After successfully seeing Scotch Argos here last August, we hoped to catch up with Northern Brown Argus and High Brown Fritillary.
On ascending the Knott mid morning, at first we saw nothing. The weather was ideal, so where were the Butterflies?
Eventually in the clearings near the summit the first of 20+ Small Pearl Bordered Fritillaries flew past. A couple of larger Fritillaries also flew past but didn't stop.
Small Tortoiseshell's, Small Heath's, Meadow Brown's and Speckled Wood's appeared regularly.
We eventually reached the stoney clearing where we'd seen Scotch Argos last year, and settled down with lunch to wait. About a dozen Fritillaries fluttered around - large and small. Eventually we managed to confirm the first of two High Brown Fritillary. The third spot on the upper wing was off set, and forewing concave. Difficult as ever to get the underwing on film!
A couple of Ringlet and a Holly Blue flicked through as well.
As we continued our descent across the scree slopes Grayling started to appear - being their usual incredibly tame selves.
Then a flutter past of a small brown butterfly... eyes glued waiting for it to land. Close approach - Northern Brown Argus. In a small clearing on the slopes 3 of them performed very nicely indeed.
Overall, a very pleasing tally of Butterflies - 17 species seen.
No comments:
Post a Comment