There had already been hints that this year's hibernation-bound Commas were going to be more numerous than usual. Despite good weather in September 2020, I had only seen a couple during the whole of the month, but this year there had already been a September day with double figures. Today went further with an amazing 24 individual butterflies seen during the two hours I was out. It was almost impossible to scan the brambles without seeing at least two or three of them, and they were turning up in more open areas as well. With such largesse, there was naturally some variation. Speckled Woods were also becoming more numerous, and today I came across some very fresh ones indeed. I spotted two basking fairly close together - not a common sight. It turned out that these were a male and a female as well, completely ignoring each other. A closer look revealed that both butterflies had the blotchy look that is sometimes seen immediately after emergence - hence their inactive pose. Later in the walk I found another new male. As well as Commas, Red Admiral numbers were starting to pick up - the lushness of the nettles this year must be a factor. After the puddling male Holly Blue the day before, I found a new female, but she was a bit coy about opening up. Later on, however, I found another new male who was much more obliging. Its newness was demonstrated when it expelled a drop of meconium... ...and then another. I really never tire of fresh Holly Blues. An unexpectedly full morning.
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
Dave