www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Thanks David. Another Red Admiral today.

It was good to see a very fresh looking Red Admiral basking on my garden wall this afternoon.
The wall is a south facing sun trap, even in January it is possible to feel the warmth on a sunny day.

Great to see the HBHM and the Painted Lady in your previous post Trevor I think that at this time of year the Red Admiral should change it's name to 'Wall Hugger' as that seems to be their preferred habit Make finding them easier though - just find a warm wall and wait

Have a goodun

Wurzel

trevor wrote: ↑Thu Oct 26, 2023 7:44 pm..It was good to see a very fresh looking Red Admiral basking on my garden wall this afternoon...

They're doing the same round my way too, Trevor. Been three active around a metal trailer basking on prime spots, including canvas bags.

I'm sure they'll keep going until the first major frosts.

Just catching up on your diary again Trevor. Some nice late season butterflies but that Red Admiral ab. from a week or so back is a bit special

Cheers,

Neil

Cheers Wurzel. Basking Red Admirals are easy prey for the camera

Thanks David. With the number of Red Admirals still around, we could given
good weather see some in Nov. Dec. & Jan. A bit optimistic but................

Cheers Neil. A lucky find considering all the Red Admirals around this year,
and that ab was the only RA present that day!

The image below popped up on my ' facebook memories ' this morning.
A reminder of a fabulous few days at Strumpshaw Fen. 6.2019.

trevor wrote: ↑Tue Oct 31, 2023 7:54 pm The image below popped up on my ' facebook memories ' this morning.
A reminder of a fabulous few days at Strumpshaw Fen. 6.2019.

I seem to remember bumping into you up there, Trevor, and spending some while with a Swallowtail that you christened "Nicky". A very good day as I recall...

Cheers,

Dave

I remember seeing those stunning images at the time Trevor - still worthy of now

Have a goodun

Wurzel

trevor wrote: ↑Tue Oct 31, 2023 7:54 pm...Thanks David. With the number of Red Admirals still around, we could given
good weather see some in Nov. Dec. & Jan. A bit optimistic but................

It's not out of the question, Trevor. I've bought some plums to place in the section of my estate where they've been active this last couple of weeks. I'm sure if things remain mild they'll be tempted down for such a source of nourishment.

Gone are the days when November was a non-butterfly month!

Cheers Wurzel. Hopefully that Swallowtail shot might tempt you to move
a visit to Strumpshaw Fen further up your ' to do ' list.

Thanks David. I'm hoping for a few November sightings.

Millerd's recent postings of that great 8th October Long Tailed Blue event
at Lancing Ring prompted me to sort out a one off image from that day.
When we were crowded around the mating pair, a fellow enthusiasts bare upper
arm formed the backdrop to one shot. It has possibly enhanced the image.

What do you think?

Yes the colour compliments the LTBs

Thanks Katrina. Pleased you agree. I was annoyed at the time,
but back at home I was delighted when I saw the result full size.

Yes, I agree with Katrina - it works rather well. Only you know what the background actually is!

Cheers,

Dave

Nice image, Trevor. I'll get round to seeing them in the UK myself eventually.

That is a cracking shot Trevor The background really sets it off I've known some people walk teh butterflies around until they find an appropriate background whereas it looks like that one came to you

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Many thanks folks. LTB's provide an exciting end to the season.

But not quite the end.

At home and in the Chichester area there was an overnight frost.
Despite this a sunny day was forecast, so I took my camera with me to Halnaker.
By late morning south facing walls and shtubbery were benefitting from the sun.
No basking Red Admirals were found on the extensive farm buildings and walls,
so I went for a wander. I soon discovered a tall, Ivy clad tree, still in blossom and
sure enough a Red Admiral was taking advantage of this nectar source, and was
soon joined by a second RA. Neither showed any signs of coming lower down so
I had to resort to full zoom. Amazingly, for the time of year, the Ivy was also host
to many Ivy bees.

Great to see the November Red Admirals Trevor I'm keeping my eyes peeled for some of those myself but we're getting to the period of diminishing returns

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Fantastic shot of the long tailed Blues Trevor The man did you a great favour in the long run Goldie

trevor wrote: ↑Sat Nov 11, 2023 6:58 pm...But not quite the end...

Certainly not if you can find a patch of flowering ivy, Trevor.

Most of it has gone over round my way but Red Admirals and even Speckled Woods are still hanging around that little bit that's left.

Cheers folks. Another November Red Admiral at 14.10 this afternoon ( 23/11 )
Once again high up in a tree, but this time in the Oak at the bottom of my garden.

Great find Trevor Hopefully it finds somewhere a little more snug what with the temperatures set to drop...if the weather people are to be believed that is

Have a goodun

Wurzel