Magpie Moth

Spotted this on the lawn today - thought it was a butterfly at first but couldn't identify it . . . 

Luckily there are experts out there who know about these things, and it turns out it is actually a Magpie Moth - pity it was dead really!

Fly Past . . .

Garage-cam has captured a fair few flying creatures over the last few months - how many can you name?

Lake Break

End of June holidays and we've had a few days away in the Lake District - saw some old friends, and actually did a fair bit of walking (as well as shopping, eating and drinking of course!).

Started with an evening walk alongside the River Kent out to the Strickland Arms at Sizergh - nice walk, although a bit overgrown in places, and a fantastic meal in good company.




Followed this up the next day with a rather damp walk from Staveley to Potter Tarn - clouds were low but it was still a good walk.


Spotted another butterfly (or is at a moth?) along the way, again not sure what it is (ideas anyone??):

After a slightly wetter day off the fells (walking round the shops!) got the boots back on and headed down Borrowdale for the walk up to Watendlath.

We ate flapjack in the cafe, the midges ate us, and we watched the local bird population pick up the crumbs:

For our final walk of the holiday we tackled something a little more ambitious, and ascended Skiddaw - must admit it was something of a slog (for me at least), but the views were fantastic (unfortunately it was also extremely cold at the top, so we weren't inclined to linger).


Will have to keep up the momentum now we are back in Wales, although we're currently back in hedge-cutting mode . . .

Update:  I am reliably informed that it was actually a moth - a Brimstone Moth in fact (must be something to do with the sulphury colourations!).

Woodland Flutterby

Time: Early June

Place: Nant yr Arian forestry

While Martin was being terribly active( breaking his personal best round one of the mountain bike trails) I meandered round a forestry path or two following butterflies as they fluttered by.

Eventually managed to get a couple of halfway decent shots - both specimens were on the small side (as can be seen relative to the buttercups).  Really not sure what this one is - it appeared faintly blue to me, but doesn't match anything I can find.  Any suggestions?

Fairly certain this one is a Small Heath:

Update: I'm informed the mystery butterfly could be a Green-veined White although I'm not entirely convinced - it looked blue to me!

Butterfly!

Mystery solved - finally got a picture with wings open:

Think it's a Small Tortoiseshell butterfly - I've since lost it again (assume it's found a nice warm dark corner to hole up in!).