A Painted Lady!

 I've been seeing a fair few painted ladies flying around lately without ever seeing one settle; later summer migrants to the UK, you can recognise them flying around at this time of year from their paler orange colour than that displayed by the other similar-at-a-distance two species on the wing in September, the small tortoiseshell and the comma. 

I found two on the buddleia at the entrance to Millgate Island, just after an irate and angler had told me I wasn't allowed to go onto the island as "It is only for fishing now and I own it."

Well, I didn't know that.

One of the butterflies was up on the higher flowers in the , but the other was lower down, and rather less energetic so I could get a few photos, which I hope you will agree came out rather well!

Si

All text and images copyright CreamCrackeredNature 16.09.21

Just a Painted Lady

So, yesterday was a much quieter day after all the cricket and juggling at the weekend, but it meant I was able to get to the park and have a quiet walk listening to the radio as I always like to do on my days off.

This was the only painted lady I came across, moping around on the buddleia by Millgate Bridge and giving me a nice alternative angle on one of these numerous migrants for 2019.

The evenings are spent writing and exercising. I don't just write on nature; I write on horror, science fiction and retro culture. I do at least half an hour on my exercise bike as well, while watching whatever videos take my fancy.

Let's be honest, there's a little bit more chilling on the sofa in there than I am letting on!

Si

All text and images copyright CreamCrackeredNature 06.08.19

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