Re: millerd
Posted: Thu May 21, 2015 9:23 pm
A repeat of yesterday's visit to the Country Park, only it was earlier (around three in the afternoon), warmer, sunnier and less windy. There were many more butterflies: Brimstones and Peacocks from the old guard were still frequent, along with a few Green-veined Whites and a single (female) Orange Tip.
The new arrivals were a single Small Heath, plus good numbers of both Common Blues and Brown Argus. As I left, I spotted a blue that seemed far more worn than the others. Settling on a bramble rather confirmed its identity - a female Holly Blue (again!). I was also aware I was being watched...
Back home: With late evenings now, and in this case a warm and sunny one, a walk locally after six is still worthwhile. The first two butterflies encountered were inevitably two Holly Blues. The first was a female fluttering around and then perching on dogwood. The second turned out to be a male basking on brambles, which briefly flashed its wings wide, for once just at the right moment. It was only a little worn, but appeared very pale, more silvery-grey than blue, but the brightness and low angle of the sun no doubt played a part. Also seen were a few Small Heaths, GVW and a male Orange Tip, plus the first Small Tortoiseshell I have seen for a while. It was barely recognisable, and was being given a hard time by a Peacock. The latter seemed extraordinarily well-preserved for May, looking to have at least a few more weeks of life left in him.
Dave