Butterflies at Pignal
After reading up on some locations in my Insects of the New Forest book, I headed of to a new to me venue in the New Forest – Pignal Inclosure, hoping to find some Butterflies out, and in particular some Silver-washed Fritillarys. I was not to be disappointed, as there were several about and all fresh and new. In fact it was one of my best butterfly days to date this year.
Firstly I’d like to show a couple of fun shots from the visit, this first one I like the look of almost shock from a Fritillary as a smaller butterfly flies past as I click the shutter.
What The!
And secondly a lucky press of the shutter button got this one mid take off.
Take Off!
This next one was one of the first shots I got of the Silver-washed Fritillaries, taken atop of a tall hedge, I like the way the light comes through the wings. The only disappointing thing being that they are facing away – still you can’t have everything in one day.
Pair of Silver-Washed Fritillarys
A more formal portrait of the Fritillary, follows as it nectars on some bramble. I gave it a slight crop in photoshop to improve the composition of the image – something I like to get right in camera. Most of the shots I post on this site have no cropping at all.
Silver-washed Fritillary on brambles (slight crop).
The Fritillaries were not the only ones out and on the brambles, this skipper was enjoying them too.
Skipper on Bramble.
As was this Ringlet…
Ringlet on Bramble.
In the more open Inclosure part I found a Marbled White resting on a grass stem.
Roosting Marbled White
And further round this Marbled White was at rest with it’s wings nicely displayed.
Basking Marbled White
Map of Location
Pignal Inclosure , New Forest.
