Trevor

[trevor]

A sure sign that Spring is on the way !.
This clump of Daffodils started to bloom about two weeks ago,
very early, but not as early as last year.

[SimonC69]

I do hope spring is on its way! My hands are so numb with cold at the moment, it feels like someone else is typing this

[David M]

A sure sign that Spring is on the way !.
This clump of Daffodils started to bloom about two weeks ago,
very early, but not as early as last year.

Lovely, uplifting image, Trevor.

We've a few out here and there in Swansea, but I haven't seen anything like that clump just yet. With cold weather set to strike tomorrow, I fear it'll be a couple of weeks away.

[trevor]

I thought those Daffodils would cheer things up, Simon and David.
Although the daylight hours are improving, the temperature is not.
Bitter wind and grey skies here, and the chance of snow.
Just to think that I have called off some Butterfly hunts in the past, because it was too hot !.

Best wishes,
Trevor.

[Wurzel]

The daffs certainly brightened my day up - no sign of any over my way although the Snowdrops and Aconites are making a good showing. Looking good from Tuesday next week - a massive 8 degrees and sunny intervals - maybe the first Small Tort? Hope things are going well your way - a UKBer called Simon is looking to make some trips over this way so I was going to recomomend your daughters' pub - The Bell Inn at Great Cheverall is that right ? - I'm like a regular trip advisor
Have a goodun

Wurzel

[trevor]

Glad the Daffodils cheered you up Wurzel.
I hope the Bell Inn will prove to be a good base for exploring Wiltshires Butterflies.
Certainly 'the hill' is not far from there, but I have yet to spend a Summer in Great Cheverell.
Anyone wishing to stay at the Bell should contact my Daughter, Lorna on 01380 813277.
I am very much looking forward to exploring Wiltshire this coming season, and what is more I
pass some good Butterfly sites on my commute from Sussex, including Iping Common.

All the best,
Trevor.

[trevor]

Another sign of Spring approaching.
The scene from my tiny woodland garden this morning.
The warm sunshine today is enough to entice the odd Butterfly.
But with the bitter east wind, perhaps not .

Not too long now,
Trevor.

[Wurzel]

Well if the Snowdrops are out the butterflies aren't far behind I risked a run out on Monday - it as okay at Five Rivers but no butterflies - not quite warm enough - maybe tomorrow afternoon - it's supposed to reach 11degrees So its back to shorts and T-shirt tomorrow

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[David M]

Surely the time is nigh, Trevor? This imminent mild spell should give us all a chance of breaking our yearly ducks.

We aren't far away.

[trevor]

I share your building optimism, Wurzel & David.
At the moment I am giving my right hand index finger a rigorous workout so that it
is nice and supple, and will be able to react quickly on the camera ' shoot ' button.
Seriously, my earliest Butterfly since joining UKB was in 2015, on Feb 17th.

[SimonC69]

.......At the moment I am giving my right hand index finger a rigorous workout so that it
is nice and supple, and will be able to react quickly on the camera ' shoot ' button. ......

Thumb and forefinger for me, as I'm determined to get into the habit of using "back button focus". Anything to increase my chances of sharp shots

[trevor]

Thumb and forefinger for me, as I'm determined to get into the habit of using "back button focus". Anything to increase my chances of sharp shots [/quote]

Thumb and forefinger !, I think you may be in danger of over doing it Simon,
all things in moderation.

[SimonC69]

Thumb and forefinger !, I think you may be in danger of over doing it Simon,
all things in moderation.

[trevor]

The good news is that I have just seen my first Butterfly of 2017.
No photo unfortunately, or positive identification but most probably a Red Admiral or Peacock.

Things are looking up,
Trevor.

[SimonC69]

Nice one. You and bugboy both. I really thought I'd get one today but no dice

[David M]

The good news is that I have just seen my first Butterfly of 2017.

Didn't I tell you, Trevor?

Well done.

[bugboy]

The good news is that I have just seen my first Butterfly of 2017.
No photo unfortunately, or positive identification but most probably a Red Admiral or Peacock.

Things are looking up,
Trevor.

Today was the day it would seem, a RA at work this morning for me

[Wurzel]

I'm glad my forecast worked out Trevor Unfortunately I was let down by the Met forecast as at Five Rivers it was cool, breezy and cloudy with brief sunny intervals and not the sunny day 11 degrees as promised. Oh well it won't be the last time they get it wrong this year...

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[trevor]

I have been to Wiltshire for the weekend, no Butterflies unfortunately, but I was blown away
by the sheer number of Snowdrops growing wild by the roadside.
In Little Cheverell and Great Cheverell the Snowdrops are growing in their hundreds of thousands.

Hope you enjoy the resulting images,
Trevor.

[Padfield]

What a wonderful sight, Trevor - a carpet of snowdrops with catkins in the trees.

Soon bluebells and wild garlic ... and orange tips (or am I getting ahead of myself?).

Guy