Earlier in the week I managed to get out and explore my new surroundings. I walked for many miles along the old canal and around the country lanes. The weather was not perfect but since then summer has temporarily left us and it’s been a bit soggy.

The Banded Demoiselles were present all along the old waterway. If it had been a touch sunnier I’m sure I would have seen more dragon and damselflies. There were however Brown and Southern Hawkers, the big boys of the dragonfly world. A few Black-tailed Skimmers warmed up on the footpath, always difficult to approach they rarely sit anywhere other than the ground. A good number of Azure Damselflies (Coenagrion puella) were in the nearby ditches.

Even in overcast conditions several butterflies danced among the grasses that bordered the fields. These were the Meadow Browns and Ringlets. I did see my first Small Skippers (Thymelicus sylvestris) of the summer.


Sometimes you come across an area that may look just like dozens of others but for some reason is an absolute magnet for butterflies and other insects. It may be that it’s position is slightly different so offering the perfect micro-climate. I glimpsed one such spot on Sunday and went back Tuesday before the rains came to confirm my sightings were no fluke.

Situated alongside a country lane and public footpath, nestled on the edge of an impenetrable wood was a patch of bramble, nettle and other various wild plants. Here dozens of butterflies sipped nectar or soaked up the odd minute of sun as the clouds gathered. Commas, Meadow Browns, Ringlets, Large Skippers, Green-veined and Small Whites, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral and better still up to six gorgeous White Admirals. The best of all was magnificent Silver-washed Fritillaries (Argynnis paphia).

Now I have to admit I absolutely love Silver-washed Frits and I was jumping for joy at finding these here. It was only ten years ago that this butterfly re-colonised Norfolk after being extinct for some thirty years. They are a wonderful sight and I tried to convey this to walkers who paused to question what I was photographing. I got the feeling most thought I was slightly eccentric, “a grown man taking pictures of butterflies, how odd”. Some took an interest and it was a pleasure to share my enthusiasm.

Excellent!
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Cheers Pete.
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Excellent shots of some beautiful creatures. I too am amazed by the kind of micro-climates that you described. I often wonder why certain species or individuals choose specific locations. Is it the sunlight, the shade, the vegetation, the soil, the water, or some other consideration? It is a bit of a mystery, but it means I have to be alert, because I never know what treasures may be in store for me at each time I turn a corner.
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Thanks Mike. The mysteries of nature, that’s what makes it so exciting.
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What a nice group of excellent photos! I especially liked the egg laying team.
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That shot made me smile David, appreciate your comment.
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Brilliant photos Brian. It looks like you’re new home is in a fabulous position. I know what you mean about certain ‘fields’ looking much the same but are magnets for butterflies. The bend in the road going up from our chalet never seems to disappoint and it looks a complete mess!
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Enjoying our stay Mike, so nice to just wander about and discover things. Thanks for dropping by.
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Fantastic images!
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Thanks Sue!
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Very nice series of beautiful images! Enjoyed seeing them!
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Thank you Reed!
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Wonderful shots, Mister B.
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Glad you liked them Ark, always a pleasure to share.
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A beautiful series, Brian!
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Thanks Belinda!
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You’ve got some great neighbors–and quiet ones, too! Beautiful photos, Brian.
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And these are just a few Tina, there are so many more I would like to share but lack the space.
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Wonderful shots! I think that one reason to find many butterflies in one place is flowers that have special scent. Check a list from Google.
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It’s possible and I wonder if there are one or two butterflies or bees in one spot they attract others? It could be time of day, I went back to that patch yesterday afternoon and there was not a single butterfly there!
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Wonders of nature… May be the flower honey was eaten 🙂
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Fantastic pictures Brian!
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And almost in your back garden!
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Looks like your temporary home is in productive spot. That bramble patch is amazing. Beautiful pics.
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Went back yesterday afternoon David and it was completely void of butterflies! Still plenty of blossom so the weather may have got them.
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Very nice, Brian! It is always great to explore new areas.
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Especially when they turn up goodies like these Pete!
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Well now that is a fantastic set of shots there B! That Small Skipper looks more like a teddy bear than a butter – at least I think they are still considered a butter – my apologies if wrong – regardless, definitely not a teddy bear ha. Also especially liked the synchronized Azure Damselfly shot. Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks B, yes the Skippers are still classed as butterflies and they are quite cute, thing is I can’t see that detail with the naked eye they are tiny!
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Wow! Gorgeous captures of your new world, Brian.
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Thank you Greta. There has certainly been some nice things to see so far.
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Gorgeous photographs of all of them! It’s most exciting to hear the Silver-washed Fritillary is making a comeback! You had a lovely walk and your new location is a good one for butterflies and stuff.
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It’s a great spot here Deborah and loving finding new wildlife to photograph. Thanks for dropping by.
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😀
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Outstanding photos!! The butterflies and damselflies are beautiful. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be the four damselflies. The caption on the photo was good. 🙂 I’m glad you were able to get out and explore your new surroundings.
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Big thanks Kim, the damselflies photo is quite popular, one of my favourites too.
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Beautiful photos!!
😀
Great detail!
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Thank you Nuno!
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Awesome photos! Who cares if they think you’re eccentric? People are shallow if they can’t see the beauty in others focus.😊
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Cheers CJ, truth be told I am a touch eccentric!
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Aren’t we all?😂
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Amazing pictures.
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Thank you!
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Fantastic photos, Brian. You are a harsh judge–I found the synchronous egg laying rather impressive! 😊
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But Tanja they are not even colour matched! 🙄 I’m afraid they will not make the insect olympics next year if they don’t improve. 😉
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A harsh judge, indeed! 😊
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What wonderful new neighbors you have!
Spectacular photographs, Brian. The damsel mating team is impressive, even if they need do more practice. Gini tells me that often.
The Silver-washed Fritillary would have me excited, too! What a beauty!
I’ve come to the conclusion that folks such as us are actually “normal” and those who cannot appreciate nature’s beauty are the “eccentric” ones.
Sorry for the late comments. Life interferes …..
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Life interfering is a big issue for me at the moment Wally!
I’ve seen more Fritillaries as we pass on the way to the new place and would love to stop and admire them.
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