Gatekeepers Guard the Banks

July 14th 2017 - July so far has been very hot but more humid with recent rainfall on 11th and 12th soaking into the ground - gradually replenishing the river supply. Large numbers of butterflies have been ranging along the river banks and through the long meadow grasses. Meadow Browns are still flying but Gatekeepers are more numerous now both in the fields and on the banks and the long-flying Speckled Woods continue to chase in the dappled shade under and through the trees.

Small Tortoiseshell butterflies often prefer dry, stoney places:

This Small Tortoiseshell butterfly was seen today investigating fresh nettle shoots

springing up from disturbed ground, then choosing a flat stone on which to rest and bask

in the warm sun for  while.

It may be a female searching out suitable nettles on which to lay her eggs. When the eggs hatch, the caterpillars will feed on the fresh tender nettle leaves.

Brambles are continuing to flower and many sunny patches have small green fruits. Holly Blues are now appearing again:

A small fragile-looking Holly Blue butterfly keeping to the shade

where brambles only get the sun in evening. (9th July)

Gatekeeper butterfly - showing the underwing - not to be confused with the 

Meadow Brown. Gatekeepers are restless and can frequently be seen chasing each other

and other species of butterfly and insects away from their 'territory'.

This alert one is perched on a bramble leaf on the river bank  (10th July).

Red Admiral butterflies have been quite numerous - but they usually fly alone. This one was today seen flying from tree to tree over the grass, frequently perching then moving on. I was standing in a glade and it twice perched on my shoulder but then returned to its favourite perch in the sun. 

Red Admiral today 14th July 2017 on the riverside vegetation

On 10th July, the day before the rain came,  clouds had cleared fast after a cool start. Huge numbers of butterflies were present, most on the south embankment amongst the long grasses and dock. Gatekeepers were the most numerous but Large skippers, Small Skippers and Meadow Browns were all present in good numbers with a few Large White, Small White and Green-veined White butterflies too. Banded Demoiselle damselflies were present too, some over the water, others over the grasses.

Only very seldom seen here, a Silver-washed Fritillary glided down through the trees over the river, looking almost wren-sized and ver bright.

In the same area, many juvenile blue tits and great tits were bathing in the dappled shade, flying up to perch and preen - occasionally attempting to catch any butterfly which flew past.