I was extremely blessed mid afternoon today to find this fabulous butterfly feeding on some dog poo on Wimbledon Common.
I held my breath as I thought it was a Purple Emperor and then as the sun shone so did the purple colouring reveal itself!
Took some lovely photos and spent about 29 minutes with him before I put him back down and carried on with my walk.
1st time in 20 years on the Common that I've seen one.
Is Wimbledon Common a known location for iris, anyone? - Derek
I lived in Wimbledon I my early 20's and was unaware that HIM was resident on The Common . I thought I had more of a chance finding a Womble ! It would have saved me trips to Bookham or Chiddingfold
ReplyDeleteAnything is possible in the Greater London area, we found them at Hampstead Heath last year and they are confirmed in Richmond Park (one was reported in Twickenham last year in a garden just over the Thames). In the case of Wimbledon Common being in the right place at the right time, in the case of Hampstead Heath knowing where to be at the right time (eg an Assembly area!)
ReplyDeleteLiz
Has anyone seen much at Fermyn yet? I'm planning on going down tomorrow morning fairly early
ReplyDeleteHas anyone seen much at Fermyn yet? I'm planning on going down tomorrow morning fairly early
ReplyDeleteI believe so but still early/quiet
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bedsnorthants-butterflies.org.uk/northants.html
Liz
Thanks Liz :)
DeleteBrilliant! Purple Emperor is starting to become a suburban, brownfield butterfly. Melissa Harrison had one in her flat kitchen in Surbiton in 2013...
ReplyDeleteThanks so much to Jane for winging this important record through.
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