When you add collectors in this area into the mix Mark it's a wonder we have any PE at all! Today I thought I would go to Chalton Down to see the Chalkhill Blues - and see them I did, but no photos. There were only 2 males but they did not stop and I did not have time to look for them. The Painted L...

Peacock nests seem to be everywhere recently Dave. Here is one of 3 that I saw recently at the Straits: P1110601ad.jpg You're flattering me David but it's exactly what I need right now as I struggle to get out:D . Those bikers certainly do make me angry as they have an arrogance about them and a sen...

Cheers Wurzel - one more just for you (although I did see a couple more in a different location today): P1120529ad.jpg I mentioned earlier that I had some Peacocks hatch out on my small nettle patch. I also know for certain that there was a Red Admiral larva in the same location that I was trying to...

My 'outing' today was a quick walk down my lane to check out my newly found 'Skipper spot'. I was not disappointed as this time I discovered a mating pair of Small Skippers and managed a few shots before the heavens opened:

I've read about an influx of Red Admirals and have seen a few recently but yesterday I was lucky enough to find 3 or 4 very fresh Painted Ladies and a lovely fresh Small Tortoiseshell: P1120568ad.jpg P1120559ad.jpg P1120487ad.jpg P1120548ad.jpg P1120520ad.jpg P1120539ad.jpg P1120502ad.jpg

Having to stay local means having to search out new areas where butterflies may be found rather than visiting the usual 'go to' sites for a particular species. This was certainly the case for the Purple Hairstreak - one of my favourite species - as Browndown (with the stunted Oaks) was not an option...

Cheers Wurzel - it's funny you should say that about the Essex Skippers - I'll tell you why. I rarely go out butterflying on Saturdays as I consider it my 'big muck-out day' where all the aviaries, sheds, cages etc are thoroughly cleaned leaving little time or energy for anything else. The parrots a...

You're making me all nostalgic Mark - that must have been about 10 years ago? when we were all young!

Just love these shots you have been sending me Mark - not for the PE but for Flossie. Been trying to remember when I first met her. Was it at Hayling over the LTB or even earlier than that at Noar Hill. Whatever, she is quite remarkable and is a credit to you. Just one thing tho', has she found me a...

An email from a friend inviting me to join him for a butterfly walk and a catch-up was the reason for my stroll in Alice Holt forest a couple of days ago. As I arrived, a couple were leaving in a camper van and informed me that in the last 30 mins they had seen 3 PE down on the track. As we strolled...

Great shots of the Brimstones Paul.

I reckon you're deliberately tantalising me now Neil!! Seriously, great shots of the mating DGF Would love to see that but don't think I've much chance yet with only 3 males on site at the moment.

All those folk who assured me that I would eventually catch up with the PE were quite right. After another unsuccessful visit I decided to head home when I saw a PE ahead of me flying up and down the track. It landed a couple of times on the track and in the foliage and I managed to get a few shots ...

Cheers Wurzel - I have taken shots of 2 PE together a couple of times now but this is the first time I have captured the PE with another species so I was pleased with that image. Re Essex - the reason you can't find any is because they have all congregated at one particular site in Hampshire! :wink:...

I have been making short but frequent visits to local sites whenever possible, mostly to catch some glimpses of the Purple Emperor. It would make for very dull reading to continually repeat lists of the numerous butterflies seen so I'll just focus on what were the highlights of those visits for me. ...

Thank you David - I am rarely satisfied with my images as you might already know but I was definitely satisfied with this one. Isn't it great when a plan comes together :

Just love these Hawk-moths Neil and the high quality images I've come to expect from you Inspirational.

I'll second that. Well done AGAIN Dave!

Cheers Wurzel - pleased you like it but still not the shot I am after. Trust me, I am trying at all times of the day and there are now 3 DGF there so my chances have just increased by 50% :wink: :lol: The best bits from a couple of brief visits to Alice Holt were bumping into Mike G, Mike J, Mark T ...

I decided to have another attempt at getting that perfect DGF shot but I reckon they must be one of the most difficult butterflies to photograph, landing only briefly and mostly behind tall grass stems. Needless to say I shall have to keep trying but that will be no hardship. It is a wonderfully pea...