When airborne the Green Hairstreak is brown, not green. As soon as it lands it disappears or seems to. On its preferred Bilberry you may not see any Green Hairstreaks. Carry a slim cane or stick and tap the Bilberry gently to flush out any that are lurking. When they land again you can watch carefully, see where and get your images.
Piggford Moor - April 29th. 2022
June 9th.
A Green Hairstreak feeding on Cotton Grass on a windy day - May 15th.
Mating (this was shot in the Unnamed Clough listed in Landscapes)- May 27th.
A nice setting on route 3 between Errwood Hall and St. Joseph's Shrine (as is the short video below): April 20th. 2023
16 seconds video on Bilberry: April 20th. 2023
This is an amazing test shot straight out of the Sigma lens which is not an appropriate lens for that job but thought I would test it anyway. In the Unnamed Clough on route 1: May 24th. 2023
This out-of-focus image illustrates what can happen unexpectedly and is a useful object lesson. It was a 7° October 12th. 2025 day, thick with mist at home but I decided to go out anyway to the Goyt where it was like summer, with temperature in double figures. Route 6 anti-clockwise. Given a recent experience I was hoping I might see the Black Darter close to the start of the boardwalks where I had seen one before and missed the opportunity. I should have done better. When I reached the Wildmoorstone Iron bridge, round the hairpin (SK 01971 74723 Elevation: 309m), I spotted several conspicuous Small Copper Butterflies. I also spotted the unique Green Hairstreak but it took off before I could regain control of my senses. I hung around hoping I might get another chance and I did. First few shots taken without checking camera settings. Being unprepared a fatal mistake sometimes but I got a second chance and did not waste it. The record matters first anyway. I was then able to concentrate on obtaining better images. Video failed as my monopod suffered a fault when I started to video. I was subsequently able to invite a passier-by with camera to join in and witness the sighting as I feared I would not be believed. I immediately emailed the County Recorder as soon as I got home and I received good support fortunately. I only submit ad hoc reports, I do not walk transects. The above image is poor but it matters little as the image cannot be mistaken for anything else. The trick is, shoot first and you have something in the bag if the Butterfly disappears. I was exceptionally fortunate to have further opportunities: October 12th. 2025.
A better image but I have more. I am returning in the hope that I might see further surprises, however unlikely given the forecast. Having seen many of this species over the years, it is not a species I particularly seek out ordinarily. They are hard work. Most sightings now are by chance when they flit about near me. This one was landed and very still initially. Given the vegetation was well past its best and less green, this one stood out more and was easily spotted: October 12th. 2025
My third image on the day. What I have not yet mentioned is that when I first went to the Goyt that day I forgot my technical harness which I have only done once before, owing to a distraction. So I had to return home to collect that. Only 30 minutes return journey fortunately. Think about it. Had I not had that interruption to my day I probably would never have seen this Butterfly. What do we routinely pass that we do not trouble to notice because we are not looking hard enough? Cameras now have 'subject trackers' and so do our brains. We need to use that brain setting more often, starting today: October 12th. 2025
A hugely important image provided by a passer-by who I prevailed upon to submit his own sighting to lend verisimilitude to my own sighting. The original main image supplied included important context information showing the 'tired' vegetation: October 12th. 2025
My shadow confirms what a warm and sunny day it was: October 12th. 2025
