Sneaking out before the worst heat of the day, an overdue visit to Knepp came up trumps with two Turtle Doves purring, a Purple Emperor flying at me and countless Purple Hairstreaks dancing in the oaks.
White Storks soared over Hammer Pond while scores of House Martins and Swallows feasted on flying insects and a young Great Crested Grebe showed off its diving skills to a parent.