With sun in the forecast again for
Easter Monday 18th April, I set off early for Noar Hill. My concerns that there might be traffic were entirely unfounded, and the journey took barely 40 minutes. Consequently it was still very chilly when I arrived at the site, and this and the haziness of the sunshine for the first couple of hours meant that very little was flying except for a handful of Peacocks.
However, patience was eventually well rewarded for myself and the increasing number of other butterfly seekers. I chatted to several folk, including a chap called Mark who I have bumped into many times in the past, and later on our very own Pauline - out again on what amounts to a local patch for her. Good to see you and have a good chat!
I probably walked the length of the site and back three times before things began to warm up, and for some reason I strayed into one pit I hadn't visited before. Within a minute or two my first Duke appeared.
Tearing myself away, I was able to point one couple at the location soon after, and apparently they were also successful. I then encountered another couple who had decided to use the technique of settling down and waiting (rather than moving around searching). They had chosen an ideal spot, and had never seen the butterfly before. As we discussed its habits, like magic one appeared from the grass and posed in front of us.
It then displayed its underside right on cue, but was clearly rather new and a bit unsteady, as it fell off its perch and had to be rescued.
More satisfied customers!
I then wandered back towards the furthest pit, along the path under the trees. I remembered that last year along this path where it widens into a sunny open area I had found a beautifully marked female - and history promptly repeated itself. This time however, I had better views as the butterfly obligingly posed on a cowslip stalk.
Well-pleased with this encounter, I headed back gradually towards the bottom of the site (encountering Pauline on the way). It appeared that as things had warmed up, several Dukes had appeared in several spots, and as I worked my way back I came across at least two more.
The second one had very dark hindwings, with no orange markings except for the marginal spots.
Pauline had mentioned that she had seen a Dingy Skipper on her way up, and I managed to find it (or one like it) as I headed off. It was very lively, so not perhaps the best shot.
A great morning - some good company and lovely fresh butterflies, including one that will stick firmly in the memory.
Dave