With another really hot day I was determined to get a first for the year to celebrate getting another year older!! I thought the most likely candidate was either a Small Copper or the Brown Argus. I have normally seen both of these before the end of April, but with things emerging late this year it was never a certainty. On arriving at my chosen local site I was soon seeing reasonable quantities of Dingy Skipper, this included a couple that looked as though they were very fresh.
A very fresh Dingy Skipper.
Just after seeing this very fresh individual I bumped into James and as we were wandering around the grassland a different small butterfly took flight. It was clear straight away that it was our first Brown Argus of the season. Although we lost it early on we did re-find it a little later. It did land several times but the only real chance of a picture was when it landed on a Cowslip. It was very evident that this butterfly too was very fresh with stunning markings. Despite the heat there still wasn't as many butterflies as one should expect. Certainly the local Grizzled Skippers are doing very poorly as are the Green Hairstreaks. We hope they are still going to appear in numbers yet!!
Male Brown Argus on Cowslip.
Your determination paid off. Your photos are gorgeous, Bob!
ReplyDeleteThankyou so much Linda for your kind words.
DeleteLovely photos Bob and belated birthday wishes.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marc. It was great way to spend the day when I get a bit older!!
DeleteHi. These butterfly pictures are really great.
ReplyDeleteWonder how you tell a brown argus from a common blue when the wings are folded?
ReplyDelete