It's Sun Aug 10th and it's raining hard. Yesterday was worse.
I had planned to spend one day this weekend hunting SSSkippers on Broughton Down (in Hampshire) after some good advise from others in the know but once again I - like many of you - am frustrated by England in the summer.
I note that the Shipton Bellinger site is in the same vicinty and based on the site info I might attempt the Brown Hairstreak - make a day of it!!! However, these are not easy to locate and especially to photograph. I have not seen this species before either.
Do any of you have experience of this site and if so can you be a bit more specific as to where I should begin looking? Weather permitting I might still make this trip before these two species are on the wane. Grateful for any help.
First Peacock sighted in the garden on Friday and a Brimstone in v. good condition (Fri. was not too bad weather wise in the south-west.
Wavelea1
Silver Spotted Skippers and Brown Hairstreaks
- Gruditch
- Moderator & Stock Contributor
- Posts: 1689
- Joined: Mon Apr 09, 2007 3:30 pm
- Location: Hampshire
- Contact:
Re: Silver Spotted Skippers and Brown Hairstreaks
Hi Wavelea1, I don't know if you have already done your trip, but the Hampshire Branch of BC, are running a Brown Hairstreak walk at Shipton Bellinger on the 23RD, this Saturday.
Gruditch
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
Gruditch
Re: Silver Spotted Skippers and Brown Hairstreaks
Thanks Gruditch
Sat looks like a half decent day and my better half hasn't planned anything so I'm investigating - sadly she's a better photographer so I need her along.
Wavelea1
Sat looks like a half decent day and my better half hasn't planned anything so I'm investigating - sadly she's a better photographer so I need her along.
Wavelea1
Re: Silver Spotted Skippers and Brown Hairstreaks
Do you know if they had more luck than we did, Gary?
- Pete Eeles
- Administrator & Stock Contributor
- Posts: 6815
- Joined: Tue Jan 17, 2006 6:10 pm
- Location: Thatcham, Berkshire
- Contact:
Re: Silver Spotted Skippers and Brown Hairstreaks
From the Hants BC sightings page at: http://www.hantsiow-butterflies.org.uk/sightings.htm (look at 23rd August):
Roger Buchanan writes: "Andy Barker led an excellent walk today at Shipton Bellinger - attended my some branch members and locals from the village - very successful. Saw several species, very large numbers of Brimstones and a few of the 'target' species - Brown Hairstreak. The first had a classic wedge-shaped mark on its hind-wings with the tails missing testifying to a bird attack. One was seen laying, several were noted high in ash trees and one seen low down nectaring."
And this photo posted: http://www.hantsiow-butterflies.org.uk/ ... streak.jpg
Cheers,
- Pete
Roger Buchanan writes: "Andy Barker led an excellent walk today at Shipton Bellinger - attended my some branch members and locals from the village - very successful. Saw several species, very large numbers of Brimstones and a few of the 'target' species - Brown Hairstreak. The first had a classic wedge-shaped mark on its hind-wings with the tails missing testifying to a bird attack. One was seen laying, several were noted high in ash trees and one seen low down nectaring."
And this photo posted: http://www.hantsiow-butterflies.org.uk/ ... streak.jpg
Cheers,
- Pete
Life Cycles of British & Irish Butterflies: http://www.butterflylifecycles.com
British & Irish Butterflies Rarities: http://www.butterflyrarities.com
British & Irish Butterflies Rarities: http://www.butterflyrarities.com
- Gruditch
- Moderator & Stock Contributor
- Posts: 1689
- Joined: Mon Apr 09, 2007 3:30 pm
- Location: Hampshire
- Contact:
Re: Silver Spotted Skippers and Brown Hairstreaks
Looks like they had a little luck.
I've seen BHS on five occasions now, but have only photographed them once. Noare Hill is supposed to give you the best Chance of getting a picy, but personally I've never been that in love with the site.
Gruditch
![Mr. Green :mrgreen:](./images/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif)
I've seen BHS on five occasions now, but have only photographed them once. Noare Hill is supposed to give you the best Chance of getting a picy, but personally I've never been that in love with the site.
![Confused :?](./images/smilies/icon_confused.gif)
Gruditch
Re: Silver Spotted Skippers and Brown Hairstreaks
Confirmed multiple sightings of Brown Hairstreak today at Ravensroost Meadow, Wiltshire.
And a little surprise on the way home at Somerford Common.
Details in my blog.
Denise
And a little surprise on the way home at Somerford Common.
Details in my blog.
Denise