Definitely not a Large Skipper but Essex remains a possibility. The antennae look rounded and uniformly dark but, perhaps, not black enough for Essex.edgueinart wrote:is it a Small Skipper?
Mike
Definitely not a Large Skipper but Essex remains a possibility. The antennae look rounded and uniformly dark but, perhaps, not black enough for Essex.edgueinart wrote:is it a Small Skipper?
To me, that's a cast iron Small Skipper.edgueinart wrote:is it a Small Skipper?Don't think is a Large one.
No doubt true (I'm not all that familiar with HBF) but capture/release might be a quicker way to survey. However, I hadn't thought that capture is a normal transect method.not quite sure why they'd need to catch HBFs to identify them though, if that's what the nets were for. This species isn't that hard to distinguish from DGF even in flight, and when at rest it's surprisingly easy
I actually thought High Browns were a protected species and as such couldn't be netted at all. Daft thing is, given the current conditions on this site and the fast flying nature of HB and DG Fritillaries, I'd have thought attempting to swipe one into a net would be potentially injurious to the health of the net bearer!Jack Harrison wrote:However, I hadn't thought that capture is a normal transect method.
Yes. One from a distance, but in truth I'm convinced they were kosher. The second pair had transect maps and seemed to know their way around the site. They also mentioned a couple of names I was familiar with.Jack Harrison wrote:Did you get any photos of the netters?
Indeed it did! Thank you for some stimulus, while looking out of a rain-streaked window - pleased you had such a good day.Willrow wrote:Now that really got you guys out of wet summer weather mode did'nt it!!!
Hard luck about the knee Jack. As you say though, at least you live in a lovely wildlife rich area. Plus, given the weather this year, its not like you're missing too much!Jack Harrison wrote:My butterfly season is significantly curtailed because of a medical problem – cartilage in left knee. Walking and bending is excruciating so I can’t go far. It might be old age or it might (being an intermittent problem) stem from a trip I had a year ago when I landed on my knee. Doctor thinks that I might require a bionic knee.
However, my garden adjoins superb mature deciduous woodland. I am 99% certain I saw a White Admiral dashing in characteristic manner through the lower part of an oak. It was a brief sighting but habitat is ideal so I am pretty confident about it being a White Admiral.
This Large Skipper posed just over the garden boundary.
Jack