping practice is needed. In any case this was a much more successful lunchtime outing and, in addition to as many as 8 Purple Hairstreaks (pictured), a couple of White Admirals and a few White-letter Hairstreaks showed very nicely. The area, about half way up the western track at Bedford Purlieus, had a fairly mature Elm with Oaks and other trees and a varied and luxuriant understory. This spot was also heaving with birds including Blackcap, Willow Warbler, tits and Treecreeper feasting on the abundant insect life.