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Re: Lee Hurrell
Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2020 9:23 pm
by Lee Hurrell
Wiltshire Weekend Wonders, 27th May 2017 - Part 2
After a fill of downland delights, I headed to the woods.
The first image below remains one of my favourite photographs.
![IMG_1276.JPG (1.83 MiB) Viewed 895 times Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary, male, Bentley Wood, Wiltshire, 27th May 2017](./files/thumb_6364_387138c69940da8e1942fa7748aa3786)
- Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary, male, Bentley Wood, Wiltshire, 27th May 2017
![IMG_1238.JPG (1.48 MiB) Viewed 895 times Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary, male, Bentley Wood, Wiltshire, 27th May 2017](./files/thumb_6364_5d836fd0ec43a9c328ea23b336a95ade)
- Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary, male, Bentley Wood, Wiltshire, 27th May 2017
![IMG_1196.JPG (1.4 MiB) Viewed 895 times Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary, male, Bentley Wood, Wiltshire, 27th May 2017](./files/thumb_6364_1924483613ecf292e122970e31598d36)
- Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary, male, Bentley Wood, Wiltshire, 27th May 2017
![IMG_1167.JPG (1.56 MiB) Viewed 895 times Broad-bodied Chaser, female, Bentley Wood, Wiltshire, 27th May 2017](./files/thumb_6364_da1f9d30b7e0d15ee9ad33a49f49ee98)
- Broad-bodied Chaser, female, Bentley Wood, Wiltshire, 27th May 2017
Re: Lee Hurrell
Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2020 9:38 pm
by Lee Hurrell
Hutchinson's Bank, Surrey, 28th May 2017
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.
![IMG_1294.JPG (1.55 MiB) Viewed 894 times Small Blue, female, Hutchinson's Bank, Surrey, 28th May 2017](./files/thumb_6364_43edc684310c78250012dd40912c71e0)
- Small Blue, female, Hutchinson's Bank, Surrey, 28th May 2017
![IMG_1315.JPG (1.22 MiB) Viewed 894 times Small Blue, male, Hutchinson's Bank, Surrey, 28th May 2017](./files/thumb_6364_8d2b06014f233f57ef099d1caca327fa)
- 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.
![IMG_1360.JPG (1.47 MiB) Viewed 894 times Common Blue, female, Hutchinson's Bank, Surrey, 28th May 2017](./files/thumb_6364_6ba0243d29e38a504956f0426825cd23)
- Common Blue, female, Hutchinson's Bank, Surrey, 28th May 2017
Re: Lee Hurrell
Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2020 7:44 am
by Neil Freeman
Some great photos in your catch up posts Lee
Lee Hurrell wrote: ↑Wed Apr 22, 2020 9:15 pm
They are, David. They are also the clumsiest insect I have ever seen!
I get them blundering around in the garden moth trap occasionally.
Cheers,
Neil.
Re: Lee Hurrell
Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2020 5:50 pm
by Wurzel
Brilliant catch-ups Lee - the Small Blue from HB is sublime
![Mr. Green :mrgreen:](./images/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif)
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
Have a goodun and stay safe
Wurzel
Re: Lee Hurrell
Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2020 9:13 am
by David M
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.
Re: Lee Hurrell
Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2020 9:47 pm
by Lee Hurrell
Neil Freeman wrote: ↑Fri Apr 24, 2020 7:44 am
Some great photos in your catch up posts Lee
Thanks, Neil!
Re: Lee Hurrell
Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2020 9:49 pm
by Lee Hurrell
Thanks, Wurze. If that is the case in time for MF and SPBF, let's catch up. I live even nearer now!
Re: Lee Hurrell
Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2020 9:51 pm
by Lee Hurrell
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!
Re: Lee Hurrell
Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2020 10:05 pm
by Lee Hurrell
Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 10th June 2017
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.
![IMG_1390.JPG (1.52 MiB) Viewed 858 times Silver-studded Blue, male, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 10th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_a04b9c3ce22a5931963e9209d1eedb8c)
- Silver-studded Blue, male, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 10th June 2017
![IMG_1422.JPG (1.22 MiB) Viewed 858 times Silver-studded Blue, male, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 10th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_cd2be779c6d9ade2a43fa78c697268f7)
- Silver-studded Blue, male, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 10th June 2017
![IMG_1451.JPG (1.79 MiB) Viewed 858 times Silver-studded Blue, female, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 10th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_af0b7508a9e0b0f672b97346d6e4fcf0)
- Silver-studded Blue, female, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 10th June 2017
![IMG_1468.JPG (1.72 MiB) Viewed 858 times Silver-studded Blue, male, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 10th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_f579ed0b3b62240052c7421485e4f936)
- Silver-studded Blue, male, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 10th June 2017
![IMG_1512.JPG (1.13 MiB) Viewed 858 times Silver-studded Blue, male, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 10th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_a0aa59f60b97f4de7d6976948ff00275)
- Silver-studded Blue, male, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 10th June 2017
![IMG_1526.JPG (1.13 MiB) Viewed 858 times Silver-studded Blue, male, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 10th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_914bc970b215cbdce913fdbc55b17f8a)
- 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!
