This is first of a few posts that I decided to leave until the tail end of the year. I had several reasons for selecting a few posts to leave; the trip yielded only a few butterflies or they yielded plenty of the same from a run of smaller trips or the trip was a smaller one sandwiched in between bigger trips and I was getting (even) further behind with my PD. I did consider leaving them out entirely but that would have offended my compulsion for method and a job completed neatly and in an orderly fashion. The first came from the very start of the year back at the end of February...
Cat Food! 14-09-2022
And so, excluding a couple of trips to Wales, I reached my final Extra Post. This one came about in mid-September and was added to the extra post because at the time a lot was going on. I’d gone back to work and things were hectic beyond belief plus I was being led astray by the onslaught of Clouded Yellows and the weather at the start of the month hadn’t exactly been ideal for butterflies. A walk at the Devenish at the weekend had only produced a few fly-bys – Red Admiral and a Comma which had stopped for just long enough to get a grab shot…
Then I had to visit the Vets to get the cat his food. I had a chat with them and we talked butterflies and how the season might be starting to wind down. With cat food in hand I crossed the road back to the car and as I stepped up onto the pavement something went up from one of the gardens. As it flew along the side of the houses I could see that it was a Peacock but it was far too far away for my lens so I dropped the cat food into the well of the passenger seat and then I saw that the butterfly had returned and was now sitting in a bush right at the correct end of the drive. Reaching down I pulled my camera from its bag and slipping the strap over my shoulder I crept along the footpath raising the barrel upwards as I homed in on my target. I got a record shot just in case and then forewent the ‘click-step’ and then deciding to throw caution to the wind I just walked up to the bush at the footpath end of a driveway and clicked away. The Peacock just sat there and remained there all the while that I packed my camera away and was still there, just visible in my rear view mirror as I drove home.
Went to get cat food
Asked for Venison ‘stubbies’
Got Peacock instead!
Then I had to visit the Vets to get the cat his food. I had a chat with them and we talked butterflies and how the season might be starting to wind down. With cat food in hand I crossed the road back to the car and as I stepped up onto the pavement something went up from one of the gardens. As it flew along the side of the houses I could see that it was a Peacock but it was far too far away for my lens so I dropped the cat food into the well of the passenger seat and then I saw that the butterfly had returned and was now sitting in a bush right at the correct end of the drive. Reaching down I pulled my camera from its bag and slipping the strap over my shoulder I crept along the footpath raising the barrel upwards as I homed in on my target. I got a record shot just in case and then forewent the ‘click-step’ and then deciding to throw caution to the wind I just walked up to the bush at the footpath end of a driveway and clicked away. The Peacock just sat there and remained there all the while that I packed my camera away and was still there, just visible in my rear view mirror as I drove home.
Went to get cat food
Asked for Venison ‘stubbies’
Got Peacock instead!
Lockdown Park 27-08-2022
With the Saturday jobs completed I thought about taking my camera and heading out for a final-ish trip of the summer break. However the weather gods transpired against me and the glimpses of the sun that had first prompted the suggestion of a trip out faded into distant memory to be replaced by a blanket of light grey cloud. It was the type of cover which allowed not quite enough light through so that I didn’t need shades but it gave everything a washed out look where the colours and hues ran into one almost. I still felt the need for some exercise and so set off, carrying my camera out of habit more than for any other reason, to see where my feet took me.
As I strolled muscle memory kicked in and I found myself wandering through the arch, along the Cathedral an out the other side. Then under the other arch, across the road and then under the bridge towards Lock Down park so called as this was one of the exercise destinations when were allowed to leave the house ONLY for exercise. I continued on along the riverside path to the corner, the cloud keeping the butterflies hidden away in their cosy nooks. As I was on the far side of the circuit there was a brief glimpse of the sun through the scantest of breaks. As the ultraviolet beamed down various Hoverflies and bees took to the air and where before there had only been the sound of children playing and skating now the air was momentarily filled with droning and buzzing. But alas it was only momentarily for all too soon the cloud exerted itself and won over the sun. The light dropped back to the dim grey and the buzzing ceased, all was quiet again.
I pressed on occasionally looking directly up hopefully, longing for a little patch of blue but it seemed like those blue sky breaks weren’t on the cards. By this point I’d worked round to about 2/3s of the circuit and I’d drawn level to the ribbon of set aside vegetation that had been left especially for the wildlife. As I scanned across the grass tops I spotted something out of place atop a crown of Queen’s Lace. There against the backdrop of whites and straw colour was a vibrant orange standing out almost ablaze; it was a Small Copper. I snaked my feet in and around the tall tufts of grass and got close enough for some shots and as I did so the unimaginable happened – I’d been so busy watching the ground I’d forgotten to look up and the sun had come out!
After spending a few minutes catching up with the Copper I scanned around some more and there was a Brown Argus, swiftly followed by a Large White and to complete the set a male Common Blue in fine fettle flew about. I didn’t know how long the sun would stay out for and so I set about getting shots of all three species, one after the other, in the same order that they’d appeared in. The Brown Argus was first and was a bit battered but still a welcome sight. Next up was the Large White and I had to reframe my eyes to fit it in after the miniscule Argus. It proved trickier as at first it sat amid the aging leaves but eventually the warming sun tempted it out for a less obstructed view. However the most troublesome by far proved to be the Common Blue. Not only was full of the vim and vigour of relative youth but it was also the most solar charged of the three and so I manged only a few brief shots before it was gone, disappearing across the park past French Bulldogs and toddlers.
Chuffed that such a short window of opportunity had opened up and I felt that I’d made the most of it I set my feet heading homewards. However the butterflies always have a tendency to make me feel like Michael Corleone and every time I go to leave they drag me back in. So it was today and the culprit that led me astray was a Specklie which led me on a merry dance, mainly stopping just for long enough so that I would make the approach before taking off as the focus drilled down. In the end I managed a few before metaphorically fitting some blinkers and making my way home hastily so as not to turn up late.
A tiny cloud break
And the butterflies come out
That is all it takes
As I strolled muscle memory kicked in and I found myself wandering through the arch, along the Cathedral an out the other side. Then under the other arch, across the road and then under the bridge towards Lock Down park so called as this was one of the exercise destinations when were allowed to leave the house ONLY for exercise. I continued on along the riverside path to the corner, the cloud keeping the butterflies hidden away in their cosy nooks. As I was on the far side of the circuit there was a brief glimpse of the sun through the scantest of breaks. As the ultraviolet beamed down various Hoverflies and bees took to the air and where before there had only been the sound of children playing and skating now the air was momentarily filled with droning and buzzing. But alas it was only momentarily for all too soon the cloud exerted itself and won over the sun. The light dropped back to the dim grey and the buzzing ceased, all was quiet again.
I pressed on occasionally looking directly up hopefully, longing for a little patch of blue but it seemed like those blue sky breaks weren’t on the cards. By this point I’d worked round to about 2/3s of the circuit and I’d drawn level to the ribbon of set aside vegetation that had been left especially for the wildlife. As I scanned across the grass tops I spotted something out of place atop a crown of Queen’s Lace. There against the backdrop of whites and straw colour was a vibrant orange standing out almost ablaze; it was a Small Copper. I snaked my feet in and around the tall tufts of grass and got close enough for some shots and as I did so the unimaginable happened – I’d been so busy watching the ground I’d forgotten to look up and the sun had come out!
After spending a few minutes catching up with the Copper I scanned around some more and there was a Brown Argus, swiftly followed by a Large White and to complete the set a male Common Blue in fine fettle flew about. I didn’t know how long the sun would stay out for and so I set about getting shots of all three species, one after the other, in the same order that they’d appeared in. The Brown Argus was first and was a bit battered but still a welcome sight. Next up was the Large White and I had to reframe my eyes to fit it in after the miniscule Argus. It proved trickier as at first it sat amid the aging leaves but eventually the warming sun tempted it out for a less obstructed view. However the most troublesome by far proved to be the Common Blue. Not only was full of the vim and vigour of relative youth but it was also the most solar charged of the three and so I manged only a few brief shots before it was gone, disappearing across the park past French Bulldogs and toddlers.
