well.... I thought it was ok superb stuff Vince, you have raised your own standard to live up to now though.

Chris

and what a gorgeous beast it is. as Neil said V. zonaria, but look out for it's little brother V. inanis similar in colouration but not quite as impressive size wise but still big for a hover.

Chris

I know a few members have had a try but this guy seems rather adept at it. worth a look if only for the clouded yellow
link to the butterflies here but he does dragonflies too http://www.flickr.com/photos/48138999@N ... 572887274/

Hope it's of interest
Chris

just one of those moments today. At lunchtime as the sun was out I went for a walk, normally seeing the clouded yellow that I did would have made it special but walking around the industrial estate I found this buddleia dripping with butterflies. mainly small tortoiseshell but red admirals, peacocks...

Susie wrote: You missed out green hairstreak. Now if I had one of those in my garden I wouldn't forget it in a hurry!

Oh, and I think you'll find it is 7 years in October. Nagging over

I didn't miss it out Susie, that post was August last year

"It is great to travel and see the butterflies that I do not get locally, but sometimes it is just as good to sit and watch what is happening right under my nose" I agree entirely Neil. My diary is so lacking purely for that reason. I love sitting in the garden watching it all go on.

hope you made a wish
they have been going for over a week, best night I had was last Saturday with some quite spectacular ones.

Chris

well done Susie. a lifer too. Brilliant!

your photos on your website are excellent. the hummingbird hawk is stunning.

Chris

excellent Susie. bought back great memories of Denbies.

Chris

nut tree tussock I think, willow beauty, black arches and coronet for your moths

Chris

that's a great pic.

Chris

dispersal.

2 silver washed fritillary in the garden, was chuffed to bits when the 2nd was a stunning valesina. didn't stay for it's portrait unfortunately.

Chris

better than last year?

I've not known a year like it. a week ago I was inundated with peacock, tonight I came home to easily 40 butterflies in the garden, the largest quota going to brimstone, a conservative estimate of 15+, peacocks 8-12, 4 comma, 5 large white, small whites, painted lady, red admiral, at least 3 large s...

after yesterday afternoons antics with Brimstones which I accidentally put in sightings (oops) I thought i'd have another quick go at Large whites. best 2 attempts

having twinged my back at work today when I got home at 4 It was great to see 30 butterflies in the garden. mainly pecock and brimstone but commas, whites, a meadow brown and large skippers all showed up. I sat on the pation put the zoom lens on and tried for some in flight shots. they are crops of ...

My garden list is now up to 17 species. I highly recommend to anyone reading that you make the effort to create a wildflower meadow in your own gardens. It really is worth the effort! Paul I second that Paul. an hour over Blashford Lakes this afternoon, it was great to see 20-30 peacock on bramble,...

most of mine are sentimental or characteristics rather than asthetic in no particular order orange-tip just a great butterfly large skipper feisty little things. 20 minutes every day this week one of these tussles with a comma and will take on all comers ringlet when fresh I think they are stunning ...

Excellent Hoggers, you know there's no going back now you have been getting butterflies they add a whole new dimension to the garden.

Chris