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flutterfriendsnthingz25

@flutterfriendsnthingz25

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Getting in touch with nature to heal my heart ❤ and soul

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🦋🧡 GOLDEN GATES - DAY 6 🧡🦋
By Wednesday afternoon the sunshine was back and so were the butterflies.
🦋🧡
Today's #bigbutterflycount took place at my local park where an old bowling green has been transformed to a community garden complete with a pond, fruit and veg plots, flowerbeds and copious amounts of wildflowers all with perimeter hedging.
🦋🧡
It's a peaceful place to take some time out, watch the wildlife and the perfect place to do a butterfly count.
🦋🧡
If you're familiar with the size of a bowling (30-40 m) then you'll agree that todays results are pretty awesome , especially as I even saw a Clouded Yellow ! (sadly not one of the species to look out for but a first for this area.)
🦋😊
I loved watching the many Gatekeepers hopping about the sunny coloured Tansy with a newly fledged brood of blue tits darting in and out the trees cheeping in the background and this photo kind of sums up my time there.
🦋🧡
SWIPE ⬅️ for results
Temperature: 21°c
Cloud cover: 20%
Wind: 0
(Apologies about the format but IG was being user friendly)
🦋🧡🦋🧡🦋🧡🦋🧡🦋🧡🦋🧡🦋🧡🦋
#gatekeeperbutterfly #butterflies26 #pyroniatithonus taken in Nightingale Recreation Ground by @flutterfriendsnthingz25

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10 hours ago

🦋💍 THE BROWN ONES -DAY 5 💍🦋
The sky had a covering of cotton wool on Tuesday afternoon when I arrived @wickenfennt and it wasn't going to let the sun loose.
🦋💍
Nevertheless, butterflies were about albeit all members of the Nymphalidae aka the Brown butterfly family.
🦋💍
Wicken Fen is a place I visit every year when it's #bigbutterflycount time. There's a special butterfly walk which has various habitats where you can find many species of butterfly and this year a wonderful Mini Beast trail is included to make it even more enjoyable for young families. It's all supported with information boards too.
🦋💍
There's dragonflies a- plenty and lots of Hemp Agrimony which on a sunny day is full of Peacocks, Commas and Red Admirals feasting away. Sadly not today but I wasn't disappointed as I got to see Speckled Woods and a Ringlet, species I haven't seen for weeks ! And the Gatekeepers... well they were EVERYWHERE 🙂
🦋💍
There's still a couple of weeks left to do the #bigbutterflycount and I'm definitely going to return and do a second count here.
SWIPE ⬅️ for results.
Temperature: 21°c
Cloud cover: 100%
Wind: Gentle Breeze.
🦋💍🦋💍🦋💍🦋💍🦋💍🦋💍🦋💍🦋
#ringletbutterfly #aphantopushyperantus #butterflies26 taken in Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve by @flutterfriendsnthingz25

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19 hours ago

🦋💙 THE MONDAY BLUES - DAY 4 💙🦋
Monday's #bigbutterflycount was completed when I was actually on my way to survey the butterfly transects on the reserve where I volunteer.
🦋💙
BUT so as not to recount the butterflies I would already be counting and risk duplicating data, I took a different route on my walk to the starting point where I meet the other ladies in the team.
🦋💙
It also is part of the reserve where I did the previous day's count but its accessed via a bridge and away from residential houses. A much quieter part of the reserve.
🦋💙
There's some good meadows on this South side of the reserve which over the last two summer's have had the introduction of some gorgeous Belted Galloway cattle. They help with the biodiversity of the meadows preventing them from being taken overun with scrub and promoting more wildflowers; and as a result more bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
🦋💙
Unfortunately, they can't alter the fact that this year's succession of heat waves is causing the grass to go CRUNCHY and the wildflowers to rapidly turn to seed as this photo of a male Common Blue clearly illustrates.
🦋💙
Still, I'm not complaining with numbers like these 🙂
SWIPE ⬅️ for results
Temperature:28°c
Cloud cover: 0
Wind: 0
Oh and if you're enjoying getting out and doing your 15 minute counts, why not contact your local @wildlifetrust or country park and enquire about helping out with butterfly monitoring on a regular basis? The season runs from the beginning of April to the end of September. Not only will you be contributing to some crucial conservation data collecting but you'll get to watch our lovely butterfly species emerge one by one and it provides perfect, regular mindful time too.
🦋💙🦋💙🦋💙🦋💙🦋💙🦋💙🦋💙🦋💙🦋
#malecommonbluebutterfly #polyommatusicarus
#butterflies26 #lepidoptera taken in Trumpington Nature Reserve by @flutterfriendsnthingz25

