Trevor

[David M]

To hit double figure numbers of species so close to October is notable, Trevor. Looks like this weekend will be a washout, so I suspect these statistics will will not be achieved again until next April sadly.

[trevor]

It's important to ' make hay whilst the sun shines ', David.
Around this way things should carry on until the first frost or two.

One Butterfly species has, for me, been difficult to track down this season. The Clouded Yellow.
They have either been absent from what I have considered to be their usual hot spots, or flying
fast and not landing. I saw quite a few at Mill Hill recently, but none within camera range.

So this morning I set off for Shoreham Harbour, a location that was brilliant for them last year.
It did not take very long to find a patrolling Cloudie, then ' heaven ', one nectaring and not in a hurry.
In all about eight were seen, and some landed just long enough for a few shots.
The warm, sunny weather meant that most were supercharged, making the Wall Brown seem quite placid.

Other species seen were quite a few Common Blues, fresh and faded, a fresh Brown Argus, and three new Red Admirals.

[millerd]

I'm very pleased to see you found some obliging Cloudies at Shoreham, Trevor, after they've been giving you the run round elsewhere. Some of them look pretty fresh (as do some at Mill Hill) so are probably local grown - there could be more to come anywhere where they were seen in early August. Will we have November butterflies down there again?

Dave

[Wurzel]

Crickey so many obliging Cloudies and I still haven't seen one this year That third one is particularly yellow

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[bugboy]

Cloudie nirvana

[essexbuzzard]

Looks like I'm going to have to make a trek south in October- if the sun eventually shines on my day off! Those Clouded Yellows cannot be missed...

[Katrina]

Your Peacock from the 15th September also looks like an ab. diopthalmica.

[trevor]

I've just looked at that Peacock, Katrina, and it does have those tiny extra blue spots.
I have to say the spots aren't immediately obvious.

[trevor]

I thought there might be some appreciation for those Cloudies, slippery devils at the best of times !.
Many thanks everyone.

Today we had a short window ( very short! ) of decent weather, so I headed for High and Over.
The cool breeze was blowing along the hedge in the meadow, but never the less this where
most Butterflies were seen. About eight male Wall Browns were flying, but no fresh ones today.
Another Painted Lady was found basking at the base of the hedge, and a newly emerged Red Admiral
took advantage of a fence post to shelter from the wind.

Not a bad haul for a decidedly dodgy day.

It was also a pleasure to aquaint Andrew, from Sevenoaks with the best spots for Walls at H&O.

Trevor.

[millerd]

Good to see the Walls persisting in less than ideal conditions, and a nice shot of one of each sex there, Trevor. I suspect the Lady and the Admiral were having a last feed before heading southwards...

Dave

[Wurzel]

A Painted Lady at any time of year is always a welcome sight Trevor and topped off with a few Walls definitely makes it a good haul

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[bugboy]

Still firmly rooted along that top hedgerow I see Trevor . I was in your neck of the woods again today, you'll have to wait till tomorrow to see what I saw though

[David M]

I'm highly envious of that variety of species you've seen lately, Trevor. Saw a Cloudie myself at the back end of August but I'm sure the Welsh ones have all been rained into submission in recent weeks!

[Butterflysaurus rex]

Glad to see you enjoying the last of this seasons butterflies Trevor. I think my season is pretty much over for this year. Overall it’s been great, see you out there again somewhere next year.

BW’s

James

[trevor]

Despite the blustery wind this morning, I could not resist another trip to Shoreham,
and on the way home a quick visit to High and Over.

Here are some of the species seen.

[David M]

Very impressive, Trevor. Me....I just wish the opportunity would present itself so that I can get out at all!

[Goldie M]

Wow!!! you've certainly been blessed with Cloudy's Trevor, lovely shot's too Goldie

[Wurzel]

I think at this rate Trevor I'm going to have to get the MrGreen gif changed to Mr Yellow to represent my envy of all you Cloudies

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[trevor]

The start of the Wall Brown third brood at High and Over was first noticed by badgerbob
and myself on Aug. 31st, and today there is still plenty of activity.
Yesterday I found two fresh females, and today a fresh male was seen flying among older examples.
I met badgerbob on site this morning, he had counted eleven males, and I found another some
distance from the others.
Also seen there this morning, a very fresh Large White ( with some wing damage ) and two
fresh Small Coppers. Towards the car park several Speckled Woods danced in the semi shade.

I later moved on to Tide Mills, which was very quiet except for a few Common Blues.

Trevor.

PS. Many thanks David, Goldie & Wurzel.

[millerd]

Those Walls are doing really well down there, Trevor, especially if some of them are relatively fresh. Do you know how long-lived they are? Nice to see Blues and Coppers too.

Dave