Mike Robinson

[Goldie M]

So do I Mike, Goldie

[Mike Robinson]

I'm probably being over-fanciful but has occurred to me that the face of the Large Skipper Butterfly bears an uncanny resemblance to the face of an American Bison!

[Jack Harrison]

Looking at the picture full size I can just about make out what you are getting at.

Presumably photo taken at Bison Hill near Whipsnade?

Jack

[Mike Robinson]

I really must make an effort with this, this Year.

During an Outing walking over the former Thamesmead Golf Course and along the Thames Path towards Erith on Saturday (lovely weather) we were Super-Fortunate in spotting a Brimstone Butterfly, a Comma Butterfly, two Peacock Butterflies, at least two Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies and Very-Surprisingly, a Small White Butterfly.

We saw the Brimstone Butterfly and a first Peacock Butterfly on the former Golf Course, where we also noticed some flowering Coltsfoot viz.

Beside the short length of Footpath, connecting the former Golf Course with the Thames Path, we spotted a Comma Butterfly viz.

And shortly after joining the Thames Path we chanced upon a small population of Rue-Leaved Saxifrage viz.

Walking along the Thames Path, we arrived at the Outfall of the Crossness Sewage Works. It was High Tide and we noticed a number of Black-Tailed Godwits &c. waiting for the Tide to turn and the Mud to reappear viz.

Shortly afterwards we saw a Peacock Butterfly visting a Cherry Plum, which was flowering Very-Prettily viz.

We also noticed that the White Ramping Fumitory, growing beside the Thames Path, close to the Waste Incinerator, is flowering viz.

Reaching the Footpath (in the Erith area) connecting the Thames Path with nearby Church Manorway, we first spotted the Small White Butterfly viz.

and then at least two Small Tortoisehell Butterflies viz.

All in all, a Super-Satisfactory Outing.

Previously seen during 2017: a couple of Red Admiral Butterflies and a Peacock Butterfly.

[David M]

That's two images on Small Whites on here already and we're not yet mid-March!! I love the Peacock on the blossom....beautiful contrast of colour.

[Wurzel]

A Small White already? Let's hope it's a sign of things to come!

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[Mike Robinson]

For David M and Wurzel,

Thanks for noticing this &c. Interestingly, we are aware of a local’ sighting earlier in the Month, of a possible Small White Butterfly; sadly, the person who saw the Butterfly was unable to ID it with full Confidence.

[trevor]

Some great stuff there Mike, but you've still got to beat that Peacock image from a couple of years back !.

Have a great season,
Trevor.

[Mike Robinson]

Trevor: thanks. And I hope all goes well for you too. Mike...

[Mike Robinson]

Our Butterfly Season continues apace locally (in the London Borough of Bexley).

There seem to be quite a few Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies fluttering around viz.

Also a growing number of small white Butterflies: both Green-Veined White and Small White Butterflies viz.

And we were Super-Pleased to see at least three Orange-Tip Butterflies (yesterday) with one supping at a Bluebell viz.

Footnote: we are not, nor ever will be, what we consider to be, Proper Butterfly People. We enjoy looking for Butterflies and Photographing them but that is probably as far, for various reasons, our Interest will extend. Nothing wrong with that of course. But we were reminded of our Limitations a few days ago, when we watched this Comma Butterfly fluttering around until it Landed!

Whoooooooops. Which explains why we Very Rarely try to ID a Butterfly in Flight.

[Goldie M]

Lovely shots Mike, particularly the Orange Tip on the Blue Bell, I'm like you, I just love taking shots of Butterflies but since joining UKB i've learned much more about them, you also will find posts on this site very informative and helpful Goldie

[Mike Robinson]

Goldie: thanks. I think I probably pick things up, often without realising it. And yes, these Personal Diaries are very 'informative and helpful'. Kind regards...

[Wurzel]

Things are moving forwards apace in your neck of the woods Mike, cracking shot of the OT We're being held back at the moment by low cloud that only seems to burn off too late in the afternoon

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[Mike Robinson]

Howdy: I hope that your Weather is improving. We had another no-cardigan day again today. Thanks for noticing the Orange-Tip...

[David M]

Great spring images, Mike. March Orange Tips don't come around that often so make the most of them!

[millerd]

Great shot of the Orange Tip on the bluebell, Mike. A really nice combination.

Dave

[Mike Robinson]

Dear David M and Millerd:

Thanks for noticing the Orange-Tip Butterfly. During 2016, we saw our first Orange-Tip Butterfly on 12 April so this is a couple of weeks or so earlier. They were out in force yesterday (same place) viz.

And there were lots of Brimstone Butterflies about too including this Character viz.

[MikeOxon]

we are not ..... Proper Butterfly People. We enjoy looking for Butterflies ...

I think that describes a great many of us here It's good to know that there are a few real entomologists around, as well, ready to help when we get stuck.

Mike

[Mike Robinson]

Thanks...

[Wurzel]

Great shot of the OT Mike March OTs are a great thing, hopefully things will carry progressing nicely and the Grizzlies will be about soon .

Have a goodun

Wurzel