Big Butterfly Count 2013

I did a butterfly count today. I was in the meadow-part of the allotment site, by the car park like last year.

Interesting to compare with last year's count on the same date - loads more butterflies this year and quite different varieties too.
Here are my figures:

• 3 x Ringlet
• 5 x Small Whites
• 2 x Large Whites
• 4 x Meadow Brown
• 2 x Tortoiseshell
• 1 x Green Veined white
• 1 x Gatekeeper (see below)
• 2 x Small Skipper

I have to admit that my id of the whites is a little hit&miss but size-wise I think that is accurate. I may do another count on our plot next week, if the sun is shining.
The butterflies were most unhelpful and really didn't want to stay still, so I only managed to snap this Gatekeeper twice.