The first Holly Blues are out.
It’s the earliest of the Blue butterflies and is most frequently seen in flight around trees and along hedgerows.
When it does settle, to either feed or rest, it almost invariable does so with wings closed – very frustrating if you’re hoping to photograph its upper side.
The male featured was unusually basking low down on bramble with open wings.
Still not many butterflies about but a belated first Small Tortoiseshell sighting of the year was good to see.
The third Hummingbird Hawkmoth of the year in the garden following two in March suggests some may have overwintered.