Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly

I'm surprised to see a butterfly this early, and in this weather..............but what do I know! It's a beautiful capture Colin..........with lovely colour and detail.

A very big surprise and initially flying high in the air

Some butterflies over-winter in sheds etc........maybe the sunshine has confused it and it's come out too soon?

I sent it to the Derbyshire County recorder and he says 53 butterflies - 7 different species have been reported to him already this year - an increase almost double of previous year. He added this one is the first recorded in Derbyshire this week and yes over wintered and wet start but sunny and warmer around midday must have needed some food. Back to sleep now I guess

What a great idea.............thanks for letting me know. Well done for getting the first recorded one that week.

that's beautiful

Happy Tuesday Evening!