Just a short post by way of an update on my current butterfly photography project. Over the last few days I've had a bit more free time than normal which has coincided with working from home so I've taken full advantage of both and have been out before and after work, mainly in search of more Dark Green Fritillaries. Sadly, my luck from earlier in the week seems to have run out, with only three seen over three visits, all flying around at break neck speed. Time out with the camera is rarely in vain though and I've managed to get some shots of a number of species that I would perhaps have neglected previously. Below are a few of my favourites.

First up, this Meadow Brown remained remarkably still. Whilst extremely common, they are more often than not extremely flighty and therefore difficult to photograph. Taken early evening, the light was very nice indeed and created a lovely warm bokeh.

Meadow Brown

Next is the Ringlet. Another common butterfly that can also be quite skittish when approached. This one was found roosting first thing in the morning so not too energetic and I was therefore able to get set up and get some pics.

Ringlet
My Marbled White addiction shows no signs of abating, with hundreds of these summer butterflies currently in flight on Cleeve Hill. I found countless butterflies in great positions for photography but one on a flowerhead caught my attention with some lovely early morning sunlight bringing the images to life.

Marbled White Marbled White

It wasn't long before the butterflies were taking in the warmth of the morning sun, with the grasses and flowers littered with basking butterflies. It would have been rude not to make the most of the posing.

Marbled White

A nearby Common Blue was next to catch my eye and despite their first brood season coming to an end, this male looked relatively fresh. A nice contrast of blue against green and I opted for a more minimalist shot for a change.

Common Blue

I was then back to the Marbled Whites, with one in a very accessible position allowing a head on shot, again allowing for something slightly different.

Marbled White All in all, a good few visits though I won't deny that the lack of roosting fritillaries was a big disappointment. Still, you can't have it all and life would be very boring if everything was in place all of the time. It just means I'll have to go back....