Whipsnade Zoo

We were invited by the Beds Natural History society to survey at Whipsnade zoo and see what local species we could find. It was a strange place that felt a bit like Jurassic Park as we walked through fields of wallabies, Chinese water deer, Emu's etc. Fortunately the Elephants had been moved to another field as we surveyed Elephant pond.

These two were backing the path, puffing up their feathers and grunting so i cautiously went round them.

Fortunately this one was still in it's cage as i swished a few flies from around her.

Chalkhill Blue

Had a great few days with Mike and Phil checking out butterflies. Now the sun is shining and warmed up massively it has bought out some great butterflies. The highlight for me was the Chalkhill Blues we found at Tottonhoe Knolls today. I don't know if it is my colour blindness but it took me ages to keep finding this Little Heath to photograph in the grass.