We spend some time beside the Upper Bedon Stream where we encounter a Barking Dog, on the Holly Hill Open Space and on the Erith Marshes

A 'one cardigan day' with intermittant Sunshine and some Wind.

A day of three parts; we started out beside the Upper Bedon Stream (previously visited during late-March).

Things didn't start out too well when a large dog stood and barked at us. Being slightly uncertain about what to do next we were somewhat discouraged when the owner contemptuously said the dog didn't like us! Nor seemingly, did the owner think much of us. What to do? Anyway, he then told us, only slightly less contemptuously, that the dog wouldn't hurt us, so we decided to carry on. So thankfully, the morning wasn't ruined before it started.

And Yippee, our luck was in, spotting Comma, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies viz.

Also a Small White Butterfly (no picture alas).

We were also pleased to see some flowering Bluebells (the Spanish variety we think), Hawthorn (coming into flower), Green Alkanet and Sweet Violet viz.

Also Common Field-Speedwell, Cow Parsley, Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill (we think), Gorse and (lots of) Lesser Celandine.

Moving onto the Holly Hill Open Space (just across Brook Street) for our first visit of 2016 we almost immediately chanced upon a Small White Butterfly visiting a Common Daisy viz.

We then came across some Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies visiting Spring Blossom viz.

Also some Peacock Butterflies (no pictures alas).

And another Small White Butterfly, this time visiting Purple Archangel (aka Red Dead-Nettle) viz.

The Gorse was flowering very prettily viz.

As was the prolific assumed Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill and a single flowering Yarrow viz.

Moving on to our third Port of Call, the Erith Marshes (aka the Crossness Nature Reserve and Surrounding area) we first spotted a Hummingbird Fly (aka Bee Fly) viz.

We focused our Butterfly spotting activity on the (sheltered) Public Footpath that connects the Reserve to Belvedere Road where we saw Comma, Green-Veined White, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and Small White Butterflies viz.

Also a Brimstone Butterfly which whooshed past us without showing any sign of stopping so no picture.

And (i) another Hummingbird Fly (aka Bee Fly) viz.

And (ii) some Little Critters visiting a Dandelion viz.

After which, it was time to go home.