It is the latter's flight period at the moment and there were loads of them on the wing when I arrived at c1pm. By 1.30pm there was not a butterfly in flight, as the air had suddenly gone cold with the threat of rain. During the warmer period, there were lots of opportunities to photograph them feeding (especially on scabious and knapweed) with their wings open. Once it was cold, the wings are folded allowing leisurely photography of the underside (despite low light).
I also managed to bump into some good back-up butterflies (including a smaller golden skipper 'workshop') and some gorgeous flowers.
The highlights are below:
Marbled White, Barnack Hills and Holes, 11.7.04.
Marbled White, Barnack Hills and Holes, 11.7.04.
Marbled White, Barnack Hills and Holes, 11.7.04. This insect seems to have some yellow bits from one flower already stuck to its proboscis.
Two Marbled Whites, Barnack Hills and Holes, 11.7.04. As the air cooled, the insects became lethargic and these two settled very close together.
Marbled White, Barnack Hills and Holes, 11.7.04. Underside shot – nice, eh?
Small Skipper, Barnack Hills and Holes, 11.7.04. Note the orangey tips to the antennae (black in Essex Skipper, see below).
Small Skipper, Barnack Hills and Holes, 11.7.04. Irresistible close-up of head.
Essex Skipper, Barnack Hills and Holes, 11.7.04. Note black-tipped antennae.
Essex Skipper, Barnack Hills and Holes, 11.7.04. Close-up of above.
Pyramidal orchid, Barnack Hills and Holes, 11.7.04.
Broomrape – surely one of the most unpleasant names for any living thing (in the same league as Cockchafer, I always think). Barnack Hills and Holes, 11.7.04.
After the above, have a seat on a Robin's pincushion (a gall on a rose). Barnack Hills and Holes, 11.7.04.
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