Small Heath Butterfly

As with the Dingy Skipper featured in the previous post, the Small Heath is as its name suggests, small and measures approximately 34 to 38mm across the wingspan. The first indication that you would probably get observing this species is a small butterfly with plain light tan coloured upper wings flying along close to the open ground. When it pitches the wings are always folded and measure about 18mm closed. With its small appearance and under wing colour it blends into the ground where it normally pitches. For such a delicate little thing it is quite hardy and can be found throughout the United Kingdom.

Dingy Skipper Butterfly

The Dingy is small and very difficult to see at times measuring only 29mm across the wingspan.

It flies low over open grassland and being dull brown blends with dead grass and patches of soil when pitched. When on something green it still needs some finding because of its size.

In bright sunlight as soon as it moves it is also difficult to track and follow.

If you haven't seen a Dingy Skipper before, you could be forgiven for thinking it was some form of small daytime moth.

I took these shots on Sunday last and are the first I have seen of this species this year.

Thank You Mrs Brimstone

Just occasionally a butterfly will pitch on something and the image will be set up for you.
This female Brimstone landed neatly on this triple leaf and provided a nice composite scene.

Lumix GH3. 100-300mm lens. 300mm(600). 1/1600 at f5.6. ISO200

Brimstone (fem) (Gonepteryx rhamni)

More Whitebells

A further search of woodland where I found Whitebells previously, revealed two more plants in separate locations. These are pure white as opposed to the white/blue ones found previously in the same general area.

Below are an update image of Whitebells with a tinge of blue that I featured (see link below).

They have now come out in full bloom now. 

http://roysnaturelogbook.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/another-blue-and-white.html

Speckled Wood Butterfly (Pararge aegeria)

The first reasonable shots I have taken of the Speckled Wood Butterfly this year.

Last year due to the weather they were almost non existent so I was glad to find them this year.

Unusually, the Speckled Wood feeds on honeydew secreted by aphids rather than any form of flower like most species.

More Green-veined White Butterfly

My latest images of the Green-veined White Butterfly.

Another Blue and White

Native Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)

If you search carefully amongst bluebells you may be fortunate enough to find the odd whitebell.

This white one below I found in a woodland area. 

I found it in the same place as previous years so its still growing well from the bulbs. It does have a tinge of blue on the end of the flower although that disappears when fully out. 

It may not be a true whitebell however, which is extremely rare.

Blossom Art

Its a great time of year for blossom in the hedgerow.

Pied Wagtail

A Pied (I think) possibly a female.