Another Butterfly

 
A short visit to Radipole Reserve today.

Purple Loosestrife

I found three female Brimstone butterflies feeding on Purple Loosestrife.

It is quite unusual to find three butterflies in one location at the moment.

Pigeon through the Portal.

A Surprise Alternative

 

This week I travelled 20 miles to the Bird Reserve at Arne.

My objective was to photograph that mythical bird the Dartford Warbler. 

It is certainly mythical to me as it is the one bird that resides locally in Dorset in some numbers that I have not seen. I am told by others that there are some 70 pairs on the Reserve.

I took advice from the Wardens about where to search, but unfortunately to no avail.

One thing that I did find, which I see quite regularly was the Grayling butterfly.

Not an easy species to see, but I can find it quite easily. If only the Dartford Warbler was so easy.

However fate didn't let me down completely as I was able to photograph something that I had never seen before.

I observed a car going very slowly and stopping along the narrow approach road to the Reserve. 

There was a good reason for that. 

A Sow Wild Boar was stopping it and allowing her piglets to continue along that road and onto the Reserve.

A Wild Boar (with young) is best avoided.

Later as I was searching a woodland track I found the piglets feeding on grass etc.

The mother was not observed and I assumed she was laying in the bushes out of the sun. I took a few shots and made a 'tactical' retreat. 😎

Speckled Wood - One of the Few

 Based solely on my sightings. The Butterfly season 2024 started with some promise as I was able to shoot some Orange Tip, but they then tailed off rather quickly.  Such distinguished species as the Duke of Burgundy, Lulworth Skipper and not so common Marsh Fritillary were also easy to find.  

Species that I observed few of or evaded my camera altogether were Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Large and Small Skippers. There is still hope that I find some of these this year.

It could just be me of course?

What was dependable and in good numbers was the Speckled Wood. This species can be found from March through until October, two to three broods can occur during the year and it is also an overwinter resident species. There are a number of subspecies and not easy to spot the variance unless you have the book with you,

So I thought I would create a post to celebrate its continued appearance providing at least something in the butterfly World this year to shout about.