Green Veined White Butterflies are often mistaken for Small Whites but they are much more attractive in my opinion. Today on Aylesbeare Common by the edge of a wooded area in strong sunlight it was a joy to watch and photograph these beautiful insects pairing up. From time to time another male would try to get in on the act and I have captured that moment of “Manage de Trois”. This was just one of 5 species seen and because of the intense light it was easy to get some photos . The Holly Blue here was intent on this mud, either
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drinking or attracted to some minerals in the soil, whatever, but he certainly wouldn’t give up. Red Admirals are not the most scarce of species but they are certainly the most attractive in my eyes and this specimen was a perfect example. I just love the light in this photo. So where are the others, Speckled Wood.…couldn’t get one to settle and Peacock, well I have enough shots of them! Really frustratingly there were several Brimstone on the wing and again I just could not get them to settle.

Now for the frustration of the birds on Aylesbeare. I am pretty sure but not 100% that I saw Crossbills, or if they weren’t then probably Redpoll. They were high in a Scots Pine and were very vocal which Crossbills are. I caught a glimpse of a red/pinkish breast and a heavily forked tail. Needless to say I will be returning very soon to have another look. A Pied Flycatcher was singing and I just could not get a look at him but I did catch a very quick glimpse of a female. A Green Woodpecker dashed away from view. A Hobby flew over at distance, a Mistle Thrush scolded me as he flew into cover and a Yellowhammer was calling from a distant bush. All thoses species but no sign of my intended subject the Dartford Warbler! But there is always another day. I for got to mention my morning outing to the Marsh where I took shots of the stray American Golden Plover, Whimbrel and Curlew and I will post pictures of them tomorrow.