Many Many Butterflies

 No cricket match for me today, due to lack of ability and a sore shoulder, so I took myself out for a walk along the river this afternoon to watch the second team at Winthorpe.

The weather has cooled a little bit, and indeed got rather chilly later on when the wind veered to the north. But this didn't seem to deter the butterflies, that were about in large numbers on the riverside flowers, especially the ragwort. 

The dominant species out and about seemed to be the vivid orange gatekeepers, a meadow brown that their creators decided to neaten up and give a nicer paint job. But there were commas, skippers and the various white species too, although I was surprised not to see any small tortoiseshells around. 

Over the river, swallows, sand martins and house martins were busy feeding themselves up for their migration. It seems that the swifts, bless them, have started to leave.

Si

All text and images copyright CreamCrackeredNature 24.07.21

Some Beautiful Flutterers about Today

I've noticed this year that I've barely seen a peacock butterfly all year.

Well that all changed today, for with a bit of sun after the dire weekend weather. I've been outside for several hours today, with three walks and a short run, and every buddleia bush I came across had several of these gorgeous creatures sat nectaring on the pink, purple and white flowers.

The second flight has obviously come through very late, and come through strong. It's a pity it's hard to get them to spread their wings for the camera though.

Also present in numbers were painted ladies, not seen many of these for a good five or so years. Obviously the big migration talked about has made it up as far as Nottinghamshire!

Saw a lovely comma as well, and this one too allowed me to get a good photo. So it has been a very colourful day.

Si

All text and images copyright CreamCrackeredNature 29.07.19