Going on a Butterfly Hunt - The Duke of Burgundy
Compared to all my recent 'exercise' posts, and the hit and miss Moth Trap posts, it's time for something a little different. My partner @dawnsart and I decided to go on a hunt to search for a new species of Butterfly
And what a hunt it was haha! We walked miles and miles on that day...
Right, lets start at the beginning.
There are 59 species of Butterfly in the UK (wikipedia link)
We have seen 35 species, most of which of are the common ones that can be seen across most of the country. The ones that are left are often restricted in someway, whether that is due to distrubution (eg only seen in Scotland) or habitat (eg only seen in Chalk Meadows).
This means that if we want to see species of Butterfly that we haven't seen before, we will have to travel further afield to try to find them.
One on our wishlist is the Duke of Brurgundy (Hamearis lucina)
The common English name is surprising extravagant considering how small it is, but it is quite a pretty little Butterfly. It is mostly found in the bottom half of the UK, but there are a few colonies located in the North in Cumbria and Yorkshire.
Of a small selection of locations available, we chose the closest one at Hawnby Hill, which was in the middle of the North Yorkshire Moors and 120 miles away. After a very early start, we arrived at the Nature Reserve at just after 11am.
As one of the few sites in the North for this species, there were directions on the Butterfly Conservation website of where to find them. It told us to park in the car park at the North of the reserve, and find the path that goes straight down into the center to a broken stone wall, where we would be able to see them.
Path found, we headed off into the reserve. The land on either side was used for sheep farming, and we saw loads of sheep that day.
Lots of pretty views to be had while we wandered. It was quite overcast with the clouds, but was still bright enough. It was also reasonably warm at 17C. There was rain due later, but hopefully we would have found the butterflies before then!
The path goes ever on and on...
A small patch of Bluebells
And some more walking!
I wasn't concerned though, I knew we'd get to the right place eventually.
Besides, there was stuff to look at on the way, such as the Bluebells earlier, and the Germander Speedwell above.
It was lambing season, so pretty much every sheep had a Lamb or 2 in tow. we were mindful of course not to get too close to disturb them (as the mothers would get very grumpy!)
This carried on quite happily until....
Oh?
Is that the road?
There is no road that goes through the reserve. This can only mean that we have gone all the way to the end of the reserve, and thus have gone wrong somewhere.
Goddamnit!
Only one thing for it, we're gonna have to go all the way back to the start to try to find the right path...
As the name of the reserve suggests, the Hawnby Hill reserve is dominated by, well, a hill!
The butterfly like to feed on flowers on the side of the hill (presumably as the hill provides shelter). After heading down on one side and get lost, we retraced our steps and walked round the other side.
And still no luck.
As we stood pondering over an OS paper map, and 2 different phone maps, 2 walkers wandered past
"oh, are you looking for those butterflies? They're just round the corner, you need to follow the path that goes up the hill itself... we've just see 14 butterflies up there!"
It turns out we had taken a path that was too low down, and needed to find the path that hugged the hill tighter.
With renewed enthusiasm we set off...
And then we came across the broken stone wall from those early set of instructions, finally we knew we were in the right place
By this point the skies were becoming more ominous by the minute!
While my partner looked for the butterflies, I noticed in the distance there were 2 people in the distance, both with their cameras out.
After a few minutes, the Wife quickly walked over to us
"Are you looking for butterflies? We've found a mating pair over here!"
We dashed over to join her Husband, who very slowly, very carefully pointed to a pair of Duke of Burgundy's together on a piece of Bracken
Finally! Success!
It had been a lot of walking, but with a little bit of perseverance and the kindness of strangers we found them.
They are absolutely tiny, and also exquisitely beautiful. We were also very lucky to find an individual willing to stay still for so long.
After the pair had finished mating, one flew away leaving the second butterfly sitting there
And here is the food plant - a Primrose (Primula vulgaris).
Part of the reason for the restricted distribution of this butterfly is trying to find the perfect mix of habitat (north or west slope of a hill) with the right food plant of Primroses or Cowslips, and for the surrounding vegetation to be managed in such a way that the area is kind of rough or 'scrub') but not overgrown.