Chuffed that such a short window of opportunity had opened up and I felt that I’d made the most of it I set my feet heading homewards. However the butterflies always have a tendency to make me feel like Michael Corleone and every time I go to leave they drag me back in. So it was today and the culprit that led me astray was a Specklie which led me on a merry dance, mainly stopping just for long enough so that I would make the approach before taking off as the focus drilled down. In the end I managed a few before metaphorically fitting some blinkers and making my way home hastily so as not to turn up late.
A tiny cloud break
And the butterflies come out
That is all it takes
The Devenish 24-07-2022
This was a quick family walk up at The Devenish. Things were still stifling hot despite the start of the summer holidays, a time when normally the weather takes a turn for the worst. Things started promptly with a Hedgie dropping down onto the car like a dead leaf and then we pressed on through the Orchid Meadow and up the steep side of the Down. On the way there were plenty of Hedgies practically crawling over the Brambles on the side of the track at the foot of the hill as well as a Comma on the other side as the tunnel like track opened up. As we wearily climbed the Down side, thighs burning from the build of lactic acid and lungs heaving our exertion was matched by the Meadow Browns as they erupted from the grass bordering the chalk steps cut into the slope, clawing their way into the air and looking like at any moment gravity would win out sending them tumbling back to ground from whence they’d come. In contrast a few Chalkhills and Marbled Whites drifted both up and down the side of the Down effortlessly and also annoyingly just out of reach of my lens. Were it not for the constraints of the ‘Family Walk’ (there is a certain etiquette that must be followed) I would have set off after, anaerobic legs be dammed. Instead I plodded on up and settled for some Meadow Browns instead.
Once all had arrived at the top and having caught our breaths we entered the Beech hanger enjoying the slight respite from the heat offered as we wandered, picking our own paths, in the shade. After the swings and the gate the Beech gave way to other trees and the sun started to shine in amid the little breaks and miniature clearings. Come the first of these a Silver-washed appeared out of the gloom from deeper in the wood and relishing the warmth offered by the rays that penetrated through the smaller Birch leaves and the light flooding in from a small break in the trees it sat for a while, nicely posed on a small log. On slightly further from this and a large collapsed Buddleia held a Large White, Red Admiral and several Commas. A Brimstone detached itself from the mass of lilac flowers and floated downwards onto a small stand of thistles.
I’ve found that by this stage of the walk I’ve normally become engrossed in conversation and my mind if split between walking, talking and keeping an eye out for the butterflies and unless something presents themselves to me I often walk most of the rest of the route without taking many shots. So it happened today. Along the path at the back of the wood I counted a Green-veined White, a Red Admiral and 2 more Commas as well as a Large White which unfortunately only allowed a very distant, and so ultimately very blurry, shot of it. As we came out of the wood and down the farmers track towards the wood piles several more Whites flew along with another Red Admiral and another Comma (they were having a good day!), this one finally sat still for just long enough for an approach and a few shots reeled off. There were a few Meadow Browns as we traipsed along the tracks that traversed the fields before the final two butterflies of the day – a Small Skipper which stopped and a Peacock which didn’t. Not too bad for quick stretch of the legs truth be told.
A family walk
And yet despite the constraints
Grabbed a few Butties!
Once all had arrived at the top and having caught our breaths we entered the Beech hanger enjoying the slight respite from the heat offered as we wandered, picking our own paths, in the shade. After the swings and the gate the Beech gave way to other trees and the sun started to shine in amid the little breaks and miniature clearings. Come the first of these a Silver-washed appeared out of the gloom from deeper in the wood and relishing the warmth offered by the rays that penetrated through the smaller Birch leaves and the light flooding in from a small break in the trees it sat for a while, nicely posed on a small log. On slightly further from this and a large collapsed Buddleia held a Large White, Red Admiral and several Commas. A Brimstone detached itself from the mass of lilac flowers and floated downwards onto a small stand of thistles.
I’ve found that by this stage of the walk I’ve normally become engrossed in conversation and my mind if split between walking, talking and keeping an eye out for the butterflies and unless something presents themselves to me I often walk most of the rest of the route without taking many shots. So it happened today. Along the path at the back of the wood I counted a Green-veined White, a Red Admiral and 2 more Commas as well as a Large White which unfortunately only allowed a very distant, and so ultimately very blurry, shot of it. As we came out of the wood and down the farmers track towards the wood piles several more Whites flew along with another Red Admiral and another Comma (they were having a good day!), this one finally sat still for just long enough for an approach and a few shots reeled off. There were a few Meadow Browns as we traipsed along the tracks that traversed the fields before the final two butterflies of the day – a Small Skipper which stopped and a Peacock which didn’t. Not too bad for quick stretch of the legs truth be told.
A family walk
And yet despite the constraints
Grabbed a few Butties!
Work 15-07-2022
It was another balmy day, the sun beat down on the parched and baked earth and there was little to no wind to playfully jostle the Skippers as they clung to dropping florets. As I strolled through the long grasses at the Pits small squadrons of Skippers would imitate Harrier Jump-Jets, leaving their perches vertically before veering away drastically across the grass heads. The Meadow Browns were much more lugubrious and looked at times like they were struggling to get airborne which I knew from previous experience was just a ploy on their part for the minute I’d make towards them, camera at the ready, they would be off their ponderous flight taking them away surprisingly rapidly. Luckily for me the Hedgies were much better behaved else I might not have got those all-important initial shots that settle me down and let me get into the correct mind-set.
I carried on along the little trackway the tall grasses that overhung the path brushing up against my trouser legs and leaving behind a fine dusting of black pollen and then round and beyond the Large Bramble bush. The thistle bed played host to a selection of Skippers – the most distant of which solidly remained Smessex but those that were closer too allowed the correct identification. For some reason round here they were much better behaved and perched for longer – perhaps the nectar source was of a higher quality or larger quantity? I couldn’t find any definite Essex amongst those that played ball but the ones that did were all Small.
Whilst the Skippers were being better behaved the smattering of Marbled Whites were still playing hard ball. They’d take to the air whilst I was still well out of range and then plop down right in the middle of the impenetrable mass of nettles and Brambles that I for ever encroaching on the Thistle bed. I started to despair on ever getting anything of them and so decided to cut my losses and head back in to work early. As I turned I spotted something that didn’t fit in with the usual fare that I’d witnessed. It was a gloriously fresh Painted Lady the flash of pinky red and the odd blue circle standing out against the cryptic background and the sea of crisp beige behind it. Chuffed with getting a few shots as it bimbled about between sources of nectar I started back and almost fell over a Marbled White. It obviously missed the memo that the others were auctioning as it sat a top of a Thistle within reach of my lens. I took a few shots and then it realised that I was there and it was gone.
Hedgies and Skippers
A Painted Lady drops in
A lone Marb plays ball!
I carried on along the little trackway the tall grasses that overhung the path brushing up against my trouser legs and leaving behind a fine dusting of black pollen and then round and beyond the Large Bramble bush. The thistle bed played host to a selection of Skippers – the most distant of which solidly remained Smessex but those that were closer too allowed the correct identification. For some reason round here they were much better behaved and perched for longer – perhaps the nectar source was of a higher quality or larger quantity? I couldn’t find any definite Essex amongst those that played ball but the ones that did were all Small.
Whilst the Skippers were being better behaved the smattering of Marbled Whites were still playing hard ball. They’d take to the air whilst I was still well out of range and then plop down right in the middle of the impenetrable mass of nettles and Brambles that I for ever encroaching on the Thistle bed. I started to despair on ever getting anything of them and so decided to cut my losses and head back in to work early. As I turned I spotted something that didn’t fit in with the usual fare that I’d witnessed. It was a gloriously fresh Painted Lady the flash of pinky red and the odd blue circle standing out against the cryptic background and the sea of crisp beige behind it. Chuffed with getting a few shots as it bimbled about between sources of nectar I started back and almost fell over a Marbled White. It obviously missed the memo that the others were auctioning as it sat a top of a Thistle within reach of my lens. I took a few shots and then it realised that I was there and it was gone.
Hedgies and Skippers
A Painted Lady drops in
A lone Marb plays ball!
Work 14-07-2022
I’d only just arrived at work and after checking my pigeon hole I crossed the room to leave the Staff Room. On the way I bumped into the Data Manager and as we were chatting I spotted something on the window sill. As the question “Do you take your camera everywhere with you?” left the Data Managers lips I pulled said camera from the bag, garbled a quick “excuse me” and grabbed a few shots. Shots in the bag and camera too I turned back to the Data Manager and explained “Yes I do for this very reason”. Then I set about cajoling the Small Skipper back our through the open window.
