More butterflies

The forecast wasn’t too bad but it kept drizzling.

I’m a real optimist so I went over to Elford Walled Garden, one of the places I’ve visited every year for the Big Butterfly Count.

It did drizzle but it was warm,  and in the patches of lovely sunshine, the butterflies were active.

Lots and lots of Red Admirals, whites (all three sorts) and Commas. There were five Peacocks and three Gatekeepers but no Meadow Browns while I was watching.

My blip is of a stunningly dark chocolate brown Speckled Wood which came over while I was watching the river for the kingfisher. It had no intention of being missed.

Apart from a single Brimstone, there was nothing new today, not any Small Tortoiseshells and the only blue creature was a damselfly.

I love Elford. Everyone is so friendly. It’s beautiful. A true happy place.