Saturday 2 July 2016

From birds to butterflies

AS the seasons roll on, and in spite of the poor weather, the natural cycle of rearing young and insect emergence is unstoppable.  At this time of the year butterflies and dragonfly spotting takes over from the birding side of nature watching as the birds fall quiet.  They're still there, but busy themselves with feeding their young and keeping a low profile in many cases.  But these alternative quarries are just as exciting and often as spectacular.  The rare white admiral butterfly provides a tropical feel to rides lined with honeysuckle and bramble, as it haughtily floats between canopy and under-story, whilst the prolific meadows team with brown butterflies, and darting damselflies and dragonflies.

Ringlets squabbling in midair
White Admiral
 







3 marsh harriers