After last week's failure to connect, Francis Buckle, Tim Watts and I returned to FINEMERE WOODS today, just west of Quainton, and had some great results. PURPLE EMPEROR butterflies were up early and egg-laying in the northern sallows from 0700 hours; several were seen perched between then and 0900 hours before the real show began. We then had at least 7 individuals coming down to the track to feed enabling us all to obtain a nice set of images. They were on constant view until at least 1100 hours, even though the temperature by then had reached a sweltering 32 degrees C (87 degrees F). Two WHITE ADMIRALS were also seen along the main ride, along with 3 PURPLE HAIRSTREAKS and at least 10 SILVER-WASHED FRITILLARIES, as well as large numbers of commoner species including Comma, Large White, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Small Skipper and Marbled White. Birdwise, just 2 COMMON RAVEN (on the pylons), a pair of BULLFINCH, 2 Jays and a singing male Garden Warbler were noted.
Initial views were of individuals perched high in the Oaks and Sallows, some of the females egg-laying
Then, from 9am, off they came to the ground, offering stunning views
Photographic opportunities were enchanting..
PURPLE EMPEROR - my favourite UK butterfly
A Comma perched in the trees
