Butterfly Sites in Northern Ireland

[markhows]

I am going to Northern Ireland End of Next week and would appreciate any good sites to see the following species

Common blue
Green veined white
Orange Tip
Small Copper

will be based in the Antrim Area and already have plans for the following sites

Montiagh’s bog - For Reals Wood White
Rathlin - Birds
Belfast Harbour RSPB - Birds
Peatlands park

Any other tips most appreciated for any wildlife at all

Thanks

Mark

[Dave McCormick]

First, Northern Ireland, not island. Anyway, I am going to Montiagh’s moss on sunday, so I'll post a trip report when I get back of what I saw there. Around lough Eirn is supposed to be a good place for seeing things.

I know Armagh is the only known place in Northern Ireland to see red-tipped clearwings and a few other species including the forester

one good place to see a lot of species aparently, (I have not been yet) is Killard Point. There was hundreds of common blues and Meadow browns reported there before.

And for common blues, I have not seen a single one yet, but a few people I know may have spotted them, or maybe they were holly blues.

here is the BCNI website that may help a little: http://83.105.118.163/bcni/Main.HTM

I have a list of good sights for butterfly/moth/birds if you want it, just have to find it.

[markhows]

Apologies for the mispelling been a hard day,

I would appreciate any infor on butterfly / bird sites and look forward to your report

Thanks

Mark

[Dave McCormick]

List:

Murlough Bay, County Antrim: Map Reference: D1842
unimproved grassland. Species found here: Grayling, Yellow-Ringed Carpet, Smoky Wave, Chimney Sweeper, Treble Bar, Centre Barred Sallow (and a few species of moth only found here and no where else in Northern Ireland)

Murlough NNR, County Down: Map Reference: J3933

Sand dune. The best butterfly site in northern Ireland for good numbers of butterflies and mothd. 20 species of butterfly and 263 moth species recorded here. These include: Small Heath, Grayling, Reals Wood White, Marsh Fritillary, Dark Green Fritillary, Clouded Magpie, Black Rustic, Plain Pug

Killard Point NNR, County Down, Map Reference: J6043. Here is the most natural site in Northern Ireland with unimproved grassland meeting Irish sea. Hundres of Common Blue and Meadow Browns have been recorded here and Dark Green Fritillary too. Others include Small Elephant hawk moth, Yellow Tail, Least Yellow Underwing, Straw Underwing, Archers Dart and more.

Rathlin Island, County Antrim: Map Reference: D1547
See cliffs. Some populations of lepidoptera here are the only known in Northern Ireland. These include: Red Carpet, Square Spot Dart, Tawny Shears, Dot Moth, Tawny Shears and Pod Lover, Marbled Coronet, Scarce footman and more.

Have more places, but can't stay on now to post them, will do tomorrow.

[hairstreak]

Hope this is not too late. Today I was in Belshaws quarry in Lisburn county antrim and I saw quite a few orange tips and common blues.

[markhows]

A trip report with Butterflies, birds and mammals from my recent visit

http://www.hows.org.uk/inter/birds/2008trip/ireland.htm

Mark