RED ADMIRAL (butterfly)

hawthorn · Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2008 2:05 pm Post subject: RED ADMIRAL (butterfly)

Just saw this guy or girl landing on my oregano plant so i ran down to the garden to take this picture. I never realised how large a RED ADMIRAL was until now, 60mm wingspan. so i hope ye like the photo..!!
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"Never trust a man, who when left alone with a tea cosey...Doesn't try it on."
(Billy Connolly)

Sive · Rowan Tree Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 127

Stunning, Hawthorn, what a lovely photo. Butterflies must be one of the few things that are as magical to us now as when we were children...or so it seems to me. I never tire of watching them, and always feel it a big honour when they come into my garden. I obviously am not the veggie grower of the family, as even the small white butterflies enchant me!

hawthorn · Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2008 5:43 pm Post subject:

Thanks SIVE for your comments on the photo. we have a 2 year old in our house, and he is the one that has us taking a more inquisitive look at nature. i do look at nature every day, but now with the 2 year old its just got more interesting.
_________________
"Never trust a man, who when left alone with a tea cosey...Doesn't try it on."
(Billy Connolly)

cooler · Silver Birch Tree Joined: 15 Jun 2006 Posts: 174

Looks real big compared to the oregano plants flowers alright. I never saw a RED ADMIRAL in the flesh, but would love to some day. hawthorn you must have a lot of butterfly attracting plants in your garden. Thanks for sharing your good weather pic with us on this wet day.

Sive · Rowan Tree Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 127

Isn't that the wonderful thing about children? They give you the chance to see everything afresh. It's even better when you get to be a grandparent, believe me, as we have a little more time to dawdle and observe!
Enjoy your 2-yr old......and your butterflies!

hawthorn · Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2008 6:31 pm Post subject:

Well to be honest, this is my first time seeing a Red admiral up this close, i had to refer to Collins COMPLETE IRISH WILDLIFE to find out what type of butterfly it was. The reason he looks big is because i was using the "macro" button on the camera, which is used for taking photos of smaller objects, and i guess i was lucky with the shot, which was taken yesterday between the showers. By -the- way that book i just mentioned is a must for anyone who is interested in all things related to Irish wildlife. Just a quote from the book "Collins Complete Irish Wildlife Photoguide is the first comprehensive identification guide to Irelands Flora and fauna". I cant praise this book enough the Irish government should issue every Irish household with one. Its introduced by one "Derek mooney" and the author is Paul Sterry.
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"Never trust a man, who when left alone with a tea cosey...Doesn't try it on."
(Billy Connolly)

medieval knievel · Rowan Tree Joined: 03 Sep 2007 Posts: 112

a chap i know was complaining about that book - said if it was complete, how come it doesn't mention magic mushrooms?

hawthorn · Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2008 9:53 am Post subject:

Psilocybe semilanceata "Liberty Cap". I recall derek mooney being asked that same question on a radio program some time ago, but i cant remember what the answer was. Just another quote from the book..."Only rarely observed plants and animals have been omitted", and yes, it is a fungi and not a plant and it appears every year so its not that rare really. I guess they had other political reasons for omitting this small but powerful Fun Laughing

gi. But the book is still a must have.
_________________
"Never trust a man, who when left alone with a tea cosey...Doesn't try it on."
(Billy Connolly)