The morning started well, and i arrived at Alners gorse just after 10am. I dowsed myself in insect repellent, and after negotiating the first gate ok, i had to take off my backpack to get through the 'kissing gate', and only just managed it then. This is life if you're a full figured man. Walked down the slightly descending lane, and i was in butterfly heaven. Thousands of Meadow Browns, and Marbled Whites, with Skippers, and Whites. Best of all tho' were the Silver-washed Fritillaries, that presented themselves beautifully for the camera. Often, i had to step back to photograph them. I was struck by their size,,, i hadn't expected a butterfly the size of a Large White,,, i had thought they may have been Marsh Frit size. I was gobsmacked as i watched this big butterfly coming in close.
The afternoon was less of a success, but i did see my first ever White Admiral,,, in fact several at Piddles Wood. By this time tho', i was getting hot, as the temperatures were rising, and unfortunately had to come away from Piddles Wood without a pic. I think that will need a day all of its own. So,,, two 'new to me's' and some SWF pics. It wasn't a failure,,,,, but i did fail to get a decent upper wing shot of the SWFs, aah well, maybe next time.
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
![Image](http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wGSRUg9JC5Q/TDdFx_oidTI/AAAAAAAAHMY/ZF86Hq4JlNo/s800/Silver-washed%20Fritillary%20001.jpg)
![Image](http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wGSRUg9JC5Q/TDdFz1dteBI/AAAAAAAAHMg/j8WMSqu5ttY/s800/Silver-washed%20Fritillary%20003.jpg)