Cheers Wurzel. I am expecting your tip off any day now, two male BH
have been reported in Sussex in the last few days.
You may have seen on facebook that a male PE was seen enjoying
the stonework at Savernake this week, there's still time?.

Hopefully ' garden ' butterfly numbers will improve as we get into August, Ben, and we see the regular migrants, Painted Ladies, Clouded Yellows etc. I have concerns for the Small Tortoiseshell, one yesterday, and the first one I've seen in East Sussex this year. Unfortunately Herstmonceux gardens a...

Well done with the mating SWF Neil. Only seen that once, high up in a tree.
How are Small Torts faring around your way?, I found my third one of the year yesterday,
and it was my first East Sussex sighting for the year so far. Dire!

Thanks Wurzel & David. It was great to find those glowing, fresh, Chalkhills. Yesterday I went over to Herstmonceux Castle gardens for the first time this year. Hopeful of finding some Small Tortoiseshells, I found just one damaged specimen. With the Verbena Bonariensis in full bloom it was some...

On the same Sunday morning visit to Tilshead I was delighted to find my first two, fresh, male Chalkhill Blues. Clearly freshly emerged neither were in a hurry to fly off. They were the only blues of any kind to be seen. By a long way the Small (or' Smessex' ) Skippers were the most plentiful specie...

I spent this past weekend with family in Wiltshire, so as Sunday dawned bright and clear, I headed over to Tilshead to see what was around. I was keen to photograph some Marble Whites, but nearly all were worn or battered, except for one which was in good condition and better still took refuge on a ...

A for your final Emperor shot, so much better on a leaf rather
than a gravel track or worse! Great to see the Small Tortoiseshell, still only
seen two so far this year, and that was post hibernation.

Cheers Wurzel. Hopefully not too long before you see some ' shark fins '
on top of those thistles. It looks as though I'll be coming alone, so I've
negotiated a short notice overnight stay with my Daughter for a two day visit.

Cheers Mark and Neil. One warm, calm(ish) day yesterday. I had a Purple Hairstreak workout yesterday, arms above my head, standing on tiptoe, neck exercises, and even running when a PH was seen to drop down low from a distance. Unfortunately most were worn or even tatty, probably by being blown arou...

Those roosting shots were worth the trip on their own.
I agree about the females, stunning! Pleased you were not snookered by the weather.

Cheers Wurzel. The ' right weather ' is at a premium this July. In all my life I can't remember wearing long sleeves before at this time of year. You're owed some decent weekend weather! The only butterfly of note today was a sheltering Green Veined White. Wind, drizzle and grey skies were the order...

Your shots the Duke from below hit the spot for me!
As noted from your image on farcebook.
Also great Glanville shots. I still can't get used to seeing them on the mainland.
Looking forward to news from Shipton B in a few weeks time.

Cheers Dave. Although in semi shade the dense forestry protected the Emperor from the very strong breeze blowing through the tree canopy. Cheers Wurzel. While you patiently wait for retirement have you thought about the monument in Savernake Forest. Never been myself, but heard it's reliable as the ...

Good to see you and Paul again too, Dave. Yes, your last Emperor is as fresh as they come.
Well worth doing battle with the M25 for shots like those.

Full purple on a bramble leaf
Chiddingfold was back to how it used to be,+ the ab, a great time had by all.

Our trip to Chiddingfold Forest on Thursday was primarily for the Purple Emperor. Up until mid Morning we had seen no Emperor action in the environs of the triangle, so I went for a slow wander up to the ' high point '. Once clear of the tree canopy I soon saw several Emperors flying high around a t...

Thanks David & Goldie for your earlier comments. Goldie, if you are going to Blean again keep an eye on the coppiced Sweet Chestnut leaves, we found Purple Hairstreaks on those a few years back. Thanks Dave. Remarkable when you think that Wood White has probably been around since May. Tough and ...

Yesterday Doug Neve drove me over to Chiddingfold Forest, a rare treat to be driven! The weather forecast for ' election day ' was the best for the week, the only possible problem could have been the promised strong breeze. But at ground level, along the rides, the wind was hardly noticeable and bar...

You were right about that female PH. Absolute perfection.

I feel your pain, Wurzel. The classroom is the last place to be when the Emperor is out.
I will wear your mrgeens with pride. Shipton B isn't too far away now.