Monday 26 August 2019

Streaks in the Heat

The forecast was very good for today, so I thought I'd try out our butterfly special location after a month away from it.  There were Red Admirals, Painted Ladies, Peacocks, and Small Tortoiseshells. However, the walk along the main path was very quiet, then it was clear that all the bramble flower had disappeared.  Would we see anything out-of-the-ordinary at all?  As we neared the major junction I spotted what looked like a very faded Ringlet fluttering on the ground.  I nearly carried on, but something made me give it a second look.  On closer inspection it proved to be a rather tattered male Brown Hairstreak.  This was very dull when it opened its wings, and most of the time when only its profile was visible.  However, once the light was right, it was possible to see the very handsome outer wings.
Male Brown Hairstreak
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 Record shot in flight
 On greenery 
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Later, we discovered that everyone else wanted to see Brown Hairstreaks, and that was why they were there, but we seemed to be the only ones who had actually seen and photographed one!
 Underside
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 The damaged profile
 Almost a dark blue tinge to the body here
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After some time at the major junction we tried towards the glade we had photographed the Purple Hairstreaks, White Admirals and Silver-Washed Fritillaries on our last visit.  It was lovely and cool in the shade here, but butterflies were completely absent.  We were informed about a smaller junction were there were a lot of common butterflies, so we tried that out.
Painted Lady
 Red Admiral
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 Brimstone
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On the return journey a small insect was moving on the ground in almost the same place as the Brown Hairstreak on the outward bound trip.  It was noticeably smaller than what may be the largest of the Hairstreaks.  It didn't stay on the ground as long as the earlier butterfly and refused to open it wings, but it was easily identifiable as a Purple Hairstreak.  
First glance of the Purple Hairstreak - not much detail visible
 A Clearer View
 slightly damaged wing
 Spotted Flycatcher at Crowle Moor (c) 2019 Jane Robinson
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Young buzzard calling at home
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Buzzard (c) 2019 Hugh Wood
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