I remember this day well. I don't think I've ever seen so many Small Blues in one place: my notebook says 250. The chalk scrapes habitat management was really paying off. I also saw my first Meadow Brown of the year.
Small Blue, female, Hutchinson's Bank, Surrey, 28th May 2017
Small Blue, male, Hutchinson's Bank, Surrey, 28th May 2017
I have a spot for female Common Blues; I think it must be the variation you see in them. I had seen some beautiful individuals at this site in the past and this one was no exception.
Common Blue, female, Hutchinson's Bank, Surrey, 28th May 2017
To butterfly meadows, chalk downlands and leafy glades; to summers eternal.
Brilliant catch-ups Lee - the Small Blue from HB is sublime It's good to see the Wiltshire contingent featuring on your PD - fingers crossed for a save easing of Lockdown which will mean you might be able to make a repeat visit
Agreed, Lee, that SPBF image is excellent; in fact, they all are. I'm quite taken by your Common Blue female too - I've seen 'bluer' ones than that but the markings on yours are most unusual.
Wurzel wrote: ↑Fri Apr 24, 2020 5:50 pm
Brilliant catch-ups Lee - the Small Blue from HB is sublime It's good to see the Wiltshire contingent featuring on your PD - fingers crossed for a save easing of Lockdown which will mean you might be able to make a repeat visit
Thanks, Wurze. If that is the case in time for MF and SPBF, let's catch up. I live even nearer now!
To butterfly meadows, chalk downlands and leafy glades; to summers eternal.
David M wrote: ↑Sat Apr 25, 2020 9:13 am
Agreed, Lee, that SPBF image is excellent; in fact, they all are. I'm quite taken by your Common Blue female too - I've seen 'bluer' ones than that but the markings on yours are most unusual.
Thank you, David, that's kind of you. I must admit, there is something special about that female. I do like Common Blues!
To butterfly meadows, chalk downlands and leafy glades; to summers eternal.
Dawney's Hill, or Pirbright Common, is a lovely site, with Silver-studded Blue and Grayling its speciality. On the occasions I have visited since this day though, the Silver-studded Blue has been much harder to find and gorse has taken over much of the heather. On this day in 2017, there were two ponies on site, grazing away. I wonder if they are still doing what they need to.
Silver-studded Blue, male, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 10th June 2017
Silver-studded Blue, male, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 10th June 2017
Silver-studded Blue, female, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 10th June 2017
Silver-studded Blue, male, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 10th June 2017
Silver-studded Blue, male, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 10th June 2017
Silver-studded Blue, male, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 10th June 2017
I think this female must have been fresh that day; she was still sorting out her proboscis!
Silver-studded Blue, female, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 10th June 2017
Silver-studded Blue, male, forewing detail, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 10th June 2017
To butterfly meadows, chalk downlands and leafy glades; to summers eternal.
One of my favourite spots, Lee, and my prime "go to" location for Grayling every year. I didn't see the ponies last year, and though some of the gorse has been cleared, the heather hasn't taken advantage and replaced it, and the gorse is returning. Nevertheless, there were Silver-studs to be found as you say in both 2018 and 2019.
That sounds like a plan although the easing might not happen in time as the Marshies started flying this weekend - hopefully this week of cooler, wetter weather will slow them down a little If not then there's always Brostreaks near by
Cracking set of Silver-studs Lee especially like the close-up and the male whose spot has 'run' into the spot on the next row down
millerd wrote: ↑Sun Apr 26, 2020 2:31 pm
One of my favourite spots, Lee, and my prime "go to" location for Grayling every year. I didn't see the ponies last year, and though some of the gorse has been cleared, the heather hasn't taken advantage and replaced it, and the gorse is returning. Nevertheless, there were Silver-studs to be found as you say in both 2018 and 2019.
Thanks, Dave. I have been for the last two years (2018 and 2019) and struggled to find many while seeing the gorse take over. I could have been going at the wrong times of course!
Wurzel wrote: ↑Mon Apr 27, 2020 7:29 pm
That sounds like a plan although the easing might not happen in time as the Marshies started flying this weekend - hopefully this week of cooler, wetter weather will slow them down a little If not then there's always Brostreaks near by
Cracking set of Silver-studs Lee especially like the close-up and the male whose spot has 'run' into the spot on the next row down
Thanks, Wurzel. Let's keep an eye on the weather and the restrictions.
David M wrote: ↑Tue Apr 28, 2020 6:27 pm
Not sure your timing with that post has done me any favours right now, Lee.
There's only one site in south Wales for SSBs, and unless we regain some freedom of movement soon I won't get to visit it.
Your images are a reminder of how attractive this species is.
Apologies, David. You may wish to look away for the coming posts then
To butterfly meadows, chalk downlands and leafy glades; to summers eternal.
On arrival at this lovely, wooded, valley site in the Surrey Hills, I was greeted by a grisly murder scene, with the prime suspect still there, gloating at the crime scene
Brimstone, female, Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017
The mood lifted though, with some of the butterflies this site is known for; including this fresher than fresh Marbled White.
Marbled White, male, Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017
This privet bush proved to be a huge draw to insects of all types.
Dark Green Fritillary, male, Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017
Dark Green Fritillary, male, Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017
Painted Lady, Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017
Small Tortoiseshell, Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017
Small Tortoiseshell, Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017
Meadow Brown, male, Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017
Rose Chafer, Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017
To butterfly meadows, chalk downlands and leafy glades; to summers eternal.
More great posts Lee - I love it when White Admirals come down onto the deck
"Thanks, Wurzel. Let's keep an eye on the weather and the restrictions." - sounds like a plan.
Cracking set of Grayling images Lee - they are such good 'value for money' butterflies Those upper wing shots are really tricky to get - still not managed myself still got to leave something for the next time What with easing of restrictions it looks like the English contingent might be able to have a more butterfly filled 2020, fingers crossed
It's good to see the Wiltshire contingent featuring on your PD - fingers crossed for a save easing of Lockdown which will mean you might be able to make a repeat visit 
still got to leave something for the next time 
