Lee Hurrell
- Lee Hurrell
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Re: Lee Hurrell
Photos added above
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To butterfly meadows, chalk downlands and leafy glades; to summers eternal.
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Re: Lee Hurrell
Lovely to have met up with you again Lee. Good to see you posting some photos at last, beautiful dark Small Tortoiseshell.
All the best, Nick.
All the best, Nick.
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- Lee Hurrell
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Re: Lee Hurrell
Sunday 14th July - Part 1
With some free time today I decided to catch up a little. Being only one junction away, this morning I nipped along to Fairmile Common to see some Silver Studded Blues. The males were mostly past their best but females were still fresh and admirable. They were approx. 3:1 male to female and could be seen reasonable numbers.
Sightings: 40+ Silver Studded Blue, 4 Gatekeeper, 1 Ringlet, 4 Meadow Brown (including a mating pair), 1 Comma, 5 Small Skipper, 1 Essex Skipper.
With some free time today I decided to catch up a little. Being only one junction away, this morning I nipped along to Fairmile Common to see some Silver Studded Blues. The males were mostly past their best but females were still fresh and admirable. They were approx. 3:1 male to female and could be seen reasonable numbers.
Sightings: 40+ Silver Studded Blue, 4 Gatekeeper, 1 Ringlet, 4 Meadow Brown (including a mating pair), 1 Comma, 5 Small Skipper, 1 Essex Skipper.
Diary entries for 2013 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
To butterfly meadows, chalk downlands and leafy glades; to summers eternal.
- Lee Hurrell
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Re: Lee Hurrell
Sunday 14th July 2013 - Part 2
Later, what with it being Iris season...I drove to Botany Bay, Oaken Wood. I spent a lovely couple of hours there, also bumping into Neil and Nick. Several Emperors were seen flying.
Sightings: 2 Purple Emperor, 8 White Admiral, 12 Silver Washed Fritillary, 4 Comma, 10 Large Skipper, 25+ Small Skipper, 40+ Meadow Brown, 10 Speckled Wood, 10 Ringlet, 1 Large White, 1 Green Veined White.
I even got a lucky in-flight shot!
Later, what with it being Iris season...I drove to Botany Bay, Oaken Wood. I spent a lovely couple of hours there, also bumping into Neil and Nick. Several Emperors were seen flying.
Sightings: 2 Purple Emperor, 8 White Admiral, 12 Silver Washed Fritillary, 4 Comma, 10 Large Skipper, 25+ Small Skipper, 40+ Meadow Brown, 10 Speckled Wood, 10 Ringlet, 1 Large White, 1 Green Veined White.
I even got a lucky in-flight shot!
Diary entries for 2013 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
To butterfly meadows, chalk downlands and leafy glades; to summers eternal.
- Lee Hurrell
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Re: Lee Hurrell
Taking a break from 2013, which I will return to, please sign and share these petitions!
http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/campaig ... er_jan2014
Thanks
Lee
Here's another petition for the same outcome, from The Woodland Trust. With this one you email the Prime Minister directly.Sussex Kipper wrote:Save Our Woodlands Again!
The latest madcap government proposal concerning the environment is to allow offsetting of ancient woodland. This would mean developments could potentially go ahead on ancient woodland sites if enough trees were planted elsewhere in mitigation. I won't insult your intelligence by explaining how that couldn't possibly work. It is probably the single most ridiculous and flawed scheme I have ever heard of. Bearing in mind the complexity of some of the issues back then, I personally consider this proposal a much greater threat to our wildlife than the proposed state-owned forest sell-off a few years back. Please sign and share.
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ ... 1388957757
http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/campaig ... er_jan2014
Thanks
Lee
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
To butterfly meadows, chalk downlands and leafy glades; to summers eternal.
- Lee Hurrell
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Re: Lee Hurrell
Bit out of season, but am now getting there, finally.
Sunday 28th July 2013
An enjoyable hour or so at Denbies.
150 Chalkhill Blue, including 5 female and a few abs.
5 Brown Argus, 10 Marbled White, 50 Meadow Brown, 30 Gatekeeper, 2 Small Heath, 4 Large White, 15 Small Skipper and 4 Silver Y also seen.
