Hanging On

When you're tiny clambering over anything can be a struggle but when it comes to flying, taking off back to the oak canopy this little chap positively spins alternating a glint of silver and purple. One minute right in front of you and the next.....whoosh gone! Very Harry Potter. 

The Purple Hairstreaks were down from the canopy this morning feeding on aphid honeydew in the warmth of the sun though it didn't last long as after a time they started to flit back up to the tree tops and because of this they are not often seen by people. 

For me it was quite exciting to see them at such close quarters - a rare treat! The Farrow & Ball grey paint chart sprang to mind when I saw some of their wings with beautiful shades of grey on the underside; almost velvety. The Extra shows the purple wings as it basked loving the sun.

Thanks to JDO for the heads up on this location. It was on my 'to do' list but her blip yesterday spurred me on to get there whilst the weather was warm.