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a day ago

🦋🎲 BUTTERFLY SPOTTING - DAY 3 🎲🦋
Sunday's #bigbutterflycount took place on home turf so the speak.
🦋🎲
Just round the corner from where I work is a fabulous reserve where I volunteer and help with their transect surveys an area I know well. So it seemed only sensible to take a wonder at the end of my working day and do a count there.
🦋🎲
I was greeted with late afternoon sunshine- 22°c and a gentle breeze that meant butterfly happiness for both them and me🙂
🦋🎲
The second generation of Common Blues were out in force, easily visible amongst the meadow's carpet of gold, And as expected this time of year, good numbers of Meadow Browns and Gatekeepers. But the highlight was seeing Six--spot Burnets. A jazzy day flying moths who love Knapweed and Field Scabious - as this photo of a couple in the process of extending their numbers demonstrates !
🦋🎲
Well that's another ticked off for the species to look out for. Amongst the butterflies I did see which can't be recorded were some Brown Argos and 2 Clouded Yellows.
🦋🎲🦋🎲🦋🎲🦋🎲🦋🎲🦋🎲🦋🎲🦋
#sixspotburnet #zygaenafilipendulae #lepidoptera #butterflies26 taken in Trumpington Nature Reserve by @flutterfriendsnthingz25

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2 days ago

🦋🧡 COUNTING BUTTERFLIES-DAY 2 🧡🦋
Saturday was DAY 2 of the #bigbutterflycount26 and it couldn't have been more different.
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With a 10 degree drop in temperature, whilst a welcome reprieve from the extreme heat the dense overcast blanket wasn't at all butterfly friendly.
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A couple of hours walking around a reserve in Suffolk, listening to nuthatches, blackcaps and locating the first Wasp spiders of the year was most enjoyable but the butterflies were definitely having a lie-in.
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At least until early afternoon when the clouds had a little hiccup and parted for 10 minutes (and no more at that ) Sometimes it's all it takes. Butterflies seem to instantly appear from nowhere to charge their solar panels and have a quick feed.
🦋🧡
Out came the phone and on went the App. And I'm glad I took that opportunity because as soon as the sun disappeared so did the butterflies.
SWIPE ⬅️ for results.
🦋🧡🦋🧡🦋🧡🦋🧡🦋🧡🦋🧡🦋🧡🦋🧡
#paintedlady #vanessacardui #lepidoptera #butterflies26 taken in Lackford Lakes - Suffolk Wildlife Trust by @flutterfriendsnthingz25

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2 days ago

🦋🔢CATCHING UP ON COUNTING ! 🔢🦋
And posting.
🦋🔢
I don't need to tell you that the #bigbutterflycount26 is underway as I'm sure you're out there are taking opportunities to do one.
🦋🔢
It really is my favourite time of the year partly as it gives me something to look forward to everyday. For me 15 minutes counting butterflies is 15 minutes of much needed mindfulness.
🦋🔢
The last few weeks have been rather taxing. Not only is it a busiest time of year with so many extra things going on but a couple of days after my last post (June/pre 2nd heatwave) I went down with respiratory virus that I've only just recovered (🤞) from.
🦋🔢
So, to get back into the momentum of documenting my counts let me tell you about the first count I did on Friday.
🦋🔢
After work I took myself off to a little meadow nearby where I often start my #bigbutterflycounts each year. It's in its prime in July with lots of Wild Majoram, Scabious, Knapweed, Ragwort, plentiful long grass and a perimeter of brambles, and shrubs. The perfect butterfly buffet.
🦋🔢
It didn't disappoint. As I walked through the pathways, Large Whites were chasing across the tops of the grass like miniature dancing angels, Gatekeepers were dotted everywhere in twos and threes and Common Blues with their sapphire wings with spread open in the grass were calling out to be counted. It was just as if the butterflies were having a party all of their own to celebrate the start of #bigbutterflycount26
🦋🔢
So you might as, why the photo of the Clouded Yellow ? Well as I turned on the App the very first butterfly the flew my way happened to be this one. I know it's not on the list of species to look out for but it was a lovely surprise and this sunny coloured butterfly kind of cements the of those 15 minutes - optimum conditions, lots of flutter friends and me finally feeling OK.
🦋🔢
SWIPE ⬅️ for results
Temperature: 28°c
Cloud cover: 0
Wind: 0
🦋🔢🦋🔢🦋🔢🦋🔢🦋🔢🦋🔢🦋🔢🦋🔢🦋
#lepidoptera #cloudedyellowbutterfly taken in Byron's Pool Local Nature Reserve by @flutterfriendsnthingz25

