Thanks, Buggy - caterpillar ID noted. Quite a colourful little beastie...
Thanks Ernie! The "burst" mode on the camera does the trick nicely for capturing this characteristic bit of behaviour. Fascinating to watch.
Orange Tips are definitely fading at the moment, Essex, sad to say. I think the last of them have emerged round here now.
![Sad :(](./images/smilies/icon_sad.gif)
I shall make the most of any I see.
Thank you, Goldie - they are lovely delicate little butterfly.
Thank you for the moth IDs, Neil. Did you see the moth I posted (seen at Bookham) on 8th May? No one has ventured an opinion on that one, but I'm sure you'll know what it is!
Thanks, Wurzel, and thanks for the info. More travels will soon be in order...
14th May (Part Two):
After the delights of Chiddingfold and beautiful woodland, I headed over to Denbies along the bottom of the North Downs. In such glorious weather, with the fresh green of the countryside, such drives are a pleasure in themselves.
In the bright warm sunshine, everything here was very active, but there were plenty of Dingy Skippers, good numbers of Grizzled, and some fairly worn Green Hairstreaks.
One or two Holly Blues were laying on dogwood, which is common here. The angle to the light, plus the butterfly's worn appearance, made this one appear very deep blue.
Small Heaths are now appearing gradually, and also the first handful of Common Blues.
Whilst chatting to some fellow enthusiasts, there was a flash of something much brighter - an Adonis Blue rushed by and over the fence at the bottom of the slope. They do often follow the path on the other side of the fence down here, as it is sheltered from the wind that blows so often on this hillside. Unfortunately it was the only one seen (and it didn't pause for a photo) but there should be more very soon.
On my way back along the top path, I encountered a spiralling pair of Brimstones. The female was doing her best to shake off the very persistent male, and eventually succeeded, but not before I had managed a few shots of the tussling couple.
Dave