Common Blue DSC_3765
Common Blue / polyommatus icarus. Stanton Sidings, Derbyshire. 07/08/17.
I am definitely faring better locally with sightings of second brood Common Blue butterflies than back in May-June. Even so, their numbers aren't as high as in previous summers.
(The last word in that sentence is used ironically, based on the 'summer' we are currently enduring!)
I disturbed this male CB on my local brownfield site late one afternoon. The yellow bokeh could mislead you into thinking it was sunny and pleasant when in fact the weather was ominously 'moody', threatening another rain shower and blowing strong gusts of wind. Clearly, the CB had been seeking shelter and roosting among the vegetation. He fluttered half-heartedly before perching upside down on the seed head. Luckily, a profusion of yellow Ragwort flowers behind provided the splash of colour needed to showcase the butterfly.
Common Blue DSC_3765
Common Blue / polyommatus icarus. Stanton Sidings, Derbyshire. 07/08/17.
I am definitely faring better locally with sightings of second brood Common Blue butterflies than back in May-June. Even so, their numbers aren't as high as in previous summers.
(The last word in that sentence is used ironically, based on the 'summer' we are currently enduring!)
I disturbed this male CB on my local brownfield site late one afternoon. The yellow bokeh could mislead you into thinking it was sunny and pleasant when in fact the weather was ominously 'moody', threatening another rain shower and blowing strong gusts of wind. Clearly, the CB had been seeking shelter and roosting among the vegetation. He fluttered half-heartedly before perching upside down on the seed head. Luckily, a profusion of yellow Ragwort flowers behind provided the splash of colour needed to showcase the butterfly.