Sunday 26 May 2013

The Pearls of Sussex!

After many years in the planning I finally made the 2 hour drive to East Sussex to see my first Pearl bordered Fritillaries today. The morning started off with me picking up me new Canon 50d camera and as well as hopefully seeing a new butterfly, I was also optimistic that the upgrade in camera would give me that little bit more quality I am looking for. Having never been to Abbots Wood I arrived at midday to a large full up car park with ice cream vans and a barbeque taking place. After dodging the smells of burgers I made my way into the wood in warm glorious sunshine. A few bloggers had provided me with maps and areas to look at so I aimed myself at an area and hoped I was walking in the right direction. I soon got lost but after a while I saw a green gate which I had been told to look for. There was a nice clearing here and on entering I was soon rewarded with my first ever Pearl bordered Fritillary. I was soon trying to work out how to use the camera and set about getting a few shots and experimenting with settings.


Pearl bordered Fritillary

I walked this area well which had 10+ Pearl bordered Fritillary gliding over the area and decided rather than get lost, I would spend some time here, well 3 hours actually. Unlike the slow gliding Heath Fritillary, these Fritillaries were on steriods and moved at some pace. Eventually they settled down and I was able to fire off a few pleasing first shots with the camera.


Pearl bordered Fritillary

I spent a good while making the most of studying these butterflies and also seen in the area were 2 Brimstone, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Peacock, 1 Orange Tip, 1 Large White and a few other 'Whites'. It was also pleasing to see my first Beautiful Demoiselle but it soon moved off when I attempted to get a shot. After a few more shots of the Frilillaries I left them in peace and after getting lost again, I eventually ended up in the car park. A very worthwhile session and very happy with not only seeing a new butterfly but some pleasing results with the camera for its first outing. 



Pearl bordered Fritillary

15 comments:

  1. Marc ,
    It looks like you got the hang of the new camera OK .
    I think many people must get lost in those woods , like we did .
    You know now why I suggested you took running spikes .
    Those Speckled Yellow moths are even harder to get in the viewfinder .

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  2. Well done on seeing your first PBF's Marc :-) I've yet to see these lovely flutters. Now if you will just let me know what camera settings you use for you cracking shots, I can set mine the same!

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  3. Soon got used to your new baby then Marc....Excellent, Brilliant even!

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  4. Looks like the new camera was a good investment Marc, because your pics are stunning.
    All the best Gordon.

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  5. Bloody brilliant, excuse my swearing, but this is one of best I've seen, well done Marc.

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  6. Many thanks for all the positive comments. Considering i was finding my way around the camera the results are pleasing for the first outing.

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  7. Astounding. Encouraged by your recent butterfly shots I've been giving it a go, but haven't got close to the quality of your images. How do you get them to sit so still? Brilliant stuff.

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    1. Most of the work is done thankfully by the Canon EF25mm extension tube which gives me a much closer shot than with the straight 300mm lens. I think I can see the quality straight away compared to the 500d. I hope I am gonna have fun with this. Oh, a bit of patience helps as well.

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  8. Brilliant Marc, just stunning, can't say more really :-)

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  9. Great set Marc, glad it all went well.

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  10. Beautiful butterfly and great shots of it too! I saw one in the forest of dean a couple of years ago.

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  11. Marc.
    What a well deserved trip, it was certainly worth the effort you put into it. Love the photo's. Looks like the new camera is going to do you proud.

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  12. great shots of PBF Marc am going myself on monday so any info on the site would be very useful,the dukes were out on monday so good luck with them too.
    my email is psmith49@btinternet.com
    cheers
    Phil

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