A little walk beside a field in Sonning
I met a lady the other day who told me about a new walk where there are often lots of butterflies. Although it is still quite early for some butterflies, I thought I would check it out. It is alongside ...
Butterflies
Mariposario in Benalmádena
I went on a little road trip yesterday to the Mariposario - Butterfly Park - in Benalmádena Pueblo and all I can say is...WOW. Fantastic place. It is not a huge park but there are around 1,500 butterflies flying around at ...
Insects
I have developed a growing fascination for insects! What amazes me is how a tiny little thing you mainly think of as annoying - not least because it might be about to bite you - can look so different when ...
Birds and butterflies
A few pictures from a little wander on Tuesday afternoon. Still experiencing gusting winds at the moment, very strong at times, but at least it is dry and warm, so can't complain too much really. Lots of Goldfinch about. There was a ...
Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly
The Small Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis urticae) is a lovely colourful butterfly, flying from March to October and hibernating over winter. It has a sombre coloured underside which provides some camouflage from predators. I don't see many of these but have already ...
Brimstone Butterfly
The Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) is one of the earliest spring butterflies and it is lovely to see them along hedgerows and in woodland. I have never been very successful at photographing them as they seem to move constantly, rarely settling ...
Another little Butterfly
This landed next to me while I was out and I can't make up my mind what it is. My initial thought was a Skipper of some sort and there is one with a brownish top and orange underneath whose ...
Red Admiral
Red Admirals (Vanessa atalanta) are common and often visit gardens - in my garden they seem particularly fond of landing on my washing when it is hanging on the line. I see them almost everywhere I go walking and have ...
Peacock Butterfly
The Peacock (Nymphalis io) is a very pretty butterfly with its striking eyespots and bright colours. Its underwings are plain and dark and provide good camouflage when closed. They are common visitors to gardens and throughout the countryside. They breed ...
Orange-tip
The Orange-tip butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines) is a distinctive spring butterfly that is seen flitting around in woodland, meadows and gardens. It usually flies April to June. As is often the case, the male is the most colourful, with bright orange ...
Comma
The Comma (Nymphalis c-album) is a widespread and common butterfly in Europe seen in gardens, woodland, meadows and many other places. It has very distinctive ragged edges. It is brightly coloured orange on top but quite dull underneath. It flies ...
In the undergrowth
I doubt it would qualify as a 'nature walk' - 25 metre detour down a dead-end path at the back of Calahonda beach - but it was an interesting diversion. The were lots of Wall Brown, Small and Large White butterflies ...
Birds, bunnies and catkins
We saw a few other interesting things while out yesterday. Along the lane where the Red Kites were playing, I spotted a Yellowhammer in the hedge. After we had parked to watch the Kites, I walked back along the lane ...
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