That was quick - final post of the day

Feedback already reference the Map Butterfly. My learned friend Paul Harris reliably informs me it is in fact the 'Map', and further, it is of the form prorsa = Araschnia levana prorsa. Good night.

Gulls of the World (Part 2) The Antipodeans

Silver Gull - Australia

The Pacific Gull, captured at Cape Leuuwin (the furthest southwesterly point of Australia), is of the sub-species Larus pacificus georgii distinct from the nominate race L. p pacificus which is restricted to the east of the continent.

Pacific Gull - Australia

Black-billed Gull - New Zealand

The Black-billed Gull has to be one of the best looking in the Laridae family, but I can't for the life of me see the distinction between the other two. Suggest to a Kiwi birder that they are one and the same species, you'll soon be convinced otherwise.

Red-billed Gull - New Zealand

Gulls of the World (Part 1)

For you fellow Gull lovers out there, this is a small, personal indulgence to illustrate my long-time dream to record all the Gull species in the world. The determined search began at the turn of the millennium, when it became apparent to me that such an ambition could be fulfilled, so with several species already in the log much more effort was dedicated to the chase. Some 'grey areas' still exist between world authorities regarding 'full species status', so a bench mark had to be set as to the number I would consider acceptable on my own world list, this totals 54. Of these 51 have now been recorded, with 44 committed to photograph, the reality being if my back-pack, containing 18 spools of film, had not been stolen in La Paz, Bolivia 3 more, Swallow-tailed, Lava and Andean Gulls would also be included in that total. The 3 outstanding are Yellow-footed Gull (dipped twice), Relict Gull (not seen on 3 possible occasions) and Red-legged Kittiwake which is a prospect for the summer of 2010. However, if during my travels I encounter any sub-species they are certainly not ignored, as for instance within the Herring Gull Complex (dependant on your point of view) L. a argenteus, L. a vegae and L. heuglini have all been seen and photographed. As a precursor to the impending series of photographs, Kelp Gull has been singled out due to its wide distribution across the Southern Oceans, covering 3 continents. The top photograph was taken in Antarctic waters, the next down on South Island, New Zealand, the one directly below this text in South Africa and the final image in Ushuaia, Argentina. You just never know when an 'armchair' might crop up. In my desire for more knowledge I would not be in the least offended if any mistakes or misidentifications were highlighted, so look forward to any comment and observations, which applies to any or all of my postings.

A few Estonian butterfly photographs

Green-underside Blue

Camberwell Beauty

The Map ?? (your thoughts please)

Niobe Fritillary (below)

A little light night reading - Good Night

Cape (Pintado) Petrel

Northern Giant Petrel

Dusky Dolphin

Christchurch, Dorset 12th & 13th August 2009

Well, back to the sacred county and a short visit to my farming friends Hugh & Janet Dampney down at Parley Court. Almost managed to sidestep the haymaking, but unsurprisingly always first at the dinner table for more of their excellent fare. Both extremely good cooks, Hugh excelled with the bass on my last evening, and Janet with 2 all too calorific 'duffs'. The Chassagne-Montrachet and '95 Du Tertre helped put them to bed, but the extensive walking was also beneficial. During the 2 days 37 species of birds were recorded (strange to relate no Mute Swan on the duck pond or Stour) and 12 butterflies. In addition Hobby was proved as a successful breeding species close by. The 'turf manager' and his crew plus mine hosts are pretty good on birds and maintained there was a Long-eared Owl, close to the Manor house, for several days during late spring, but unfortunately no concrete evidence. A good time was had by all.

Tallinn to Ennu Farm

Ille's exhibition

During a 2 day stay in the capital I was privileged to view my friend Ille's personal art exhibition in the city museum, and be introduced to the most exquisite hot chocolate drink I'd ever had. After this short stay we traveled together to her farm some 200 Km south, part of the tiny village of Vissuvere. Now only utilised by neighboring farmers to graze cattle and grow a small acreage of wheat, the property contains about 30 hectares of almost impenetrable, silver birch woodland and 50 hectares of fields, left to weeds, mainly clover. Between heavy showers Ille and I were able to cover most of her land, with the natural highlights being White-tailed Eagle, Goshawk, Hobby taking a Woodlark, White Stork, Golden Oriole, Wood Warblers aplenty, Tree Sparrow, Crested Tit, Common Crane and Roller, along with Camberwell Beauty, Green-underside Blue and Map butterflies.

Main Barn Ennu Farm

Ille collecting berries and fungi