I was over at Finch Foundry this afternoon to have a catch up meeting with Ben (the brilliant Foundry Manager) and afterwards I was mesmerised by a buddleia bush by the tea room – it was absolutely stuffed with butterflies, bumblebees, moths and hoverflies.
In 15 minutes I reckon there were 25 small tortoiseshells, 5 red admirals, 5 peacocks, various small whites, small copper, meadow browns, a silver washed fritillary, a silver Y moth and four species of bumblebee. Impressive – one of the most busy feeding frenzies I have seen – definitely worth a look if you are at Finch – right next to the entrance.
And then out of nowhere a hornet appeared and zapped one of the peacock butterflies – savaged it, tearing off its wings before flying off with the body …
The Serengeti arrived at Finch in front of my eyes.
Here are are my photos.

One of the 25 small tortoiseshells
Red tailed bumblebee

Red admiral

Silver washed fritillary

And finally .. the hornet dispatching the peacock