If anyone is interested I can provide the EXIF details I looked at the EXIF details from your posted photo and think there is some confusion. The relevant bits are: Camera Make = Panasonic Camera Model = DMC-FZ200 Software / Firmware Version = GIMP 2.8.10 Exposure Time = 1/400 second Lens F-Number ...

Thanks again for your advice Jack and also to Mike. Yes, spot-metering and bracketing was used to frame the butterfly. In fact, usually, I fill the 'frame' as much as possible of the subject as in this case with the G-V White. Unfortunately I am not sure if the sun was shining or not when I took the...

I have been playing with that picture in PhotoShop. In the original, the right wing is seriously over-exposed and the detail has washed out. It was impossible to recover from such over-exposure but this is the best I could do. mod-Green-veinedWhite-2-Ins.jpg This now at least establishes that the r...

Thank you, David and Guy. I can understand what you are saying - it is just I have never noticed this type of anomaly in butterflies before.

ATB

Peter

I took a photo of a Green-veined White in the RSPB Insh Marshes NNR near Aviemore today and was staggered to find that left and right wings are different. The left wings appear to be of a female and the right a male. However, it is a faded specimen so I am not too sure if it really is a gynandromorp...

Hi hamadryad61,

For woodland butterflies, you might try Bricket Wood (Common) north-east of Watford. Silver-washed Fritillaries, White Admirals and Purple Emperors are found there. The last confirmed sighting of the Brown Hairstreak for Hertfordshire recorded here in 1998.

Good luck

ATB

Peter

Interesting stuff, Mike.

Tomorrow seems like a good day for reading unless it's fine at Headingley (cricket)

ATB

Peter

I received Aberrations of British Butterflies (Russworm, 1978) book last week and I must admit to being a little disappointed about the apparent lack of aberrations for a number of species. There is also a book 'Variation in British Butterflies' by A S Harmer which I believe is just about the afore...

I received Aberrations of British Butterflies (Russworm, 1978) book last week and I must admit to being a little disappointed about the apparent lack of aberrations for a number of species. There is also a book 'Variation in British Butterflies' by A S Harmer which I believe is just about the afore-...

Thanks Buggy and Tony,

The more I look at it the more it's wishful thinking on my part

At least there should be further opportunities to take more shots in the next few weeks

ATB

Peter

I was searching for Orange Tip eggs this morning on my local patch and found 3 or 4 on garlic mustard in a few minutes then I found a caterpillar on one but I am not sure if it is an OT one though. As it happens an OT egg was laid higher up on the same plant. I am afraid not the best quality photos ...

Well done, Buggy.

I wouldn't mind betting Glanville is next on your lifers' list . Hutchinson's Bank (I think that's the place) is not too far away

ATB

Peter

Thanks, Bertie. Keep our fingers crossed for the HF there then.

Peter

The Essex people,

Is the HF still thriving in Hockley Woods?

ATB

Peter

Hi, I was wondering which of the Glanville sites on the Isle of Wight is easiest to access by public transport (presumably bus) ? I'm thinking of getting a ticket to Ryde at the Bank holiday weekend - assuming they will be around? Thanks for any replies John Hi John, What I did was to travel to Lym...

jasonbirder wrote:Must have seen you there today! Spectacular day with masses of Butterfly activity...I'll post some pics later...

Jason, nice photos you have there for the Bison Hill trip. We spoke to a few fellow butterfly enthusiasts yesterday. I was wearing an orange-patterned shirt. Yes?

ATB

Peter

A spectacular day at Bison Hill on Dunstable Downs today. A friend and I got there at about 11 am and within minutes we saw a Duke. In fact, we reckon it was the most abundant species (at least 50 individuals) with Green Hairstreaks and Dingy Skippers (which seem to inhabit the same places) much in ...

Buggy,

Sorry you didn't find the Duke yesterday. Was the place you visited Duchie's Piece in Aldbury Nowers NR? Although one of the best butterfly sites in Hertfordshire the Duke, unfortunately, is no longer found there but I could be wrong

ATB

Peter

Thanks Wurzel :) May has started cloudy and a little chilly but I thought a little trundle around Chobham Common might bring up something interesting (secretly hoping for Green Hairstreaks). The bare sandy ground and sheltered paths running through the Gorze might just be enough to make something a...

Neil, Congratulations on your new 3-year contract with Butterfly Conservation. I remember seeing Pearl-bordered Fritillaries at Park Corner NR some 20 years ago and it is really sad to see that the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary is no longer present. I am sure you've read about the dramatic numbers...