Sadly bedraggled

I’ve hardly seen any Small Tortoiseshell butterflies this year. In previous years I’ve come across beds of lavender with hundreds. not this year, not even one at Coughton Court or Calke Abbey.

A bit of a sore muscle which I’ve made worse by pretending it was fine, and I’m trying to be sensible. (I don’t do sensible). I’ve stayed at home. No complaints (apart from missing my swim) as the Tour is exciting and I’ve caught up with vital phone calls.

Anyway, my garden is the focus for my Butterfly Count and I was amazed when this pallid and frayed Small Tortoiseshell appeared. I’m keeping an eye on what else appears (so far only Large Whites) before I submit my findings....

Have a lovely weekend, my friends, and I hope you get just enough, and safe rain. Not a drop here - yet.