Perfect example
Why I always keep my gear
In the bag ready!
Perfect example
Why I always keep my gear
In the bag ready!
|
|
School Pick-up 13-07-2022
As the heat continued to build I received a request from L “Dad please can you pick me up and take me home as it’s sooooooo hot!” I dutifully drove home and turned off at the correct place and pulled into the car park 15 minutes or so early. Luckily for me the girls school backs onto Five Rivers and so toot sweet I was wandering, camera in hand, through the Glades. The odd Brown flew in the baking heat, the shade from the desiccated leaves above offering the tiniest respite from the sun beating down. I settled myself when I reached the end Glade so beloved of Orange-tips in the spring as it was so hot that I wanted to just wait and see if anything came to me. There were a pair of H. Commas buzzing about one of which had set up a territory on the large Bramble bush. The other which was slightly more worn one kept hassling the other, most noticeably once I’d got a lock on it and focused in!
Despite their tricky nature it was good fun to watch their antics as they saw off a Meadow Brown and various Whites and I managed to nip in and click a few shots every now and again. One finally settled down in amongst the Nettles (probably extremely fatigued) and so I made an approach. When I was in closer it looked to be laying eggs, bending it’s abdomen around and brushing it on the underside of various leaves. So my presumption of ‘territorial battles’ may have been off the mark and perhaps the butterfly was trying to brush off the unwanted advances of other.
Time was almost up and as I made my way to leave my progress was momentarily arrested by an aged Large Skipper, unfortunately I couldn’t hang around so after a couple of clicks I picked my way round the thorny tendrils and raced back to the car. School run complete!
Doing the school run
Whirling, crazy, Ginger Nuts
A brace of Commas
Despite their tricky nature it was good fun to watch their antics as they saw off a Meadow Brown and various Whites and I managed to nip in and click a few shots every now and again. One finally settled down in amongst the Nettles (probably extremely fatigued) and so I made an approach. When I was in closer it looked to be laying eggs, bending it’s abdomen around and brushing it on the underside of various leaves. So my presumption of ‘territorial battles’ may have been off the mark and perhaps the butterfly was trying to brush off the unwanted advances of other.
Time was almost up and as I made my way to leave my progress was momentarily arrested by an aged Large Skipper, unfortunately I couldn’t hang around so after a couple of clicks I picked my way round the thorny tendrils and raced back to the car. School run complete!
Doing the school run
Whirling, crazy, Ginger Nuts
A brace of Commas
Perham Down 12-07-2022
Having seen on the Butterfly Conservation website that ‘all of the summer species had been recorded’ I decided to take a chance and stop-off at Perham Down on the way home. I was hoping for a Silver-spot and the odd Chalkhill and so I shifted my vision down a gear from hulking great Silver-washed and Emperors and turned the speed up in preparation for golden blurs zipping across the flower tops.
Once was parked a cut across the fields and started to gird my loins ready for the steep climb up to the top of the Down. On the way the heat started to feel a little oppressive and the butterflies that were out nipped about at breakneck speeds. There were plenty of golden blurs but they were more on the orange end of the golden spectrum and as they were so fast moving remained as Smessex. There were also Marbled Whites and Meadow Browns and a single Small Copper stood out like a sore thumb against the straw background. As everything was so solar charged I quickly reached the vegetated bit of springy turf at the bottom of the chalk ‘scar’ that runs up the side of the Down in a series of giants’ steps. Again there were the Browns and the golden Skippers but some of these actually sat still so I could started to differentiate the ‘Sm…’ from the ‘…essex’ and in the corner staying far back and out of the way sat a H.Comma.
With burning thighs and acting like a tired seagull (a Puffin) I reached the top of the Down and stood back stretching the Lactic acid out of my joints when the sky was ripped asunder and a group of incognito Red Arrows shot past. Much closer to terra firma and also much more sedate by comparison but still moving at breakneck speed were several DGFs which proceeded to lead me on a merry dance along the gently sloping top of the Down. Following various individuals unsuccessfully I end up at the end of the Down at the Silver-spot hotspot where I gave up on that particular species and set to quartering the breaks in the hawthorn checking all the likely looking flowers on the way. I was joined on my meanderings by a Painted Lady and a Peacock, Hedgies hung out, quite appropriately, on the Hedge and a single Common Blue popped up but no Chalkhills nor Silver-spots could I find? I followed the track down the short distance to the bottom of the hill and explored out on the flatter open grasses at the foot of the Down. Again the was a distinct lack of both of my target species but a Small Copper cheered me as did a brace of H.Commas that were taking it in turns to hold a territorial spot on one side of the hedge. They would fly at each other, spiral up and then the vanquished would depart and the victor would sit upon its throne. A matter of minutes later the vanquished return for a rematch.
Despite covering many, many miles bimbling about at the Hotspot no Silver-spots or Chalkhills revealed themselves and so somewhat footsore and weary from a combination of already having done a days’ work and the incessant heat I started back towards home. The DGFs I spotted on the way didn’t help improve matters as they continued flying like there was no tomorrow. I managed a few grab shots despite plenty of near successful stalks. I say ‘near successful’ as they butterfly would sit still and take nectar for just long enough for me to get into position and then it would be off. I’d watch if for a minute or so and it would land again further away so I’d have to stalk in and just as the autofocus would lock on it would be off again. In the end my fatigue got the better of me and I started back, almost rolling down the hill and on back to the car.
Perham Down stop-off
No Silver-spots nor Chalkhills
Try again later…
Once was parked a cut across the fields and started to gird my loins ready for the steep climb up to the top of the Down. On the way the heat started to feel a little oppressive and the butterflies that were out nipped about at breakneck speeds. There were plenty of golden blurs but they were more on the orange end of the golden spectrum and as they were so fast moving remained as Smessex. There were also Marbled Whites and Meadow Browns and a single Small Copper stood out like a sore thumb against the straw background. As everything was so solar charged I quickly reached the vegetated bit of springy turf at the bottom of the chalk ‘scar’ that runs up the side of the Down in a series of giants’ steps. Again there were the Browns and the golden Skippers but some of these actually sat still so I could started to differentiate the ‘Sm…’ from the ‘…essex’ and in the corner staying far back and out of the way sat a H.Comma.
With burning thighs and acting like a tired seagull (a Puffin) I reached the top of the Down and stood back stretching the Lactic acid out of my joints when the sky was ripped asunder and a group of incognito Red Arrows shot past. Much closer to terra firma and also much more sedate by comparison but still moving at breakneck speed were several DGFs which proceeded to lead me on a merry dance along the gently sloping top of the Down. Following various individuals unsuccessfully I end up at the end of the Down at the Silver-spot hotspot where I gave up on that particular species and set to quartering the breaks in the hawthorn checking all the likely looking flowers on the way. I was joined on my meanderings by a Painted Lady and a Peacock, Hedgies hung out, quite appropriately, on the Hedge and a single Common Blue popped up but no Chalkhills nor Silver-spots could I find? I followed the track down the short distance to the bottom of the hill and explored out on the flatter open grasses at the foot of the Down. Again the was a distinct lack of both of my target species but a Small Copper cheered me as did a brace of H.Commas that were taking it in turns to hold a territorial spot on one side of the hedge. They would fly at each other, spiral up and then the vanquished would depart and the victor would sit upon its throne. A matter of minutes later the vanquished return for a rematch.
Despite covering many, many miles bimbling about at the Hotspot no Silver-spots or Chalkhills revealed themselves and so somewhat footsore and weary from a combination of already having done a days’ work and the incessant heat I started back towards home. The DGFs I spotted on the way didn’t help improve matters as they continued flying like there was no tomorrow. I managed a few grab shots despite plenty of near successful stalks. I say ‘near successful’ as they butterfly would sit still and take nectar for just long enough for me to get into position and then it would be off. I’d watch if for a minute or so and it would land again further away so I’d have to stalk in and just as the autofocus would lock on it would be off again. In the end my fatigue got the better of me and I started back, almost rolling down the hill and on back to the car.