In the conservation of this butteffly, lots of effort is required in appropriate management of the land (Wikipedia)
After a bit of patience I managed to find an individual with its wings open.
Job done, we had managed to tick off another new species of Butterfly, and all that walking was now worth it haha.
We slowly started heading back to the car.
We spied some Green Tige Beetles...
... and then a nice little bonus, and a lovely way to end our walk, we found a Green Hairstreak butterfly (Callophrys rubi) resting in amongst the Bilberry. I have seen this species only once before, and the flash of iridescent green was great to see.
Now its time to start planning our next trip out... we will be going to stay in Scotland for a week in June, so I suspect there will be an opportunity to see something new while we are there I'm sure!
All names confirmed and checked via Wikispieces
Further Research from Wikipedia and NatureSpot
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nice catch, and a nice walk too . love lambs shot , we don't get to see them in my area.
Yay! 🤗
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Wow, that's a lot of patience in finding those 🦋. But anyway, nice snap I love those shots, especially with the fern 😍. Thanks for sharing this.
That's an epic trip for such a small quarry. Great pics though. I hope the butterflies are not too disturbed by their visitors. We need to preserve a variety of environments if we want to keep every species.
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Very beautiful walk! This green in the landscape, so lively! I hope you find the rest 58 species on your next visit
Yay! Success! And a beautiful walk, though longer than planned, too.
Shoooo... sorry to be selfish but I'm kinda glad you can't run now.
You guys are too cute together. 😊
What a beautiful landscape. Thomas Hardyland. And how can people eat little lambs?! Adorable.
I visited your website :D
Wow! 💥 I'm not going to spoil it. Loadshedding here now and I want to view on larger screen!
So I have to ask. Because ever curious! Why insects?
:-( 'not running' makes me sad...
It was a lovely place. Never been in that area before, but have made a note to return soon to explore it more often.... er and Mint Sauce is a popular accompaniment! ;-)
Thanks lol... the website is several years out of date now... just can't find the time for it.
Why insects? Honestly it began as they were easy to find. To get good pictures of birds requires a big expensive lens, and funds were tight. Macro is relatively easy to do on a budget. But now I prefer to do small creatures compared to big animals, just find them to be more interesting.
Its also partly because 'lots of people' do the big stuff, so I choose to do something different with the smaller stuff. And most of the insects are surprisingly interesting when you find out more about their behaviors and life-cycle.
I don't half get some funny looks sometimes when I'm out and about especially when they ask if I'm looking to take pictures of Butterflies and I explain I'm trying to get a picture of a funky looking Beetle I'd just found.
Sorry. I totally understand the running thing. But... it'll be really good for your personal growth. Honest. No way out but through now, see?
I can't eat liddle lambs. Mint sauce or not. They're basically puppies with wool coats.
No can do.
The website still looks good! Good job then. Minimalism I guess. It never dates. I still haven't had time to have a good look on a bigger screen. I'm beginning to detest my laptop. I may start looking for premises for "Pippins Place" now. :)
But for you? I log on 👍🏻 Tomorrow tho. It's like a perfect summer day here today. Must be outdoors. Pippins must be free y'know!
And Nuggets too. Although they generally prefer their creature comforts. I think I may have mislabelled you. You may be a Pippin. Tbc
I love all animals. Big time! But I totally get the fascination with insects. They're something else entirely, huh? Like aliens really. When you watch them go about their business. It's like a totally different world they're in.
I enjoy watching ants. Very entertaining! They're always so busy!
Beetles are super cool too :D
I never did post these. There was a weird thing on the latch of the gate of the place I rented back in Noordhoek. I Let it Be because it looked like something was going on.
And then, one day, this happened...
What? So I should embrace my injury as a postive learning experience and an opportunity to learn the benefit of patience for my physical and mental well being??
... bugger that!
But I guess you're right... can't weasel out of it now!
Fair enough, is it just lambs off the menu or are you fully vegetarian/vegan. Not judging at all btw. Personally I believe in balance, and that includes eating some meat. We don't eat it often here, and quite happily have days where we don't eat it at all, but I could never cut it out completely.
Thank you, the website is designed to be low maintenance lol, I just haven't uploaded any new pictures in 3 years at least, pretty much since I started on Hive in fact.
