May 2017
Re: May 2017
Three Green Hairstreaks seen at Welshmoor, on the Gower, this afternoon. Other species seen in generally overcast conditions were Red Admiral (2), Large White (1), Orange Tip (1), probable Green Veined White (1) and an airborne Holly Blue whilst driving home!
- Jack Harrison
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Re: May 2017
1st May - finally north Scotland.
Loch Spynie area (that's inland from Lossiemouth)
Peacock x 5
Tortoiseshell x 1
Speckled Wood x 1
Green-veined White x 4
Own garden later Peacock x 1
Jack
Loch Spynie area (that's inland from Lossiemouth)
Peacock x 5
Tortoiseshell x 1
Speckled Wood x 1
Green-veined White x 4
Own garden later Peacock x 1
Jack
- P.J.Underwood
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Re: May 2017
I have spent the last two weeks trudging around the Chiddingfold Forest,both on my own and with the new recorder who lives near me in Chiddingfold.We have seen few butterflies due to the cold weather.A few Green Veined Whites,Speckled Wood,and the odd Peacock,Red Admiral,Brimstone and Holly Blue.However the nightingales have been magnificent.Despite intensive searching we have been unable to find any Wood Whites,despite being aware of Lee Hurrell's sighting.
So on Sunday we ventured further afield to Rewells Wood.I had not been there for three years and was amazed to see all the coppicing that had taken place.It was 14 degrees ,overcast and windy.The sun managed to come out for 5 mins and during that time 2 P.B.'s appeared and I had my first photo of the season.
The weather has become warmer this evening so perhaps Wood Whites tomorrow?
P.J.Underwood
So on Sunday we ventured further afield to Rewells Wood.I had not been there for three years and was amazed to see all the coppicing that had taken place.It was 14 degrees ,overcast and windy.The sun managed to come out for 5 mins and during that time 2 P.B.'s appeared and I had my first photo of the season.
The weather has become warmer this evening so perhaps Wood Whites tomorrow?
P.J.Underwood
- Jack Harrison
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Re: May 2017
P.J.Underwood was
Jack
Largely initiated by Neil Hulme: Fritillaries for the Future. I saw just a single PB Frit there when with Neil (on a visit south) on 23 April.amazed to see all the coppicing that had taken place {in Rewell Wood].
Jack
- P.J.Underwood
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Re: May 2017
With all the clearing that the new team is doing in Oaken Wood it would be nice if the P.B.'s could come back there.
P.J.U.
P.J.U.
- Jack Harrison
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Re: May 2017
I managed to fit in a visit (21st April) to Oaken Wood during my trip south and was most impressed by the management that had been carried out. Further on near the Tugley Wood "triangle" there were as many as perhaps eight singing Nightingales.
Jack
Jack
- P.J.Underwood
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Re: May 2017
I was right.A nice sunny day and 16 degrees Centigrade.Many butterflies were about and then I saw my first Wood White-in the centre..Many more should start emerging now.
P.J.U.
P.J.U.
- Vince Massimo
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Re: May 2017
Whilst out checking on larval webs in the local area (most of which so far are Small Tortoiseshell) I found an egg-laying Peacock.
Vince
Vince
Re: May 2017
Early morning clouds lifted by 11.30am and visits to both Crymlyn Burrows and Kilvey Hill realised the following:
Orange Tip (10-15), Speckled Wood (10-15), Large White (8-12), Green Veined White (4), Small White (3), Holly Blue (3) and Peacock (1).
Best of all though, were the two male Wall Browns found in the grassland three quarters of the way up Kilvey Hill:
Orange Tip (10-15), Speckled Wood (10-15), Large White (8-12), Green Veined White (4), Small White (3), Holly Blue (3) and Peacock (1).
Best of all though, were the two male Wall Browns found in the grassland three quarters of the way up Kilvey Hill:
Re: May 2017
Visited one or two of the smaller local Duke sites,here in Kent today,although my hopes weren,t high ,as this particular colony over the past season
or two seems to be struggling ,and after looking for about 35-40 minutes I,d only had one possible fly -by, moving down to a less familiar path,i was rewarded almost immediately with a fine fresh male,and over the next 45 minutes I added another 7,ranging from freshly emerged to the male pictured . I saw a minimum of seven ,possibly as many as nine. also found my first Green Hairs of the season ,always love finding these,also seen
2 Wall,6 Brimstone,2 Red Admiral,3 Dingy Skips, 1 Small Tort,2 Peacocks. All in all a very fruitful couple of hours . I,ve also posted a picture of my kitchen window ,you may find of interest,shows the feather dust imprint from a Woodpigeon that crashed into the window this morning.
