.jpg)
Last year I observed just one or two of this species and from general reports they had a really bad year.
Last week I visited a woodland area that I frequently walk. During a distance of some 200 metres along a woodland ride I counted, or rather gave up counting quite a number of this species. Flying around in the sunlight and landing and taking off form the edge of the ride, males were chasing females and pairs were spiralling high up into the tree line. So this is encouraging and from what I see they have recovered quite well.
Although this is a 'Good News' Post, the one species that I have only seen a couple of during my walks this year so far, is the Common Blue. I hope that this will improve, but I would have expected to have seen many more by now.
Below the whispering of sweet nothings - male and female Speckled Wood.
Good news indeed Roy, I too have seen large numbers of these around at the moment but they have been far outnumbered by the amount of Ringlets taking to the air, at one site I visited recently there were literally 100's (with no exaggeration!) with a dozen or so taking flight from the grass with every step that I took. A beautiful sight, even if they are brown!! As you say, on the down side, I've not seen many Common Blues either this year.
ReplyDeleteExcellent selection of images Roy, and the last one?...aaahhh!...[;o)
Thanks Trevor, yes there is some good signs with butterflies generally after last year.
DeleteYou got some great photos! What a beauty! I was out for a hike yesterday, too, and saw lots of common blues! There were a few fritillaries, too, but the horse flies were so voracioius, there was no stopping for pics!
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen, yes those Horse flies are infuriating.
DeleteHey Roy.. That is good that you was encouraged by this sighting of many of the Speckled Wood!!
ReplyDeleteThe Common Blue is so beautiful hopefully some sightings will happen!!
The first is very nice,and in the fourth like that you can see the design of the edges of it's wings, but as always they are all lovely!!
How do you know it is sweet nothings, she is looking a like offish ; )
Grace
Thanks GG. She is just playing hard to get.{:))
DeleteGreat photos,I too have seen more Butterflies this week,going to be a good year for wild fruit as well..the Bees are loving the Rasberry flowers.
ReplyDeleteThanks Amanda.
DeleteAh there's a pretty! Beautiful shots Roy and I agree with you from your comment on my blog, you can't have enough photos :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Denise.
DeleteLovely set of photos showing detail of the markings.
ReplyDeleteThanks John.
ReplyDeleteLovely series Roy, and again very nice sharpness and detail of the drawing on the wings.
ReplyDeleteThanks Helma.
Delete