After the recent dismal weather, today turned out to be bright, moderately warm and just a touch windy. The butterflies were back in the garden, most noticeably a pair of painted ladies. Their colour has deepened slightly from the early season visitors, but their willingness to be photographed is undiminished.
The butterflies were doing their best to shelter from the wind, and in the relative security of the garden they didn't have to contend with the worst of it. Not so, the coastal birds.
It was somewhat less windswept a few hundred yards inland, where we came across a family of moorhens on a village pond.
Moorhen feeding its young
The day ended back on the downs, trying in vain to find some shelter from the winds. The kestrels were about, hunting over the long grass with a fair degree of success. Usually they carry prey in their talons, so it was a surprise to see this.
Camera note: the butterflies were photographed with the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG macro lens. The rest were taken with the EF 400mm f/5.6L USM.
gdare
13 Jul 2009This butterfly was posing for you 😀 It is nice to have a good weather again, wind or no wind. It is summer after all 😀
studio41
13 Jul 2009love the butterfly and the water photos… 🙂
SittingFox
13 Jul 2009That second butterfly shot is simply marvellous! :yes:
The wave is impressive for other reasons :eyes: and that kestrel must be a bit top-heavy carrying prey in its beak!
Words
13 Jul 2009Darko, yes summer has returned (nearly). It's been much warmer again, and the butterflies are everywhere 🙂
Words
13 Jul 2009Thanks Jill!
Words
13 Jul 2009Adele, thanks. The painted lady was perched nicely on the wall so for once I could keep the camera nice and steady and take a series of shots. It was odd seeing the kestrel carrying its prey like that. Very unusual.
Ukwildlife
14 Jul 2009excellent butterfly macros and great kestrel shots 🙂
Words
14 Jul 2009Thanks Neil!