The Duke

Yesterday I fulfilled a long standing ambition to see the diminutive duke of burgundy butterfly in one of its strongholds on the North Yorkshire Moors.
Initially they took a bit of finding, but once I did find them they gave a wonderful display, sitting out in the hot sunshine almost oblivious to my presence and occasionally fighting with the dingy skippers.
I also managed to see one green hairstreak but unfortunately missed out on my other target species, the pearl bordered fritillary.
However I was very happy with the experience yesterday, the moors are alive with wildlife at this time of year and the other highlights included a red grouse complete with chick, singing male redstarts and a very confiding curlew.