Wednesday 27 July 2011

Blue is the colour







All photo`s were taken using hand-held Canon Powershot A640


The Chalkhill Blue butterfly is one that is characteristic of warm chalk and limestone hillsides, but has declined in numbers over the last century due to its downland habitat being ploughed up to `improve` the land. The species is, however still fairly widespread and stable in the south of England and in some areas the populations can number many hundreds. One such place is Barnack Hills and Holes NNR, close to Peterborough.

The above photo`s were taken at the weekend on a rare period of sunshine. The number of males in flight easily numbered 70+, but there were only a few females apparent. The male is a beautiful silvery-blue (as above), but the females are a brown colour with chequered wing fringes. It is a butterfly of high Summer, flying in a single brood from mid-July to September.

19 comments:

  1. A real beauty. We don't get to see these in Cheshire so thanks for sharing your wonderful images.

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  2. Brilliant photos, that's a Canon Powershot A640, damn it, I'm a Canon user, but I have nothing compares to you.

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  3. The answer to your question about the Holly Blue is, yes. It's always on flower or flower, and it is flying it was for only fast, only seconds.

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  4. Hi John,
    Indeed, there was a strange shining orb in the sky over Britain on the weekend.
    Those are some amazing photos and once again, the accompanying info is greatly appreciated.
    In peace, Gary.

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  5. Gorgeous! Thank you for bringing us up so close for a lovely long look at these butterflies.

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  6. Hi John,
    Superb blog and great pics, will def look back again!!
    Dave

    http://iow-birder.blogspot.com/

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  7. A brilliant set of close ups John.

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  8. Thankyou Andrew, they are beautiful to look at in the `flesh`, so to speak!
    J

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  9. Hi Bob,
    Yes the Holly Blue doesn`t sit still for too long, does it!
    Thankyou for your kind words. I am really only just getting to grips with my little pocket camera, but have still got a way to go to reach your level of photography!
    J

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  10. Hi Gary,
    Yes, it was strange to see the sun at the weekend, although today has been lovely in my little part of the world.
    Thankyou for your kind words, as ever,
    J

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  11. Hi Susan,
    Thankyou, the pleasure is mine!
    J

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  12. Thanks Dave, hope you enjoyed your visit!
    J

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  13. Thankyou John, you are too kind!
    J

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  14. Hi John ...a little slow this week ..had a bad week ..can you relate lol
    Lovely ,,jut lovely!! I feel like I could touch the fizziness of there backs and the blue is like heaven!!
    Great job...Grace

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  15. Hi Grace,
    I understand perfectly and thankyou for your kind comments at a time of sadness.
    J

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