Maximus

[trevor]

[bugboy]

Congratulations on moving (and to a different country) in the middle of nightmare. I guess we can expect a bit of 'exotica' from your local area now

[Maximus]

Thanks chaps, yes it was a nightmare moving in the middle of the pandemic, but we made it. I hope we can find some 'exotica' this year, once we get to know our local area. Here's a couple of shots from our garden last summer.

There's a few in this shot. Small Torts seem to be quite numerous here, I counted thirty Small Torts on this Buddleia at the same time, one afternoon.

[Wurzel]

That's a fantastic 'garden tick' but thoroughly deserved after going to the extreme of emigrating to get it Bon chances!

Have a goodun and stay safe

Wurzel

[Neil Freeman]

Congratulations on making a successful move Maximus, especially under the circumstances. I must say, I am more than a little jealous

Looking forward to see what you find around your new haunts.

Cheers,

Neil.

[Maximus]

Thanks, Wurzel, here's several more 'garden ticks' from 2020

Queen of Spain Fritillary.

Map (summer brood).

Sooty Copper (female).

[Maximus]

Should have added this one too

Clouded Yellow (male).

[trevor]

Superb

[bugboy]

brilliant stuff

[Maximus]

Trevor and bugboy.

Red Admiral seen this afternoon, three Brimstone and a Peacock seen yesterday, but no photos, such a lovely time of year

[Maximus]

Hi Neil, didn't see your reply till now, thanks for your congrats. We are looking forward to exploring our new country, lockdowns permitting!

[Wurzel]

My cup runneth over with Mike

Have a goodun and stay safe

Wurzel

[David M]

Let me wish you all the best with your relocation, Mike. You immediately have many more species at your disposal as your images have already shown.

Just proves what an obstacle to migration for some species La Manche is.

You are now the right side of it.

Please send some Large Tortoiseshells over our way, would you?

[Maximus]

Thanks, Wurzel and David



A male Speckled Wood from our garden this morning, this was the only butterfly seen today now that the wind has changed to Northerly (again).

And a Carpenter Bee, seen a couple of days ago, very impressive in size, and loud when in flight, a lovely looking insect.

[Wurzel]

Great shot of the Specklie Mike - it's markings look more orange than the British race - is the same race found across the continent or are there regional variations?

Have a goodun and stay safe

Wurzel

[Pauline]

Blimey Mike! I've got even more catching up to do than I thought!!! Well done and great images from your new garden. Have to say I'll miss you and Cathy from our local haunts and our little 'catch-ups'. Looking forward to seeing more exotic images

[David M]

...A male Speckled Wood from our garden this morning, this was the only butterfly seen today now that the wind has changed to Northerly (again).

Very nice, Mike.

Being in Normandy, you may have the cream-coloured form too that we find in the UK. There's a 'Maginot' line somewhere in the north (probably not that far away from you).

[Maximus]

Thanks, Wurzel, Pauline and David


The first of our reared Swallowtails emerged this morning. A quick few photos, with a Cuckoo calling in the background, and she was away

[Wurzel]

Wow...just wow

Have a goodun and stay safe

Wurzel

[millerd]

I'll add a few wows and to Wurzel's, Mike! I somehow missed the news of your relocation - congratulations on that move and all the butterfly bonuses that seem to have come with it. It really isn't that far away and look at the extra species you can see - just in the garden! Brilliant. Looking forward to some more treats as the year progresses.

Cheers,

Dave