Many thanks to all of you for the great comments
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
- it was a particularly good day, and I did have to make the most of it as the next few days were to be spent further north without too many similar opportunities for such variety. However, the extraordinarily good weather was a bonus, and wherever I went there were Peacocks, Brimstones and Orange Tips - and a few other things besides.
I was staying for the Easter weekend with my sister in Wilberfoss, and the semi-wild nature of part of her garden meant that butterfies constantly passed through it. Orange Tips and Holly Blues were probably the most frequent visitors, with Peacocks, Brimstones, Speckled Woods, Small and GV Whites, and Small Tortoiseshells all stopping at some point or another. One Holly Blue was the first definite female I've seen this year, and obligingly opened up while nectaring on a currant flower.
A male Orange Tip stopped on an Honesty plant, which had already been visited by at least one female - there were three eggs altogether on different flower spikes.
I was able to visit one or two other spots during the weekend. First was Kiplingcotes on 19th: I was hopeful that there might be Dingy Skippers, or even a Wall, but aside from numbers of Peacocks, a couple of Commas, and Orange Tips and Speckled Woods in the nearby lanes, I wasn't in luck.
CallumMac did better a couple of days later I see!
![Mr. Green :mrgreen:](./images/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif)
I spotted one moth, which flashed orange when it flew - I'm not sure what it might be...
The following day, I popped into Calley Heath. The standout feature was that this sandy heathland area was incredibly dry - it looked no different to its appearance last August. Even the damp and boggy bits seemed dried up. Again, Peacocks were everywhere, and did seem to be popping up from the various rabbit holes that pepper the ground. However, the high point was the appearance of a single Small Copper - the vanguard of this ever-reliable colony.
Back to the garden again, and while generally surveying the more overgrown area I spotted a Small Tortoiseshell skimming some low-growing nettles.
As I watched, it almost disappeared under the plant: I was able to get surprisingly close without disturbing it, and it became clear that it was laying a clutch of eggs.
All in all, a good weekend - there is always something of interest to see, wherever you are.
Dave