Brimstone

A cloudy start to the day as I headed out to the morning sprint cycle class.  Once home I arranged to visit Aylesbeare Common in the afternoon with a friend to photograph the butterflies in a meadow area there.  

The afternoon soon developed into a very sunny one.  Because of the lack of rain some of the plants and flowers on the common are struggling but nevertheless the meadow was still looking good with the apple mint just beginning to flower.  There were many butterflies flitting around and feeding on the flower nectar including this Brimstone.  While we were there we met another woman who was doing a butterfly count in this area so we had an interesting chat on changes in this area over the years.  Butterflies seen included the Brimstone, Silver Washed Fritillary, Meadow Brown, Peacock, Skipper and a Blue one that I didn't spot.  We also heard a green woodpecker in the woods but didn't spot it.  An enjoyable but hot afternoon.