Monday 20 August 2012

Mona Lisa

Okay, I know there are other famous ladies that have been painted, but I couldn't think of any off the top of my head, Bazza's blog here is the best place to go for art information.

This Painted Lady butterfly was in our garden on my return from work this evening, feeding on one of our Buddleia plants. This is the first time that I have seen one of these beautiful flutters this year and the first time that one has been seen in the garden since we have been living here. A welcome addition to the insect activity that we have been experiencing over the past week or so.




Other butterflies that have been seen in the garden include the Small and Large White, the Gatekeeper, the Holly Blue and Common Blue (although these two have just been fly through's), the Red Admiral, the Comma and the Peacock, this last one in fairly large numbers.

Peacock

Peacock

Red Admiral
Gatekeeper
We have also been getting our fair share of dragonflies, the more common being the Common Darter, but we have also had up to half a dozen Migrant Hawkers buzzing about feeding on flying ants.

Migrant Hawker

Common Darter

Common Darter
 We are now experiencing a 'summer' of sorts, it's just a shame that it is at the end of August!

19 comments:

  1. Love your butterfly shots John.

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  2. Lovely images John. The Painted Lady is a real special find.

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    1. Thanks Roy, I was lucky with that one, the lady has since vanished!
      J

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  3. I like your clever title! What beautiful visitors you have~especially the Painted lady!

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    1. Thanks Tammy, don't know why I used that title, thought it would be a bit different!
      J

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  4. Hi John,
    Wow and what a colourful collection of photos. I've been seeing some colourful butterflies in my garden. Heck, I actually saw some flowers in my garden! Summer has arrived, two months late. I guess we have to savour it while it lasts.
    Thanks for this, John.
    In peace, Gary

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    1. Thanks Gary,
      I am glad that you too are experiencing these beautiful flutters and even some flowers! ;)
      As they say, better late than never, I don't know who 'they' are, but I think they are right!
      In peace my friend,
      J

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  5. Lovely photos John! A lovely selection from your garden too. I only saw one Painted Lady last year and none at all so far this time. How nice to have dragons in your garden too! You may have already said but do you have a pond or are you fairly near water?

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  6. I like the Painted Lady especially, among this great set, not seen one yet this year.

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    1. Thanks Alan, just the one seen by me this year, wonder if it will be the last?
      J

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  7. John, your observations are pretty much identical to mine; except I've seen no Painted Lady's yet.
    Great captures.

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    1. Thanks Keith,
      It is great that this 'better' weather is bringing out the insects. Somehow though, I don't think it will be a Painted Lady year.
      J

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  8. Thanks for the honourable mention John! I think there is a great deal of art in your photo's. Our Buddleia wants to take over the whole garden but it doesn't look as nice as yours does.
    Click here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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    1. You are more than welcome Bazza! You are the one with the knowledge of art, so I take that as a compliment, Thank you!
      I hope your Buddleia is full of butterflies, cut it back late Autumn and it will reward you next year with lots of bloom!
      J

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  9. Beautiful, especially the peacock.

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    1. Thanks Gillian,
      The Peacock is a beautiful butterfly!
      J

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  10. Great photos there, John.

    I get the impression butterfly numbers are picking up a little following the poor start to the season. Or is it wishful thinking - I've hardly photographed any this year!

    Lovely shot of the Common Darter, too - what poise it has. On lavender?

    Cheers, Rob

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    1. Thanks Rob,
      I think it has been a bit better for the later emerging butterflies, Chalkhill Blue numbers are through the roof apparently!
      The darter is indeed on lavender, one of a few I have in the garden.
      J

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