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5 days ago

🦋💕 SILVER BLUE STUDS 💕🦋
There was a party going on at the weekend. Neon blue butterflies flashed across a sandy dance floor.
🦋💕
Not particularly fast. There was no urgency. No need to travel far. With shorts bursts of energy the males would zig zag across the top of magenta Bell Heather, stopping here and there but always on the lookout for an opportunity to wing jive with a lady friend.
🦋💕
Sometimes the lads would find a perfect spot, slightly elevated and rub their hind wings as if their about to shoot off backwards and do a Michael Jackson Moonwalk.
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But like many a young and innocent single male, they've overdone it a bit with their pheromone aftershave and she's already partnered, no longer available and is busy crawling along the ground. And no, she hasn't partaken of too much prosecco 🥂 she's busy secretly depositing the next generation amongst the woody stems of Heather.
🦋💕
Sometimes if your lucky you'll come across the bold one. The one male who's brave enough to throw open those wings like he's suddenly got all hot under the collar and needs to cast off its glittery silvery studded jacket. That's the moment you realise no expense has been spared on that shirt of cobalt blue satin and all you can do is stare in wonder.
🦋💕
For Astrid and Stephanie. Happy heavenly birthday.
🦋💕🦋💕🦋💕🦋💕🦋💕🦋💕🦋💕🦋💕
#silverstuddedbluebutterfly #plebeiusargus
#butterflies2026 #butterflyconservationuk
#lepidoptera taken in Buxton Heath, Norfolk by @flutterfriendsnthingz25

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a month ago

🦋🤍🦋A WHITE TIME FOR ROMANCE 🦋🤍🦋
Little secrets were unveiling in the woods this week.
🦋🤍🦋
The Invitation had been received. An early start was required but already the temperature was rising rapidly.
🦋🤍🦋
Along the edges of the woodland rides a butterfly was spied. A little unusual in its appearance like there'd been a marriage between the Green-veined White and the Small White in terms of colour, size and markings.
🦋🤍🦋
This butterfly is dainty. It's wings, a little longer with the tips rounded off adding to its elegance.
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It's a butterfly that has no need to hurry. Happy to dance low and gracefully no more than a metre off the ground, drifting from point to point.
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Looking oh so vogue in their white tuxedos, males are happy to show off a chasse on the Cinquefoil or bourree on the matching bramble blossoms looking for a dancing partner. Sometimes they get lucky !
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Then the courtship commences. He takes his position in front of her and bows like a true gentleman. She stays still giving a little nervous flutter or two of excitement. Things are heating up.
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Next he taps her quickly from side to side with his party blower probiscus just as if he is knighting her. Arise Miss Wood White and let us join as one ❤️Ohh La La !
🦋🤍🦋
I can't believe this was the most numerous species I saw on my visit to the woods on Tuesday and apparently their numbers have been going up all week ! This is our rarest White butterfly in the UK and it was such a privilege to witness their courtship with just the exhilarating backdrop of birdsong and few other humans around.
🦋🤍🦋
Take a look at the video and you'll see this rather special courtship in progress. ( Apologies for posting it twice but IG won't let me remove it for some reason.)
🦋🤍🦋🤍🦋🤍🦋🤍🦋🤍🦋🤍🦋🤍🦋
#woodwhitebutterflies #leptideasinapis
#butterflies2026 #lepidoptera taken in Northamptonshire by @flutterfriendsnthingz25

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2 months ago

🦋💜 THE SPENDOUR OF SWALLOWTAILS 💜🦋
There aren't enough words to describe these butterflies. If you've had the pleasure of meeting them, you'll know what I mean.
🦋💜
They're flight pattern is unmistakable. They glide with a grace and elegance that champions their beauty. A flight that is strong and bold as their character.
🦋💜
Unlike many butterflies, Swallowtails are not afraid of people. They're more than happy to swoop down infront of a gathering crowd all clicking away with those funny boxes suspended from their necks. What must they think of us ? 😄
🦋💜
When nectaring these butterflies frantically beat their wings, savouring the moment like a child that's been given freedom to indulge in a sweetie jar !
🦋💜
You can't help but become hypnotised by watching them, hanging on for that moment when they pause and finally reveal their colours for real - ivory cream decorated with a precision of inky black velvet lines and slate blocks. Together with the sapphire and ruby oval formations that border their lower wings, the Swallowtail is a rather resplendent work of art wouldn't you say ?
SWIPE ⬅️ for more images
🦋💜
It was lovely to meet @nannynaturephotos today and have the time to share this experience. Moments to treasure. Thank you for keeping me smiling 😊
🦋💜🦋💜🦋💜🦋💜🦋💜🦋💜🦋💜🦋💜
#swallowtailbutterfly #papiliomachaon #lepidoptera #butterflies26 taken in RSPB Strumpshaw Fen by @flutterfriendsnthingz25

