Painted Lady Surprise

A walk along the side of the site of the local Ancient Hill Top Fort of Maiden Castle proved to be interesting.

I walked along a path between two low hedgerows consisting of mostly Bramble bushes for about 120 metres. Every few paces I was able to observe at least one Painted Lady butterfly.

It was not on the 2009 proportions when there were absolutely masses of the species (some 11 million), but I had not seen so many like this otherwise.

Peacock Butterfly

Small White Butterfly

The Wheat is growing well in many fields around the area at this time.

A single Red Admiral Butterfly observed in the same area.

I can usually be sure of a sighting of a Corn Bunting in the area and this one, although remained high up, it was available to observe.

A lovely surprise as I walked through tall meadow grass was this Clouded Yellow Butterfly. I rarely see this species, Even when I do, it is typically speeding across grassland at 60mph without stopping.

So what are you doing over that side of the fence?

Much found of the Marsh

I walked around Cerne Hill the other day, which is located at the Northern edge of Cerne Abbas Village Dorset. The temperature was approximately 33c.  My objective was to find the Marsh Fritillary Butterfly. Last year I didn't see any in the area. As it was the second half of the month, it would be the best time to find some. Fortunately I found plenty. Hopefully this will be the forerunner of good years to come for this species and the Duke of Burgundy.

Grizzled Skipper

Common Blue

Having already found plenty of Duke of Burgundy the other day, there were still a few observed.

Small Heath

 

Airborne Brimstone

The Brimstone Butterfly has been on the wing for a month or so now. The males with their more lemon/ yellow bolder colour appears first, followed by a more washed out pale green coloured female.

It is always interesting to try and shoot them in the air when their pre-courtship period commences.

1/3200 at f2.8 usually freezes them in the air.

The Geranium (Dove's-Foot Crane's Bill) is a delightful little flower that can found anywhere.

Dog Rose

The Robin in the shade made a suitable habitat image.

Walking around Radipole Reserve I expected to see a few more birds than I did.

Little Egret

Black-headed Gull

The very small Holly Blue butterfly was fiinding minerals on this stone path way.