Perham Down stop-off
No Silver-spots nor Chalkhills
Try again later…
Garston Wood 10-07-2022
The girls were on a baking mission for WI so my dad and I left them up to eyeballs in flour and went for a stroll around Garston. Apparently there had been a few Emperors up high around the car park and even one or two down low and visiting peoples cars and sure enough when we arrived there were a few people with their deck chairs out and waiting for an audience with His Nibbs. After all of my efforts at Bentley however I’d had a belly full of His Nibbs and instead we headed up the main track. There were Ringlets, Meadow Browns all over the place doing their best to catch our eye and imitate other species. Flying among the Browns like a breath of fresh air were the occasional Silver-washed Fritillary. We took then took the fork off to the right into the plantation and strolled on.
At the first clearing we counted at least 3 Silver-washed but counting the Meadow Browns and Ringlets was nigh on impossible. The Marbled Whites were easier as not only were there fewer of them but they were also much more obvious floating across the greenery whilst the Skippers buzzed about like slightly idle bees. At the second clearing there were the same set of species again and we pressed on in the repressive heat. On the way to the final clearing at the top of the rise we lifted our heads to finish the climb and were greeted by a flash by Emperor up high; unfortunately it remained aloft and buried itself deep in the foliage and disappeared back into the woodwork. At the top clearing we added a few other species to the tally as some of the Smessex I was able to convert into Smalls, a few Hedgies played around up in the taller shrubs a trio of Whites passed by and each stopped just long enough for an ID (2 Small and a single Large) and finally a Purple Hairstreak jinked about an Oak glinting silver as it caught the sunlight at just the right angle.
From here we joined the main track and followed our usual route in reverse down towards the Butterfly Enclosure passing a Peacock along the way and with Silver-washed Frits gliding by fairly frequently. At one of the intersections we paused to enjoy the show put on for us as 6 or so Silver-washed whizzed about in this small area. They’d feed for as long as they were able, which wasn’t long because another would bomb in and either chase off its rival or chase a potential mate. In all the hurly burly getting shots was really tricky. I tried just waiting by a particular Bramble but the butterflies seemed to sense that I wasn’t in fact part of the scenery and so avoided the bush I was next too. A few Brimstones also flew so it looked a little like a citrus feast what with the oranges, lemons and limes. The grand finale came when a Valesina glided along the margins between the Brambles and the trees, sticking to the shade where possible and then powerfully flying when exposed to the sun. It didn’t matter that my photos were few in number as the images and ‘video’ was emblazoned on my memory. What a show!
We carried on along the path noting a Small White and a fly-by White Admiral on the way, the latter almost tearing the sky to shreds as it sliced its way through the blue. At the Enclosure we about turned and walked back the way we’d come, more slowly now not because of the butterflies but because we were now going uphill and we were starting to feel the heat. On the way back there were more of the same minus the Valesina but this is often the way with them, they appear out of nowhere and then disappear almost as promptly. We turned right and started back down the main track to the car park. The slight shade offered by the tall Oaks slowed the butterflies slightly and they stopped slightly more frequently even the Silver-washed Frits which again were flying in good numbers. Another Valesina didn’t show but a Purple Hairstreak did brave the heat, fluttering across the track from one treetop to another. Once back at the car park we took another turn around the Plantation but only added another Specklie to the list as it was now getting to be too hot and too sunny for the butterflies it seemed.
Another pleasant Garston Sunday
Silver-washed flitting everywhere
Purple Emperor sitting in the shade
And a Valesina ghosting by
At the first clearing we counted at least 3 Silver-washed but counting the Meadow Browns and Ringlets was nigh on impossible. The Marbled Whites were easier as not only were there fewer of them but they were also much more obvious floating across the greenery whilst the Skippers buzzed about like slightly idle bees. At the second clearing there were the same set of species again and we pressed on in the repressive heat. On the way to the final clearing at the top of the rise we lifted our heads to finish the climb and were greeted by a flash by Emperor up high; unfortunately it remained aloft and buried itself deep in the foliage and disappeared back into the woodwork. At the top clearing we added a few other species to the tally as some of the Smessex I was able to convert into Smalls, a few Hedgies played around up in the taller shrubs a trio of Whites passed by and each stopped just long enough for an ID (2 Small and a single Large) and finally a Purple Hairstreak jinked about an Oak glinting silver as it caught the sunlight at just the right angle.
From here we joined the main track and followed our usual route in reverse down towards the Butterfly Enclosure passing a Peacock along the way and with Silver-washed Frits gliding by fairly frequently. At one of the intersections we paused to enjoy the show put on for us as 6 or so Silver-washed whizzed about in this small area. They’d feed for as long as they were able, which wasn’t long because another would bomb in and either chase off its rival or chase a potential mate. In all the hurly burly getting shots was really tricky. I tried just waiting by a particular Bramble but the butterflies seemed to sense that I wasn’t in fact part of the scenery and so avoided the bush I was next too. A few Brimstones also flew so it looked a little like a citrus feast what with the oranges, lemons and limes. The grand finale came when a Valesina glided along the margins between the Brambles and the trees, sticking to the shade where possible and then powerfully flying when exposed to the sun. It didn’t matter that my photos were few in number as the images and ‘video’ was emblazoned on my memory. What a show!
We carried on along the path noting a Small White and a fly-by White Admiral on the way, the latter almost tearing the sky to shreds as it sliced its way through the blue. At the Enclosure we about turned and walked back the way we’d come, more slowly now not because of the butterflies but because we were now going uphill and we were starting to feel the heat. On the way back there were more of the same minus the Valesina but this is often the way with them, they appear out of nowhere and then disappear almost as promptly. We turned right and started back down the main track to the car park. The slight shade offered by the tall Oaks slowed the butterflies slightly and they stopped slightly more frequently even the Silver-washed Frits which again were flying in good numbers. Another Valesina didn’t show but a Purple Hairstreak did brave the heat, fluttering across the track from one treetop to another. Once back at the car park we took another turn around the Plantation but only added another Specklie to the list as it was now getting to be too hot and too sunny for the butterflies it seemed.
Another pleasant Garston Sunday
Silver-washed flitting everywhere
Purple Emperor sitting in the shade
And a Valesina ghosting by
Work 08-07-2022
It was another day at work – the weather that had been so good up until now became decidedly iffy – no doubt due to the fact that His Nibbs was in the offing! I watched outside the window while I taught as the clouds started to shift and ease slightly. One of the trees on the other side of the Tech Block seemed taller than usual and encouraged by my year 8’s I leaned out of the window camera in hand and clicked a few shots. When I looked back at the images whilst the pupils progressed with their test I saw that it was taller due to a Red Kite perched atop the tree. Alas it was too much to hope that it would hang around there until lunch time and so I withdrew back into Teacher Mode.
Come lunchtime things were looking up weather wise as the sun had finally digested the cloud cover and I strolled across the small field towards the Pits with the temperature seemingly rising with each footstep. A Red Admiral passed me by and as I started to wade through the unmown area Meadow Browns fluttered weakly and Golden Skippers started buzzing and zipping about me. Most of these didn’t make it past the Smessex stage of identification but one or two revealed their true identity. On the other side of the large, now almost behemoth Bramble, I added a few Large Skippers and Ringlet to the lunchtime tally along with several more Smessex and Meadow Browns. Having picked my carefully around, stepping over and through the loops of Bramble tendrils flaying about like the tentacles of a beast set to catch unwary travellers I found yet more Smessex but also a brace of Marbled Whites and a Small White which for once was still enough for long enough to not just approach but also photograph.
I kept to the narrowest of tracks through the thistles and worked round and through the treeline to the corner of the field. Things started to quiet down now and I was left with only a Meadow Brown or two for company. Because of this I worked my way back along the margins of the Pits and cut back in on the far side (from the school) of the Bramble Bush finding a Hedgie as I did so. It wouldn’t be the last which was lucky as it played hard to get, keeping to the shadows further back in the hedge and seldom venturing out within reach of my lens. At the Pits I plonked myself down by a group of Creeping Thistles and waited to see what would come to me. This turned into a great little spot and over the next couple of minutes I was witness to 2 Marbled Whites, Meadow Browns scattered about here and there, a few Hedgies and the star of the show –a definite Essex amid the Smessex. He was a cheeky and chonky little chappy and made the visit with subsequent itchy seeds in my shoes well worthwhile. The walk back through the remains of the Pits towards the school produced more of the same and as I stepped out to the shorn turf a Marbled Whites flew past wishing me adieu.