Sunday 28th July 2013
An enjoyable hour or so at Denbies.
150 Chalkhill Blue, including 5 female and a few abs.
5 Brown Argus, 10 Marbled White, 50 Meadow Brown, 30 Gatekeeper, 2 Small Heath, 4 Large White, 15 Small Skipper and 4 Silver Y also seen.
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
To butterfly meadows, chalk downlands and leafy glades; to summers eternal.
- Lee Hurrell
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- Posts: 2423
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- Location: Hampshire
Re: Lee Hurrell
17th August 2013
After a two week convalescence following an operation, during which I was not really allowed to go out (during high summer!), I was understandably ready for some butterflies. A return to Denbies was what the doctor ordered. I won't comment on self-medication.
Silver Spotted Skippers were about in good numbers, although not stopping for long.
There were many female Chalkhill Blues.
Males too of course, some with some lovely undersides. I just love Chalkhill Blues.
Common Blue seemed common once more but I saw just the one male Adonis.
What a lovely return to the field.
Sightings: 10 Silver Spotted Skipper, 1 Small Skipper, 200 Chalkhill Blue, 20 Common Blue, 1 Adonis Blue, 10 Brown Argus, 50 Meadow Brown, 1 Ringlet and 1 Gatekeeper.
After a two week convalescence following an operation, during which I was not really allowed to go out (during high summer!), I was understandably ready for some butterflies. A return to Denbies was what the doctor ordered. I won't comment on self-medication.
Silver Spotted Skippers were about in good numbers, although not stopping for long.
There were many female Chalkhill Blues.
Males too of course, some with some lovely undersides. I just love Chalkhill Blues.
Common Blue seemed common once more but I saw just the one male Adonis.
What a lovely return to the field.
Sightings: 10 Silver Spotted Skipper, 1 Small Skipper, 200 Chalkhill Blue, 20 Common Blue, 1 Adonis Blue, 10 Brown Argus, 50 Meadow Brown, 1 Ringlet and 1 Gatekeeper.
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
To butterfly meadows, chalk downlands and leafy glades; to summers eternal.
Re: Lee Hurrell
Good to see you're posting once more and catching up. Fantastic shots well worth the wait
Have a goodun
Wurzel
Have a goodun
Wurzel
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- Lee Hurrell
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Re: Lee Hurrell
Thanks Wurzel
Hope you're having a goodun.
Best wishes,
Lee
Hope you're having a goodun.
Best wishes,
Lee
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
To butterfly meadows, chalk downlands and leafy glades; to summers eternal.
- Lee Hurrell
- Stock Contributor
- Posts: 2423
- Joined: Mon May 25, 2009 7:33 pm
- Location: Hampshire
Re: Lee Hurrell
August Bank Holiday Weekend 2013 - Isle of Wight
Our first ever trip to the Isle of Wight just happened to coincide with around 7000 mods and scooters - we had no idea this was the annual scooter ride. We saw them at Ryde, on their annual procession across the island and then again at Shanklin. There were some brilliant scooters. However, we stayed at a lovely farm at Chale Bay on the south coast, with views all along the coast to the Needles. This is the view looking inland though. Note the dinosaur; here was a Wall flitting around the feet of this fearsome predator!
Seen at Chale Bay: 5 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Wall, 1 Clouded Yellow, 10 Small White, 5 Large White.
The next morning outside the room, I saw a what I thought at first was a odd looking Painted Lady. It turned out to be a Jersey Tiger - very striking.
A wonderful pre-breakfast walk along the cliff tops at Chale gave us even more; 1 Painted Lady (a real one this time), 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 5 Wall, 3 Meadow Brown, 4 Clouded Yellow, 20 Small White, 6 male Common Blue, 1 Small Copper. The views were stunning.
A short drive along the coast we stopped at Hanover Point for another walk along the coastline. Here we saw 5 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Wall, 5 Meadow Brown, 1 Small Heath, 10 Chalkhill Blue, 25 Common Blue, 3 Large White, 50 Small White and 1 Silver Y.
Again, the views were beautiful.
