Of course, I did overlook one sighting at Rewell Wood on 10th May - I bumped into Ben and spent a while chewing the fat as the PBF fluttered past. Good to see you again, Ben. :) So, via the pleasant back route (though it's actually surprisingly direct), I arrived at Chiddingfold. Always a good sign,...

My local patch today... Very wet grass after overnight rain, completely cloudy skies with the merest hint of brightness - not ideal. However, a single butterfly braved the conditions: a shining new Small Copper.Worth going out I'd say.
Dave

A great selection of butterflies, Trevor. I envy you having not just one but two good PBF sites within easy reach! :mrgreen: :) And after some cracking shots of that species, you manage Green Hairstreaks on bluebells (I reckon that beats buttercups hands down... :wink: ). Interesting that you saw a ...

Friday 10th May was another sunny warm one, and anticipating this I set off southward early in the morning, reaching Fairmile Bottom at the foot of the steep slope with Rewell Wood at the top. I parked so as to be able to traverse the whole slope before tackling the upward path and take in any butt...

I'm glad you agree about the honorary butterfly status I accorded the Mother Shipton, David - thoroughly deserved I feel. :) Thank you, Katrina - I think they were just emerging and were consequently unusually docile. There are two different insects in those shots, and the second one in particular s...

Despite much cooler and cloudier conditions today (13th) I saw two new species for the year - both without going any further than my local patch close to Heathrow. After initially finding that every blue butterfly on the birds'-foot trefoil was a female Holly Blue, one on the medick turned into what...

Thank you, Katrina - I can't resist spending time with Holly Blues, waiting for them to open up like that. :) I think I've only managed to see three pairings over all the time I've been watching the species, Wurzel - and that's probably several thousands of Holly Blues! :) Keep me posted on events a...

That's a terrific Spring Assortment, Wurzel. I do like the Orange Tip shots on bluebells - they never seem to go for them round here unfortunately.

Cheers,

Dave

Spot on for the GVW, David, but looking at the broad black forewing border showing through on the second shot, I'd say this one is a Large White.

Cheers,

Dave

8th May - Holly Blues. I've noted before that despite such a strong and accessible population of the species on my local patch, I hardly ever get a glimpse of a mating pair. The pairing I saw today would likely also have been overlooked if they hadn't been pestered by a succession of other males. H...

Cheers, Wurzel and David - that Grizzly was a great little butterfly and I only had the briefest opportunity to grab the shot. Funny how sometimes that can end up as a real cracker. :) Wednesday 8th May rejoiced in a continuation of the sunny and warm theme, but I stayed local and went out relativel...

Small Blues seen today down in Wiltshire, along with Green Hairstreaks, Grizzlies, Walls, Brown Argus, and Small Heath - but curiously no Dingy Skippers. No Marsh Fritillaries appeared to be out either. SB1 110524.JPG SB2 110524.JPG SB3 110524.JPG The last butterfly of the visit was an irresistibly ...

With the continuing spell of good weather, it was impossible not to go a bit further afield this morning. Sussex Pearl-bordered Fritillaries were first - and the sunshine made them very active, even when feeding on bugle. PBF3 100524.JPG PBF1 100524.JPG I came back home by what looks on the map to b...

Though my visit to Box Hill later on 7th May did not have butterflies as a priority, the walk we chose did run along the bottom of the viewpoint slope and along to the east from there. I couldn't help but notice that there were quite a few Dingy Skippers about down here, and managed to sneak a snap ...

Cheers, Wurzel - the first Small Copper is always a welcome sight, and finding it right where the last one of 2023 was seen too. You might say they turn up like a bad penny... :) Thank you, David. I think having the opportunity to go out almost whenever, and having a reliably productive area on the ...

Yes, answers on a postcard please, Trevor! :) The amazing day I had with the Emperors last year was sunny early on but clouded over while still remaining very warm. It was quite humid, but not oppressively so, and as well as the Purple ones there were plenty of White Admirals too. As for pressure - ...

Down at Box Hill today not really for the butterflies, but I did see good numbers of Dingy Skippers, plus one Grizzled Skipper......and my first Small Heath of the year. Dave

Yes, Paul, she looked ready to pop! :) Friday 3rd May was sunless throughout, but the morning of Saturday 4th looked more promising. The sun was out, and even early on it felt warm as I left home for my first 2024 trip up to Aston Rowant. However, I'd forgotten that up on this exposed Chiltern locat...

Sounds like a hazardous trip to Martin Down, Wurzel, what with tracks under water and snakes tripping you up... I guess that more will be out since that visit - even though you're only three weeks behind! Careful - you'll catch up with time! :) Good to see the serpentine shots - great additions (!) ...

That female really does have very vivid blue "Homer" markings on the hindwings, Paul. Quite a contrast with the subdued lilac of the male. My encounter with courting Peacocks this year was around three in the afternoon, so that backs your theory too.

Cheers,

Dave