Hot and dry, dry, dry
Grasses no longer lush green
Brown to orange now
Come lunchtime things were looking up weather wise as the sun had finally digested the cloud cover and I strolled across the small field towards the Pits with the temperature seemingly rising with each footstep. A Red Admiral passed me by and as I started to wade through the unmown area Meadow Browns fluttered weakly and Golden Skippers started buzzing and zipping about me. Most of these didn’t make it past the Smessex stage of identification but one or two revealed their true identity. On the other side of the large, now almost behemoth Bramble, I added a few Large Skippers and Ringlet to the lunchtime tally along with several more Smessex and Meadow Browns. Having picked my carefully around, stepping over and through the loops of Bramble tendrils flaying about like the tentacles of a beast set to catch unwary travellers I found yet more Smessex but also a brace of Marbled Whites and a Small White which for once was still enough for long enough to not just approach but also photograph.
I kept to the narrowest of tracks through the thistles and worked round and through the treeline to the corner of the field. Things started to quiet down now and I was left with only a Meadow Brown or two for company. Because of this I worked my way back along the margins of the Pits and cut back in on the far side (from the school) of the Bramble Bush finding a Hedgie as I did so. It wouldn’t be the last which was lucky as it played hard to get, keeping to the shadows further back in the hedge and seldom venturing out within reach of my lens. At the Pits I plonked myself down by a group of Creeping Thistles and waited to see what would come to me. This turned into a great little spot and over the next couple of minutes I was witness to 2 Marbled Whites, Meadow Browns scattered about here and there, a few Hedgies and the star of the show –a definite Essex amid the Smessex. He was a cheeky and chonky little chappy and made the visit with subsequent itchy seeds in my shoes well worthwhile. The walk back through the remains of the Pits towards the school produced more of the same and as I stepped out to the shorn turf a Marbled Whites flew past wishing me adieu.
Hot and dry, dry, dry
Grasses no longer lush green
Brown to orange now
Work 17-06-2022
What with record temperatures due and glorious sun it was no surprise that the forecast for the weekend was cooler with rain and thick cloud – so my plans for Large Blues were scuppered…This meant that to get my butterfly fix oer the weekend I’d have to stay local, dodge showers and also risk heat exposure at lunch to check out the field today.
Up at the Pits I could feel the heat bouncing back at me from the path and any breeze was a momentarily welcome relief. The grasses on the way were quiet save the occasional swishing sound as the breeze toyed with their tops. At the Thistle patch there were a few Meadow Browns and one apiece of Large and Small Skipper. Only the former played nicely and feel beneath my lens, the later disappearing in an orange blur. As I tried to extract myself from the tangle of Thistles and Bramble without tearing my trousers or trampling the plants a Marbled White flew by – the first of the year for this site. Back in more open ground I managed to relocate the Marbled White but it was sticking to the shaded side of the field and seeking shelter lower down in amongst the vegetation.
I cut out through the trees and into the broiling sun. Only the hardiest or craziest butterflies were out on the open grass or sitting on the top of the hedge – most were on the shaded side or hiding under leaves out of the direct glare of the sun. I saw various bits and bobs as I progressed along the hedge, all the usual suspects -Large Skipper, Meadow Brown and the odd Small Heath but I only made it as far as the first section of Bramble. Again any butterflies that were out from the shelter of the depth of the hedge were clinging to the shaded sides of the hedge but a lone Painted Lady braved the full force of the suns warmth.
On the walk back a few Meadow Browns drifted out and then back into the shadows as did a Small Tort. I followed until it flew straight into the hedge and when I examined the point of entry it was gone and was probably still tunneling its way into the cool confines of the hedge by the time I was heading for home. Back at the Pits I couldn’t relocate the Marb but the Small Skipper sat a few times for me in between some frenetic runs or being buffeted about by the breeze. In the end I made my way back feeling that perhaps it was almost too hot?
Midday lunchtime walk
A Painted Lady aside
All were in the shade
Up at the Pits I could feel the heat bouncing back at me from the path and any breeze was a momentarily welcome relief. The grasses on the way were quiet save the occasional swishing sound as the breeze toyed with their tops. At the Thistle patch there were a few Meadow Browns and one apiece of Large and Small Skipper. Only the former played nicely and feel beneath my lens, the later disappearing in an orange blur. As I tried to extract myself from the tangle of Thistles and Bramble without tearing my trousers or trampling the plants a Marbled White flew by – the first of the year for this site. Back in more open ground I managed to relocate the Marbled White but it was sticking to the shaded side of the field and seeking shelter lower down in amongst the vegetation.
I cut out through the trees and into the broiling sun. Only the hardiest or craziest butterflies were out on the open grass or sitting on the top of the hedge – most were on the shaded side or hiding under leaves out of the direct glare of the sun. I saw various bits and bobs as I progressed along the hedge, all the usual suspects -Large Skipper, Meadow Brown and the odd Small Heath but I only made it as far as the first section of Bramble. Again any butterflies that were out from the shelter of the depth of the hedge were clinging to the shaded sides of the hedge but a lone Painted Lady braved the full force of the suns warmth.
On the walk back a few Meadow Browns drifted out and then back into the shadows as did a Small Tort. I followed until it flew straight into the hedge and when I examined the point of entry it was gone and was probably still tunneling its way into the cool confines of the hedge by the time I was heading for home. Back at the Pits I couldn’t relocate the Marb but the Small Skipper sat a few times for me in between some frenetic runs or being buffeted about by the breeze. In the end I made my way back feeling that perhaps it was almost too hot?
Midday lunchtime walk
A Painted Lady aside
All were in the shade
Work 14-06-2022
As I walked across to the Pits the sun beat down heavily and it finally felt like summer. As I started wading into the grass to try and find the path a Large Skipper greeted me, a Meadow Brown erupted like they do and a Small Skipper zipped off before I could get a photo. Once I’d located the path I made for the little clearing and a fresh Painted Lady shot past heading for the Primary School and so I I had a little look around. Another Pyramidal Orchid was coming up and the thistles were starting to flower – much to the delight of a Small Tort and a couple of Meadow Browns.
When I broke through the tree line the corner of the hedge was quiet today and so I continued my progress checking out the hedge as I went. The Meadow Browns and Large Skippers were very abundant and I quickly lost track of them and so decided that it was far too warm for that kind of effort so I counted anything else and filed both Large Skipper and Meadow Browns under ‘loads’. The patch of Bramble about half way along was alive with both species and also 3 Small Torts. At the end a brace of Small Heaths played in the sun and the patch of Bramble on the corner held a further three Small Torts.
The return walk seemed very similar but with an extra three Small Heaths scrapping across the path and then darting off into the wilds of the unmown meadow. When I was almost near the end of hedge my eye was drawn to an odd-looking Meadow Brown in the distance. It looked slightly darker and more uniform in colour than the other MBs and also flew differently, more consistently and with less ‘flap’. As I got nearer it finally dropped onto a leaf and I saw that it was my first Ringlet of the year. Unfortunately the warmth had gotten to it and it on only sat still long enough for a few record shots before leading me off on a merry dance along the remaining stretch of hedge. Still at least I know that they’re out and now I can try again if/when the weather breaks.
Normally I would retrace my footsteps exactly but as I neared the corner I spotted another odd-looking butterfly. It looked light brown/tan in colour as it flew and so I followed it along the edge of the Pits doing my best to keep up with it. When it went down I saw that it was a well worn Painted Lady, so worn in fact that the orange colour had faded to tan and the underside was looking shiny, undefined and greasy from the lack of scales. Whilst following it I’d almost run out of time and so I was forced to almost run to get back in time…not doing that again.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
At the weekend I’d thought about going straight onto Daneways from work as I’d be almost half way there. However I’d looked at the weather and things looked good for Sunday hence I left all my gear at home…I shouldn’t have but I did, I checked the weather again and it had all changed and now the weekend looked terrible! In consolation I called in at The Devenish on the way home…
In the Orchid Meadow more Orchids had come out but the first thing that I saw was a plethora of Marbled Whites. There were flying about all over the place with some flowers holding two or three. It was a delight and cheered me right up. After a few shots I raced up the hill with my ten minute timer ticking away. There were more Marbled Whites, Meadow Browns and the occasional faded blue/grey Common Blue. Then a big ginger beastie bombed past – every year when I see my first I’m always astonished at how fast DGFs can cut through the sky, I swear this one left a tiny rumble of sonic boom in its wake! Still I’d seen it and so it was on the Year List – making it a triple FFY day. As the DGF was long gone and I found it difficult to purchase on the steep slope in my work shoes I retired back to the Orchid Meadow and tried for a few more Marbled Whites. A Hummingbird Hawkmoth, looking somewhat lackluster busied itself around me for a bit and then with the timer ringing out that my time was up I started back to the car where my first H.Comma was waiting for me. It did a few passes, buzzing me and flying in closer and closer to make sure I wasn’t a threat and then it settled and opened up posing nicely at three-quarters open.