![IMG_1605.JPG (1.63 MiB) Viewed 858 times Silver-studded Blue, female, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 10th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_a9bea2abae6294ba7245b1769a947132)
- Silver-studded Blue, female, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 10th June 2017
![IMG_1639.JPG (1.53 MiB) Viewed 858 times Silver-studded Blue, male, forewing detail, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 10th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_918c5b988f5d729faa7c7ee858a2a82f)
- Silver-studded Blue, male, forewing detail, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 10th June 2017
Re: Lee Hurrell
Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2020 2:31 pm
by millerd
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.
Cheers,
Dave
Re: Lee Hurrell
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2020 7:29 pm
by Wurzel
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
![Confused :?](./images/smilies/icon_confused.gif)
If not then there's always Brostreaks near by
Cracking set of Silver-studs Lee
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
especially like the close-up and the male whose spot has 'run' into the spot on the next row down
Have a goodun and stay safe
Wurzel
Re: Lee Hurrell
Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2020 6:27 pm
by David M
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.
Re: Lee Hurrell
Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2020 9:35 pm
by Lee Hurrell
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!
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
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
Re: Lee Hurrell
Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2020 10:04 pm
by Lee Hurrell
Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017
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
![IMG_1665.JPG (1.45 MiB) Viewed 808 times Brimstone, female, Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_5a664a4eb381466aa566fdc259553256)
- 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.
![IMG_1683.JPG (1.27 MiB) Viewed 808 times Marbled White, male, Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_bdb9b9a4b31715437df3481a9fbc82d3)
- Marbled White, male, Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017
This privet bush proved to be a huge draw to insects of all types.
![IMG_1704.JPG (1.68 MiB) Viewed 808 times Dark Green Fritillary, male, Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_45084e643b8c7451d8d1023a8874e9cb)
- Dark Green Fritillary, male, Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017
![IMG_1710.JPG (1.69 MiB) Viewed 808 times Dark Green Fritillary, male, Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_761dd2fd68974b93dedd3990b121f688)
- Dark Green Fritillary, male, Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017
![IMG_1765.JPG (1.43 MiB) Viewed 808 times Painted Lady, Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_07078d60bc4a5ab3891a341a1e16e455)
- Painted Lady, Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017
![IMG_1776.JPG (1.39 MiB) Viewed 808 times Small Tortoiseshell, Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_0e57449a6fa5caeed0f86cb2a796fea9)
- Small Tortoiseshell, Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017
![IMG_1805.JPG (1.49 MiB) Viewed 808 times Small Tortoiseshell, Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_4ddbea48da6541eced0ff50dc9d1d246)
- Small Tortoiseshell, Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017
![IMG_1741.JPG (798.2 KiB) Viewed 808 times Meadow Brown, male, Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_dfaa8d80d1c8045590395c572806636a)
- Meadow Brown, male, Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017
![IMG_1734.JPG (1.37 MiB) Viewed 808 times Rose Chafer, Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_391e28a25fcdd5efc20041a00b6bb558)
- Rose Chafer, Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017
Re: Lee Hurrell
Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2020 9:12 pm
by Lee Hurrell
Chiddingfold Forest 25th June 2017
Late June, early July and it is time to go to the woods.
