Because what else is there to do in all this sunshine?
More of a proper post this time, you may be happy to learn..
So, more flutterbies on the list to look for, hopefully find, maybe even get pictures. Where was I off to? Here;
That Hairstreak Place
Conforming with the 'no names' thing, this is all you get.
Starting with the setting of expectations, while both flavours hoped for were present, in the sunshine they were far too mobile and high up to even shoot and miss. Drat. Oh well, only ever a hope, them...
More of an expectation-if-you-work-hard-enough were my two primary targets. And indeed it took work; three hours of it. In hot sun and frisky Horseflies too, of course. [Yes, I got tagged again as well - on the fricking first joint of my finger, too.. arg]
Behold, see, observe;
White Admiral
"You think I look good now? Watch me fly."
Wonderful insects. Amazing in flight, but oh so frustrating to try to photo! There are two here, male and female on behaviour, with that nice shot up there only taken at the cost of letting a Horsefly [such evil timing they have] take a free shot. Fortunately, the fly landed on my rucksack strap.
Now for the other ones.. They were even worse! Never nectaring in sight bar once, when a frickin' Large White of all things came by and interrupted just as I was trying to cajole some focus..
So I kept at it, and eventually found a different site, with different behaviour;
Never mind 'what is it?', 'where is it??'
It's not just skippers that sit and wait to attack all-comers;
Silver-washed Fritillary
This male held a lovely little glade against, well, anything! He even had a close look at me a couple of times..
:)
On his launch pad
Not just dragonflies that obelisk
Ok, ok, enough of him..
A couple of other species also struck poses - though despite hordes present, Ringlet was not one - and so, here be more butterflies,
Comma
Holly Blue
[handy damage showing upperwing]
Gatekeeper
[replacing the masses of Meadow Browns as you got higher up]
Wait, you're not a butterfly...
And you're not an eagle!
Because this blog needs birds
But it doesn't need this!
Yes, Himalayan Balsam has invaded the site; anyone got some napalm? In that picture up top, they are around the bend on the right, along the little watercourse at the foot of the slope.
And on that so cheery note, I shall
Be Seeing You...
