SW France and N Spain, help please
Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2014 6:51 am
Hello again,
Just back from a super trip to the Pyrenees and then Asturias in Northern Spain. I've catalogued all my bird pictures but, as usual, I have some butterflies which I can't pin down (not literally!). Any help will be gratefully received.
Nos 1 to 4 were in the French Pyrenees and No 4 was interesting in the behaviour. I think I'm right in saying it's an Adonis Blue (sticking my neck out here) and in other years I've noticed small flocks/clusters/herds of them feeding or drinking on animal dung. I've assumed they were just going for moisture but there may be a different thought... I had parked the car for lunch and noticed 10+ butterflies on the front bumper and lights and they appeared to be feeding or drinking. Could they have been attracted to the film of splattered insects? There was certainly no moisture to be had.
The last 2 butterflies were seen in eastern Asturias in the north of Spain; 5 shows the underwing spot hidden and revealed.
Thanks in advance for any help you are able to offer a bird watcher who enjoys the beauty of nature in all its forms.
David
Just back from a super trip to the Pyrenees and then Asturias in Northern Spain. I've catalogued all my bird pictures but, as usual, I have some butterflies which I can't pin down (not literally!). Any help will be gratefully received.
Nos 1 to 4 were in the French Pyrenees and No 4 was interesting in the behaviour. I think I'm right in saying it's an Adonis Blue (sticking my neck out here) and in other years I've noticed small flocks/clusters/herds of them feeding or drinking on animal dung. I've assumed they were just going for moisture but there may be a different thought... I had parked the car for lunch and noticed 10+ butterflies on the front bumper and lights and they appeared to be feeding or drinking. Could they have been attracted to the film of splattered insects? There was certainly no moisture to be had.
The last 2 butterflies were seen in eastern Asturias in the north of Spain; 5 shows the underwing spot hidden and revealed.
Thanks in advance for any help you are able to offer a bird watcher who enjoys the beauty of nature in all its forms.
David