Samantha Batty’s delicately beautiful shot of a Common Blue claimed the crown for this year’s Big Butterfly Count photo competition. Horticulturist Samantha from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, took the picture in her wildlife-friendly garden. She said: “There are a number of Common Blues in the meadow area and I noticed this male on a Gaura flower looking stunning with its blue wings contrasting with the white petals.”
Nick Hatton’s vibrant and striking shot of a Green-veined White nestled amongst saxifrage, claimed second place. Nick, a welder from Sandbach, Cheshire, who has been photographing butterflies for many years, captured the image in his garden.
Wildlife enthusiast Allen Holmes needed an early start to get his stunning shot of two dew-soaked Marbled Whites. Warehouse operative Allen from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, arrived at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust's Brockadale Reserve early in the morning to photograph the soggy butterflies before the sun dried them out.
Judges were once again spoilt for choice with nearly 2,000 photos entered for consideration. Thanks again to everyone who took part. The three winners will receive vouchers kindly donated by Castle Cameras www.castlecameras.co.uk
Images
Common Blue. Samantha Batty
Green-veined White. Nick Hatton
Marbled Whites. Allen Holmes