I dunno about those labels... Pippins/Nuggets? last I checked, I'm a Dan... 😉
Alien is right! Utterly bizarre and otherworldly and yet often extraordinarily beautiful too, just like that Chrysalis and Butterfly you saw 🦋😍
So much variety as well... there are currently 50,000 species of Butterflies currently named and labelled (let alone 200,000 moths and 400,000 beetles... the mind boggles!)
Holy moly that's a lotta Bugs!!! 👀
Glad you're on it.
Nuggets and Pippins are a classification of Dan's. See? But you'd have to ask the Ultimate Nugget for the full breakdown.
I'm hoping he'll share his theories on time travel and evolution around here some day as well. They're pretty impressive. And I'm not biased :D
You made me laugh out loud. Yeah. That's exactly what I'm saying and embrace it! Best way to learn and progress. When you're in it.
I'd go as far as to say it's the only way to learn, in fact.
You have it... almost...
I reckon you can dig a bit deeper down the rabbit hole.
But I guess we all can always so...
On we go 👣 🪷
p.s. Did I tell you today how grateful I am to have you wondering and wandering with me today? True story 😊
Sorry. Realized this morning I didn't answer your question.
Became Vegetarian in my teens after seeing a documentary on the meat industry and abattoirs. Suspect it was Bridget Bardot.
Then back onto meat and off it sporadically. Mostly because men I was dating or married to ate the stuff. See CODA 101.
If a person abandons their own values to submit to someone else's principles and values that are not in accordance with their own values.. big red flag!
I can say a firm no far better these days. :)
Was Vegan for some months but got pretty sick and lost about 12kgs in 6 weeks. I can dig up the photos. Looks pretty scarey!
I think we should all be plant based now. Unless low quantities ethically farmed and slaughtered.
As compassionate, evolved beings. For the sake of the planet and climate change / sustainability / and for our own health (My Year Of Meat is an excellent expose)
I have to eat it now and then. Health reasons. 👍🏻
One day, when I'm a millionaire and can afford it... I will go fully plant based again. It's expensive to eat properly on that diet in ZA. And with my lungs (am constantly, mildly anemic so have Dr's advice for supplements etc) I need to watch Iron big time.
Anemia is pretty dangerous as it turns out. Who knew?
I just give thanks when I eat a bit of meat now. I'm very conscious about it. Aware of it. And when I need to eat some. It does make a big difference energy wise. But that's all the B vitamins in it as well...
And I have it with an orange for dessert. Of course.
I don't think anyone should judge anybody else's choices though. Really. Veganism would be far more popular if Vegans weren't such utter assholes about it.
Not cool 😎
We should make it cooler. Besides we really don't need as much as we take and use. And our greed could, literally, kill us.
Big time!
Hey... thank you for the lengthy reply, its taken me a couple of days to process and work out a suitable response.
I appreciate the background, for me I didn't understand Veganism other than people being weird and choosing to eat an awkward diet. I'm getting to a point where I'm no longer caring what people do as long as a) it makes them happy and b) they don't force their views/beliefs on others
so yeah, those militant vegans are actually making the debate worse instead of getting on with the lifestyle they've chosen and leading by example
The same goes with religion I guess. We have Jehovah's' witness knock on our doors occasionally trying to spread Gods word. I used to argue and debate with them, but now I no longer bother. I explain its not for me, that if the bible helps them then that's a good thing, and then I wish them a good day. Just fed up with constant confrontation on issues that don't concern me. Which is most of the media it seems these days...
Same here, its the benefit of age/experience I guess, I know what I want and am no longer prepared to compromise my own values to appease others. But that also means that I'm not prepared to force my views on others, regardless of what I think of their views.
As for your views on eating meat, I totally get where you're coming from, although I would argue that we are not as evolved as society might think. Yes we are mostly more intelligent, and more aware of our place in the world... but that doesn't make us any better than other animals.
Which means I have no problem eating meat (all part of the circle of life etc). I also fully agree that generally speaking we consume too much meat. Part of that is because we have become too efficient at hunting (and not helped by over-population but that is a topic for another time). Take Whale hunting for example, the problem isn't some Inuit tribes killing a couple of whales (and using the whole body for everything from food to clothing and tools). The problem is the fishing industry that over-fishes so indiscriminately that so much life is lost as by-catch (ie caught by mistake and dumped back overboard).
