Three Flutters

Three butterflies that I have observed in the last week

Green-veined White

Emerges from Chrysalis in April and there are two broods during the year.

I believe this one to be a female.

Holly Blue

Emerges from chrysalis end of March, beginning of April and there are two broods during the year normally, but a third is possible.

I think this one I shot is a female. 

Small Tortoiseshell

A hibernator, this species can be seen flying in March providing there is some warmth from the sun.

There are two broods in the year, but the second brood don't mate and start looking for suitable hibernation locations in August.

Males and females are very similar in appearance.

Whitethroat Arriving

It must be Spring now as the Whitethroat has arrived from Africa (South of the Sahara).

I found this one today in one of the usual nesting sites that I have previously observed in recent years.

A great bird to observe and photograph.

Orange Tip

My first images of the Orange Tip Butterfly this year. 

I have seen them on the wing recently, but they are flying continuously at the moment especially in the morning. Eventually, a few snatched shots produced these images after a lot of walking.

Orange Tip (male)

Jay

Always great to find and photograph a Jay.

Sometimes they can be quite accommodating and will pose for you as they seem curious about you. Not always the case though.

Unfortunately, having the camera set for a still image in a secluded area, I was not able to change to a faster setting to get a clear shot of the bird when I first observed it. 

A Scene from the walk.

First Large White

The middle of April is about the normal time to see the first of the Large White butterflies in UK, having emerged from the chrysalis. There are normally two broods throughout the year (occasionally three) from April to June and July to October. A non colonising species, it roams over the countryside existing throughout the UK.

This one I shot this week is the first I have seen this Spring.

Large White (Female)

Stock Dove (Pair)

The Secretive Cetti's

Very easy to hear, never easy to find and photograph.

It's song is so loud it belies its actual size.

There has been a resident bird in the Parkland for sometime. 

I have heard it on many occasions, but actually finding it in the clear to be able to get an image is something else.

Here are a few poor obstructed images.