Thanks, both.
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
The Holly Blues at the moment are beginning to polarise into the really old and worn, and the absolutely brand new. Whether this signifies the start of another brood, I wouldn't like to say for definite, but it wouldn't surprise me. Whether I keep seeing them into November like last year is another matter!
That quick local visit was just the start of the day (
31st August). After the trip to Fairmile and its attendant surprise, I thought I'd have a look at another of the Surrey heathland sites at Dawneys Hill. Unlike Fairmile, there were no SSB but there
were Graylings (between 15 and 20 seen), but like Fairmile there were heart-stopping moments when other butterflies masqueraded a possible Silver-studs. Once again there were Brown Argus and this time there were a couple of Holly Blues down on the heather too.
The Grayling were getting a bit battered at this end of the season, but I still had a go (like Wurzel) at catching them in flight for those open wing shots.
I also found one couple indulging in a bit of brief courtship, but I was too distant to make much of the opportunity.
However, there were good opportunities for the traditional camouflage shots on the sandy ground, and the odd one up on the heather.
I came upon one egg-laying female, and managed to locate the egg amongst the dried up ground litter.
Off course, it is traditional to play Spot The Grayling at this point...
As it turned out, there was a bit more to see on this bit of sandy heath. I must have seen three or four Small Coppers, disturbed a Small Heath, and miles away from the trees, turned up a Speckled Wood.
Both the Coppers I managed to photograph were very new and both were members of The Blue Badge Brigade.
Another good late season day out, and I'd say there is at least another week left in those Graylings if the weather holds.
Dave