Gamlingay Wood

It wasn't an ideal afternoon to view the Silver-Washed Fritillaries as it was mainly cloudy with a few sunny intervals during which the butterflies became active, retreating to the high trees when the sun went in. Enjoyed the glimpses that we got through the foliage and hope for better views later.

 

Pasque Flowers 5: Bluebells 10

Barry joined me on my annual pilgrimage to Therfield Heath for the Pasque flowers and Gamlingay Woods for the Bluebells and other Spring flowers. There is a reasonable display of Pasque flowers this year with some already over and some still to come out - the snails are munching their way through quite a lot of them. The Bluebells and Oxlips are at their best at the moment and a very good year. 

Sliver-Washed Fritillaries

The Silver -Washed Fritillaries at Gamlingay Wood look as if they are going to have a good year. Once the sun came out (nearly an hour's wait!), the thistles and brambles were full of the large vibrant butterflies. Very difficult lighting with the sun coming and going but pleased with some of the shots. Eight other butterfly species photographed and two Odontera - Common Darter and White-legged Damselfly.

Fritillaries still Active at Gamlingay

There are still lots of Silver-Washed Fritillaries in Gamlingay Woods though they are beginning to look a bit tatty. However, there was lots of courtship going on and scent distribution. The rides look wonderful with a mixture of Purple Loosestrife and Meadow Sweet. We had the usual problems identifying whites but I think these are Green-veined White and Large White. It was a first sighting for us of Marbled White there. Lots of Meadow Browns and Peacocks.

White Admiral, Purple Emperor and Fritillary

 Two new butterfly species for me today, the White Admiral and Purple Emperor. Thanks Richard for showing us these in a Bedfordshire Wood. I would like to photograph a fully open Purple Emperor sometime,  so good excuse to return there. The Silver Washed Fritillaries are from Gamlingay - I was pleased to find female among the Brambles - she is very well camouflaged.