Trevor

[David M]

Well done, Trevor! I too saw male Brimstones during my lunch break at work today but, unlike yours, they remained frustratingly airborne!

[essexbuzzard]

Well done Trevor. We don’t want to tempt fate but, whisper it, there is no sign of last years ‘beast from the east’. And, as each week passes, it gets less likely.

[trevor]

Cheers David & Mark. Of the seven Brimstones seen today we only got our cameras near two, David.
After last years pronouncement I'm not even going to whisper it, Mark. But the Sun was
gorgeous today. It is nice to see the natural world waking up.

[bugboy]

Well done Trevor, I knew this warm spell would get a few sightings. Sadly it's also coincided with my fortnightly run of 6 days at work so I'm spending my lunch break hoping something appears there

[Wurzel]

A fantastic rate of return for the first trip out Trevor The Mail still seems to think that we're going to be hit by a Beast from the East Mark 2 - so if they're as accurate as predicting this as they are Bar-Be-Que summers we should be okay Saying that I've got to head to Wales to visit the Outlaws soon so apologies in advance for any sudden downturn in the weather

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[David M]

Cheers David & Mark. Of the seven Brimstones seen today we only got our cameras near two, David.

That's two more than I managed, Trevor!

This mild period shows no sign of easing up; in fact, Friday is forecast to threaten record February highs in some areas of the UK.

I trust you'll make the most of it.

[trevor]

The fog and general gloom that has plagued the extreme South for the last few days
finally lifted today to leave a clear blue sky, with some warmth.
A day too good to miss, I headed over to Rowland Wood where I eventually found
nine male Brimstones and a single Comma. A moment of intense activity occurred as
I was trying to photograph a settled Brimstone, with another flying close by. I was then
buzzed by a non-stop Comma, later the Comma kept returning but never landed.
Somewhile later I saw Gary Norman crouching down in the distance. He was photographing
the Comma which had stopped to bask at last.

A great morning, and a promise of some Dog Violets for Gary's Pearl Cats, when they resume feeding.

Trevor.

[ernie f]

Trevor

Great Stuff. I have only seen two Brimstones so far and they did not hang around to have their photos taken.

[Wurzel]

Great stuff with the Brimstones Trevor They're a right pain at this time of year - I saw numerous ones today but they just wouldn't hold still - mind you I didn't mind too much as my lens is with Nikon having the Autofocus totally replaced (wore out after 8 years of abuse ) so I couldn't have done any behaving butterflies justice anyway

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[David M]

Well done with the settled Brimstone, Trevor. Not one of the half dozen I've thus far seen has been so obliging.

Good to see Commas again too. One of my favourite British butterflies.

[millerd]

I'm also very envious of those settled Brimstones, Trevor, and of your early start to the season! Great shots.

Still, it's all started happening everywhere now, and three more days at least of decent weather too.

Dave

[trevor]

Many thanks, Gentlemen. I'm pleased the Brimstones were enjoyed. .
.
Today it was a Peacock and at least three Commas that were the stars.
From a frost to 16c in about five hours, and boy was it warm after the freezing start.

The first sighting was the Peacock, which was basking on the rough path.
As I walked on I spotted a basking Comma, and after a few shots, two
more Commas were seen sparring in the air. How many of the three I managed
to photograph, I'm not sure as they were very lively in the warmth ( heat! ).

Today I broke a personal record for the number of Butterflies seen in February,
I imagine I am not alone with that record either!.

Trevor.

[millerd]

Some very nice Comma shots there, Trevor - and you're right, my February sightings in the last three days are far more that all other Februaries added together.

Dave

[Wurzel]

Cracking Commas Trevor I reckon the Graveyard is definitely worth a check the next time you're back over this way - the Small Torts have started emerging well Still trying to bag my first Peacock

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[bugboy]

Great shots Trevor, those Commas look very well behaved

[trevor]

Many thanks, Dave, Wurzel & Paul.

More of the same today, But it was the Peacock that was seen most often.
As the Peacocks warmed up, high speed chases and sparring sessions were frequent.
In the heat, yes that is the right word, several Peacocks and Commas thoughtfully
closed their wings shortly after landing, allowing for some underside shots.

Another interesting day,
Trevor.

[Wurzel]

Great Peacock shots Trevor Better make the most of it tomorrow as it looks set for 'all change' in time for the weekend Interesting to hear that the Peacock is the most commonly seen at that site - for me it's been the Small Tort I recall Philzoid saying something similar - is this an East/West thing I wonder?

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[David M]

Nice work, Trevor. Most of the country seems have turned into a 'Comma-fest' at the moment. Hopefully they will have a good season this year.

[trevor]

Many thanks, Wurzel & David.

I was hoping for a Small Tort fest today, Wurzel, not seen one yet.
So for a change of scene, I went to Hampden Park on the outskirts of Eastbourne.
Despite very promising habitat, and cracking weather, all I saw in three hours was
two male Brimstones. Fortunately one of the Brimstones was very camera friendly
It was interesting watching the Brimstones and how they ignore one another when they meet,
unlike Speckled Woods which will squabble for ages.

[Goldie M]

Fantastic shots of the Comma's Trevor and I love your shot of the Brimstone, I've just booked a trip to Eastbourne in early June, I'll put that Park on my to do list. Goldie