We drove on toward the Needles and parked up. After a mooch about the shops we started the long walk up to the summit, the cold war relics and the views. Of course there were plenty of butterflies too. Here we saw, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Gatekeeper, 10 Meadow Brown, 10 Wall, 3 Small Heath, 30 Chalkhill Blue, 50 Common Blue, 10 Brown Argus, 1 Small Copper, 10 Clouded Yellow, 10 Large White and 50 Small White.
We also heard the unmistakable call of a Raven.
The walk up was beautiful.
Here they are!
A fantastic two days spent on the Isle of Wight. I will be back and of course, would like to see some Glanville Fritillaries too. And a Red Squirrel next time!
On the return ferry, the sun and the clouds over The Solent were really pretty.
Our first ever trip to the Isle of Wight just happened to coincide with around 7000 mods and scooters - we had no idea this was the annual scooter ride. We saw them at Ryde, on their annual procession across the island and then again at Shanklin. There were some brilliant scooters. However, we stayed at a lovely farm at Chale Bay on the south coast, with views all along the coast to the Needles. This is the view looking inland though. Note the dinosaur; here was a Wall flitting around the feet of this fearsome predator!
Seen at Chale Bay: 5 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Wall, 1 Clouded Yellow, 10 Small White, 5 Large White.
The next morning outside the room, I saw a what I thought at first was a odd looking Painted Lady. It turned out to be a Jersey Tiger - very striking.
A wonderful pre-breakfast walk along the cliff tops at Chale gave us even more; 1 Painted Lady (a real one this time), 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 5 Wall, 3 Meadow Brown, 4 Clouded Yellow, 20 Small White, 6 male Common Blue, 1 Small Copper. The views were stunning.
A short drive along the coast we stopped at Hanover Point for another walk along the coastline. Here we saw 5 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Wall, 5 Meadow Brown, 1 Small Heath, 10 Chalkhill Blue, 25 Common Blue, 3 Large White, 50 Small White and 1 Silver Y.
Again, the views were beautiful.
We drove on toward the Needles and parked up. After a mooch about the shops we started the long walk up to the summit, the cold war relics and the views. Of course there were plenty of butterflies too. Here we saw, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Gatekeeper, 10 Meadow Brown, 10 Wall, 3 Small Heath, 30 Chalkhill Blue, 50 Common Blue, 10 Brown Argus, 1 Small Copper, 10 Clouded Yellow, 10 Large White and 50 Small White.
We also heard the unmistakable call of a Raven.
The walk up was beautiful.
Here they are!
A fantastic two days spent on the Isle of Wight. I will be back and of course, would like to see some Glanville Fritillaries too. And a Red Squirrel next time!
On the return ferry, the sun and the clouds over The Solent were really pretty.
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
To butterfly meadows, chalk downlands and leafy glades; to summers eternal.
Re: Lee Hurrell
Some lovely shots there Lee, and not just the Butterflies
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- Chris Jackson
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Re: Lee Hurrell
Thanks for your Bank Holiday photos Lee. I've never been to the Isle of Wight but it looks good for walking and nature. Some stunning views, if you've got a head for heights!
Cheers, Chris
Cheers, Chris
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- Lee Hurrell
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Re: Lee Hurrell
Thank you William and Chris.
I would go back any time, it is a lovely place. Yes, those cliffs are quite high...
Best wishes,
Lee
I would go back any time, it is a lovely place. Yes, those cliffs are quite high...
Best wishes,
Lee
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
To butterfly meadows, chalk downlands and leafy glades; to summers eternal.
- Lee Hurrell
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- Posts: 2423
- Joined: Mon May 25, 2009 7:33 pm
- Location: Hampshire
Re: Lee Hurrell
September 1st 2013
A walk from Juniper Bottom in the Surrey hills through to Box Hill for a picnic gave a late Dark Green Fritillary, 1 Speckled Wood and 1 Meadow Brown whilst on Box Hill itself 1 Small Heath, 20 Meadow Brown and 1 female Chalkhill Blue were seen.
A walk from Juniper Bottom in the Surrey hills through to Box Hill for a picnic gave a late Dark Green Fritillary, 1 Speckled Wood and 1 Meadow Brown whilst on Box Hill itself 1 Small Heath, 20 Meadow Brown and 1 female Chalkhill Blue were seen.
