In my part of the fens, Peacocks have survived the winter in good numbers. Sallow blossom is popular in the mornings, especially the sweetly scented ones;
After yesterday's high jinks with Small Tortoiseshells, today, in almost the same spot, a male Peacock began pursuing a female on the ground. He spent several minutes approaching from all directions;
Another male arrived and the two of them were fencing with their antennae for about a minute;
One of the males was driven off. the other returned to the female and spent some time trying, apparently, to force open her hind wings, which was somewhat shocking, but without success. Finally, he observed from a distance for 5 minutes before departing;
The female never once opened her wings or showed the slightest interest in the proceedings. This was happening in good sunshine at midday-ish. Two Green-veined whites flew by but no Orange-tips in the usual places despite a good two hours looking for them,
Rob
"...we'll live, and pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh at gilded butterflies."