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Last of the Sunshine..


Last of the Sunshine..
Photo Information
Copyright: Nigel Deacon (Merlin) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 393 W: 230 N: 340] (1094)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-10-20
Categories: Insects
Camera: Nikon Coolpix 4500
Exposure: f/7.3, 1/125 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2005-10-22 12:39
Viewed: 1306
Points: 18
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae. Although a very widespread and common species in Europe, it is one of the last species to disappear in the Autumn and one of the first to reappear in the Spring. Even on sunny days in midwinter, the odd specimen will wake from hibernation and put in a brief appearance. This is probably one of more than a dozen hibernating in my garden shed (window left open for them and the Swallows). It put in a brief spell of sunbathing on the shed wall while still adorned with cobwebs from it's winter dormitory, and a quick snack from the last of the ivy flowers. Will this be the last appearance of 2005?

If anyone wondered why butterflies bask or "sunbathe" inverted like this, it allows them to increase or reduce their exposure to the sun (or a hot surface) by extending or folding their legs. It doesn't work if they are head up! On very hot days they keep their wings folded and align the edge-on to the sun.

Small amount of USM and levels adjustment. No cropping or contrast adjustment.
phlr, coasties, livios, TAZ, scottevers7, peter_stoeckl, firelord has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Nigel,
It's not in the best shape, but still a nice butterfly.
I will wait to the end of March to see them again.
Good details and nice colours.
Very well done.

  • Great 
  • phlr Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1241 W: 129 N: 881] (2814)
  • [2005-10-22 13:59]

Fantastic shot!
Vibrant colors!
Wonderful photo of this Nymphalidae!
Specie rare in Portugal.
5* photo!

Hi Nigel

Sorry to say my time is limited again today, so this is just a quick critique. Very good work. I like the POV. Colours are great as is the sharpness and detail. Well done. Thanks.

  • Great 
  • manyee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3065 W: 231 N: 6160] (21048)
  • [2005-10-23 4:31]

Very beautiful butterfly, Nigel. Vivid colors and sharp details. Well done and TFS. : )

  • Great 
  • livios Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2156 W: 322 N: 4258] (16906)
  • [2005-10-23 19:05]

Nigel, I do enjoy contrast in this image.

Great pov and composition. Sharpness and dof are great too.

  • Great 
  • TAZ Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2241 W: 47 N: 3167] (10926)
  • [2005-10-25 4:13]

What a nice and interesting "Petite tortue" in french. She seems old. Very interesting informative note, you know well the butterflies...
Congratulations Nigel and thanks for sharing.

Hi Nigel,
A beautiful butterfly who looks to be near the end of his life cycle. He is starting to fray around his wing tips. The colors and detail look perfect to me. A great note with this shot! Well Done!
Scott

Very reasonable explanation for a Nymphalid butterfly's common habit of sitting head down on a wall, Nigel. I sometimes wondered why. Very nice notes. The picture is sharp and very delightful look at with its bright colours against the cool white wall. Thank you! Best regards, Peter

Hi Nigel,

Nice colors on the butterfly. You seem to be interested in butterflies. I would like to know about any good web recource or any book about tropical plainland butterflies [Asia]. General books may also do.

Subhayan.

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