Warden and Galley Hills, Luton

The southern end of this site is only about a mile from my house and the area is a frequent option for a short walk on a fine summer afternoon or a more thorough exploration during bird migration periods. This Sunday was the first time for a couple of weeks where weather conditions have looked good for butterflies so I got out for a couple of hours while it was still warm. The meadow at the south-western corner of the site was dominated by two species, Chalkhill Blue and Six-spot Burnet which both would have counted into three figures. The butties in particular were very active and not easy to capture an image.

Two weeks previously I had seen a Dark Green Fritillary at the northern end near Little Galley Hill, a site first for me. Hopefully they will set up a colony as the habitat is much the same as Sharpenhoe Clappers where this butty is numerous only two miles away.

Six-spot Burnet

Dark Green Fritillary

Chalkhill Blue