My Net Reaction

Grayling

by Douglas Hammersley

My Net Reaction

by Wilfred George.

In 1930s, butter-muslin was too thick - so left me puzzlin'. Mosquito-net, in 1940s dari.fied our bug-hunt sorties. I'd found the common butterflies and so it was no great surprise that hover-flies became my quest and my over-riding interest.

For these I use a smaller net which folds up, so that I can get it in my pocket, out of view, where it does not upset those who might think I'm netting butterflies exterminating some rare prize.

Yet, if I say I'm catching flies, then no-one minds how hard one tries. But what's the difference? Why applaud a hunter of a different Order?

Now if I see a butteifly, I'm still excited - and try to note its species, and its sex, which may require (in practice) nets. Some types, like Graylings, close their wings at rest, which means the bloomin' things all look the same until they flutter {which must make other Graylings mutter.) And then that golden flash goes past swooping round - and much too fast. Reminiscent of a bomber W'lis it Painted Lady? - or a Comma? Identity mistakes get made when specimens are worn and frayed. Richard and I displayed this failing took Painted Lady for a Grayling. So even with my half-sized net it's worth a try, in hopes we get one more species for the list which (if netless) we'd have missed.

Then the restless Clouded Yellow never stops - athletic follow. W'lis it he/ice? - Berger's? - Pale? Could be female - could be male. These three species make my case to be ready for the chase. And Richard is, at heart, we know it just one more, bug-hunting poet.