MEADOW BROWN BUTTERFLY, DORSET
GATEKEEPER BUTTERFLY, DORSET
The Gatekeeper is (yet) another butterfly species that I have photographed this year for the first time in our garden in Dorset. There are several possible reasons for this: I haven’t bothered to notice them before; I have noticed them, but confused them with the similar meadow browns I do recognise; I have become more observant and butterfly-aware since we restored the garden and planted a lot of bee / butterfly / moth attractant plants; the species is in fact new to the garden, perhaps for the previous reason. Anyway, whichever is right, they suddenly arrived in the garden / I finally recognised this ‘new’ species in early August. Here are some.
THE FIRST GATEKEEPER I NOTICED THIS YEAR 
SUBSEQUENT SIGHTINGS 
SWALLOWS (ADULT & FLEDGLING) IN DORSET
A few photos taken in July and August of swallows in Dorset. Our recently installed upgraded electricity cables are ridiculously large, but at least they provide a solid perch for the birds. The adult swallows shown are followed by a young trainee swallow nabbing a passing insect; and some cute fledglings including one (penultimate) who decides to call for its food the easy way – and the compliant parent… 
A SELECTION OF SUMMER BEES IN DORSET
This is a small selection of bees visiting a Dorset garden during the last month or so. The favoured flowers have been Hyssop, Lavender, Alium and Cosmos. And if anyone knows the name of the pale bee in photo #4, I’d be pleased to know – it’s a real beauty.
SMALL SKIPPER, DORSET
SMALL COPPER BUTTERFLY, DORSET
I’ve been waiting for these tiny butterflies to appear, but this is the only one I have seen this year, and then for only a minute or two. Then Hurricane Bertha’s tail-end arrived and the butterflies have all but disappeared except for the occasional large white fluttering round. The flowers this one was visiting are tiny; and the butterfly looks small, even on them.
RECENT BUTTERFLY POSTS
GOOSE MYSTERY ON THE AVON, BIDFORD: ID?
I photographed this bird yesterday in Warwickshire. It was hanging out with several ‘normal’ white geese on the banks of the Avon at Bidford, yet it was not like them. I’ve had a look online for a goose breed with blue eyes, orange eye liner, an orange beak speckled with black and a bulbous forehead. I’ve found nothing like this. The answer may be that it the age or seasonal stage of a particular goose species. Or a strange swan-cross: a swoose or gwan? The last photo shows the whole creature. I’d welcome a definitive ID (it may be completely obvious, but my mind has gone blank on this one… ).
SPECKLED WOOD BUTTERFLY, DORSET
Speckled Woods have just started to appear. Unlike most of the other species in the garden, they are eschewing the flowerbeds in favour of the hedgerows. I saw my first one a couple of days ago in the vegetable garden, but it was by the hedge there and not on the flower side. So maybe its name – and its unshowy dappled colouring – says something about its preferred habitat.
PAINTED LADY BUTTERFLY, DORSET
Planting hyssop and other bee- / butterfly- / moth-friendly plants in a resurrected border last summer is paying dividends this year. Butterflies and moths that I have never seen (noticed) in the garden before have taken to the new arrangements in a big way. This is the only painted lady I have seen this year, and she didn’t stay long – but I’m glad she paused briefly when I was right there with a camera…
COMMON BLUE BUTTERFLY, DORSET
I’ve only noticed the appearance of this pretty little butterfly species in the last couple of days. They are the devil to photograph – very small, often ensuring several blades of grass get between it and you so the focus goes awry, and always on the move. That’s my excuse, anyway.
ROLLING HARBOUR GALLERY 