www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Thank you, both.

I quite agree, David. The Brimstone's antenna is quite unusual compared to other species.

Best wishes,
Lee

Sheepleas, Surrey, 9th April 2017

The next day I returned to Sheepleas in Surrey for more early spring delights. Seen in the various meadows were: Red Admiral, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Brimstone, Orange Tip, Speckled Wood and Holly Blue.

Denbies Hillside 9th April 2017

Sheepleas is not far from Denbies Hillside, so if I have time, I usually visit both sites. You can of course spend a whole day at either!
Along with my first swallows of the year, seen at Denbies were: Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Grizzled Skipper, Brimstone, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell.

I'm enjoying this approach you have by concentrating in detail on one part of the butterfly's wings/body, Lee. Gives things an added dimension.

Yep I agree with David Lee really interesting to see the scale detail as well as the other lush shots Looking forward to many more

Have a goodun

Wurzel

You're both very kind. I was (and still do) just see what the camera/lens can do. I'm quite impressed!

Daya Vieja, Rojales, Spain, April 2017

I spent a few days with my Dad in Spain in April 2017. He had moved a short distance from Cuidad Quesada to a small village called Daya Vieja. Of course, I had a good look around.

A couple of for the Audouin's Gull and that bloomin Mallow Skipper It must be a bit odd seeing a Lulworth Skipper nowhere near Dorset

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Thanks, Wurzel. I am yet to see Lulworth Skipper in the UK - something else I must put right.

Best wshes,
Lee

If you need any info just give me a holler

Have a goodun

Wuzel

I will do

His Grace

Back in the UK, it was time to seek out His Grace.
I also found Holly Blue, Peacock and this beautiful Scarlet Tiger caterpillar.
From Noar Hill in Hampshire, I went over to Chiddingfold Forest in Surrey. Here, I saw just one male Wood White.

South to East Sussex, 29th April 2017

Like most years, I headed south to East Sussex for a spring visit. I first stopped at Abbott's Wood where I saw Orange Tip, Brimstone, Peacock, Comma and Speckled Wood.
I then went on to Windover Hill, one of my favourite places. Here, I saw Wall, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Peacock, Dingy Skipper, Orange Tip, Green-veined White and Small Copper.

Cracking Ninja skills Lee to have gotten as close in to that Wall And in amid the lovely Wood Whites the most fresh Duke I think I've ever seen - it's so new it looks shiny

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Nice sequence of reports, Lee. As you know, I'm especially interested in anything from the continent so it's nice to see a few of the species that can be seen in that part of Spain in mid April.

Thank you, Wurzel and David.

Walls are pretty hard to get near, aren't they! I also find early Meadow Browns and Small Heaths particularly flighty.

Best wishes,
Lee

Denbies Hillside - 1st May 2017

This day was a classic example of "If in doubt, always go out". I follow this all the time; you never know what you will see. So, despite overcast skies and even some drizzle at times, Denbies was once again a delight.

As always Lee well worth waiting for these shots Overcast skies can often be the best days, I reckon it's because the butterflies don't expect us to be out and so we can catch them off guard

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Lee Hurrell wrote:...This day was a classic example of "If in doubt, always go out". I follow this all the time; you never know what you will see...

Quite agree, Lee. After all, if you DON'T go then you definitely won't see anything.

It's rare that any of these 'do I, don't I?' days draw a blank.

Love your shots of the Grizzled Skipper Lee, especially the fifth shot it's a real poser Goldie