Heavily overcast and breezy morning so conditions not great for photography.
Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus) butterfly numbers increasing dramatically, probably the most prominent species right now.
Saw (and heard!) a pair of very noisy Jay (Garrulus glandarius) in the oak trees at the south end of the sheep grazing enclosure.
There is a Common Red Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva) infestation. They are literally out in their thousands. Every Hogweed has at least 3 or 4 individuals and there are mating pairs everywhere.
Also managed a photo of a Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum) middle stage nymph.
![Gatekeeper [Pyronia tithonus]](https://downsdiary.uk/wp-content/gallery/july_2025/NG8_2067_EOS-1D_TheDowns_05Jul2025.jpg "Gatekeeper [Pyronia tithonus]")
![Eurasian Jay [Garrulus glandarius rufitergum]](https://downsdiary.uk/wp-content/gallery/july_2025/IMG_3079_40D_NonsuchPark_05Jun2010.jpg "Eurasian Jay [Garrulus glandarius rufitergum]")
![Common Red Soldier Beetle [Rhagonycha fulva]](https://downsdiary.uk/wp-content/gallery/july_2025/NG7_2843_EOS-1D_BansteadDowns_05Jul2021.jpg "Common Red Soldier Beetle [Rhagonycha fulva]")
![Common Red Soldier Beetle [Rhagonycha fulva]](https://downsdiary.uk/wp-content/gallery/july_2025/NG7_3012_EOS-1D_BansteadDowns_09Jul2021.jpg "Common Red Soldier Beetle [Rhagonycha fulva]")
![Hairy Shieldbug [Dolycoris baccarum]](https://downsdiary.uk/wp-content/gallery/july_2025/NG8_2062_EOS-1D_TheDowns_05Jul2025.jpg "Hairy Shieldbug [Dolycoris baccarum]")
Latest wildflower to appear is Common Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria).
![Common Agrimony [Agrimonia eupatoria]](https://downsdiary.uk/wp-content/gallery/july_2025/NG8_2065_EOS-1D_TheDowns_05Jul2025.jpg "Common Agrimony [Agrimonia eupatoria]")
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