Large Tortoiseshell. Photo: Shona Refoy

Large Tortoiseshell. Photo: Shona Refoy

Shona sent us these two photos together with the details of her expedition to Portland yesterday, 29/03/2021:

Today I went to Church Ope Cove, following the excellent directions given to me by a fellow butterfly enthusiast.  I spent about four hours looking for Large Tortoiseshells in the Cove and ruined church area, and only saw one in flight. 

I then decided to move on, so headed back up the steps.  I was near the top when this butterfly landed next to me – it sat there for a little while, opening and closing its wings before zooming off downhill.  I couldn’t believe my luck!