Last year I made my first visit to the Alun Valley in South Wales with the purpose of finding my first High Brown Fritillary. Similar to the Dark Green Fritillary, it can be identified by the row of reddish brown spots on its underwing - that's if it settles of course! The Alun Valley is one of the small number of places in the UK where this increasingly rare butterfly can still be found. Sadly, I was unsuccessful, mainly due to a change in the weather which deteriorated quickly after I had arrived. However, I did at least get my bearings of the site, and met someone who helpfully told me where to look.
A week ago, I revisited in better weather conditions hoping to see both species of fritillaries. The forecast was a mix of sun and cloud, with reasonable temperatures. Arriving at just after 8 am, some butterflies were already on the wing and after parking in a gravelled area just before the cattle grid leading into St Bride's Major, I climbed up the grassy hillside, and followed a path between the bracken on to the top of Old Castle Down through some grazing sheep. At the corner I followed the path downhill where I had been directed last year. A few fritillaries were seen now and then but did not settle, These were skimming over the bracken, making it impossible to photograph or identify them and as the hours passed I saw plenty of gatekeepers, meadow browns, painted lady, red admiral, whites, and small heath butterflies. However, finally I did find a couple of fritillaries feeding on thistles, which proved to be Dark Green Fritillaries, a species I hadn't seen so far this year. Once settled they were readily photographed. I spent several hours walking up and down the paths, looking for any fritillaries that might be High Browns, but without success until the skies clouded over and it seemed unlikely that I would see any further fritillaries which are a species that fly in sunshine. I therefore returned home, thinking I would have to wait another year to tick of this species on my UK list.
However, this week, I was reading a blog which said that High Browns were still being seen in good numbers so I decided to have a second shot at finding and photographing a HBF .I got up early again in order to make the hour and three quarters journey before rush hour. I quite enjoy the trip; an hour along the M4, across the Severn Bridge then further along the M4 to J35. Hopefully it would not be another wasted trip.
No one was parked at my usual spot, (I guess it is more popular at the weekend) and I made my way up to the top of the Down. It was a cloudless sky so maybe I would see more fritillaries this time. As usual, other species were in evidence but strangely no fritillaries! I met a dog walker who recommended a route which circuited the Common where I might find some High Browns as they can have particular favourite areas. I followed the route, passing a small herd of cattle as I went, but which thankfully ignored me. Still no fritillaries! As the path started to ascend the hill again, I decided to turn back and retrace my steps. A glimpse of orange caught my eye, a fritillary was flying near the hedgerow about 30 feet away. but where did it go? I made my way through some bracken to get a bit closer in the hope that it would fly out again. Then looking down, I spotted what looked like a dark triangle shape, low down on some brambles. Was it a butterfly? Could it be..? Yes! A High Brown, showing the distinctive dark reddish brown spots on its underwings. I grabbed a couple of photos, and then it flew off again, over the hedge.
It was still only mid- morning, but temperatures were getting hotter so, having achieved my aim, I returned to my car, but before making the journey home, drove down to Dunraven Bay where I sat on the beach to enjoy some lunch.
Above - Dark Green Fritillary
Below, High Brown Fritillary
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