Essex Skipper have been slowly expanding their range northwards as far north as the Humber/South Yorks. This year however, they have appeared in numbers in the Greatham Creek area in the Tees Estuary in Cleveland/southern Co Durham. There have also been reports as far north as Whitburn this week. Is...

This is my first time that I've posted a photo for the competition. This Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary was photographed at Raygate Slack in North Yorkshire on 8th June. I thought I'd try something different in terms of pose. I hope you like it. Canon 40D, Sigma 150mm f2.8 macro, Canon 580EX flash....

Finally got down there this evening. Still 30+ flying.

Cheers

Martyn

Dave, When shooting at close range with a small dof, any movement when hand holding can be critical. I personally prefer to use a monopod when shooting butterflies. Sometimes when using a tripod, it can take a bit of time to get into the best position ready to shoot. I often get the legs caught in v...

Still present this morning 8.15am at least (Rare Bird Alert Pager)

Martyn

Still present this evening (Rare Bird Alert Pager).

Martyn

Reported by the Rare Bird Alert pagers to be still present Wed 25th 5.20pm at least.

Martyn

Hi everyone,

According to Rare Bird Alert Pagers, the Black Veined White was still present at 5.20pm today - Wednesday at least

Any thoughts to it's origin?

Martyn

Hi, As Peter says, Brown Argus and Northern Brown Argus are getting very close in range in the North East but I don't quite think they over lap just yet. We have now had 3 or 4 records of Brown Argus on Teesside in the last few years including one I found on the steelworks where I work on 30th May t...

Phil & I headed down to Fermyn Woods this morning arriving at around 10am. Alex recognised our car and introduced himself as we arrived. He then very kindly showed us the best areas. Several White Admirals were easily seen, together with Commas, Ringlets, Meadow Browns, Large & Small Skipper...

Thanks for the info Alex.

The weather forecast is still OK for tommorow so we will be giving it a go. Maybe we'll see you there. Look out for a pale blue Jag X-Type.


Cheers
Martyn

Many thanks both of you, much appreciated. Forecast is looking OK for tommorrow (Saturday) so with luck we'll be there. I'd be interested on hearing how you got on if you got there Friday Alex. Can Essex Skipper be found anywhere in that area? I'ts a species my son still hasn't seen, and it's diffic...

Hi all, My son & I are planning a trip south from Middlesbrough in the near future (maybe this w/e - weather dependant), most probably to Fermyn Woods - it's 130 miles closer than Bentley. Target species will be Purple Emporer White Admiral possibly Essex Skipper Are PE on the wing here yet? Any...

Or up here. I haven't seen a single butterfly of any species for days

Cheers
Martyn

Regarding Depth of Field. A useful tool is a Depth of Field Calculator. A link to an online version is below. Have a play with the values and see what affect changing the parameter have. Changing focal lenght doesn't affect DOF provided the distance from the subject changes by the equivalent amount ...

After seeing the weather forecast on Friday evening I bottled it. I didn't think it was worth the journey. I'm working this coming weekend, so it now looks like next year. I'll see them eventually!

Cheers
Martyn

Hi Dave, I'm very envious of your Sigma 150mm. A quality macro is probably the next item on my shopping list. Considering this year I've bought a Canon 400mm F5.6L lens, a battery grip and a 580ex flash. I think a macro lens will have to wait. In truth, when I do get one I'll probably go for the 150...

I'm starting to get worried about seeing Large Blue again this year. It's a long trek from Middlesbrough. Last year the only weekend I could get down with my son he was ill. This year due to work commitments, this coming weekend is my only chance. It's beginning to look like it might be too late, pl...

I had my first early Large Heath (a single) at Fen Bog on Sunday 10th June, together with one Small Pearl. They were hard work though! Any sign of Dark Green Frits there yet Dave?

Bye the way, nice shots Dave

Cheers
Martyn

Hi Chris, I live in Middlesbrough and the nearest Small Blues to us are across in Cumbria. Best site is Workington. Find Derwent Drive - copy and paste the multimap link below. On Derwent Drive there is a retail park including a Morrisons, B&Q and Halfords. Park at the back right hand end of the...