I thought it was time I took another trip to Alner’s Gorse to see if there was some new sightings. So on 17th July I went for a morning trip for a couple of hours to see what was about, I was especially hoping to see Silver Washed Fritillaries.

There were certainly some different species about than the last time I visited on June 22nd Alner’s Gorse 22/06

There was a few Ringlet and plenty of the pretty little Gatekeeper Butterflies on the wing.

Still a few Marble White Butterflies around.

I spotted two Purple Hairstreaks in a bush, I’m getting a bit better at spotting them, they are so small!

I saw one Silver Washed Fritillary and it soon disappeared over the hedge, I was feeling a little disappointed in not seeing a few. It always pays to chat to people you meet on the reserves as I asked a gentleman if there were any about, he was just heading where they had been sighted and I tagged along. I always find people very helpful especially like minded nature watchers.

It was little walk to the edge of the reserve and in a field hedgerow beyond, where they were and then there was plenty to photograph and enjoy. I was also lucky enough to spot an aberration of the female Silver Washed Fritillary, f.Valecina. There were other species about and I was hoping to see a White Admiral which had been sighted but not this time, I will just have to return sometime!