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2 months ago

🦋❤️🦋 ROMANCING THE DAISY 🦋❤️🦋
It's been a see-saw spring. There's been a few days where the sun had got its hat on and came out to play but then it was a case of it being 'laid up' whilst we layered up !
🦋❤️🦋
All changed on Thursday, which is just as well because I thought for a moment I was never going to find candidates for the #keepaneyeontheoxeye26 challenge.
🦋❤️🦋
The daisies seem to be plenty in areas, albeit a little on the short side due to lack of rain. Some have been nibbled like this one but it didn't deter these Common Blue butterflies from a bit of canoodling on the lovely sunny coloured mattress.
🦋❤️🦋
It's all it takes. Patience, a little sunshine ☀ and we all feel a little more like spreading some L u v !
#commonbluebutterflies #polyommatusicarus
#lepidoptera #butterflies26 taken in Wandlebury Country Park by @flutterfriendsnthingz25

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2 months ago

🌼🦋🤍 FRESH AS A DAISY 🤍🦋🌼
There's a moment in springtime I always look forward to. It's when the meadows and verges become tickled with frilly white daisies, gracefully swaying and smiling at us with their hearts of gold.
🌼🦋🤍
They stand bold, side by side in their hundreds. Their petals curling down like white lashes encircling those lemon coloured eyes staring shamelessly.
🌼🦋🤍
Those yellow roundabouts attract all sorts of visitors who willing stop their journey for a picnic.
The ladybird in her role aa the traffic warden takes her time to inspect all areas, particularly underneath for any illegally parked greenfly.
🌼🦋🤍
Soldier Beetles march in regimental twos, Hoverflies touchdown suspended in their stripey glory, Crab Spiders pinch the moment to play hide and seek and of course butterflies like this Small Heath risk a fine by daringly digging with their probiscus into the surface without warning.
🌼🦋🤍
It's that time of year where I like to play a little game called #keepaneyeontheoxeye26 and I know some of you like to join in too. Rules are simple. See, scan and share your discoveries. What can you find on an Ox-eye Daisy ? Don't forget to look underneath too ! Have fun.
🌼🦋🤍🌼🦋🤍🌼🦋🤍🌼🦋🤍🌼🦋🤍
#Smallheathbutterfly #lepidoptera #coenonymphapamphilus #oxeyedaisy taken in Trumpington Nature Reserve by @flutterfriendsnthingz25

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2 months ago

💚🦋 GREEN ILLUSIONS 🦋💚
They're are elusive little gems of jade these Green Hairstreaks. Cleverly disguising themselves as a random bronze-tinged leaf floating in the gentle spring breeze. It's the only time you get to see their secret but plain-coloured upperside cloaks.
💚🦋
Follow that 'leaf' but don't let it out of your sight for a moment though ! Allow your eyes to go on a journey. Left. Now right. Keep watching...
💚🦋
Now, very slowly scan the tips of the lush green bushes and shrubs just above shoulder height because here comes the illususion.
💚🦋
You're little bronze buddy has vanished into thin air. In its place sits a metallic green, almost equilateral triangle. Watch carefully as it rotates slightly and catches a rainbow of light that makes it glitter. It will memerize you !
💚🦋
This is the magic that butterflies bring and it's even better if you wait for when the Hawthorn is tumbling with its pearly-white blossom. That's when they're at their most enchanting.
💚🦋
The Green Hairstreaks are doing very well this year at my local nature reserve -@wildlifebcn Trumpinton Meadows so I'm going to dedicate this post to all the staff and volunteers there who give their time to make magic happen.
💚🦋💚🦋💚🦋💚🦋💚🦋💚🦋💚🦋💚
#greenhairstreakbutterfly #callophrysrubi
#hawthornblossom #butterfles2026 #butterflyconservationuk taken in Trumpington Nature Reserve by @flutterfriendsnthingz25

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3 months ago