More of the same

I couldn't get enough of these butterflies so went back to yesterday's spot. I'm progressively learning more about the best times and sites for various species, usually from people I meet when visiting sites like this one. I like this one because of the way the Duke of Burgundy butterfly is sitting on the curled edge of the leaf, elevating it from the plant. It almost looks photoshopped (but isn't - I'm not that clever and wouldn't do that even if I was). Gill couldn't be there yesterday (Sunday) so she was keen to see our three new species too. I'm tempted to get out again today but there's too much to do around home so it's on with the shorts (definitely not blipping that sight) and in to the garden.

Before heading home we walked around Old Winchester Hill and chatted with a chap called David in the car park. He spends some 40 hours a week sitting there in the summer, watching over the cars, entirely voluntarily since thefts from such car parks in that area were endemic a few years ago before he decided to do something about it. Liaising with the local police - he has all their numbers - has not only cut such crimes by substantial margins, it has also led to convictions. The downside for David is that his car was attacked in an act of revenge - tyres slashed doors scratched and dented, that sort of thing. But it hasn't stopped him. I should have photographed him I expect, but didn't. It's rare that you come across such public spirited people. Most of us go around trying to get what we can from life - nothing wrong with that - and some, just a few, gain their satisfaction almost wholly from giving, seeking nothing in return. If you go there this summer and see a man sitting there in his car, reading a book, give him a wave and chat for a while. He's a fund of stories.