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
To butterfly meadows, chalk downlands and leafy glades; to summers eternal.
Re: Lee Hurrell
Lovely shot of the female Chalkhill I was wondering if it was an aberrant but then I realized that she has a little chunk out of the hind wing Looking at the date I reckon you're almost there catching up wise.
Have a goodun
Wurzel
Have a goodun
Wurzel
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
Re: Lee Hurrell
Fantastic photos in your recent posts Lee and the Isle of Wight remains a favourite of mine, especially at Glanville time
Mike
Mike
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- Neil Freeman
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Re: Lee Hurrell
Nice photos Lee Enjoyed looking at the Isle of Wight ones, especially as I will be heading there for a few days end of May for the first time
Cheers,
Neil.
Cheers,
Neil.
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- Lee Hurrell
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Re: Lee Hurrell
Wurzel wrote:Lovely shot of the female Chalkhill
Maximus wrote:Fantastic photos in your recent posts Lee and the Isle of Wight remains a favourite of mine, especially at Glanville time
Thanks chaps. I will be definitely be going back. Have a lovely time Neil, look forward to your sightings - keep an eye out for Clouded Yellows!nfreem wrote:Nice photos Lee Enjoyed looking at the Isle of Wight ones, especially as I will be heading there for a few days end of May for the first time :wink
Ah...but I still have Turkey to do (plus this year)Wurzel wrote:Looking at the date I reckon you're almost there catching up wise.
Best wishes,
Lee
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
To butterfly meadows, chalk downlands and leafy glades; to summers eternal.
- Lee Hurrell
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- Location: Hampshire
Re: Lee Hurrell
Kalkan, Turkey, September 2013 - Part One
For the middle two weeks in September 2013, we stayed in Kalkan in the south west of Turkey. Sitting between Fethiye and Kas on the coast, it has a natural harbour and was originally a Greek fishing village but in the 1920s the Greeks left after the war with Turkey. It remains untouched by mass tourism and is all the better for it. The local people pride themselves on being very friendly, welcoming and especially non-pushy when it comes to trying to get you into their restaurants or buy their goods. This is lovely after the hassle you get in other places!
Kalkan is famous for having many restaurants, many with wonderful night views over the harbour. We ate in a different authentic restaurant every night and all were fantastic. Everything about it was wonderful - I would thoroughly recommend a visit.
This is taken from above the town. The two islands in the distance are known as Snake Island and Mouse Island.
This is from our balcony nearing sunset. You can just make out a "Turkish Moon".
As for the wildlife...It was hot and dry, similar to when I've been in southern Spain at this time of year and indeed, I saw many of the same plants. Nectar sources were limited, but of course there were butterflies I'd go for a daily walk around mid morning and come back after an hour or two and jump straight in the pool to cool down.
One of the first species I found was this Scarce Swallowtail. It just sat there for ages and eventually floated around for a bit and then went back to its perch.
This next picture was taken with my mobile phone (which has more mega pixels than my Canon!) and I was pretty impressed with it. To this day it remains saved as the background image on my phone screen.
I saw more European Swallowtail (machaon) than Scarce Swallowtail (podalirius) during the holiday but none were feeling photogenic.
Whenever I go away, I always go through books and resources to see what I may see. So it was a surprise to see a Southern White Admiral, which should have been over by August according to Tolman.
Another surprise was the Plain Tiger (Danaus chrysippus) although I had overlooked that this species was a possibility and I saw several.
For the middle two weeks in September 2013, we stayed in Kalkan in the south west of Turkey. Sitting between Fethiye and Kas on the coast, it has a natural harbour and was originally a Greek fishing village but in the 1920s the Greeks left after the war with Turkey. It remains untouched by mass tourism and is all the better for it. The local people pride themselves on being very friendly, welcoming and especially non-pushy when it comes to trying to get you into their restaurants or buy their goods. This is lovely after the hassle you get in other places!
Kalkan is famous for having many restaurants, many with wonderful night views over the harbour. We ate in a different authentic restaurant every night and all were fantastic. Everything about it was wonderful - I would thoroughly recommend a visit.
This is taken from above the town. The two islands in the distance are known as Snake Island and Mouse Island.
