Yes,i agree-keep the Map shots coming,the spring generation is lovely,and one never seen by most of us Brits. Even if we can visit CZ or other parts Europe,we are likely to do so in summer,long after the spring brood is finished.
Cheers.

Long range forecasts are garbage,mind.
Remember the 'barbecue summer'
And we haven't had a good one since...

Hi everyone,welcome to my personal diary!
I hope you enjoy my occasional reports from Essex, my old home in Cornwall,and trips to other places.
After reports from others on this forum,the Orange Tips in Essex have started to emerge, about the same time as last year,but earlier than in 2010.

Well,i know most of the country is fed up of hearing about the 'drought' but we actually had a shower in East Anglia today, which caused the gutters to run for a few minutes. However much we need the rain,the chill and lack of sun is becoming depresing,and i havn't seen a butterfly for about 2 weeks...

I know,and i'm sorry for you folks in the west,who must be quite fed-up with all this talk of a supposed shortage!!
It seems to be only a very small area in the east that need a soaking. Spitting all day sunday and today. Scarcely enough to wet the ground.

A 4 day weekend. Not a sniff of a butterfly. At all.
Enough cold and drizzle to ruin the whole weekend. Not enough rain here in East Anglia to do any good.

26 Grizzled Skippers on the 3rd of April is extraordinary! I hope there are still some left when i visit in a couple of weeks!
Cheers.

I had the pleasure of seeing LS at Binden Hill,next to Lulworth Cove,last year in late May and early June-much earlier than in most text books. I almost didn't bother checking,as i thought i was too early! They seem to have quite a long flight period, i have seen them at Durlston Country Park as lat...

Blackthorn (and hawthorn) doen't seem to flower untill mature,probably at around 6 feet high. Trimming rejuvinates it,after a cut,it takes 2-3 years to flower again,on average. Blackthorn usurally flowers earlier in its life than hawthorn.
Cheers.

Several firsts on Tuesaday,whilst exploring the golden triangle(wild daffodils) in Gloucestershire. My firsts were several small torts, 2 orange tips,and one each holly blue and speckled wood. Also several peacocks,commas and brimstones seen, plus a small white. Not quite so impressive as the Kipper...

Just a note of caution,hawthorn produces its leaves before the flowers,and is called 'may blossom' for good reason. I have not seen any remotely near flowering yet,even on the south coast and Brownsea Island,where i was today,although the leaves have come on it in the last week. Blackthorn,in contra...

Yes,such a list in March would have been unthinkable just a month ago. i have just had my first holly blue,orange tips and speckled woods of the year. I look foreward to visiting Mill Hill in a couple of weeks,when the dingies should be starting.
Cheers.

That last one wasn't in the butterfly house,was it?

Cheers Colin! It's great to hear from our overseas friends,even if you run the risk of making a few of us in good old Blighty a little jealous at times!

Still looks good though-what a scene to wake up too! Rain expected on the lower ground. Enjoy!

Brilliant Guy,just brilliant! I definately want to meet up with you in CH one of these days,and shake your hand-and see a few butterflies,of course! Cheers!

I agree with Guy on this-but then i usurally do! Red Admiral near Harlow,Essex today,also a Kite-my first Essex sighting for over a year. But then i'm a casual watcher,not hardcore!

Great work Neil. Nice to have you back. It was great to see you the other week. Did you see any good stuff while you were away enjoying the sun?

The yellow crocus have appeared in East Anglia in the past week,still waiting for the purple ones. Early snowdrops are going over,but still plenty of good ones. About average for this time of year.

Knapweed is possible,agreed,but from the size of the leaves, i still think cornflower is most likely.
Cheers,Mark.