millerd wrote:Great Silver-washed, James, especially that
valezina - and the White Admirals are beautifully undamaged new individuals. Not easy to find in that state!
Cheers,
Dave
Thanks Dave, I spent many hours in the woods trying to find fresh ones this year, not particularly easy in the very hot weather we had this summer, thankfully a couple settled just long enough!
Maximus wrote:Real quality images in your recent posts, James. That lovely
valezina is simply stunning
Mike
Many thanks Mike, I was very lucky with the
Valezina they don't really like the heat so I was very surprised to find one feeding in such sweltering conditions! She didn't hang around for long - soon retreating into canopy of a nearby Oak.
Goldie M wrote:Love the shots of the Valezina
![Mr. Green :mrgreen:](./images/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif)
I've only seen one once and she was at the base of a large Oak, so my shots weren't so good
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)
Goldie
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
You're most kind Goldie, yes
Valezina SWF can be very tricky to photograph as in general they seem to dislike hot sunshine, they definitely favour the shade on sunny days, I can only imagine the poor thing was desperate to feed and went against type.
Wurzel wrote:Absolutely stunning Valesina Rex, the underside is fantastic
![Mr. Green :mrgreen:](./images/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif)
The White Admiral is a cracker as well, they're fantastic looking when fresh
Have a goodun
Wurzel
Hello Wurzel, thanks I seem to see
Valezina SWF in my local woods every year, after getting a decent open wing shot last year I was really hoping to get a nice underside. My hopes were definitely surpassed on this occasion, it was so hot that I didn't think that I stood a chance but there she was - like magic. Quite unforgettable!!
David M wrote:What beautiful, mint-fresh butterflies you have presented there, James. The valezina is particularly impressive.
Many thanks David, I tried really hard to get some photos of fresh White Admirals this year, as you know getting photos of a White Admiral can be difficult at the best of times so I definitely enjoyed some good luck!
bugboy wrote:I'm very much enjoying your retrospective look at the year James, you came across some fabulous individuals!
Cheers Paul, it's a shame our paths didn't cross this year. Maybe next year - we must be due another LTB year soon! I made an extra effort to go early and track down some freshly emerged species this year. It meant a lot of waiting around but we had good numbers locally and that helped me out a great deal. Hopefully next year will be great as well.
Many thanks to you all for commenting.
Best wishes,
James