Speckled Wood, Comma and Red Admiral at home today

http://shropshire.gov.uk/news/2012/06/rare-butterfly-rediscovered-in-ellesmere/ Wildlife enthusiasts were attending a free butterfly course, run in conjunction with Butterfly Conservation, when they unexpectedly stumbled across a Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene). The discovery was ma...

The big losers for me have been Speckled Woods, Common Blues and Large Skippers. Also no sighting for me this year of a Painted Lady.

I can't say there were any real winners - although Ringlets seemed to do OK and there were lots of Peacocks in August for a time.

Some really attractive Red Admirals and Commas on the ivy today.

After a very poor year and being completely absent for months at a time Speckled Woods have made a welcome return to my locality. Still Peacocks around though less in number than a few weeks ago, plenty of Whites , a few Red Admirals and Small Tortoiseshells . http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8302/7937...

Hoggers wrote:But a chum of mine in King's Lynn emailed to say he's seen more Peacocks there this last week than ever before.

That's been my experience too.

Seems like a bumper crop of Peacocks in my part of the world!

Was passing near Llynclys Common at lunchtime so decided to drop in despite it being overcast and a bit drizzly. Really glad I did Silver-washed Fritillary - 3-4 - still in good condition feasting on knapweed Peacock - 4-6 - in pristine condition Meadow Brown - numerous Gatekeeper - numerous Also Co...

Fenn's and Whixall Moss today - plenty of pristine Brimstones - my favourite butterfly. Also lots of Gatekeepers (seem to me to be having a very good year), a few Peacocks and Speckled Woods, plenty of the 3 Whites and Meadow Browns, a couple of Common Blues http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7246/774733...

Not seeing any Speckled Woods in my locality - hoping August brings some out.

Debbie wrote: Hedgebrown / Gatekeeper (why are these very small this year compared to last ?)

Could it be you're only seeing males? I'm seeing nearly all males at the moment - and they are a little smaller then the females. Generally they are all the size I would expect.


Adrian

Stayed local today - lots of Gatekeepers , Whites and Meadow Browns . Also a few Small Tortoiseshells and aged Ringlets . Highlight of the day an immaculate Red Admiral . On the downside been a while since I've seen a Speckled Wood round here (normally so reliable) - also this year locally so far no...

Good to see a few Whites around locally. Also the Browns looking good - making the most of it with the weather forecast to become unsettled again.

A_T Your SW Frit photos are in a class of their own. Superb. Camera and other details please. Jack Thanks for your kind words Jack. I've edited the post and added the relevant info. Seen locally, here's my contribution to the July thread's Gatekeeper collection :) http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8028...

As today promised to be just about the best weather for nearly 2 months headed to Llynclys Common. Saw a number of pristine Silver-washed Fritillaries (both male and female - some courting going on), innumerable Ringlets and Meadow Browns, one Gatekeeper. Also saw a Speckled Wood and either a Small ...

I hope there is a book of his bumble bee illustrations and it's not just for an app. His pictures of butterflies and dragonflies are superb.

I remember when I went to Prees Heath last year there was a very odd man lurking wishing to speak to anyone coming to look at the Silver-studded Blues. I don't think he was from UKB either! :wink: No doubt he was harmless but his presence did not exactly enhance my visit and I can believe that for a...

Well done! let us know what happens later this summer. I too have a small "nature reserve" next to my garden. In December 2010 I planted a few Purging Buckthorn saplings in the hope Brimstones might find them. My nearest colony is about 12 miles as the butterfly flies and even though I hav...

Just a heads-up that during the Big Butterfly Count this summer membership for Butterfly Conservation is half-price.

http://butterfly-conservation.org/text/ ... rship.html

None for me so far this year. Hopefully the second brood will be more successful!