Not very summery at Sundon today.

i did see the first Gatekeeper of the season,

and an interesting plant which i need some help with

aeshna5 wrote: ↑Fri Jun 30, 2023 4:54 am It's one of the eyebrights, Euphrasia sp, Charles.

thanks again for your expert assistance aeshna !

here are some pics from Sundon in the last few days
does anyone know what the little plant is ?

a lovely thread about one of my favourite butterflies Steve

if you do not want to go too far there are plenty in the South of France

millerd wrote: ↑Fri Jun 23, 2023 8:35 pm Yes indeed, Charles, that's a Dark Green Fritillary. Nice shot with the Marbled White next to it as well!

Cheers,

Dave

Allan.W. wrote: ↑Fri Jun 23, 2023 8:36 pm Yes Charles ................nice pic ! Allan.W.

thanks Dave & Allan !

i think this shows a Dark Green Fritillary ( on the left )

can you confirm please ?

pic taken at Sundon Quarry today

David M wrote: ↑Thu Jun 22, 2023 2:22 pm Lol! I'm still on Greek time, Charles (where it's two hours ahead).

please have a Retsina for me

David M wrote: ↑Thu Jun 22, 2023 4:58 am

Charles Nicol wrote: ↑Wed Jun 21, 2023 10:41 pm...does this different angle help ?

Yes, Charles.

100% Small Skipper.

thanks for your early morning assistance David !

Charles

bugboy wrote: ↑Wed Jun 21, 2023 10:08 pm Although the underside of the antennae isn't visible, it certainly looks more Small than Essex.

thanks for your help bugboy !

does this different angle help ?

this looks different from the Large Skipper from the other day.

it is also from Sundon.
thanks for your attention

aeshna5 wrote: ↑Fri Jun 16, 2023 1:10 pm

Common Centaury for your pink flower, Charles.

thank you so much aeshna



Charles

another lovely day at Sundon Quarry.... the Marbled Whites were more willing to be photographed today



i was wondering what this little plant with pink flowers might be ?

Charles

Padfield wrote: ↑Wed Jun 14, 2023 8:20 pm Your plant is the beautifully named eyebright, Charles.

Guy

thanks so much Guy !

it is a lovely name

a lovely sunny day at Sundon Quarry. i saw my first Marbled Whites of the year ( while looking unsuccessfully for Dark Green Fritillaries ). you can just about see one in the photo :roll: 52975192998_881882f0d7_c.jpg i was wondering what this pretty plant was which i saw on a chalk slope ? 529741438...

bugboy wrote: ↑Wed Jun 14, 2023 7:13 pm A Large Skipper, no need for the antennae, the mottling on the wings is diagnostic. Small and Essex aren't out yet as far as I'm aware.

thanks for the prompt reply bugboy

Charles

i saw this today at Sundon Quarry:
i hope the antennae are clear enough

Hi, Charles! I think that might be a grass vetchling. Like a mini sweet pea with leaves like grass (but darker green). The Common Blues near me love it. :) Dave thanks for your excellent suggestion Dave. it does look very much like a tiny sweet pea. I did not see any butterflies on it though :(

i went to Sundon this afternoon; plenty of Common Blues, a few Small Blues,
i came across this pretty plant at the edge of a field... never seen this before

Part timer wrote: ↑Sun May 28, 2023 11:31 am Doesn't look much like a butterfly! It does look like a Corn Bunting, though.

thanks for your help Part timer !

i was on a butterfly hunt at the time....

this bird was at Totternhoe a few days ago. its song was similar to a Yellowhammer, but sufficiently different to make me wonder....

what do you think ?