![IMG_1894.JPG (1.59 MiB) Viewed 785 times White Admiral, Chiddingfold Forest, Surrey, 25th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_a28051c45485f9b764ac9b6e54996805)
- White Admiral, Chiddingfold Forest, Surrey, 25th June 2017
![IMG_1930.JPG (1.34 MiB) Viewed 785 times Silver-washed Fritillary, female, Chiddingfold Forest, Surrey, 25th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_1e59ff7d08f012bb8a3bc18db4cd1ff6)
- Silver-washed Fritillary, female, Chiddingfold Forest, Surrey, 25th June 2017
![IMG_1901.JPG (1.53 MiB) Viewed 785 times Red Admiral, Chiddingfold Forest, Surrey, 25th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_2d67fe14198c2eec94777a2e83b35589)
- Red Admiral, Chiddingfold Forest, Surrey, 25th June 2017
![IMG_1888.JPG (1.51 MiB) Viewed 785 times Purple Hairstreak, Chiddingfold Forest, Surrey, 25th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_fc49797abbe836d7cceac816765de6e7)
- Purple Hairstreak, Chiddingfold Forest, Surrey, 25th June 2017
![IMG_1826.JPG (1.48 MiB) Viewed 785 times Ringlet, male, Chiddingfold Forest, Surrey, 25th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_787fd28b2a1d1888cf11847d5572ec26)
- Ringlet, male, Chiddingfold Forest, Surrey, 25th June 2017
![IMG_1912.JPG (1.77 MiB) Viewed 785 times Ringlet, male, Chiddingfold Forest, Surrey, 25th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_c1562991719d501aa687c1059e864e64)
- Ringlet, male, Chiddingfold Forest, Surrey, 25th June 2017
![IMG_2023.JPG (1.34 MiB) Viewed 785 times Ringlet, mating pair, Chiddingfold Forest, Surrey, 25th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_b326c046bb897b79ddd39defb6967803)
- Ringlet, mating pair, Chiddingfold Forest, Surrey, 25th June 2017
Re: Lee Hurrell
Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2020 9:58 pm
by Wurzel
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.
Have a goodun and stay safe
Wurzel
Re: Lee Hurrell
Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2020 7:44 pm
by David M
Your White Admiral represents my 'look away' moment, Lee. Doubt I'll see any this year unless our freedom to travel is relaxed.
Your image of the mating Ringlets reminded me just how infrequently one sees this species in cop; certainly far less often than Meadow Browns.
Re: Lee Hurrell
Posted: Mon May 11, 2020 7:24 am
by Lee Hurrell
Thank you, both.
Apologies on behalf of the White Admiral, David
![Wink :wink:](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
Re: Lee Hurrell
Posted: Mon May 11, 2020 7:57 am
by Lee Hurrell
Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 30th June 2017
A return visit to Dawney's Hill for Grayling normally has a few Silver-studded Blue still flying, as was the case on this day.
![IMG_2041.JPG (1.51 MiB) Viewed 744 times Grayling, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 30th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_b76dd9a2722dab372ddedc8463f2845e)
- Grayling, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 30th June 2017
![IMG_2055.JPG (1.28 MiB) Viewed 744 times Grayling, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 30th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_2647695078f5fd1919aaf53be360317d)
- Grayling, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 30th June 2017
![IMG_2120.JPG (1.48 MiB) Viewed 744 times Grayling, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 30th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_0c6cd9ad73848f578dc486f348552387)
- Grayling, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 30th June 2017
![IMG_2141.JPG (1.52 MiB) Viewed 744 times Grayling, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 30th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_6ec8e19a6c0c5994b373671c26143f1d)
- Grayling, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 30th June 2017
![IMG_2208.JPG (1.53 MiB) Viewed 744 times Grayling, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 30th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_25d7400dc407ee4dda268cea814b66f5)
- Grayling, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 30th June 2017
![IMG_2094.JPG (1.74 MiB) Viewed 744 times Silver-studded Blue, male, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 30th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_c1d38a5ee268fae96fe5373e0551666b)
- Silver-studded Blue, male, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 30th June 2017
It was the first time I had experienced a Grayling landing on me; as well as the closest I will probably get to an upper wing shot.
![IMG_2156.JPG (1.74 MiB) Viewed 744 times Grayling, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 30th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_4d0b903de33760f8ff62d98f5ba1b428)
- Grayling, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 30th June 2017
![IMG_2157.JPG (1.34 MiB) Viewed 744 times Grayling, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 30th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_9f6ed96ee9e1d58ab114157e1fadf4cf)
- Grayling, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 30th June 2017
I also found what I believe is a female Black Darter.
![IMG_2111.JPG (1.56 MiB) Viewed 744 times Black Darter, female, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 30th June 2017](./files/thumb_6364_ea175c5bbf41417910513298d9a989d6)
- Black Darter, female, Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 30th June 2017
Re: Lee Hurrell
Posted: Mon May 11, 2020 7:08 pm
by Wurzel
Cracking set of Grayling images Lee
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
- they are such good 'value for money' butterflies
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
Those upper wing shots are really tricky to get - still not managed myself
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)
still got to leave something for the next time
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
What with easing of restrictions it looks like the English contingent might be able to have a more butterfly filled 2020, fingers crossed
Have a goodun and stay safe
Wurzel