Day off, glorious forecast, Mrs PB positive for COVID that morning...me negative....quick get out...save yourselfffffffffffffff.... she said...or that's what I heard as she coughed, sniffed and spluttered her way through breakfast..... so I did! Not wanting to be out too long, or go too far (see... I'm not totally heartless!) I thought where's local, and likely to be quiet, and big enough so I can distance if there are a few folk about..... Alners Gorse was the obvious choice with the still and sunny forecast.
On the way, passing the deer park, a few were fairly near a lay by...
Still looking very velvety
As I approached the gate into Alners Gorse obviously the sun went in, and remained intermittent for the next couple of hours! On the gatepost though, I was greeted by a vision of loveliness (no, Mrs PB hadn't passed me as I was snapping deer)
As I watched as it snapped it's wings shut, and was faintly surprised there was no sound! Also, I hadn't spotted until looking at the picture, they have white legs!
I'm thinking Small Heath for this, as there are no "eye spots" on the underwing, but won't be surprised if it's a Meadow Brown!
According to the info available, this is not a Silver Spotted Skipper (too early, wrong location... and probably doesn't look like it ) but I'm not sure which it is
Meadow Brown
What I think was a Silver Washed Fritillary, but only from what someone else had seen flying where I snapped it...I only got the one image unfortunately
Green Veined White
Gatekeeper
Probably the most numerous butterfly was, surprisingly, Ringlet
If you go down to the undergrowth today.... you're sure of a big surprise!!
Large Skipper
Comma, wings spread wide
Where do they keep that, once it's all neatly rolled up?!
More Large Skipper (probably)
Hornet
One of the there mothy type things
Male Ringlet this time
There were a number of Marble Whites, stubbornly distant and behind grass and other foliage
Skipper fun.... Lulworth?
Small?
Lulworth?
Then a first for me.. White Letter Hairstreak
A Comma, striking a pose... his shadow says "I am BUTTERFLYMAN! Righter of wrongs and sipper of nectar. Beware my stretchy proboscis!!""
And finally another Large Skipper
There was rumour of White Admiral and potential Purple either hairstreak or emperor, but I went home to see to my poorly beloved.... who waited 4 days then gave it to me with a vengeance! You can go off people y'know!!
Hope you liked the meander around, and as always ID corrections gratefully received.
Stay Safe All (Stay away from Mrs PB is my advice!!)
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Regards, Hazel
Hi PB,
A very productive day out for your last one for a while and at least 3 butterflies I've never seen and the last shot is quite striking.
Best wishes for you and Mrs PB putting COVID behind you and getting out and about again.
Trevor
I'm sure I would have been demoted again when I tested positive Saturday
It's only about 15 minutes from home, so really local, and as I'm now off the week, if I test negative I'll be going back lol
Cin J
Oh no!
First, wishing Mrs PB a speedy recovery, and second, hoping you don't get it.
Back to the better stuff, fabulous photos and it looked a great place to have so close to the doorstep, and many thanks for sharing, I'm in desperate need of cheering up at the mo, stuck inside.
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler
(Pardon the Scottish Accent)
Lot to learn