2012 was an awful year for butterflies. Cold weather and continuous torrential rainfall at crucial periods in the life cycle meant that many species suffered and the numbers were reduced considerably
At a local Nature Reserve previous to 2012, I had observed the Silver-washed Fritillary in small numbers. However, I couldn't find any at that location last year and feared the worse for this species there.
Yesterday during what was one of the hottest days of the year I took a walk around that Reserve particularly in the more wooded areas. It wasn't necessary to do much searching as the species was everywhere and in areas I had not seen it previously. So this is an encouraging sign for this species and it has certainly recovered in that area. If this species, which is quite rare this far up the country, can recover like this then others may also.
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Your photographs are beautiful.....especially the butterflies. I love checking in to see your latest posts. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteIt's good news to hear that this stunning butterfly has made a good recovery and is doing so well in your area Roy. And you got some cracking images of them too!
ReplyDeleteHow cute is that new header?...[;o)
Great stuff Roy, what beautiful butterflies :-) It's additionally good to hear that they are doing so well in your neck of the woods.
ReplyDeleteThanks David.
DeleteWow, Roy, you were able to snap some gorgeous photos of these beauties! How considerate they were to pose so nicely for you. Glad there were so many this year. That's certainly promising!
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen.
DeleteHi Roy What a wonderful set of shots and both male and females. Great close ups. It is good that this year you are finding more butterflies but I suppose they need the heat. Margaret
ReplyDeleteThanks Margaret, yes the heat has helped.
DeleteGreat news - and lovely pics. That is a beauty of a species.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alison.
DeleteHey Roy... Excellent shot's, and no sweat on the lens ; )
ReplyDeleteGreat positions to observe all sides of it,
good that it is having a better year!
Grace
Thanks GG.
DeleteLovely set of pictures of the Silver-washed Fritillary. I have seen a couple of these. The butterfly that seems to be doing well this Summber is the Marbled White, I have seen loads of these, the most I have ever seen.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lyn, there is certainly some sort of a recovery going on.
Deletelovely set of pics Roy
ReplyDeletebeautiful butterflies; you had a smorgasbord happening for Summer
ReplyDeleteThanks Carole, thats a new word on me.{:))
DeleteReally beautiful pictures Roy and I like the google+ but just clicked.
ReplyDeleteReally a super series.
My compliments.
Thanks Helma.
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