Our most endangered Blue Butterfly, The silver studded blue

This tiny member of the blue family is gravely threatened by habitat loss and occurs in tiny numbers on a few heaths in the south of England. The brown female is as delightful as the blue male and both can be seen flying together in June and July when they appear briefly before vanishing again for another year.

Gorgeous yellow hammer bunting

No words are needed to describe this lovely little relative of the canary. They are sadly becoming rare now and are on the red list of British birds so look out for them and enjoy their little voice while you can....look on the tops of gorse bushes....good luck

The Comma Butterfly

So named for the comma shaped marking on the underside of the hindwings, these are one of our most impressive butterflies. I love to see them flying over the nettles which are their caterpillar's food plant. They have a powerful flight but stop to bask often and I can never see enough of them.

A Beautiful Grey Heron

Grey herons are at once both beautiful and menacing. Theyremind me of a teradactyl when they fly and I have seen them stalk and kill smaller birds such as ducklings and starlings. They are always an impressive sight and at Birdworld in Surrey they are very common and approachable especially when trying to rob the pelecans and penguins of their sprats......They nest in large trees around the gardens and there are often juveniles on the prowl as well....Pity the poor frogs....snakes....slow worms.....the list goes on.....

Yellow Hammer Bunting

I found this lovely little bird in Tugley wood. One of two seem to be there every spring and they are a welcome sight. They have a cheerful little song and are the brightest bird in the forest. Sadly they are a fast declining species.

A Perfect Wood Lark

I found this perfect Wood Lark on a dead birch tree on the heath. Soon after I found two smooth snakes nearby. Amazing. One of our rarest birds and then our rarest reptile within minutes of each other. Fantastic.

Stock Doves on St Mary's Church roof

Stock Doves are my favourite member of the pigeon family. They are uncommon and very shy but give themselves away by their loud "oooooouuuuuhhhhh" call which is far reaching and atmospheric. They are found mainly in the woods but in some areas will nest in church towers or in large trees in church yards if these have holes in them. This most beautiful of doves is a tree hole nester and is therefore a rare bird and probably declining. I was lucky to find a pair perched on a church roof in Wantage.