Neil Hulme

[Wurzel]

Stunning stuff Neil , but why can't he be discovered even nearer to home?

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[David M]

Fabulous images, Neil, especially the penultimate one where the butterfly has elongated it's wings as if it's having a good stretch!

Good luck for the imminent Emperor season. We understand that you'll be otherwise engaged for a while.

[Neil Hulme]

Black, Dark Green And Burnt-tip

Yesterday (12 June) I caught up with butterfly buddies Bob Eade and James Arnott, who I hadn't seen all season. Unsurprisingly, we started off at Ditchling Common, where, despite the rather cool and overcast weather, it was still raining Black Hairstreaks. We then moved on to the Downs near Seaford, primarily to look at late-flowering Burnt-tip Orchids. The orchid search provided the bonus discovery of a very fresh Dark Green Fritillary.

[ernie f]

Neil - just now reading through your recent posts. WOW. What can I say that has not already been said. I am gobsmacked. I just wished I lived a bit closer to the location. Maybe I can try and plan a visit next year.

I was still reeling from the Black Hairstreak info and pics that the Burnt Orchid didn't quite register straight away. Double WOW.

[Neil Hulme]

Thanks, all. This is turning into the spring and summer we've been hoping for, for many years.
BWs, Neil

[Neil Hulme]

SPBF Second Brood Expected

I spent a lovely morning enjoying the peace and quiet of our Park Corner Heath & Rowland Wood reserves today (13 June); I suspect that most butterfly watchers were at Ditchling Common! It was encouraging to find 15 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary still on the wing (7m, 8f), a month after they first emerged. Most are now faded, but the females were still laying plenty of eggs. With the early emergence, good numbers and warm weather, I'm expecting a partial second brood in late July. Plenty of other butterflies were seen, with the best of the supporting cast being 3 White Admiral.

[Neil Hulme]

How We Brought The Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Back Home

A short film by Justin Ingham https://vimeo.com/256913210

[David M]

I thoroughly enjoyed that, Neil. It was particularly good to see a couple of youngsters getting involved. Too often these days kids prefer to meddle with electronic gadgetry than get their hands dirty outdoors!

[Neil Hulme]

Thanks, David. I think this film is a great way to celebrate the input of young and old alike. It makes me glow with pride and happiness!
BWs, Neil

[Neil Hulme]

Red, Green & Blue

Yesterday (15 June) I spent a few hours in Charlton Forest, planning follow-up habitat work for the Fritillaries for the Future project. It's been encouraging to see that many species have already invaded what was once an enclosed and shady area of woodland, including Grizzled and Dingy Skippers, Common Blue, Brown Argus and Marbled White. Numbers of the rare Drab Looper moth have also increased spectacularly. During my visit I saw my first Silver-washed Fritillary of the year.

On the way home I stopped off to photograph the magnificent display of poppies at Bury Hill.

[Janet Turnbull]

What a lovely film, Neil. It must be thrilling for the volunteers to see the fruit of their labours!
Love those poppies - what a display

[David M]

Fabulously evocative images, Neil. You are surrounded by beauty whether it be in winged form or just the general landscape.

It's a reminder of just how lovely Britain can be.

[Neil Freeman]

Hi Neil, just catching up on a few diaries after being in Norfolk for a few days last week, amazing news about the Black Hairstreaks in Sussex

It really makes you wonder what else may be hidden away out there if these can remain undetected for so long in what I imagine is one of the most surveyed counties in the country.

Great stuff

Cheers,

Neil.

[Neil Hulme]

Thanks, Janet. I was very pleased with the film; Justin Ingham did a great job for us. Unsurprisingly, he's a very experienced professional film-maker.
Hi David. That's why I find it so difficult to travel overseas in spring or summer!
Hi Neil. Despite being a well-surveyed county, Ditchling has remained remarkably unwatched (in recent decades) until the last few years - not anymore!
BWs, Neil

[Neil Hulme]

Sussex Emperors

Today (17 June) I saw my first Purple Emperor of the season, in the oaks at the northern end of Green Lane (Knepp Southern Block). A male was observed flying rapidly around the canopy in unsuitably strong wind at 12.15 pm. A second male flew over my shoulder from the sallow scrub behind at 12.25 pm and climbed up to join the first. By 12.35 pm they were dogfighting at breakneck speed; this was silly, as someone could have been hurt.

Earlier in the morning I'd seen 8 Black Hairstreak (the flight is now declining rapidly) at Ditchling Common. I never thought I'd record pruni and iris on the same day in Sussex!

[David M]

I wouldn't like to call between Oates and Hulme to be honest. I think the safest bet here is the 17th!

Can I claim my prize?

It just HAD to fall between the dates proposed by Oates/Hulme!!

Get ready, folks!

[Neil Hulme]

Hi David
There was one isolated early bird, but 17th was the real start to the season. They're already building fast! Matthew had 30 at Knepp today. We're expecting very large numbers.
BWs, Neil

[Neil Hulme]

Daneway Blues

Not much time for narrative at this time of year, but here are a few images from a couple of sessions (18 & 19 June) at the wonderful Daneway Banks. It was great to catch up with some old friends, and new. Plenty flying, so now's a good time to go.

[Wurzel]

Looks like I missed both you and the Large Blues by a day! Cracking set of shots

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[Jack Harrison]

It's always worth a stop in the lay-by on the climb up Bury Hill (A29 south of the village) to enjoy the view, one of the finest in southern England.

For some reason, cyclists often take a break there when climbing the 'gentle' gradient. Youngsters have no stamina these days

Jack