Lulworth Skipper Butterfly

The Lulworth Skipper Butterfly is one of the smallest species in the country.

The only area in the country where you will be able to find the Lulworth is on the South coast in the county of Dorset. This includes within the 5 miles of the coastline. Fortunately I live within the County. I also know one of the locations where it can be found at this time.

In the first image below you can observe the female at the top with the light coloured half ring marking on the upper wing area. This is absent on the male. Being so small they are really difficult to find within grass banks and the side of tracks. The best way is to wait until you see movement on the wing and follow it. (if you can)

Deer Leap

On my local walk the other day I had stopped in a concealed position for a short period. 

Suddenly in the distance this Roe Deer came running through a gateway (as in the image below). Something or someone must have spooked it, as it was running at pace towards my position.

It arrived and stopped within 15 metres of my position. I am certain it was not aware of my presence. The wind was left to right. 

It then decided to leap over the wire fence as in the last two images.

It shows the agility of Deer, as looking at the first image you would think it would not make it.

I have no idea what spooked it as nothing came through the gateway.

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?