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Lulworth Skipper - Favourite Photo of 2022

Week 10

It’s that time of year again…Happy Christmas or Seasons Greetings whichever you prefer!

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

Treated myself to two visits to Dorset this year. The first at the beginning of their flight period in June, where I found a few fresh ones frolicking along the coastal path. I returned at the end of July to find mostly worn individuals but this fresh female was a standout near the end of the day.

That last one's immaculate, Paul. Wouldn't look out of place in a field guide.

Lulworth Skipper

I only managed to make one trip for Lulworths this year which I’m kinda annoyed about but the extortionate prices of petrol started to bite and so trips remained in local range. However my wife wanted to visit some particular shops on the Isle of Portland and L had opted for Geography GCSE so getting to see a tombolo would very educational so of course we set off across the border to Dorset and made our way to Portland. I had a look around Broadcroft Quarry and there was a Lulworth Skipper – my first one knowingly seen on Portland. This fact alone would have made it worthy of my choice of favourite but as I only managed to get a shot of this one individual the decision was reached.

Next year I think I need to spend a lot more time with this species – perhaps a safari of the various sites they fly on would be good?
Have a goodun

Wurzel

See lots of these virtually wherever I go in Europe and so I tend not to bother with them too much. However, in Andalusia on a cloudy morning in late April there wasn't much else about so I got a few minutes to myself with both male and female Lulworths that were around in the grasses: