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Grayling - Favourite Photo of 2019

Week 6

Another week closer to the Social and with temperatures in single digits another week to spend looking back and reminiscing about butterfly days past.

Please could I ask that everyone waits until a topic has been opened by me for a particular species before posting photos as then it will be easier to keep track of things? Of course our overseas members are very welcome to fill in the obvious gaps relating to rare UK migrants. As in previous years details of locations, dates, times and circumstances would be welcome as would any accompanying stories and anecdotes or other observations of behaviour and interesting other points.

Have a goodun

Wurzel

I found a courting pair at Chobham Common which gave me the chance to get that illusive upperside shot. The sun had gone in so although I struggled to get shutter speed up to capture her wing flicking, the lighting made for a rich colour saturation

Good effort, BB. Capturing Graylings with wings open is a very satisfying pastime.

I saw my first Graylings of the year on July 12th up at Arnside Knott in Cumbria. They seem to appear earlier up here, and are definitely a bit smaller than the ones I find in Surrey. I believe there is speculation that they may be more closely linked to the subspecies found on the Great Orme in north Wales, which shares these characteristics to a more marked extent.I visited Dawneys Hill on 20th July, and was initially presented with a torrential downpour. However, strong hot sunshine soon followed, along with Graylings paddling on the wet ground - though they did seem to favour the heather a bit more than usual.I also discovered a mating pair, though unfortunately missed the courtship behaviour that would have preceded this.Some weeks later (23rd August) I returned to the same site, and did come across a female flashing her wings open despite the fact that I could see no male nearby. Camouflaged perfectly no doubt! Dave

Prior to departing for my Montes Universales trip in Spain, I took time out one morning to track down this species at Mumbles Head in Swansea on 25th July. I saw about 7 in total:

I love the open-wing shots above (BB and Dave) - always a good challenge with this species.

I only managed one photo this year. I guess this species was not a priority target this year - so much to do, so little time to do it in. Chris

Grayling

I had plenty of run-ins with this species this year both here and abroad. This was taken at the ever reliable Godshill near Fordingbridge and was my choice for my favourite despite the odd errant blade of grass. I just love the subtle mosaic colours on this individual but also the tiger like stripes near the body.
Have a goodun

Wurzel