Regards Allan.W.
or two seems to be struggling ,and after looking for about 35-40 minutes I,d only had one possible fly -by, moving down to a less familiar path,i was rewarded almost immediately with a fine fresh male,and over the next 45 minutes I added another 7,ranging from freshly emerged to the male pictured . I saw a minimum of seven ,possibly as many as nine. also found my first Green Hairs of the season ,always love finding these,also seen
2 Wall,6 Brimstone,2 Red Admiral,3 Dingy Skips, 1 Small Tort,2 Peacocks. All in all a very fruitful couple of hours . I,ve also posted a picture of my kitchen window ,you may find of interest,shows the feather dust imprint from a Woodpigeon that crashed into the window this morning.
Regards Allan.W.
Re: May 2017
No luck at my Duke Site for Dukes and the cloud that arrived as I did didn't help either but I did see Small Tort, Red Admiral, Peacock, 2 Small Coppers, 4 Grizzlies, a Small Heath and a Brown Argus
Have a goodun
Wurzel
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
Have a goodun
Wurzel
- Jack Harrison
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Re: May 2017
Nairnshire and Moray since 1st May, GV Whites in large numbers. Along suitable roadsides one every 50-100 metres. Last year first brood was dismal and numbers only picked up in the summer brood but nothing like the present abundance. A scattering of Orange Tips along the woodland edge, quite early compared with 2016.
Jack
Jack
- Pete Eeles
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Re: May 2017
I am VERY impressed, Vince; you seem to be a magnet for ovipositing AglaisVince Massimo wrote:Whilst out checking on larval webs in the local area (most of which so far are Small Tortoiseshell) I found an egg-laying Peacock.
IMG_2298-01G.jpg
IMG_2323-02G.jpg
Vince
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
Cheers,
- Pete
Life Cycles of British & Irish Butterflies: http://www.butterflylifecycles.com
British & Irish Butterflies Rarities: http://www.butterflyrarities.com
British & Irish Butterflies Rarities: http://www.butterflyrarities.com
- Vince Massimo
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Re: May 2017
Thanks Pete, but this one was pure, blind luck. I was collecting a few nettle leaves for one of my rearing projects and found myself face to face with a Peacock
. In my experience, egg-laying Peacocks are easier to find than Small Tortoiseshells, because they seem to make up their minds more quickly when it comes to selecting a suitable host plant.
Needless to say that this latest batch of eggs went on my list for follow-up visits.
Vince
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
Needless to say that this latest batch of eggs went on my list for follow-up visits.
Vince
Last edited by Vince Massimo on Tue Jun 06, 2017 1:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- Pete Eeles
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Re: May 2017
A VERY nice find nonetheless! I'm pleased to hear you'll be following upVince Massimo wrote:Needless to say that this latest batch of eggs went on my list for follow-up visits.
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
Cheers,
- Pete
Life Cycles of British & Irish Butterflies: http://www.butterflylifecycles.com
British & Irish Butterflies Rarities: http://www.butterflyrarities.com
British & Irish Butterflies Rarities: http://www.butterflyrarities.com
Re: May 2017
First Small Blue today at Hutchinsons Bank.
Other Butterflies, Dingy & Grizzled Skippers, Green Hairstreak, Common Blue, Small Copper, Red Admiral, Peacock, Comma, Orange Tip, Holly Blue.
Other Butterflies, Dingy & Grizzled Skippers, Green Hairstreak, Common Blue, Small Copper, Red Admiral, Peacock, Comma, Orange Tip, Holly Blue.
Re: May 2017
First Adonis Blues flying at Denbies Hillside today.
Dave- Jack Harrison
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Re: May 2017
I have the impression it's an early season. But what impact is the current shortage of rain going to have?
Jack
Jack
Re: May 2017
A major one of things don't change pretty soon, Jack!Jack Harrison wrote:I have the impression it's an early season. But what impact is the current shortage of rain going to have?
Even in Swansea, we've had precious little precipitation since the beginning of April. I daresay it's far worse in the 'drier' parts of the south and south east.
Looks like things may change somewhat by the end of next week though, with rain bearing fronts pushing in from the south west (which is the usual 'default' as you know).
Interestingly, I have been noticing that the western part of Scotland has been abnormally warm and dry lately. Will this be good or bad for emerging Chequered Skippers?