Miraculous Arrival

Well he is here at last - not an easy delivery - not when you have tiny gossamer wings and have to cross at least one if not two seas. When you are at the mercy of winds, predators and everything nature can throw at you and in all probability are on a one way ticket from your birth place, in North Africa or Southern Europe.

Vanessa cardui

Seeing this Painted Lady not more than 1/2 a mile from where I live in Milton Keynes was just awe inspiring. Not a particular rarity I grant you, but then again, not often seen round these here parts either.

This was my first opportunity to see one of these beautiful creatures at close quarters and I was not disappointed, the Painted Lady is one of those few butterflies where both the upper and undersides of the wings are equally stunning.

It's a little sad to think, that if he can survive that long, the first British frost of Autumn will finish him off. On the other hand, he might be one of the few, that make the return journey to warmer climes around the Mediterranean.

Good luck little buddy.