The plan had been to meet up with Wurzel at Shipton Bellinger on 12th, but the lack of sunshine on the day mentioned above meant a postponement for 24 hours. So on
Tuesday 13th August instead, I headed southwest to a spot renowned for good numbers of Brown Hairstreaks.
Coming from the London side, it was easier to park in the village and wander up the track to the hotspot. With large amounts of blackthorn on either side, I wondered whether I would have an early sighting. However, I was soon distracted by the somewhat unexpected sight of a Wall pottering along the path in front of me, always keeping a little way ahead as usual.
After that surprise, only a few minutes later I caught sight of the familiar chocolate and orange colours of a female Brown Hairstreak, half-hiding in the hedgerow.
First success, only 20 past 10, and I hadn't even met up with Wurzel yet!
Soon afterwards, the rendezvous was accomplished, and we set about scouring the various hedgerows for further butterflies. There were a number of other folk on a similar quest, and though some Hairstreaks had apparently been seen distantly, it wasn't until midday that one came close enough for me to try a shot or two. This particular butterfly had been in the wars somewhat too.
Whilst searching the site with Wurzel, it became clear that there was quite a lot else to see. The number of Wall Browns probably reached double figures - apparently they are on the increase again, and this is exciting stuff as technically these were
Hampshire butterflies, not by any means a common occurence at all.
There were an assortment of Blues...
...fresh Brimstones...
...Meadow Browns basking with open wings...
...and new Speckled Woods in the shady bits
It was getting on for two o'clock before more Hairstreaks appeared in positions were some reasonable shots could be attempted. We had seen a number of others in a variety of very brief encounters, and were beginning to wonder if that was all we'd get to see. There were certainly just into double figures of actual sightings. However, all came good at this point, and the ripe (and more particularly, overripe) blackberries proved to be the main attraction.
There were other aspects of behaviour too - in fact, this individual was egg-laying.
I managed to locate the result.
Though it was hard work today, the rewards (eventually!) were really worthwhile. Good to meet up again, Wurzel! We've seen some cracking butterflies this year.
Dave