We strolled along the Yew trail, spotting Orange Tip and Small White butterflies. Then a 'blue' shot past unidentified. A Broad-bodied Chaser perched a few feet away.
Simon then spotted a Roe Deer just a few metres away staring at us, not at all bothered.
As we arrived at the roped off area, positive news of several Duke of Burgundy butterflies showing well. Joining the other camera lenses we spent about half an hour enjoying a close encounter with at least 5 individuals, with male and female often spiralling high up into the air.
As we walked back to the car, smiles on faces, we noted large amounts of Lily of the Valley. Also seen were Holly Blue and Brimstone.
Next stop was Warton Crag, to explore the stony south facing slopes again.
Common Blue were the most numerous butterfly, with some confusing brown females keeping us guessing. Eventually though, Simon managed to get a picture of a brown one to confirm Northern Brown Argus.
A couple of university students were out with nets, as part of a (Small) Pearl-bordered Fritillary study. We helped out identifying their first Small Pearl-bordered of the year. Four in total of the fritillaries seen. A couple of noticeably larger ones were possibly Pearl-bordered.
Plenty of Small Heath about, as well as Speckled Yellow moths. Dingy Skipper also still present but all looking a bit worn. In the end we saw 13 different species of Butterfly today, and we didn't see Peacock or Small Tortoiseshell. A great day out 😎
