I had a couple of hours free, so decided it was time for a mini butterfly foray to the Rings to see what was about
Obviously, I was not greeted by a Dunnock up a tree
Even if it does look like one!
There was a proliferation of white butterflies, most of which refused to land, but a few that did.
Small White
Green Veined White
A teeny tiny, but ever so pretty Mint Moth
Another Small White (showing distinct differences in markings from the 1st Small White)
Handsome Stonechat
A rarity...a Brimstone, landed, with open wings!
And in its' more usual state!
A Whitethroat was singing its' little heart out
A Peacock was resting just a few yards from the Whitethroat
A pair of Brimstones had a coming together in mid-air... not sure if it was luvvin' or fightin', but I followed one (coz it didn't go very far or very fast...unlike the other one!!)
I was on the outermost "ring" and just over the fence was what looked like a fairly newly planted arborial area, and atop one of the tree's a Linnet was in delicate song
I looked across the expanse of rings, and to my delight I spotted a Kestrel in a tree
I thought to myself, that's a bit distant, I need to get closer, and hope it's comfortable up there. So, for a moment, I forgot my advancing years, and decided on the "direct" route to the inner rings. I soon remembered my advancing years, as burning lungs, and quivering leg muscles finally delivered me to the inner ring. I can vouch for the effectiveness as a defence mechanism these rings are!! Once I cleared the Kestrels laughter from my ears, I was relieved to see it still sat there.... makes you wonder why I bothered when I could have just cropped another 1/2 inch of the 1st image lol
In the valley between the rings a Brimstone orgy, or brawl, was going on
With my time up, I headed for home, but just along the road a bit, I got distracted by a Buzzard on a telegraph pole. One conveniently placed lay-by and a quick stop later...
And I reckon he had a hotline to Freddie Kruger....
And so then I pootled on home.
Hope you enjoyed my little trip, thanks for reading
Stay Safe All
I contacted the Dorset Butterfly conservancy, and they said the Brimstone was saying "no thanks, I'm all nookied out" apparently!
Cin J
(Pardon the Scottish Accent)
Brilliant photos PB, and good to get the brimstone butterfly feedback.
The kestrel was looking nice and proud and the whitethroat was just stunning in the light.
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler
Thanks all.... I did consider Hod Hill but as it's a bit early yet I thought I'd conserve my energy!
Lot to learn