HBFs were in abundance, but high winds made photography pretty near impossible.
Lots of SWFs as well, with two 'coupled' pairs.
Really huge numbers of Holly Blue (best I have ever seen) with some mud puddling.
The most interesting sight for me was a pair of spiralling hairstreaks - I had to run and struggle to keep an eye on them, thinking
"What can they be - no WLHs here, Green are well over, so it must be the elusive (for me) Purple Hairstreak."
Eventually one broke away and descende to a bramble bush 25 yards away! I ran over, and got the camera ready.
It was a Green Hairstreak. I have never seen one this late before. I got a picture (attached).
Does this qualify as the worst photograph of the tattiest butterfly ever posted?
The only thing (apart from the wind) that marred the day was the unbelievable amount of irritating flies of many different species.
I got bitten at least 3 times, and had to leave one fantastic meadow as I was literally covered in a swarm of tiny, black, buzzing, (but not biting) flies.
In all my years watching natural history all over the country, I can never remember being so bothered by flies.
Still, one or two good photos, a sun burnt bald patch, and soaked feet - but a happy chap!!
Large White
GV White
Small White
Large Skipper
Small Skipper
Small Copper
Holly Blue
Green Hairstreak
Comma
Red Admiral
Peacock
Small Tortoiseshell
Meadow Brown
Gatekeeper
Ringlet
HBF
SWF
17 species in one day (You know what that means don't you Gruditch
)p.s. Just found 2 tics - makes 5 for the year - eeeuuugh!!!!