The other thing that is interesting, is that even though you want everyone to go 'plant based only' you admit that 'some' meat is essential for health purposes. Human beings have evolved to be omnivores. Going vegan is obvoiusly well meaning and gives you the moral high ground, but is a 'poorer' diet. There are various supplements that can provide the various vitamins/minerals you can't get from plants, but would it be better to eat it as part of real food as nature intended...?
And that is how it should be I think? As conscious evolved creatures, we can acknowledge the life that was given for our benefit.
I believe that due to greed, and general disrespect to the world around us, that process has already started, and we won't truly understand the damage we've caused until it is too late.
I'd like to end this comment on a positive note, but I guess I'm not that positive with regards the future of the human race. Quite frankly I think we're all doomed!
Well that's why I keep coming back to listen to you. You're clever!
I'll work backwards... intentionally :)
When I get gloomy I find philosophy helps. As in... I think the planet would do far better without all these humans inhabiting it! Nihilism all the way, baby!!! 💥
I can't wait for Doomsday. (Not really but the possibility doesn't scare me anymore)
I watched the Mario Movie with my boy yesterday and it had me lolling. The little star in the cage:
"The only escape is the sweet relief of death." 😆
My boy says he may be misquoting it. I just asked him and we laughed and laughed!
She mentioned The Void as well and thats the one I just asked about. Utterly hilarious! (Don't tell but, like most good parents, I often nap during movie time)
There's more in there. Perhaps worth a look-see. On a gloomy day.
Or not today. You know you best.
Maybe find Lazerbeam. There are very good humans running around doing very good stuff for everyone for free.
Just because...
Maybe focus on the good stuff for a bit and then return to Nihilism when you're feeling stronger?
Just sharing information. Not forcing the ball :) That shit'll make a person crazy!
Oh. This is why decent conversation is so difficult via texting.
To clarify. No. I think the healthier diet is fully plant based. Not sure if you've seen "Plant Power"?
I'm relatively new to Veganism so would have to do more study.
I'm saying one needs to eat a great deal more and far more carefully to be healthy on a plant based diet.
I don't have funds for a lot of food. I have an eating disorder and need to be cautious about "clean eating" (many undiagnosed eating disorders in this area / veganism #justsaying ) and I'm also juggling a lot. So prep time etc. Plus can't get to big stores with a variety of stock. No car right now.
So, sensibly, I've been eating a bit of meat. It still makes me kinda nauseous when I think about what I'm eating when I do though. Honestly. 😔
Yep. A lack of abundance is addiction related. In my opinionated opinion. And it will never be enough for some folks because it's an internal emptiness that they are trying to fill with external "stuff". Sad.
By literally... I mean people are literally eating themselves to death.
But yes... this extends to the planet and our precious resources as well. Ultimately.
As everything does. From our own individual selves and into the bigger picture.
But...
I'm not going to answer more comments today from you. I'm hoping you're outside, with your partner, barefoot and adventuring in nature...
And taking cool photos of the bits so small we mostly miss them.
Take it easy, fellow traveler. You can't save the whole world. And it isn't only your responsibility to do that. I'm on it today. You can take a day off :D
🌼 👣
Here you go. I got the name wrong. Of course! :D
Super interesting. I think you may find it so because of the focus on physical training and sport. 👍🏻
Bookmarking as this is a recurrent conversation :)
Meat vs plant based.
Just answered recently elsewhere and probably why I didn't reply...
Oh... look... shiny!
It is important though. To talk about. So thanks for not running away in shame. 😆
If you haven't yet read Blue Zones, I suspect it may interest you. Very cool research!
Wow! A place full of greenery and so picturesque. How I love to be with butterflies and explore a fantastic place like this my friend. Have safe travels.
Wow! Butterfly hunting!!! And what patience you both had. Those do seem like rare types. Not sure I've seen any like them and they are beautiful too.
It must have taken a lot of time and a greater deal of patience to be able to find that. And it definitely paid off, these are wonderful pictures of nature.
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STOPSeems like a nice adventure :) A shame that some species are so close to extinction...
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