Black Hairstreak flight period in East Midlands

[Chris Jackson]

Hi Folks,
I'm back in the UK (Leicester) for a few days - 1st to the 5th of June.
I would like to see Black Hairstreak which would be a lifer for me.
I believe they fly at Glapthorn Cow Pastures, Bently Wood and Fermyn Woods.
Does anyone have "precise" dates for the flight periods at these sites ?
Is there a more convenient site nearer to Leicester?
I understand there could be a slight variation in dates from one site to another, and my time slot is really tight.
Would there be anything else worth seeing at these sights between these same dates.
Thanks,
Chris

[millerd]

Hi Chris - this takes you to where they are:
https://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/distrib ... yle=google

As to when they'll be out - any time now I'd say. A good bet is to check the Butterfly Conservation local branch sightings pages to see if any have been seen in recent days. I'm afraid I couldn't tell you if any places are "early" sites - maybe someone else with more local knowledge can.

Good luck!

Dave

[essexbuzzard]

Glapthorn is probably the most reliable site, with excellent numbers last year. You’re a tad early, but as Dave says, keep an eye on Beds and Northants BC sightings page, as Glapthorn is a well watched site, and a bit of warm weather this weekend could get things started.

[Chris Jackson]

Thanks Dave and Essex,

I see that on the Beds and Northants sightings list
http://www.bedsnorthants-butterflies.or ... _2019.html
the first BH sighting last year was on June 3rd, so I'm going to have to be really lucky to get a sighting during my time slot, tomorrow or Tuesday.
Cheers,
Chris

[bugboy]

Think the first one was seen at Monks wood yesterday. With such a narrow flight period, once one is seen they build up quickly so you well get lucky

[Chris Jackson]

Think the first one was seen at Monks wood yesterday. With such a narrow flight period, once one is seen they build up quickly so you well get lucky

That's good news Buggy, and the weather should hold out tomorrow and Tuesday until 3 pm.
We can always hit Glapthorne on the way back to leicester.
Cheers,
Chris

[Chris Jackson]

Would some-one be kind enough to pin-point the Black Hairstreak hot spot at Monk's Wood for me please ? (by PM)
Or is it signposted on site ?
On Google maps, the Wood looks extensive.
Thanks
Chris

[Lawts]

Am I late now for the Black Hairstreaks at Glapthorn Cow Pastures, or will they still be about? Thanks.

[Chris L]

Am I late now for the Black Hairstreaks at Glapthorn Cow Pastures, or will they still be about? Thanks.

https://twitter.com/bedsnthantsbc?lang=en

They were there yesterday apparently.

[Lawts]

Thanks for the info.