Purple Emperors (II)

More butterflying and, yet again, with a purple accent. Yesterday we visited a new venue, Tilletts Lane fields in Warnham. Martin had discovered details of this place on the web and we finally got to make a visit. Not with any particular species in mind, more of a recce just to acquaint ourselves with the lie of the land. This hasn't been a butterfly reserve for long but it shows just what can be done to provide proper habitats.   As soon as we arrived we spotted several Purple Hairstreaks up in the canopy of an oak tree, with such a find spirits were up immediately. PHs are the most frustrating of targets, lots going on up high but, of course, none venturing to lower levels.

After a while we took a walk round the perimeter of the two fields, masses of Ringlets, Meadow Browns and Skippers, all highly mobile in the sunshine. Whilst trying to get to grips with a Silver-washed Fritillary nectaring in some brambles, I was aware of a pale butterfly going past, I gave it a cursory glance and dismissed it as a worn Meadow Brown. Thankfully Martin was more switched on and after following the specimen for some distance, managed to get some shots of it.  At Martins recommendation " Hey Dave I think you should photograph this" I did indeed take a few shots. The upshot is that is probably a fairly rare aberrant form of the Meadow Brown, possibly cinerea. Anyway Martin posted a photo on BC Sussex, judge for yourself.

Postscript: Considered opinion of the experts is that is an albino form - which diminishes the excitement somewhat - but I find it just as interesting.

 

Forest Bug



Soldier Beetles doing what Soldier Beetles constantly engage in!

After searching endlessly through a myriad of Skippers we finally came up with one that satisfied the criteria for an Essex Skipper and we added another tick to the year list - two in one day - we were on a roll. Cloud cover increased and the chances of getting a PH coming down were slim so we cut our losses and dived down to Mill Hill hoping for a Chalkhill Blue. On the coast the sun was out and in very warm conditions the only specimens flying at Mill Hill were Marbled Whites.

Today we decided to visit Botany Bay first, for another go at Purple Emperors before revisiting Tilletts. As we approached "The Triangle" it was obvious that other photographers had found  a specimen, this became the centre of attention for an increasing group so we moved away hoping to find our own subject. Back at the triangle we met Colin Baker ( take a look at his website Lepi - photos, stunning quality photographs) who graciously shared a Purplie with us, first up in the foliage and then on the ground for some time - Thanks Colin. 

With the sun playing hide and seek we left for the car park, on the way we found two obliging Ringlets engaged in what all butterflies spend most of their time attempting to do and managed to record the event for posterity.

At Tilletts it was a continuation of yesterday, Purple Hairstreaks up in the canopy, this time they had moved to an adjacent Ash Tree and refused to come down yet again. The sun had galvanised even more of the common butterflies into action but nothing remarkable turned up.

Wood White and Silver-studded Blue

My antipodean reader may be forgiven for believing that I have been sent to a penal colony when I say that I spent the morning in Botany Bay. This one is a Forestry Commission wood in leafy Surrey, not a place of correction for those transported overseas. Due to holidays and other commitments I had missed the optimum time for catching up with the Wood Whites that reside there and, as Martin and I have a target of 40 butterfly species this year, I couldn't pass up any chance of a tick.

So we arrived about mid morning in glorious sunshine but not much was airborne, in fact we had strolled up the main ride to the triangle and seen just the occasional Speckled Wood. Finally, when I was beginning to doubt that I would see one, up popped a nice clean male specimen. This is a butterfly that will happily pose for the camera, that said, as Martin wryly observed, it only has one pose and it never opens its wings when stationary. So here is the pick of my shots, sorry they are so similar but I was happy to have it in the bag.

Next venue was Iping Common where the Silver-studded Blues have started to emerge. Out on the wide expanse of heath we found one tatty specimen and it was a little time before we found a dozen or more flitting about in the midday sun. Yet again not the best of quality and that means a revisit, obviously when more are on the wing.

On the way back to the car park a fairly large moth flew across our path and crashed into the heather - a Clouded Buff - not a species with which I am familiar but happy to capture it all the same.

Two venues and two species and still a good portion of the day left, this meant we could call into Lord's Piece on the way home to see what dragonflies were about. Straight away we had good views of both Four Spot Chaser and Broad-bodied Chaser plus a host of damselflies. Finally a single specimen of Golden-ringed Dragonfly alighted on the fence and posed, this time Martin was on it and it remained in our vicinity for some time. Final species for the day was a nice looking Downy Emerald, unfortunately this chap didn't hang around for long, just long enough for a reasonable shot.

 

On the way home we both agreed that it was yet again a cracking day out - that's two on the trot - whatever next?