Tuesday 14 July 2009

An identical walk to yesterday was had this afternoon, but it was very poor for bird sightings, just the odd BLACKCAP, WOODPECKER, and a couple of flyover Gull species, even all the common stuff was in short supply today.

So it was a good job I had some Butterflies to look at! I again visited the Buddlia over at the lake area, and again it was full of Peacocks, and Red Admirals, with a Painted Lady, a couple of Comma's and a few Gatekeepers and Meadow Browns. I couldn't resist going to have a look for some Purple Hairstreaks, I find them such a challenge to locate and photograph ( I am addicted to PH's!) Despite the blustery wind, I found 3 individuals in the Oak that held at least six yesterday, I love 'em!

Apart from the butterflies that was about it for today, apart from this Dragonfly


I took a few pics, and these two came out best. The wind kept blowing it out of focus! Now, I'm not too hot on Dragons, but I reckon this is a Common darter, an old female, it's started taking on some red colouring on the abdomen. There again I could be completely wrong!

Above and below are the latest Purple Hairstreak photo's, I almost got one to open it's wings!
Below is a superb looking Peacock Butterfly
lastly This Red admiral was taking a break from feeding at the Buddlea.






6 comments:

Ken. said...

Hi Warren. I am sure it won't be long before you get a shot of a P/Hairstreak with it's wings open.It won't be of want of trying.Great photo of the Peacock. Also I have checked my Dragonfly guide book and I think your right, I to think that it is a over mature Common Darter.

Greenie said...

Warren ,
You are certainly getting close to the open winged PH .
Bit early to be talking 'old' with regard to Common Darter , they have only been out a couple of weeks , and could carry on till October if the weather is kind . No damage to wings either , my money is on a male , heading for maturity .
Great butterfly shots .
I saw nothing with helmet , ear defenders and a strimmer going all day , not surprising .

Warren Baker said...

We're both wrong Ken. See greenies post. :-(

ShySongbird said...

Send me the 'odd Woodpecker' then please Warren :) I can see why you are addicted to PHs I would be too, I shall be checking out Oak Trees as soon as possible!

Ipin said...

I'm ,looking forawrd to the open-winged PH too!

Jann said...

More nice 'flies shots...I'm still a fan of the peacock...