Wednesday 23 May 2012

A superb sunny late spring day was had today, temperatures got up in the mid seventies and there was just a slight warm breeze  :-)  Conditions were ideal for Butterflies and Damsels again, but not quite so conducive for finding birds!

The Tree Nursery was my first port of call this afternoon, where I found plenty of Butterflies about, Small Whites, Green Veined Whites, Orange Tip, Speckled Wood, Brown Argus and my first Small Coppers of the year, 21 days later than last years first sighting. Damsels were again represented by immature Common Blues and Large Reds.

It was hot and still in the sunshine, and not much was happening bird wise, just the WHITETHROATS and GREEN WOODPECKERS were of note, so i spent an hour photographing the flutters  :-) I spent some time around the Greenhouse Grounds and Migrant Alley after the photo session, where it continued hot and still with little to be seen, another Whitethroat sang, as well as a BLACKCAP, and I was surprised to see a LITTLE OWL perched on one of the greenhouses guttering. Overhead, the KESTREL was hunting, and two BUZZARDS soared high over Migrant Alley as I walked a circuit of the fields and paddocks, not finding anything much apart from two GREYLAG GEESE, maybe an evening visit in the sunshine would be a better for finding birdlife, if I get time later I may try.  Today was mainly about Butterflies though, so here's the photo's.
Brown Argus Mating
Brown Argus Mating
Small Copper - my first this year :-)
Small Copper

11 comments:

Stephen Mills said...

Enjoying seeing all your insect photographs!

Anonymous said...

Cracking shots again, Warren.

kirstallcreatures said...

Wowza, great sightings & great shots Warren, I'm green with envy!
This warm and sunny spell has certainly improved things. Lovely work, Linda

Marc Heath said...

Nice shots of the butterflies. Looks good for the next few days, more shots to come no doubt.

Unknown said...

Beautiful shots Warren, barely saw any at Old Moor today.

Rohrerbot said...

Interestingly enough, I have also found that there is more going on beyond birds during my walks:) This makes for great photography right now! Love the incredible butterfly shots. That first one is perfection!

Greenie said...

Warren ,
You're Brown Argus certainly don't hang around .
Well done with the Small Copper .
Hopefully this warm spell will encourage more species to catch up .

Jason K said...

Fantastic mating Argus shots Warren!

I had my first patch Brown Argus and Small Copper of the year yesterday (23rd)...its all about the inverts for a while now!

ShySongbird said...

Lovely flutter photos Warren. The mating Brown Argus ones are fantastic captures! The Small Copper on the Buttercup is very picturesque.

I heard a Cuckoo yesterday not far from home, it made my day :-) :-)

Millhouse Photography said...

Brilliant mate. Sensational butterfly porn! Great night for you and Chelsea the other night - I was cheering you on!

Warren Baker said...

Steady Christian, you might turn into a Chelsea supporter :-)

Enjoy the flutters out there mate :-)