millerd

[Andrew555]

Nice one Dave, those Torts together are great.

[Maximus]

Nice shots of the Small Torts, Dave perhaps they'll do better this year?

Mike

[millerd]

Thank you everyone. It really was a good day for the Tortoiseshells!

Today (6th) was warmer than yesterday, but the sun was hazy and the wind stronger. Following the same route as yesterday, and at about the same time, I saw six Brimstones, six Peacocks, a single Comma, and seven Small Tortoiseshells.

However, I only saw one couple engaged in courtship.

I did see a couple of the Peacocks involved in a territorial dispute, circling each other high into the sky at one point, and as usual, none of the Brimstones (all males) stopped for even a second.

Dave

[trevor]

Your local area seems flushed with Small Tortoiseshells, I have yet to see one this year.
Great shots.

Trevor.

[Goldie M]

Same here Dave, I've yet to get a Tortoiseshell shot, nearly did once, hope you get your Brimstones next Goldie

[Wurzel]

Great set of shots Dave good to see things going on well at your end I know what you mean about the Brimstones bombing by but to be fair they do have more important things on their minds

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[millerd]

Thanks Trevor, Goldie and Wurzel.

I nearly managed a Brimstone shot today when a female settled on the other side of a gate. However, leaping over gates is no longer within my repertoire, and after a slow clamber instead she took off again. They are much easier to get close to in August, and much less worn as well - I do wonder why I even try in the spring!

Warmer again today (7th), but the sun was very hazy and disappeared soon after midday. It was quite breezy as well, and there were fewer butterflies. On the same local walk today, I only managed two Brimstones (one of each sex), two Small Tortoiseshells, a Peacock and a Comma.

The Comma was nectaring from the same set of dandelions as the Tortoiseshells have been frequenting.

Though seen in exactly the same spot, the Peacock was not the same one as I photographed yesterday.

.
Three consecutive butterfly days - things are coming together. Fingers crossed the weather forecast for later in the month is accurate.

Dave

[bugboy]

Starting to salivate at all these images coming thick and fast , I'm praying this warm spell lasts until Monday afternoon...

[Andrew555]

Lovely stuff Dave, love the Torts, I'm still waiting to see one this year.

[David M]

Great to see things coming alive for you, Dave. I'm sure it will get better over the next few days too - we have 17-20c forecast for next week!

[Goldie M]

Lovely Butterflies Dave, it feels good doesn't it just to see them Weather not too good here for the this week but sounds okay for next ,nearly time for the Lakes. Goldie

[Wurzel]

Lovely Peacock and Comma shots Dave I always think that Commas look particularly resplendent when on a yellow flower

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[millerd]

Thank you again, everyone - since last week, there has been unremitting gloom and damp round here. Until today, that is!

After yesterday when the temperature struggled to reach 10 degrees, today dawned sunny and stayed that way most of the day, with the thermometer nudging the 21 degree mark mid-afternoon.

My local patch responded, with the first Orange Tip of the year seen only a hundred metres from home. Overall, the tally reached respectable numbers:

Brimstone - 9

Small Tortoiseshell - 8

Peacock - 5

Comma - 4

Small White - 3

Orange Tip - 3

The first Holly Blues, GVW and Speckled Woods can't be far away round here, and with the forecast weather, the other early species will be emerging elsewhere. There may be an excursion or two this week...

Dave

[Maximus]

It's been a long time coming,Dave, great to see the Orange-tip

Mike

[Goldie M]

The best thing about Spring is when you see the first Orange Tips Dave great shots of them too Goldie

[Neil Freeman]

Great to see your Orange-tip photos Dave

I see that a few were reported from all around the country yesterday, this week should see them getting into their stride if the forecasts holds good.

Cheers,

Neil.

[Wurzel]

Fantastic stuff Dave Seeing those OTs I reckon in a week the OTs will be out in force over this when

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[trevor]

You've just made up my mind what to search for this coming week, Dave,
having just seen your mouthwatering Orange Tips. If the weather men have
got it right it's bikinis and sun cream from mid-week!. .
Had a quick glimpse of a Holly Blue, in Wiltshire on Saturday.

Things are on the mend !.
Trevor.

[bugboy]

Trust your local spot to be displaying the glorious Orange-tip when mine has barely woken up with adult hibernators!

[David M]

Spectacular stuff, Dave! Orange Tips seem to be on the cusp of major emergence, and that will make the coming week so much more enjoyable for all of us.

At last, spring is truly here!