A man needs a hobby

It's been a couple of weeks since I visited the patch - work commitments and this insufferable heat keeping me at bay.
Despite the hot weather, I thought I'd take a walk this afternoon. I reasoned that whilst the hot summer sun might not bring out many birds, I may get some good photos of the butterflies and dragonflies.
I'm glad I made the effort!
I had barely set foot onto the field leading to the hide when I saw a gorgeous Hobby swooping low over the water. As usual, I was unprepared and by the time I'd made made a cack handed effort to get my camera ready he was gone. He made a couple of return fly pasts at high altitude but the photographs that I did manage to get were little more than shaky silhouettes.
No matter, No. 61 is in the bag! (and about time).
It's a good job the Hobby did put in an appearance because there was very little other bird life around. A few Swallows and House Martins, a Tufted Duck and a family of Mallards. Otherwise, nothing to report.
Butterlies were plentiful. At least Meadow Browns and Small Whites were. A few Tortoiseshells were also on the wing. Good news as apparently this once common butterfly is now in sharp decline.

Small Tortoiseshell

I could see why the Hobby was so interested in swooping over the water. There was an explosion of dragonflies. Mainly Broad Bodied Chasers and Black Tailed Skimmers but also a few very large green/blue individuals that I think may have been Emperor Dragonflies. No photographs today though as they all seemed to be engaged in a frenzy of activity and wouldn't stay still.
However, a couple of other insect shots to round the day off:

Bumble Bee

Six Spot Burnet Moth