This is from our balcony nearing sunset. You can just make out a "Turkish Moon".
As for the wildlife...It was hot and dry, similar to when I've been in southern Spain at this time of year and indeed, I saw many of the same plants. Nectar sources were limited, but of course there were butterflies I'd go for a daily walk around mid morning and come back after an hour or two and jump straight in the pool to cool down.
One of the first species I found was this Scarce Swallowtail. It just sat there for ages and eventually floated around for a bit and then went back to its perch.
This next picture was taken with my mobile phone (which has more mega pixels than my Canon!) and I was pretty impressed with it. To this day it remains saved as the background image on my phone screen.
I saw more European Swallowtail (machaon) than Scarce Swallowtail (podalirius) during the holiday but none were feeling photogenic.
Whenever I go away, I always go through books and resources to see what I may see. So it was a surprise to see a Southern White Admiral, which should have been over by August according to Tolman.
Another surprise was the Plain Tiger (Danaus chrysippus) although I had overlooked that this species was a possibility and I saw several.
Last edited by Lee Hurrell on Sun Apr 20, 2014 8:49 am, edited 1 time in total.
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
To butterfly meadows, chalk downlands and leafy glades; to summers eternal.
- Lee Hurrell
- Stock Contributor
- Posts: 2423
- Joined: Mon May 25, 2009 7:33 pm
- Location: Hampshire
Re: Lee Hurrell
Kalkan, Turkey, September 2013 - Part Two
Browns were few and far between although Great Banded Graylings would sometimes hove into view, like some huge aircraft shadowing out the sun. They really are that big
A single Small Heath was seen near the sea and two Meadow Browns made me run around after them, securing only a record shot. However, I can confirm Freyer's Grayling (Neohipparchia fatua) as I saw the upperside. I saw a few Graylings but this was the only one that stopped long enough for me to identify.
Whites were represented by Small, Large and Green Veined.
Blues were particularly thin on the ground with only one Brown Argus, three Holly Blue and a handful of Long Tailed Blue seen. The males were busy defending and fighting but this female was busy and didn't mind me watching.
There were loads of skippers: Sage Skipper, Millet Skipper, Pygmy Skipper, Mallow Skipper and possibly one or two others.
The Sage Skipper was a lovely orangey brown colour.
Despite looking similar, the Millet Skipper and the Pygmy Skipper behaved completely differently. The Millet Skipper is slightly larger and was only ever seen nectaring, although I think I only have pictures of females.
Whilst the Pygmy Skipper was only ever seen defending a perch or stretch of road, typically male behaviour.
I only saw a couple of Mallow Skippers.
Lastly for this part, a couple of shots of the harbour.
Browns were few and far between although Great Banded Graylings would sometimes hove into view, like some huge aircraft shadowing out the sun. They really are that big
A single Small Heath was seen near the sea and two Meadow Browns made me run around after them, securing only a record shot. However, I can confirm Freyer's Grayling (Neohipparchia fatua) as I saw the upperside. I saw a few Graylings but this was the only one that stopped long enough for me to identify.
Whites were represented by Small, Large and Green Veined.
Blues were particularly thin on the ground with only one Brown Argus, three Holly Blue and a handful of Long Tailed Blue seen. The males were busy defending and fighting but this female was busy and didn't mind me watching.
There were loads of skippers: Sage Skipper, Millet Skipper, Pygmy Skipper, Mallow Skipper and possibly one or two others.
The Sage Skipper was a lovely orangey brown colour.
Despite looking similar, the Millet Skipper and the Pygmy Skipper behaved completely differently. The Millet Skipper is slightly larger and was only ever seen nectaring, although I think I only have pictures of females.
Whilst the Pygmy Skipper was only ever seen defending a perch or stretch of road, typically male behaviour.
I only saw a couple of Mallow Skippers.
Lastly for this part, a couple of shots of the harbour.
Last edited by Lee Hurrell on Sun Apr 20, 2014 8:49 am, edited 1 time in total.
Diary entries for 2014 have been archived. If there are missing images in this post, then they can be found in this archive if one exists. All archives can be found here.
To butterfly meadows, chalk downlands and leafy glades; to summers eternal.