www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Week 6

So continues sequence of posts giving one and all the opportunity to showcase their favourite shots of 2014 (or the last time you saw one)!

Please could I ask that everyone waits until a topic has been opened by me for a particular species before posting photos? Of course our overseas members are very welcome to fill in the obvious gaps relating to rare UK migrants. As like last year 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

I like this photo because it was an unexpected encounter.

I had gone to Linkey Down, above the M40 cutting through the Chilterns, because it is a favourite stopover for migrating Ring Ouzels. I had a few very distant views of these birds but then, suddenly, there was a beautiful Green Hairstreak in a shrub alongside the path.

I only had a long lens with me but the light was very good and the resulting photo far better than I had any right to expect:
Mike

The Green Hairstreak was one of the first signs this year of an early Spring down here in the South of France. This was my first sighting on the 17th of February this year, about 4 weeks earlier than the previous year.
Lets hope this winter is as short as the last. Chris

Once again at Gaits Barrow on the 15th April I found the Green Hair streaks, I was pleased having seen them for the first time last year I'd convinced myself that would be it but there they were in the same area as last year and looking great,
needless to say I'll be back there next year for sure Goldie

I spent quite a lot of time with this species in 2014. Where I now live is right by Fairwood Common on the Gower, which is a spot where Green Hairstreaks can be found with ease.

A couple of miles away is Welshmoor, which is a particular hotspot for this species, and the part cloudy conditions on 27th April allowed me to get closer than normal and see a wonderful array of varieties, from 'spotless' to 'fully streaked':

Green Hairstreak

After a troublesome few years with Greenstreaks last year I got back on friendly terms with them finding them at several different sites. And this year that happy trend continued so it was going to be a tricky job choosing my favourite this year...right up until I found this Greenstreak in the first week of June. As it was taken during a morning stop-off at Larkhill and was a first for the site it simply had to be my fave. Have a goodun

Wurzel

LOL! Seems like only yesterday when Green Hairstreaks were your personal nemesis, Wurzel.

For sheer numbers, Wurzel's recommended Marsh Fritillary site in Wiltshire could not be beaten for Green Hairstreaks. I have never seen so many in one place - they were an absolute joy to watch. I saw them in a few other spots as well, notably (in a brief sunny interval amidst the rain) at Ryton Wood in Warwickshire, and at Totternhoe in Bedfordshire. I struggle with choosing a favourite, so here's one from each of these sites! Dave

Not only did I see my first Green Hairstreak this year but it was on a site approx. only 3 miles from where I live ! I had the pleasure of introducing my parents (who also live locally) to this butterfly as well. With the help of "Butterfly Conservation" I have big expectations and lots of enthusiasm for making some much better records of the Green Hairstreak next year now that "I have my foot in the door"
Here is my favourite picture. Not technically great but I love the contrast in colours which I think can work better than "green on green"
best wishes,
Philip

I saw Green Hairstreaks this year at a few places whilst out and about but the most that I saw at any one time were at Ryton Wood Meadows when I called in there one afternoon in early May. There were good numbers flitting about around the usual hawthorns and occasionally coming down lower where I managed to get a few photos, including the shots below;
Cheers,

Neil

I don't know if I imagine this but everyone else's Green Hairstreak pictures seem to show the insect with a rich lustrous depth of pea green, yet all my own photos have a wishy-washy bluish-brown look about them . Thankfully this year I managed to get a photo which I think can rub-shoulders with other member's 'routine shots' ... and so for that reason this one from Butser is my favourite Phil

I know what you mean, Phil - I have loads of pics of the type you mention. It's a hazard with iridescent colours that fool camera metering systems. A bit of under-exposure often helps.

Mike

It's a hazard with iridescent colours that fool camera metering systems. A bit of under-exposure often helps.

Bracketing is a good option. One shot is bound to be exposed satisfactorily.

Jack

In a typical Isle of Mull habitat. 24th May.


Not sure of the plant. Dwarf Willow?

Jack

For me, 2014 will be remembered for the release, back into the wild, of a rescued egg. Stunning larvae!
Cheers,

- Pete