Gatekeepers

[blackb1rd]

Originally Posted by Harry Eales

Hello Archer,

I do hope I'm not include in your comment of people 'Getting one over on you'?

It looks to me like that slightly ridiculous over-reaction of a post was clearly aimed at you on this thread.

Originally Posted by Harry Eales

I asked what I thought was a polite question, and gave my reason for asking it.

You were perfectly polite and your question was well word and thoroughly reasonable. The reply was unnecessary and borderline rude.

Originally Posted by Harry Eales

I realise that it is either an error in identification

I think this is most likely what it was. Photogrpahic evidence would prove otherwise but in the absence of such I don't think it can be counted as a reliable sighting.

Archer's post, much like some other peoples posts on here (Posie), was overly sensitive and completely uncalled for in my opinion. There appear to be a fair few posters on this forum who react in an overblown manner to minor criticisms or in many cases to no criticism at all, merely polite questions (as above). I'll be honest and say I don't understand it as I post on numerous forums (music, car-related etc) where "banter", critique and light-hearted mikey taking are rife and frankly make the forums a more entertaining place to be.

Perhaps the demographic of this forum is very different to the average internet site (likely much older on average) but there are definitely some people who need to relax and not take the internet so seriously

That way everyone can get along nicely and provide uselful answers and constructive criticism to the many interesting questions posted daily.

[Ukwildlifeo]

They are everywhere at Work here in Essex at the mo. Proving a pain to get good photos of, landing just above head height and on bushes over hawthorn/branmble/dogrose combos! Wildlife photography shouldn't be so painful!

[Naturenutz]

I completely agree blackbird. Plenty of gatekeepers about lately,managed a nice pic too.

[Deb London]

Lovely shot, Naturenutz (and everyone else above). Very tricky subject - I haven't attempted one. They fly too fast in my garden, and I haven't seen them mating yet.

[Suzybrook]

i'm really pleased as this is the second year ive had a small number of gatekeepers in my garden. I have a small area of sown wildflower/meadow and they seem particularly attracted to the thistles and marjoram there. Do gatekeepers form small self-contained colonies or are they a more mobile species than i think?

[pressld2]

We were seeing good numbers at Thursley this weekend and also wondering how they got their name. Anybody know?

Dave P.

[Pete Collins]

I remember being told it was because they are often found by gates or gateways, but I've no idea if that's the true origin of the name.

It was good to see you again at Thursley, Dave. I hope that today was as enjoyable there as yesterday was.

[pressld2]

Originally Posted by Pete Collins

It was good to see you again at Thursley, Dave. I hope that today was as enjoyable there as yesterday was.

Likewise Pete, and yes, today was another excellent day with several new species for me including, on the butterfly front, my first grayling.

Dave P.