Autumn Gentian, Felwort, Gentianella Amarella On a quest to find Autumn Gentian, think habitat, geology, and season. On the limestone grassland of the Scout Scar ridge, in the short turf, they're looking good right now. From finding the plant a fortnight ago, they have put on growth and now show as a short, erect plant with dark, linear leaves and dark buds.. I glimpse them on approach, standing proud of short grass. The bud is deep pink to purple, the tiny flowers are lilac or white. From year to year the distribution may vary, they relocate, One worn path is fringed with them.
At the approach to St John's Church, Helsington, I see floodwaters from recent rain. Wayside, there is knapweed in full bloom and I'd hope to see butterflies- but there are none. Only a few bees.
On Helsington Barrows Betony is loud with bees, in short spurts of buzz sonification as they fly to the next flower and the vibration of the sound prepares the flower to release nectar. Harebells are probably at their best right now. I find a sole Fritillary, so pale I'm sure only when I have the photograph.
On Helsington Barrows Betony is loud with bees, in short spurts of buzz sonification as they fly to the next flower and the vibration of the sound prepares the flower to release nectar. Harebells are probably at their best right now. I find a sole Fritillary, so pale I'm sure only when I have the photograph.
Meadow Brown seems to be a hardy butterfly. I find them on the wing when few other butterflies appear. Unconventional images interest me. This Meadow Brown was nectaring on heather flowers. Once it was half-hidden by vegetation I saw it only because I had followed its flight. It opens its wings, a fraction to show the eye-spot to confuse predators. Closes its wings so all that shows is a crinkly edge. I like the aesthetic of a butterfly deep in heather flowers.
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