Red Admirals

[Chipchopper]

On a fine autumnal day such as today, I found it pleasing to see a few red admiral butterflies still hanging on.
With little sources of nectar available at this time of the year, made me think, it must be quite a struggle for them to survive, about all I have out in flower at the moment is an Abelia shrub.
I also struggle to to understand, how experts can determine which of those are of a resident population and which are migrants.
Telling male from female, mus be a whole new ball game!

[Tilly2]

I have taken some photographs, today of Red Admirals feeding on the flowers of our Goldenheart ivy. The ivy covers a wishing well and the plant was teeming with bees and butterflies, enjoying the sunshine induced nectar. Some of the bees had collected so much pollen in their little sacks that they seemed to have trouble flying. Absolutely lovely.

My lavender and fuchsia are still in flower. The bees and butterflies like those as well.

[ladybirder]

Butterflies are a very good reason not to cut down your ivy. I too have fuschia and lavender in bloom.

[Tilly2]

I hope this works.

http://i65.tinypic.com/3311tmr.jpg

[Tilly2]

Not a good photo. Taken on my phone.

[Chipchopper]

Thanks both!
I guess as long as the weather is still mild enough for flowers to keep on going, then the nectar collectors are gonna stay around too!

[Chipchopper]

Good pic Tilly,
My ivy is bustling with life too!

[Tilly2]

Not so nice tomorrow, apparently, but a bit more sunshine on Friday, I believe. (Depends where you are, of course)

[Tilly2]

I have several clumps of sedum in the garden too. The butterflies love it.
http://www.finegardening.com/stonecrop-sedum-%E2%80%98autumn-joy%E2%80%99

[Chipchopper]

Tilly, seeing as you had that red admiral pic ready to hand, I think I'm gonna believe your weather report. :-)

[Tilly2]

Here's one I took last week, Chip. Identify the butterfly!

http://i65.tinypic.com/2uft1sw.jpg

[Tilly2]

Can you see it?

[Chipchopper]

Sorry Tilly, I took a lasagne break last night and forgot to come back.

Yes, I can see your pic, is it a 'Comma' ?

[Tilly2]

yes, Chip. A Comma. No butterflies around today though. Bees, but no butterflies.