Minsmere Nature Reserve

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We have not visited Minsmere for quite a long period, so today a visit is planned! Not the most successful day as far as photographs are concerned, but very enjoyable. It's a great place just to stroll You can't help but see something.



This Swallow was sitting on a direction post to a hide, which I thought was rather funny. After all, if you were in the hide you couldn't see him!



Some great Parasol fungi to be seen - I loved the overhead view of this one because of its patterns. 


And how about this for camouflage! very difficult to spot as it alighted onto the path. It is a Grayling butterfly. Widespread on coast of Britain and Ireland and on heathland in southern Britain. Rests with wings closed. Underwing mottled-brown. Appears larger in flight when pale yellow-orange bands can be seen. 
Cryptic colouring provides the Grayling with excellent camouflage, making it difficult to see when at rest on bare ground, tree trunks, or stones. The wings are kept closed when not in flight and the forewings are usually tucked behind the hind wings, concealing the eyespots and making the butterfly appear smaller. In flight this is a distinctive, large butterfly with a looping and gliding flight, during which the paler bands on the upper wings are visible. 
Location: Sheepwash Ln, Saxmundham IP17 3BY, UK

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