The Duke and Duchess of Kent.

 Most years Nigel and I venture over to Kent for the woodland Duke of Burgundy butterfly. Most sites now for this species are downland, but the Kent colonies are generally woodland, which is what most of the colonies preferred going back in time.

Nigel has recently had a knee replacement, so he was not able to join me this year, so instead, I took Lisa for the long trip to one of my favourite destinations.

The forecast was not particularly favourable, but as it was the day before my birthday, I was keen to do something a little special, so we decided to risk the weather. This was a very good move, as it appears that most people didn't risk it as it was quieter than expected, and as the forecast was very wrong, we actually had a perfect day!!

It wasn't long before Lisa had seen her first Lady Orchid, and just after that we saw the only worn Duke of Burgundy of the day. Following this one we estimated that we saw around 15 individuals, and all the others were in mint condition. We also managed to witness a duchess egg laying on the Primrose leaves.

Apart from the Lady Orchids we saw some Fly Orchids and base leaves for Greater Butterfly Orchid and White Helleborine. 

Male Duke of Burgundy.

Female Duke of Burgundy resting between egg laying on Primrose.

Duke of Burgundy Egg on Primrose leaf.

Male Duke of Burgundy.

Latticed Heath Moth.

Lady Orchid with visitor.

Fly Orchid.

We then visited another woodland nearby where most of the orchids were still a little way off from flowering. However, a nice Herb Paris was in a lovely position for a photograph.

Herb Paris.

With sunshine most of the day we then headed home with a great feeling that follows a really good day out.