Perhaps so, David. I wonder if perhaps you may have seen one or two more exotic kinds of Chalkhill Blues in the last week or so, though...
On Sunday, we headed down to the excellent Lydden Temple Ewell reserve in east Kent. This was to see two of my favourite summer butterflies, the chance to fill my boots with Chalkhill Blues, and to see if the Silver Spotted Skippers have started to emerge. Chalkhill Blues were certainly around in good numbers, and it was a great pleasure to see them at another site.
East Kent, being near the coast, is slightly cooler, especially in spring, than inland sites. So although this is an excellent site for Silver Spotted Skippers, they often emerge a few days later here. But they are definitely emerging now, and will peak later in the month.
Full day list was, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Brimstones, Clouded Yellow, Large Skipper, Silver Spotted Skipper, Small Copper, Small Blue, Common Blue, Brown Argus, Chalkhill Blues, Peacock, Comma, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Speckled Wood, Marbled Whites, Wall, Meadow Brown, Gatekeepers and Small Heath. Six kestrels were on site, as well as buzzards and ravens. I will return at the end of August, to see how things are getting on, as the downland season reaches its grand finale!