Trevor

[essexbuzzard]

Congratulations on the Tortoiseshell, Trevor. And there’s me thinking I had them all here!

[David M]

Great blaze of colour there, Trevor. You've definitely packed a lot into the last few days. Love that beaten-up Comma - what a survivor!

Things are really moving now.

[Neil Freeman]

Hi Trevor,

Good to see that Small Tortoiseshell as I have read your previous comments about how scarce they have been down your way.

Cheers,

Neil.

[Goldie M]

Really glad you saw a Tortoiseshell Trevor, nothing much here yet, mind you I've not ventured out much lately, Spring has arrived at last Goldie

[trevor]

Many thanks everyone. That Small Tortoiseshell was a most welcome sight.
I'm off to Halnaker tomorrow, the farm there can be host to more Small Torts in late March.

Today, despite the strong easterly wind, I paid another visit to the old railway.
After a false start, eventually three Peacocks, and four Commas were found.
One of the peacocks provided me with my ideal Springtime image, by nectaring
on wild pear blossom high up against a clear blue sky.

Keep well,
Trevor.

[Wurzel]

That is a quintessentially Spring image Trevor - cracking set of shots - the pinky white petals and blue sky really set off the Peacock colours Good luck with your Small Tort hunt tomorrow

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[bugboy]

Great stuff Trevor, lets hope you'll need two hands to count all the Small Torts you'll be seeing this year.... as long as you're allowed out!

[trevor]

Cheers Wurzel & Bugboy,

YES, the hoped for Small Tortoiseshells appeared at Halnaker today, with five seen.
They were found on the same patch of land they use every year, in late March, after
emerging from hibernation in the farm buildings.
The very brisk, cool breeze may have kept numbers down, but this was a very low
count compared to previous years.
Also seen were two non-stop Peacocks, and a Small White which touched down
just long enough for identifiction.

Keep well & safe,
Trevor.

[Wurzel]

Cracking stuff Trevor - glad you got your hoped for Small Torts - long may if continue and hopefully there will be more to come in later days to bolster those numbers - perhaps the cooler weather and recent low pressure systems have held them back from emerging Stay safe.

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[trevor]

Just the one butterfly for me today, a Comma, and it took some finding.
It spent some time hopping between Celandine flowers.

Keep well,
Trevor.

[Wurzel]

That is a cracking light Comma Trevor - lovely markings Better take your camera out with you for your 'one exercise' trip per day

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[David M]

I just love those images of the Peacock on the blackthorn blossom, Trevor. One of the highlights of the year for sure.

Thank God we've been spared total lockdown tonight so we can all have chance to see this wonderful period in the natural calendar unfold.

[trevor]

I went along to the old railway for my exercise this morning.
Of the few people who passed by everyone politely kept a good distance, as did I.
I have included an image of the tarmac path, the width of which may be judged.

It was the day of the Peacock, with a good dozen seen, including three in view at a time.
Most were in superb condition, as was the only Comma seen.
Any day now the first Speckled Wood should appear there, and a little later the first Orange Tip.

Exercise well, and keep safe !,
Trevor.

[Neil Freeman]

Glad to see you have seen some more Small Tortoiseshells Trevor

A really like photos of the Peacock against the blue sky in your earlier post too

Cheers,

Neil.

[Chris L]

Absolutely stunning photos Trevor. Thank you for sharing.

[Goldie M]

Fantastic shots Trevor, it's great we can just get out for a while , I love the photo of the Peacock on the Blossom Goldie

[trevor]

Many thanks folks for the kind comments.

I needed a little more exercise this morning, and I was rewarded with a
Small White, which unlike the first one on Sunday, settled long enough
for a couple of shots.
Then as I was examining a Blackthorn for butterflies a Peacock landed
just above my head and proved very difficult to photograph, at least
I managed a couple of unusual shots.
Back at home a further three Peacocks were seen in the garden.

Keep well, and exercised,
Trevor.

[Janet Turnbull]

That's a lovely Small White Trevor, looks like it just emerged
Janet

[trevor]

I think you are right Janet, that Small White was very fresh.

A very quiet morning for butterflies today.
But I did find my first settled male Brimstone of the year. It was soon sent up
by a passing cyclist, and was not seen again. Nearby was a basking Comma.
The only other sighting was an out of reach Peacock.

Hope you are all well !.
Trevor.

[Old Wolf]

Hello Trevor, fantastic Peacok images.

Whilst out walking the dogs I too have noticed that people are politely keeping their distance but also that there is more eye contact as people navigate each other and people are greeting each other more because of this. An unexpected plus side of the current circumstances.