Another open-winged Purple Hairstreak (yawn)

[Pawpawsaurus]

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

[Vince Massimo]

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

[dilettante]

Not yawn-inducing at all! A lucky moment that you managed to take advantage of and capture beautifully.

[geniculata]

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

[Paul Wetton]

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.

[Zonda]

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.

[Pete Eeles]

I agree - very very nice shot!

Cheers,

- Pete

[Michaeljf]

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

[David M]

That's arguably the best Purple Hairstreak shot I've seen and would be worthy of inclusion in any book.

[Padfield]

I have to add my congrats too! That's a super shot of a lovely butterfly.

Guy

[The Annoying Czech]

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)

[Roger Gibbons]

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.

[Susie]

Cracking!

[Pawpawsaurus]

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