Trevor

[trevor]

Many thanks Matsukaze & Goldie. More OT's today.

Yesterday I'm sure there was only the one male Orange Tip at the old railway.
This morning I saw two males actually meet mid air, but again neither would settle.
Better still, much later on, I found a mating pair of OT's right by the path.
At home I saw another male OT flying around the garden, so it seems that
their season has kicked off in style. This point in April is about right for them around here.

Plenty of Green Veined Whites, Large and Small Whites, and Specklies galore were seen.

Trevor.

[Wurzel]

A cracking collection of Whites Trevor You must be having the best of the weather on that side of the country as over here we seem to be covered in grey cloud Hopefully it'll get better over the weekend

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[David M]

What a thrill to find mating Orange Tips, Trevor. Still never seen that myself.

[trevor]

I hope for decent weather too over Easter, Wurzel, I'm over your way for a few days.
The mating OT's were a bit of a surprise David. The first ones were only out the day before at that site.

An old Red Admiral today, still capable of rapid flight, very frisky!.

[Wurzel]

I've seen only one Red Admiral so far this year Trevor so have a The weather looks like it should produce the goods - things have been a bit slow getting started over this way - the first Greenstreaks were recorded only the other day but with this warm spell things could take off Wish you plenty of luck or your stay

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[David M]

...The mating OT's were a bit of a surprise David. The first ones were only out the day before at that site.

Early in the season is the best time, Trevor.

Good luck (and good weather) during your trip to Wiltshire.

[trevor]

I did need lots of luck during my stay in Wilts Wurzel.

Good butterflying weather was at a premium in Wilts David.

On Easter Sunday we visited the abandoned village of Imber. For butterflies the day was
plagued by cold wind and bright sunshine. All I saw there was two male Brimstones.

But I hit the jackpot on Easter Monday, again down to poor weather, which worked in
my favour for once !, and my best ever encounter with a female Holly Blue.
On arrival at St Peters Church grounds in Great Cheverell, Wilts I was greeted by a
Speckled Wood and a Holly Blue, which headed for a giant Yew tree.
During a cool cloudy spell I found a Holly Blue completely closed up on a buttercup.
When the sun reappeared briefly the Holly Blue flew from the buttercup and onto
a nearby daisy, and gave me a taster of a fresh female.
During the next 20 mins. she kept me busy clicking away as she slowly opened up
when the sun permitted, and finally a fully open wing, vibrant, fresh female.

Hope you enjoy the sequence below!.
Trevor.

[millerd]

A lovely Holly Blue, Trevor! I'm not sure I've ever found one on a daisy before, but females will nectar on all sorts of flowers.

Cheers,

Dave

[Neil Freeman]

Very nice female Holly Blue Trevor

Cheers,

Neil.

[trevor]

Cheers Dave & Neil. A lovely female HB for sure !.

Today's offering is a moth for a change, a Speckled Yellow.
When numbers of these build they are very good at distracting the eye, as this one did today.

Trevor.

[Wurzel]

Fantastic Holly Blue Trevor The Easter weekend was a bit hit and miss - so much so I migrated temporarily to Hampshire Next time your down if you fancy a visit to Martin Down I can give you a few pointers, or Mrs Wurzel permitting, act as your guide

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[Maximus]

Lovely shots of the female Holly Blue, Trevor she's really posing well for you.

[David M]

That's a cracking capture of the Holly Blue on the daisy, Trevor. Not a nectar source I'd associate with them.

[trevor]

Thanks folks. I'm glad that Holly Blue brought some pleasure.

This morning I was delighted to see cloud building in the soft blue sky.
This could mean an easier time with the Orange Tip, indeed after about
an hour I saw an OT heading towards me. Noting a cloud that would soon
obscure the sun I walked and sometimes ran to keep up with the OT.
This was worthwhile as I watched the OT almost panic in search of
somewhere to land. The position it chose was not ideal, but it will do for now.

Trevor.

[Chris L]

Fantastic Orange Tip photos Trevor. I really struggle getting photos of this species. They are always on the move in my part of the world, the males especially so, presumably looking for females.

[trevor]

Thanks Otep. Try a day of sun and cloud.
Sun to get OT's flying, and cloud to stop them in their tracks.

[millerd]

Some great OT shots there, Trevor. You've described a tried and trusted technique to get good close open-wings shots, and it pays off.

Cheers,

Dave

[Goldie M]

Lovely OT's shot Trevor, and the Female HB shots, I've seen loads of Holly Blues but most have been Male I'm still hoping for an open winged female shot Goldie

[Wurzel]

Cracking OT Trevor I saw something similar today with a Mrs OT, only as it was the weaker flying female it was in slow motion

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[David M]

You can't really relax until you've got a few shots of well behaved Orange Tips at this time of year, Trevor. You have to pick your days (and often pick your moments within those days) but you get your rewards if you put the preparation in.