Yesterday I almost melted with the searing heat but I have only myself to blame for choosing one of the hottest days of the year to go looking for butterflies on top of a colliery spoil tip. And it was worth every drop of perspiration as I saw more Graylings than I’ve ever seen before – at least 20, probably more.
The wing markings of these butterflies is so cryptic that they almost disappear into the landscape. Even when I watched closely where they landed, I sometimes couldn’t find them again until they moved. They’re magicians!
Oh, and just a heads up for those of you in Britain – today marks the start of Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count 2021, a three-week period when we are all urged to record our sightings to help with the conservation of our butterfly species. You can read all about it on Butterfly Conservation’s website.
earthstar 
Hi Annie
Lovely pics as usual. Any chance of a heads up on the location of the graylings – would dearly like to see them.
Thanks
David Jones
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Hi David, Yes, sure. The general area is grid ref ST160998. I’m not sure if you know that tip. It’s quite steep and, though I have walked straight up the scree slope from the bottom, I wouldn’t recommend it. There’s a path up the left, northern side of the tip which is easier and safer, then you take a right turn and make your way along a path until you reach the top of the scree slope.
The tip sort of has 3 levels towards the top. I continued on up to the very top where’s it’s flat yesterday and had Grayling up there as well. They like the southern side/slopes as they’re the sunniest.
Good luck!
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At least the flowers and the butterflies are enjoying the heat. We were out on the moors yesterday and it was a bit too hot for that too.
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I know how you feel, Susan. I would love to have stayed longer watching the Graylings yesterday but it was just too hot up there. I’m not a great fan of heat!
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