With a sunny day in prospect I pondered, over my morning coffee, where to go today.
I fancied somewhere new, but at this time of year the choice is pretty narrow, and a gamble.
Then I had a great idea, Dungeness !. I have never been Butterflying there, and at about 45 miles, not too far.
The attraction of this location was a Butterfly that is quite hard to find locally, the Small Copper.
I had read somewhere that they were quite abundant at this location !
On arrival I drove around the area looking for a suitable area and was surprised at how brown the grass and flora was.
I finally chose a spot on the main road, near to the gantry where nuclear waste is loaded onto rail wagons.
I was particularly looking for Ragwort still in bloom, and when located hey presto! Small Coppers on almost every plant.
Unfortunately I found very few fresh Coopers, but at least they were plentiful, as were faded Common Blues.
I will return next year, and earlier in the season.
Trevor.