Small Tortoiseshell
Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly sipping nectar from my balcony’s wild flowers. I was fortunate to get a photo of this beautiful butterfly whilst having my breakfast on the balcony, the other morning. It’s caterpillars feed on nettles which grow in abundance at the threatened Birley Fields, nearby. Given this threat, I plan to add a hops plant to my balcony, sometime soon, as the plant can sometimes be used as an alternative food plant for this butterfly’s caterpillars – along with several other caterpillar species.
amazed at the creatures that come to your balcony – lovely shot
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Thanks, Laura. Some great shots (and narrative) on your blog too. Loved the one featuring the “white death spider”. Not seen any of these particular spiders on my balcony yet – but you never know!
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I much enjoyed going through your Blog. The photos are exceptional, really are. About your butterfly, I did a posting back on March 1, 2011 about the Monarch feeding station I have developed here at the Gardens at Waters East. You might find it interesting in light of your recent posting. Every month I pick a blog or two that I enjoy. As I was going through a number of Blog sites I found yours and I am adding yours to follow. Will be checking in on you. Jack
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Thanks for your comments , Jack. I had a look at your blog too and love the landscape photos(along with your spiritual musings). Your mountain shots remind me of a solo trek I did through the Himalayas (Annapurna), in Nepal, a few years ago. Beautiful and very moving. Where were the shots taken? By the way, I had a look for your posting about the butterfly feeding station which you mentioned posting in march – but couldn’t find it as your archive only goes as far as april ?
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I’m really impressed with the diversity of pollinators you have in your balcony garden. An excellent example of the fact that you don’t need a giant country estate to plant a pollinator friendly garden, and make a difference. I haven’t seen a tortoiseshell butterfly since I left England, and had forgotten just how beautiful their markings are. Gorgeous photo!
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Thanks very much for your comments. I have to admit that I am amazed at the variety of different wildlife which visits my balcony garden. A big reason for writing this blog was to encourage and inspire others to do something similar with their balconies and to help them realise that you don’t need a big garden to make a difference.
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You have captured an amazing amount of detail on that butterfly’s wings! And someone (you or Stuart ?) has sorted the feed problem at Blotanical.
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Thanks. I added the feed to the settings myself. My earlier frustration was because I wasn’t able to apply this simple fix until Stuart allocated me a “settings” tab. All sorted now though! : )
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Amazing! Wonderful photo.
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What a beautiful butterfly! It is great that you got the shot. Welcome to Blotanical!
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Thanks! I was very lucky to be in the right place at the right time when it landed – and with my camera very nearby.
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