So not exactly the evening I’d hoped for but hopefully next week will be Large Blue week and you can’t grumble at three firsts for the year in such a short time.
First came the Ringlet
Next Marbs then the Dark Green Frit
Not too bad a day!
When I broke through the tree line the corner of the hedge was quiet today and so I continued my progress checking out the hedge as I went. The Meadow Browns and Large Skippers were very abundant and I quickly lost track of them and so decided that it was far too warm for that kind of effort so I counted anything else and filed both Large Skipper and Meadow Browns under ‘loads’. The patch of Bramble about half way along was alive with both species and also 3 Small Torts. At the end a brace of Small Heaths played in the sun and the patch of Bramble on the corner held a further three Small Torts.
The return walk seemed very similar but with an extra three Small Heaths scrapping across the path and then darting off into the wilds of the unmown meadow. When I was almost near the end of hedge my eye was drawn to an odd-looking Meadow Brown in the distance. It looked slightly darker and more uniform in colour than the other MBs and also flew differently, more consistently and with less ‘flap’. As I got nearer it finally dropped onto a leaf and I saw that it was my first Ringlet of the year. Unfortunately the warmth had gotten to it and it on only sat still long enough for a few record shots before leading me off on a merry dance along the remaining stretch of hedge. Still at least I know that they’re out and now I can try again if/when the weather breaks.
Normally I would retrace my footsteps exactly but as I neared the corner I spotted another odd-looking butterfly. It looked light brown/tan in colour as it flew and so I followed it along the edge of the Pits doing my best to keep up with it. When it went down I saw that it was a well worn Painted Lady, so worn in fact that the orange colour had faded to tan and the underside was looking shiny, undefined and greasy from the lack of scales. Whilst following it I’d almost run out of time and so I was forced to almost run to get back in time…not doing that again.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
At the weekend I’d thought about going straight onto Daneways from work as I’d be almost half way there. However I’d looked at the weather and things looked good for Sunday hence I left all my gear at home…I shouldn’t have but I did, I checked the weather again and it had all changed and now the weekend looked terrible! In consolation I called in at The Devenish on the way home…
In the Orchid Meadow more Orchids had come out but the first thing that I saw was a plethora of Marbled Whites. There were flying about all over the place with some flowers holding two or three. It was a delight and cheered me right up. After a few shots I raced up the hill with my ten minute timer ticking away. There were more Marbled Whites, Meadow Browns and the occasional faded blue/grey Common Blue. Then a big ginger beastie bombed past – every year when I see my first I’m always astonished at how fast DGFs can cut through the sky, I swear this one left a tiny rumble of sonic boom in its wake! Still I’d seen it and so it was on the Year List – making it a triple FFY day. As the DGF was long gone and I found it difficult to purchase on the steep slope in my work shoes I retired back to the Orchid Meadow and tried for a few more Marbled Whites. A Hummingbird Hawkmoth, looking somewhat lackluster busied itself around me for a bit and then with the timer ringing out that my time was up I started back to the car where my first H.Comma was waiting for me. It did a few passes, buzzing me and flying in closer and closer to make sure I wasn’t a threat and then it settled and opened up posing nicely at three-quarters open.
So not exactly the evening I’d hoped for but hopefully next week will be Large Blue week and you can’t grumble at three firsts for the year in such a short time.
First came the Ringlet
Next Marbs then the Dark Green Frit
Not too bad a day!
Work 10-06-2022
Work had kept me busy at lunch for a while and the run of cloudy/sunny intervals hadn’t helped either – especially as it always seemed to be clouded over or raining from midday until 1pm? Anyway finally both work and weather relented and so I was able to head out to the school field. I wandered through the Pits, the grass coming along nicely at about waist height which suggest that the Marbled Whites and Ringlets wouldn’t be too far off. In the little cleared area by the old mower two Pyramidal Orchids were just coming up and a Small Tort buzzed me and shot off towards the Primary School. As I was starting to wade back into the grasses at the edge of the clearing a Large Skipper shot by and I thought that would be it and then it paused on one of the Thistles so I was able to get a shot or two.
I carried on and as I broke through the trees onto the Field proper a Specklie went up from its perch and as I watched it upset a second both of which then locked together and battling it out disappeared from view over the hedge. A Large Skipper was also sitting here as was a Meadow Brown – a first for the year for this site. As I wandered on along at the margin of the field it felt like the previous two butterflies had set the theme for the walk as I was accompanied by both and it felt like every few steps I was muttering Meadow Brown/Large Skipper followed by the ever-increasing number of said species. About half way along a Small heath flew across the path from the edge of the hedge into the longer grass of the meadow and the line of Bramble at the end offered an additional something different a Small Tort.
I turned around and started back counting the Large Skippers and Meadow Browns properly now that I’d gotten my eye firmly in. I was able to relocate the Small Tort as well and the Small Heath was in the same place it had been earlier. By the time I got back to the corner I’ve racked up 14 a piece of Large Skipper and Meadow Brown. Pleased with my haul I wandered back though the Pits looking forward to me lunch when a golden blur caught my eye. Something about it didn’t fit, it didn’t look large enough nor darker enough for a Large Skipper? Getting in closer I found that I had my first Small Skipper of the year!
A lunchtime trip out
Things are turning gold ’n brown
Surprise Small Skipper
I carried on and as I broke through the trees onto the Field proper a Specklie went up from its perch and as I watched it upset a second both of which then locked together and battling it out disappeared from view over the hedge. A Large Skipper was also sitting here as was a Meadow Brown – a first for the year for this site. As I wandered on along at the margin of the field it felt like the previous two butterflies had set the theme for the walk as I was accompanied by both and it felt like every few steps I was muttering Meadow Brown/Large Skipper followed by the ever-increasing number of said species. About half way along a Small heath flew across the path from the edge of the hedge into the longer grass of the meadow and the line of Bramble at the end offered an additional something different a Small Tort.
I turned around and started back counting the Large Skippers and Meadow Browns properly now that I’d gotten my eye firmly in. I was able to relocate the Small Tort as well and the Small Heath was in the same place it had been earlier. By the time I got back to the corner I’ve racked up 14 a piece of Large Skipper and Meadow Brown. Pleased with my haul I wandered back though the Pits looking forward to me lunch when a golden blur caught my eye. Something about it didn’t fit, it didn’t look large enough nor darker enough for a Large Skipper? Getting in closer I found that I had my first Small Skipper of the year!
A lunchtime trip out
Things are turning gold ’n brown
Surprise Small Skipper
Bentley Wood 29-05-2022
Yesterday I had low expectations and no hope but still caught up with some good stuff…today my expectations were again low but I had and plenty of hope…but hope wasn’t enough and the expectations turned into a reality.
Now was the time to be looking for Small Pearls and so I headed over to Bentley Wood with fingers and toes crossed that they might have somehow bounced back after several years of considerable decline. I started off doing a circuit of the EC, working along the paths and scanning the tops of the vegetation all the way along and round at the end section ending up in the middle by the bench. I’d seen a few bits and bobs (flies and Hoverflies the odd bee) but nothing butterfly wise. I wondered if it was still a little early and so the little spark of hope continued aflame and I pressed on to the Back Track. As I walked I noticed that the wardens had mown path ways through the vegetation in the hope I supposed of encouraging people to stick to the paths and trample the vegetation in their attempts to get photos – a little too late? Hopefully not…When I walked up the Back Track all was still quiet and nothing of note appeared and so upon reaching the tree line at the top of the track I turned and started back down and the conditions must have switched to ‘just enough’ as I spotted a Speckled Yellow. Finally a butterfly made an appearance but alas it was a Small Heath and not a Small pearl. Then right at the far end another butterfly went up and for a fraction of a second I wondered if it was a Small Pearl but the colour was all wrong and I had to remind myself not to let my hope cloud my judgement. I did peel my eyes even further back though.
