Yesterday I saw my first gatekeeper of the year, at Hazelbury.
With (numerically) common species, I am always struck by how attractive they are when I first see them each year, and this gatekeeper was no exception. Beautiful deep colours, and I'd forgotton all the spots. I guess later in the season when they are widespread I tend not to look at them so carefully, and as a result fail to appreciate them as much.
Simon