After a week of being stuck at home because of a badly scalded foot, I had a gentle walk on my local patch near Heathrow this afternoon (10th) as the sun came out. After seeing a good selection of species, I was heading back when I spotted something that looked at first like a basking Comma. Liking to have a record of everything I see if I can, I took some distant shots... and then got a bit closer as there was something a bit different about the butterfly. A quick look at the shots confirmed that it was actually a rather worn Large Tortoiseshell. It was then disturbed by a Holly Blue, but flew incredibly gracefully along the path and then back, settling briefly on the ground before disappearing. I snatched another couple of shots, but I am confident as to its ID.
First spotted on the brambles to the left, then later on the path.
Dave