Peacocks and Tortoiseshells

Peacock, Inachis io

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Yesterday I assisted with a SusSAR First Aid course,  then visited Mill Hill late afternoon. There were still no Skippers to be seen, but plenty of Peacocks, perhaps 12 along the bottom of the hill. At one point three were fighting as they spiralled upwards. I also found a courting pair of Small Tortoiseshells. The male was well worn, and approached the female from behind, continually touching her with his antennae and opening and closing his wings several times periodically. She was a fresh specimen. A Buzzard passed overhead and a Chaffinch sang his heart out. There were plenty of Wood Violets in flower and the Peacocks were taking a keen interest in them.

Buzzard, Buteo buteo

Chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs

Peacock, Inachis io

Small Tortoiseshells courting, Aglais urticae

Wood (Dog) iolets, Viola riviniana