I then wended my way back into the EC to check out the rush-like grass in the damper sections that the Small Pearls seem to prefer. Again I kept to the tiny trackways that criss-crossed the vegetation and after much searching I managed to turn up a Mother Shipton and a second faded and worn Pearl. As I knelt down to photograph it I wondered why they couldn’t sit so posed when they’re really fresh?
Worn Pearls weren’t what I was hoping for and so once I figured I had enough shots I left it clinging to the leaf and tried my luck on the other side of the fence as there was also plenty of the rush grass there as well. I did find a Pearl but despite the cloud coming in quicker and quicker and the sun was spending more and more time masked and bound the Pearl was still motoring about. The cloud cover reached a tipping point and brought the Pearl down for long enough to grab a few shots and a Green-veined White flopped down on the other side of me too.
With the cloud winning out its battle against the sun, successfully smothering it I wandered back along the paths of the EC the tiny flame of hope for the Small Pearls all but extinguished and the eventual rain when it came put paid to even the most miniscule embers. Trying to dodge the huge rain drops I beat a hasty retreat to the car to mull over what to do next over a coffee. In the end the rain didn’t let up and so I retreated further, all the way home in fact. So no Small Pearls at Bentley anymore…
I set out in hope
Would the Small Pearls still be found?
Return in despair
Now was the time to be looking for Small Pearls and so I headed over to Bentley Wood with fingers and toes crossed that they might have somehow bounced back after several years of considerable decline. I started off doing a circuit of the EC, working along the paths and scanning the tops of the vegetation all the way along and round at the end section ending up in the middle by the bench. I’d seen a few bits and bobs (flies and Hoverflies the odd bee) but nothing butterfly wise. I wondered if it was still a little early and so the little spark of hope continued aflame and I pressed on to the Back Track. As I walked I noticed that the wardens had mown path ways through the vegetation in the hope I supposed of encouraging people to stick to the paths and trample the vegetation in their attempts to get photos – a little too late? Hopefully not…When I walked up the Back Track all was still quiet and nothing of note appeared and so upon reaching the tree line at the top of the track I turned and started back down and the conditions must have switched to ‘just enough’ as I spotted a Speckled Yellow. Finally a butterfly made an appearance but alas it was a Small Heath and not a Small pearl. Then right at the far end another butterfly went up and for a fraction of a second I wondered if it was a Small Pearl but the colour was all wrong and I had to remind myself not to let my hope cloud my judgement. I did peel my eyes even further back though.
I then wended my way back into the EC to check out the rush-like grass in the damper sections that the Small Pearls seem to prefer. Again I kept to the tiny trackways that criss-crossed the vegetation and after much searching I managed to turn up a Mother Shipton and a second faded and worn Pearl. As I knelt down to photograph it I wondered why they couldn’t sit so posed when they’re really fresh?
Worn Pearls weren’t what I was hoping for and so once I figured I had enough shots I left it clinging to the leaf and tried my luck on the other side of the fence as there was also plenty of the rush grass there as well. I did find a Pearl but despite the cloud coming in quicker and quicker and the sun was spending more and more time masked and bound the Pearl was still motoring about. The cloud cover reached a tipping point and brought the Pearl down for long enough to grab a few shots and a Green-veined White flopped down on the other side of me too.
With the cloud winning out its battle against the sun, successfully smothering it I wandered back along the paths of the EC the tiny flame of hope for the Small Pearls all but extinguished and the eventual rain when it came put paid to even the most miniscule embers. Trying to dodge the huge rain drops I beat a hasty retreat to the car to mull over what to do next over a coffee. In the end the rain didn’t let up and so I retreated further, all the way home in fact. So no Small Pearls at Bentley anymore…
I set out in hope
Would the Small Pearls still be found?
Return in despair
Work 19-05-2022
Whilst I was out setting Pitfall Traps with the year 7’s I watched a Small White flutter over the wild and overgrown Pits. I wondered then if now might be the time to venture forth and examine the far hedge and start the ‘summer’ transects? With the Traps set on the ‘mown’ section we then moved to the corner of the fields in amid the ‘Unmown’ grass and a Specklie flew out from the trees and gave its territory the once over. I took this as a sign that the answer to the previous questions was a resounding ‘yes’ and so when I had a free lesson later, rather than sitting and marking I took my camera for a walk along the back-boundary hedge.
The walk through the tussocks and long grass at the Pits themselves didn’t throw up any Large Skippers unfortunately but did give my shoes a clean, there’s nothing like the sparkle after washing them in fresh dew and it wasn’t until I’d walked through the gap in the trees to the corner of the field that I saw anything of note. In fact two butterflies turned up at once – there was a fast moving Specklie which was swiftly followed by a silvery, jinking Holly Blue. The first flew over the top of the Bramble disappearing from view in the field behind whilst the latter carried on along the hedge. I tried to follow it but to no avail as it went up and up and I lost sight of it among the branches at the top of the trees. I didn’t mind too much because the Specklie had returned and so I tried for that only for something even better to show up, a wonderfully fresh Red Admiral! I only spent a matter of seconds at each flower mass but with a little careful stalking and some guess work I managed to get into the correct place a couple of times and reel off a few shots.
I then walked all the way to the end of the hedge and turned back and on the return journey I met the Red Admiral coming the other way but it nipped over the hedge before I got a chance to get a single shot off. I consoled myself with spotting a Silver-Y and then an Orange-underwing Moth. When I was almost back at the corner I spotted the Specklie, at least I think it was ‘the’ as a second darter out form the bushes and they had a bit of a scrap around the rusty old goal posts. The victor returned to the favoured spot and the vanquished disappeared from view. Not a bad start and it won’t be too long until the Large Skippers are out…
Maybe a slow start
But at least it has started
Back to the back hedge!
The walk through the tussocks and long grass at the Pits themselves didn’t throw up any Large Skippers unfortunately but did give my shoes a clean, there’s nothing like the sparkle after washing them in fresh dew and it wasn’t until I’d walked through the gap in the trees to the corner of the field that I saw anything of note. In fact two butterflies turned up at once – there was a fast moving Specklie which was swiftly followed by a silvery, jinking Holly Blue. The first flew over the top of the Bramble disappearing from view in the field behind whilst the latter carried on along the hedge. I tried to follow it but to no avail as it went up and up and I lost sight of it among the branches at the top of the trees. I didn’t mind too much because the Specklie had returned and so I tried for that only for something even better to show up, a wonderfully fresh Red Admiral! I only spent a matter of seconds at each flower mass but with a little careful stalking and some guess work I managed to get into the correct place a couple of times and reel off a few shots.
I then walked all the way to the end of the hedge and turned back and on the return journey I met the Red Admiral coming the other way but it nipped over the hedge before I got a chance to get a single shot off. I consoled myself with spotting a Silver-Y and then an Orange-underwing Moth. When I was almost back at the corner I spotted the Specklie, at least I think it was ‘the’ as a second darter out form the bushes and they had a bit of a scrap around the rusty old goal posts. The victor returned to the favoured spot and the vanquished disappeared from view. Not a bad start and it won’t be too long until the Large Skippers are out…
Maybe a slow start
But at least it has started
Back to the back hedge!
The Devenish 20-04-2022
This was going to be a quick walk but I had reasonable hopes for seeing some butterflies as the Grizzlies were out at Martin Down and the weather had improved with sunny intervals forecast. Indeed things started well with plenty of action in the car park as we were getting ready for the off. A Brimstone unceremoniously plonked itself down on the corner by the gate, a Small White sailed up the rise, through the car park and away up the side of the Down; and a Holly Blue fluttered about in the treeline, dancing on the breeze like a scrap of windblown paper.
As we broke through the cover and set off across the Orchid Meadow things took a turn for the quieter with only a female Brimstone away in distance on the other side of the Meadow. Once the steep slope was conquered we bowled along through the Beech hanger but there was a large group of children playing on and in the trees so we didn’t find any butterflies until we were on the back path where a Green-veined White and two Brimstones patrolling along the ride. The Green-veined White stopped and sat for its portrait but the others had other things pressing on their mind and so with a few grab shots we pressed on also.
