Silver-studded Blue (f)
Silver-studded Blue / plebejus argus. Westleton Heath, Suffolk. 29/06/18.
This image brings back happy memories of a flaming June afternoon spent on a heathland last summer. I found a spot that was literally a-flutter with Silver-studded Blues, my best encounter with the species ever. Despite the intense heat, I stayed for hours watching the magical spectacle unfold.
Photography was challenging because they were so flighty and restless in the heat and harsh light. Added to this, their choice of perches was generally against a messy background. I certainly had to work hard to make my images and was thankful to be wearing my battered straw hat and have plenty of water and sunscreen. Without them I couldn't have stayed long!
Later in the afternoon the butterflies went into 'rest mode', even though I couldn't sense any drop in temperature. They started to stay longer on perches and I found this pristine female. Perched low on a plant growing in the track, she offered the best photo opportunity of the afternoon. She proved there is a truth in the adage: 'No Pain, No Gain' ... what a little gem she was :-)
Silver-studded Blue (f)
Silver-studded Blue / plebejus argus. Westleton Heath, Suffolk. 29/06/18.
This image brings back happy memories of a flaming June afternoon spent on a heathland last summer. I found a spot that was literally a-flutter with Silver-studded Blues, my best encounter with the species ever. Despite the intense heat, I stayed for hours watching the magical spectacle unfold.
Photography was challenging because they were so flighty and restless in the heat and harsh light. Added to this, their choice of perches was generally against a messy background. I certainly had to work hard to make my images and was thankful to be wearing my battered straw hat and have plenty of water and sunscreen. Without them I couldn't have stayed long!
Later in the afternoon the butterflies went into 'rest mode', even though I couldn't sense any drop in temperature. They started to stay longer on perches and I found this pristine female. Perched low on a plant growing in the track, she offered the best photo opportunity of the afternoon. She proved there is a truth in the adage: 'No Pain, No Gain' ... what a little gem she was :-)