White-letter Hairstreak.

[JohnP]

I've only ever seen one of these very small and elusive butterflies before so it was nice to spot one again today. They are tiny and spend most of the time high in the trees only coming down to feed on nectar and then disappearing again. I spent about one and a half hours trying to get some decent shots, the little devil sure gave me a challenge.

[Clicker]

10/10 for perseverance John ...Did you have to cover much ground keeping tabs on this little beauty?

[JohnP]

10/10 for perseverance John ...Did you have to cover much ground keeping tabs on this little beauty?

It was just a case of walking back and forth over a 30 yard stretch on the woodland path, the butterfly kept coming for a quick feed on the thistle flowers and then disappearing for a while before returning. The wood is just under 10 miles from home, I arrived at 9.15am and departed at 4.30pm, I walked just under 7 miles according to my GPS. I had a nice day as always in this wood.

[Clicker]

It's a good way to keep fit too John ... Do you use the  Map my walk app. on your phone?  We 're always looking for new walks in the area ..I'll have to pick your brains I think ...

[JohnP]

It's a good way to keep fit too John ... Do you use the  Map my walk app. on your phone?  We 're always looking for new walks in the area ..I'll have to pick your brains I think ...

I use a Satmap 10.

https://satmap.com/gps-devices.html

 

[Paul]

Good on you John for the chase. A fine capture of a difficult to find subject.

Paul.

[JohnP]

Good on you John for the chase. A fine capture of a difficult to find subject.

Paul.

Thanks Paul... I'm a sucker for a challenge like this and to come away with any shot was nice, the last time I saw one was believe it or not one year ago today. I saw that one about 250 yards away from where I saw this one yesterday.

[JohnP]

It's a good way to keep fit too John ... Do you use the  Map my walk app. on your phone?  We 're always looking for new walks in the area ..I'll have to pick your brains I think ...

Polly... You should go to Haugh Wood near Hereford, it's the best place for butterflies that I've ever been to, just be sure to go soon as not all species can be seen right through the summer. Pick a nice settled sunny day with only a light breeze if possible, the grid reference for the car park is SO 59240 36579. There is woodland on both sides of the road, I find the wood over the road and opposite the car park best for butterflies.