Are these Grayling?

[Geoff F]

On the extreme cliff edge, S. Devon.



During calm spells I'm regularly seeing a few of these on rocky outcrops; between the coast path and Goodbye!

Only see one or two and only found in one small area. Never show their outstretched wings at rest but the uppersides appear brownish in flight. An eyespot is occasionally visible.

Quite tame, I can regularly get close when lying on the ground but that often means shooting into the light as they appear to prefer to have the sun at 90 degrees to their wings.

I have been provisionally labeling them as probably Grayling but would appreciate a definite confirmation.

[Hedera]

I would agree: they look like the one in my book!

[aeshna5]

Definitely! A declining species- I was disappointed not to see any in the New Forest on Saturday, though it was quite breezy + overcast in the morning.

Good photos!

[Geoff F]

Thanks for the confirmation. I can add them to the records list now.

Like I said, a few are regular in a very small area but I have to wander off amongst the outcrops at the extreme cliff edge, where I start to wonder 'What am I doing here at my age'!