Small Tortoiseshell

On the walk down to look at the linseed with the dog, there were many possibilities for today's blip but when I got back I saw this butterfly on the Red Valerian at the backdoor. Much more interesting than yet more flowers!

The Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais Urticae) is one of the most familiar butterflies we have in the UK. It loves to imbibe nectar from buddleia, valerian and ice plants and rests at night under the leaves of nettles. These butterflies often hibernate over the winter indoors or in garages and sheds.

T is working off the farm today and N turned the grass that was cut yesterday for haylage to let it dry out properly before baling it.