Another open-winged Purple Hairstreak (yawn)
- Pawpawsaurus
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Another open-winged Purple Hairstreak (yawn)
A few members recently have posted excellent images of Purple Hairstreaks showing off their iridescence. Please allow me to offer one of my own.
I spotted this female on the footpath at Broxbourne Wood on 30th June (just in time for last month's photo competition ) while I was searching for Purple Emperors. A grey triangle floated over my shoulder and at first I thought it was a leaf, but once it had landed its identity was obvious. She wandered around for a while very photogenically with her wings closed, then she stopped, orientated herself, and (much to my surprise) opened up. I had time to take a few shots before a breath of wind prompted her to close her wings and then take off, disappearing into the trees.
I'm not sure whether such sightings are once-in-a-lifetime experiences or not, but this was certainly my first.
Apologies if you've already seen this image (and thanks to those who rated it ) but for those who don't view the galleries, here it is:
Paul
I spotted this female on the footpath at Broxbourne Wood on 30th June (just in time for last month's photo competition ) while I was searching for Purple Emperors. A grey triangle floated over my shoulder and at first I thought it was a leaf, but once it had landed its identity was obvious. She wandered around for a while very photogenically with her wings closed, then she stopped, orientated herself, and (much to my surprise) opened up. I had time to take a few shots before a breath of wind prompted her to close her wings and then take off, disappearing into the trees.
I'm not sure whether such sightings are once-in-a-lifetime experiences or not, but this was certainly my first.
Apologies if you've already seen this image (and thanks to those who rated it ) but for those who don't view the galleries, here it is:
Paul
- Vince Massimo
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Re: Another open-winged Purple Hairstreak (yawn)
Hi Paul,
I thought that was a great image when I first saw it in the June competition and I personally rated it in third place. Those sorts of opportunities are rare and I think you made the best of it...............Also, I wish I had taken it
Cheers,
Vince
I thought that was a great image when I first saw it in the June competition and I personally rated it in third place. Those sorts of opportunities are rare and I think you made the best of it...............Also, I wish I had taken it
Cheers,
Vince
- dilettante
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Re: Another open-winged Purple Hairstreak (yawn)
Not yawn-inducing at all! A lucky moment that you managed to take advantage of and capture beautifully.
--
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- geniculata
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Re: Another open-winged Purple Hairstreak (yawn)
HI Paul,
what a stunning image! youv'e been able to capitalize on a brief moment with a wonderful species, capturing exposure, detail and accurate colour rendition to its full for the given chance encounter.
Thats not easy to do.
Its without a doubt one of the best representations of a female purple hairstreak ive come across and would be proud to have achieved it myself, as i guess the other members of this forum would.
Gary
what a stunning image! youv'e been able to capitalize on a brief moment with a wonderful species, capturing exposure, detail and accurate colour rendition to its full for the given chance encounter.
Thats not easy to do.
Its without a doubt one of the best representations of a female purple hairstreak ive come across and would be proud to have achieved it myself, as i guess the other members of this forum would.
Gary
- Paul Wetton
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Re: Another open-winged Purple Hairstreak (yawn)
I've never even seen a Purple Hairstreak with the sun bringing out the purple on both wings like that.
Yep I'm quite jealous of your encounter which has resulted in a stunning photo.
Thanks for sharing with us.
Yep I'm quite jealous of your encounter which has resulted in a stunning photo.
Thanks for sharing with us.
Cheers Paul
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Re: Another open-winged Purple Hairstreak (yawn)
This is a cracking shot Paul, and i've not seen it previously. The only open-winged one i got this season (so far) was right down in the grass, so i'm dead jealous.
Cheers,,, Zonda.
- Pete Eeles
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Re: Another open-winged Purple Hairstreak (yawn)
I agree - very very nice shot!
Cheers,
- Pete
Cheers,
- Pete
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Re: Another open-winged Purple Hairstreak (yawn)
Hi Paul,
it just makes me weep actually ...but well done. Considering the circumstances, you were lucky to get a shot at all, especiallly such a brilliant one.
I'm not sure it can be topped for an open-winged PH shot. No yawn would come near this shot at all...
Michael
it just makes me weep actually ...but well done. Considering the circumstances, you were lucky to get a shot at all, especiallly such a brilliant one.
I'm not sure it can be topped for an open-winged PH shot. No yawn would come near this shot at all...
Michael
Re: Another open-winged Purple Hairstreak (yawn)
That's arguably the best Purple Hairstreak shot I've seen and would be worthy of inclusion in any book.
- Padfield
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Re: Another open-winged Purple Hairstreak (yawn)
I have to add my congrats too! That's a super shot of a lovely butterfly.
Guy
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- The Annoying Czech
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Re: Another open-winged Purple Hairstreak (yawn)
It's probably the best Purple Hairstreak shot I've ever seen and best of June 2011 as well (I didn't vote though). And it's definitely "book-worthy" (or at least Wikipedia upload-worthy).
Fresh imago + photographer's patience -> win.
P.S. I haven't seen this Hairstreak since cca 2000. (Okay, I'm re-observing butterflies since 08/2009)
Fresh imago + photographer's patience -> win.
P.S. I haven't seen this Hairstreak since cca 2000. (Okay, I'm re-observing butterflies since 08/2009)
- Roger Gibbons
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Re: Another open-winged Purple Hairstreak (yawn)
I think you may be confusing a yawn with a gasp of admiration. This is the result of a very rare combination of a beautifully fresh female, a very rare appearance at ground level, and the (equally rare) presence of a photographer who could do it justice. This type of opportunity comes along so rarely that it is gratifying to see such a fabulous photo.
I last saw a Purple Hairstreak at Broxbourne a couple of years ago when a dragonfly took it in mid-air and the wings (all that was left) drifted gently to the ground, spotted by Liz Goodyear.
I last saw a Purple Hairstreak at Broxbourne a couple of years ago when a dragonfly took it in mid-air and the wings (all that was left) drifted gently to the ground, spotted by Liz Goodyear.
- Pawpawsaurus
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Re: Another open-winged Purple Hairstreak (yawn)
Wow. Thank you all for your very kind comments. They're much appreciated.
I'll keep my eyes peeled for a male PH next year.
Paul
I'll keep my eyes peeled for a male PH next year.
Paul