The next stretch took us along through the avenue of trees but past the Wood Pile where an aged Small Tort was living out its final days and along the drive the Whites flew victoriously having usurped the Vanessids for dominance of the (butterfly) skies. Two or three Brimstones bustled about as did a Green-veined White, only more weakly while the Orange-tip bombed on by powerfully. Away across the field we went and then we turned left following the track hemmed in on either side by the tall hedge. A Comma was there to greet us and further along a Specklie did it’s best to avoid my lens. When we came out the claustrophobic foliage we were meet by fresh air and the sun and a few whites too, playing in the sunbeams. I watched as a brace of Peacocks battered each other, locked in their spiralling death dance whilst the Green-veined White shied away and the two Brimstones seemed to go out of their way to avoid each other – like similar poles from two magnets.
The journey across the field, back through the woods to the wooden steps was quiet until right at the bottom when a Holly Blue went up from the deck. It went down again a few more times and looked to be seeking sap to soak up but it was very flighty, in fact almost too flighty and most of the images later went in the bin. Then we were back at the car and whilst it had been a pleasant walk in terms of butterflies it was quite disappointing. The trend this year (and this may change of course) seems to be one of ‘slow burn’; the butterflies are having a bit of a lie-in.
A few butterflies
So continues the slow build
When will the peak come?
As we broke through the cover and set off across the Orchid Meadow things took a turn for the quieter with only a female Brimstone away in distance on the other side of the Meadow. Once the steep slope was conquered we bowled along through the Beech hanger but there was a large group of children playing on and in the trees so we didn’t find any butterflies until we were on the back path where a Green-veined White and two Brimstones patrolling along the ride. The Green-veined White stopped and sat for its portrait but the others had other things pressing on their mind and so with a few grab shots we pressed on also.
The next stretch took us along through the avenue of trees but past the Wood Pile where an aged Small Tort was living out its final days and along the drive the Whites flew victoriously having usurped the Vanessids for dominance of the (butterfly) skies. Two or three Brimstones bustled about as did a Green-veined White, only more weakly while the Orange-tip bombed on by powerfully. Away across the field we went and then we turned left following the track hemmed in on either side by the tall hedge. A Comma was there to greet us and further along a Specklie did it’s best to avoid my lens. When we came out the claustrophobic foliage we were meet by fresh air and the sun and a few whites too, playing in the sunbeams. I watched as a brace of Peacocks battered each other, locked in their spiralling death dance whilst the Green-veined White shied away and the two Brimstones seemed to go out of their way to avoid each other – like similar poles from two magnets.
The journey across the field, back through the woods to the wooden steps was quiet until right at the bottom when a Holly Blue went up from the deck. It went down again a few more times and looked to be seeking sap to soak up but it was very flighty, in fact almost too flighty and most of the images later went in the bin. Then we were back at the car and whilst it had been a pleasant walk in terms of butterflies it was quite disappointing. The trend this year (and this may change of course) seems to be one of ‘slow burn’; the butterflies are having a bit of a lie-in.
A few butterflies
So continues the slow build
When will the peak come?
Middle Street 08-04-2022
Why, oh why do I fall for it every time? The weather app showed sunshine and showers and I traipsed off without a coat taking a metaphorical leap of faith in the weather people. The weather itself was partly to blame. Just as things were getting going the weather threw a wobbler and took a turn for the worse; from sunny days and warm temps back to winter with its squally showers and leaden skies. I pressed on over to Middle Street anyways hoping that I might be able to find at least one butterfly to make the visit worthwhile. But as I wandered round it got greyer and greyer so much so that even the bees were keeping a low profile. They’re often the indicator that things are going to get better as they seem to fly a few degrees temperature wise below the butterflies so when they’re out and about there is hope that the butterflies will follow suit. However not today, I didn’t see a single one and the only sounds were the occasional plaintive cries of a Robin, wistful and depressed in D minor, and the swishing shushing of the wind fleeting through the reeds.
My wanderings took me pretty much round the entire site and some-how I ended up back at the Hotspot. Disconsolately I stared out across the neighbouring gardens trying my upmost to manifest anything in the form of a butterfly and there, its colour echoing both that of the sky and my mood, one appeared. Like a shadow it crossed the garden stretching out towards me before gravity pulled it back to earth and it went down a short way from me. As I strode over to it I worried that I wouldn’t be able to relocate it but instead of looking for the eyed red/purple forewings or the charcoal crisped underwings laid across the grass stems I played a hunch a looked for little ‘caves’ in the stooks of grass. There it sat ready for the forthcoming shower, all warm and snug in its little tent. It opened and closed its wings a few times, possibly to try and scare me off or to check that it could in readiness should it have to flee. The massive eyes flashing out at me didn’t deter me but I tried to sit extra still and fade myself into the background and then the butterfly closed up for good and it disappeared before my eyes.
I completed the usual circuit round the reserve a second time but nothing else popped its head over the parapet and then I made for home, more quickly than usual as the sky took on an even more ominous tone.
Deep in the grasses
Tiger eyes shining brightly
It sees out the gloom
My wanderings took me pretty much round the entire site and some-how I ended up back at the Hotspot. Disconsolately I stared out across the neighbouring gardens trying my upmost to manifest anything in the form of a butterfly and there, its colour echoing both that of the sky and my mood, one appeared. Like a shadow it crossed the garden stretching out towards me before gravity pulled it back to earth and it went down a short way from me. As I strode over to it I worried that I wouldn’t be able to relocate it but instead of looking for the eyed red/purple forewings or the charcoal crisped underwings laid across the grass stems I played a hunch a looked for little ‘caves’ in the stooks of grass. There it sat ready for the forthcoming shower, all warm and snug in its little tent. It opened and closed its wings a few times, possibly to try and scare me off or to check that it could in readiness should it have to flee. The massive eyes flashing out at me didn’t deter me but I tried to sit extra still and fade myself into the background and then the butterfly closed up for good and it disappeared before my eyes.
I completed the usual circuit round the reserve a second time but nothing else popped its head over the parapet and then I made for home, more quickly than usual as the sky took on an even more ominous tone.
Deep in the grasses
Tiger eyes shining brightly
It sees out the gloom
Sixpenny Handley 27-02-2022
For a couple of weeks previously I’d started carrying my camera around with me as the season could have started at any time. I didn’t see any butterflies for a while but did find a few nice bits and bobs of a floral nature. The Snowdrops came on strong and swiftly on their heels the Aconites at work. I didn’t manage to get any shots of those this year as I was busier than usual at work so I had to settle for those that grow in the Cathedral close amid the Snakehead Fritillaries.
After finally picking up my first butterflies on the Friday at the end of the half-term I’d hoped for plenty more over the weekend but alas it wasn’t to be as the sun waned slightly and weakened quickly so that the temperature dropped below the double digits that would mean that the butterflies take to the air. On the Sunday we visited my folks over in Sixpenny Handley and after a marvellous lunch My dad, K and I went out for a quick walk around the village to get some fresh air. Our walk took us up through the housing estate and I scanned the gardens hopefully. One garden in particular stood out for me – the borders between the grass of the lawn and the footpaths were covered in a dense carpet of Heather. I was just thinking that it looked like a great place for a butterfly; possible nectar from the early florets with good cover and shelter from the wind, when a butterfly passed us by and after momentarily considering the car port opted instead to land on the heather. I few distant clicks and I had my butterfly shot for the day.
It was the only one I saw all weekend but hopefully it means that things will finally take the turn and spring will begin and at this time of year you have to be grateful for anything that you get.
Season slowly starts
Out at Sixpenny Handley
A solo Small Tort
After finally picking up my first butterflies on the Friday at the end of the half-term I’d hoped for plenty more over the weekend but alas it wasn’t to be as the sun waned slightly and weakened quickly so that the temperature dropped below the double digits that would mean that the butterflies take to the air. On the Sunday we visited my folks over in Sixpenny Handley and after a marvellous lunch My dad, K and I went out for a quick walk around the village to get some fresh air. Our walk took us up through the housing estate and I scanned the gardens hopefully. One garden in particular stood out for me – the borders between the grass of the lawn and the footpaths were covered in a dense carpet of Heather. I was just thinking that it looked like a great place for a butterfly; possible nectar from the early florets with good cover and shelter from the wind, when a butterfly passed us by and after momentarily considering the car port opted instead to land on the heather. I few distant clicks and I had my butterfly shot for the day.
It was the only one I saw all weekend but hopefully it means that things will finally take the turn and spring will begin and at this time of year you have to be grateful for anything that you get.
Season slowly starts
Out at Sixpenny Handley
A solo Small Tort
