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Pearl-bordered Fritillary - Favourite Photo of 2020

Week 12 Happy New Year to one and all on UKB

So here we are in 2021 – we actually made it! I was quite surprised that 2020 didn’t have anything else in store for us – Godzilla Attack, Alien Invasion, Zombie Apocalypse...Still it’s a case of DYSFT (Different Year Same Favourites Thread) so I hope this week’s selection helps to warm the cockles in the much cooler temperatures.

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.

Just a reminder - it might be a good idea to select your Overall Favourite Butterfly Photo of 2020 now so that you’ve got something to post when the series of threads culminates in several weeks time…


Have a goodun and stay safe

Wurzel

I managed to visit my usual PBF site in Cambus o May on Deeside. I wasn’t disappointed as the colony seems to be thriving. All photos taken between 18th and 24th May.

This was one species that the COVID crisis impacted upon as far as I was personally concerned. Lockdown restrictions didn't ease until its season was well underway and my first opportunity to see them wasn't until 18th May when I visited Bentley Wood.They were distinctly worn, but there was the bonus that Small Pearls and Marshies were also flying...

Dave

When lockdown rules started to ease, allowing us to drive locally for our exercise walks, I was keen to see the Pearl-bordered Fritillaries at least once in 2020, patrolling a local East Sussex wood and to hear singing Nightingales and Blackcaps. I'd not walked more than 50 yds before I found this mating pair. With the bonus of a nearby singing Nightingale as I took some photographs, it was an uplifting moment. With the human world in pandemic turmoil, the rest of the natural world was continuing as normal.


http://eastsussexwanderer.blogspot.co.uk

Was later than usual to see this species in 2020, and with the flight season being rather early, all but one of the specimens I saw in Herefordshire on 15th May were looking well past their best. Thankfully, this female was still in decent shape:

Pearl-bordered Fritillary

This one came from Bentley Wood, where this species is faring okay unlike its smaller cousin. I chose it as looked unlike all the others that I saw on the day. Normally when Pearls fade the dark markings do so as well and at the same rate as the orange ground colour which led me to wonder if this is an aberrant? Even if it isn’t it was so striking that it remained in my memory and usurped many a finer specimen as my choice for the Favourite selection.
Have a goodun and stay safe

Wurzel

A local Pearl to me - I didn't know at the start of 2020 I had a local colony

I have to concur with Dave (Millerd), regarding the covid restrictions etc leading to a later than ideal annual pilgrimage to Bentley. On my first visit was on the 18th there were few butterflies present all in various stages of wear and all very active. That all said I decided to try my luck again at Bentley a few days later and I’ve plumped for this one taken on the 23rd. Despite the damaged wing it showed up its patchwork and richness of colour, at least in this underside shot ..... as I believe it is the same butterfly as Wurzel’s Phil

Edit, oops not the same butterfly