Common Blue

The Common Blue Butterfly (Polyommatus icarus)

Until recently I had only observed very few of the Common Blue species (In fact only in single figures). Normally there should have been more of the May to June brood. Fortunately the end of July to October brood appears to be favouring much better.

A Few Birds

A few birds found on my recent walk.

Female Blackcap

Very immature Robin

Whitethroat (Immature)

Goldfinch

Along the River Bank

A river runs along the Northern edge of the Parkland where I regularly walk and I endeavour to walk the bank from time to time.  There can be plenty to see along the bank at various times of the year.

Currently it is flowers, butterflies, insects and some birds if your lucky, including Reed and Sedge Warblers. During the winter geese flocks are the likely target for the camera.

Female Green-veined White Butterfly

Field Bindweed (Center) and Great Willowherb

Male Gatekeeper Butterfly

Male Common Blue Butterfly

Male Peacock Butterfly

Red Tail Bumblebee

Female Large White Butterfly

Female Green-veined White Butterfly

Female Meadow Brown Butterfly

Male Small White Butterfly

Female Gatekeeper Butterfly

Female Silver-washed Fritillary

The female Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia).

Note that the female does not have long black streaks on the forewings like the male. These black streaks are scent cells carried by the male. (See the image last below showing the males markings.)

The female is generally more dull than the male and the base orange colour can be quite dark on occasions.

Male image below for comparison of markings.