millerd
Re: millerd
Wednesday 3rd June. What a difference a day makes, and don't you hate it when the weathermen get things right? 17 degrees was the high today, and no sunshine at all was recorded at Heathrow for the first time since 3rd May. Nevertheless, there was enough warmth coming through the cloud for a few things to be flying on my local patch - though only a handful of species were seen.
Meadow Browns are not shy of dull weather, but they were still difficult to get close to. Small Heaths also put in an appearance... ...as well as one Common Blue... ...and one Brown Argus. More surprisingly, a fresh new brood Small Tortoiseshell was attempting to warm up on the leaf litter. It was slightly unusual in that the blue marginal spots on the forewings were almost non-existent. With a lack of adult butterflies I searched out caterpillars, finding an Orange Tip (no longer very camouflaged as the Garlic Mustard starts to dry out)... ...and a whole new nest of Peacocks. There's always something to see, whatever the conditions.
Dave
Meadow Browns are not shy of dull weather, but they were still difficult to get close to. Small Heaths also put in an appearance... ...as well as one Common Blue... ...and one Brown Argus. More surprisingly, a fresh new brood Small Tortoiseshell was attempting to warm up on the leaf litter. It was slightly unusual in that the blue marginal spots on the forewings were almost non-existent. With a lack of adult butterflies I searched out caterpillars, finding an Orange Tip (no longer very camouflaged as the Garlic Mustard starts to dry out)... ...and a whole new nest of Peacocks. There's always something to see, whatever the conditions.
Dave
Re: millerd
Well done with the White Admiral, Dave. That's a very good sign indeed!.
Stay well
Trevor.
Stay well
Trevor.
Re: millerd
Wow Dave! it looks like the Butterflies are really emerging now, great shots Goldie
Re: millerd
Brilliant find that really early Wood White Dave Hopefully pick them up myself this weekend
I could be wrong but I reckon the second dragonfly is a female Black-tailed Skimmer and the first is a female Emperor but I reckon it could be the less usual blue form
Have a goodun and stay safe
Wurzel
I could be wrong but I reckon the second dragonfly is a female Black-tailed Skimmer and the first is a female Emperor but I reckon it could be the less usual blue form
Have a goodun and stay safe
Wurzel
Re: millerd
Thanks, all, and particularly Wurzel for the dragonfly IDs. I see a lot of different types around here, given the proximity to the River Colne. In fact another one features in this next post, but in a different role...
Thursday 4th June. The weather continued to be nothing special, cool and largely cloudy. However, as long as the cloud isn't too thick the sun's warmth gets through at this time of year (especially in the middle of the day), and can be enough to allow the butterflies to fly. In fact I saw around fifty on my local patch today - mostly Meadow Browns and Small Heaths, but a respectable ten species altogether, including one new one for the year and the welcome appearance of a summer variation. Orange and brown was the order of the day, except for a few Common Blues.
The 2020 first sighting was of a Small Skipper. There were a few Large Skippers too, including this nice new female, the first I've seen this year here. The other newcomer was the summer form of the Comma (f. hutchinsoni). In fact, I saw three of these beautifully marked insects in different spots.
The new brood of Small Tortoiseshells are also emerging, with a couple seen today. Considering the numbers around, I decided to have a look at one or two Small Heaths. There appear to be new-looking individuals amongst these as well - which is true throughout the season. Their broods seem to overlap and merge. I also managed a shot of the only Speckled Wood seen today. Today's example of interesting behaviour came when I disturbed a rather worn blue butterfly from the grass and it took to the air in distinctly feeble flight. Seizing the opportunity, a nearby dragonfly dived in and grabbed the unfortunate butterfly and settled on the ground to consume it. However, it wouldn't allow me to approach particularly close, so this is the only shot I could achieve. Looking at the photo, it is possible the butterfly was actually a female Holly Blue (rather than a male Common Blue as I had first assumed) as it was caught close to one of the areas of goats' rue where the Hollies have been laying.
Even on a relatively dull cool day, there is always something worth seeing.
Dave
Thursday 4th June. The weather continued to be nothing special, cool and largely cloudy. However, as long as the cloud isn't too thick the sun's warmth gets through at this time of year (especially in the middle of the day), and can be enough to allow the butterflies to fly. In fact I saw around fifty on my local patch today - mostly Meadow Browns and Small Heaths, but a respectable ten species altogether, including one new one for the year and the welcome appearance of a summer variation. Orange and brown was the order of the day, except for a few Common Blues.
The 2020 first sighting was of a Small Skipper. There were a few Large Skippers too, including this nice new female, the first I've seen this year here. The other newcomer was the summer form of the Comma (f. hutchinsoni). In fact, I saw three of these beautifully marked insects in different spots.
The new brood of Small Tortoiseshells are also emerging, with a couple seen today. Considering the numbers around, I decided to have a look at one or two Small Heaths. There appear to be new-looking individuals amongst these as well - which is true throughout the season. Their broods seem to overlap and merge. I also managed a shot of the only Speckled Wood seen today. Today's example of interesting behaviour came when I disturbed a rather worn blue butterfly from the grass and it took to the air in distinctly feeble flight. Seizing the opportunity, a nearby dragonfly dived in and grabbed the unfortunate butterfly and settled on the ground to consume it. However, it wouldn't allow me to approach particularly close, so this is the only shot I could achieve. Looking at the photo, it is possible the butterfly was actually a female Holly Blue (rather than a male Common Blue as I had first assumed) as it was caught close to one of the areas of goats' rue where the Hollies have been laying.
Even on a relatively dull cool day, there is always something worth seeing.
Dave
Re: millerd
Cracking shots Dave - glad you got a confirmed Small Skipper Those Small Heaths are in very fine fettle Fascinating to see the Dragonfly (Black-tailed Skimmer) almost guarding its prey; like a Lion on the Serengeti
Have a goodun and stay safe
Wurzel
Have a goodun and stay safe
Wurzel
Re: millerd
Thank you, Wurzel. There are a lot of fresh Small Heaths at the moment - and ta for another dragonfly ID. They can be pretty fearsome creatures, especially if you happen to be a small butterfly.
Friday and Saturday 5th/6th June continued the cool and mostly cloudy theme. I didn't venture beyond my local patch, and didn't see very much of note either day. Dave
Friday and Saturday 5th/6th June continued the cool and mostly cloudy theme. I didn't venture beyond my local patch, and didn't see very much of note either day. Dave
Re: millerd
The forecast for Sunday 7th June was rather better. As a consequence, arrangements were made to head for Ditchling Common in Sussex and to meet up with various like-minded folk to hopefully see Black Hairstreaks.
The sun appeared on cue, as did Trevor, Wurzel and Philzoid. However, the Hairstreaks were rather more reluctant, and for a while there was especial frustration for Wurzel for whom they would be a lifer. Eventually, some were seen, and Wurzel managed to squeeze in some decent shots. I didn't fare so well, glimpsing them mostly high in the trees... ...and I was completely the wrong side of the only one I was close to lower down. Phil also discovered the remains of one that had been predated - interesting, but not quite the kind of shot I would like to have had. Never mind - it was another very sociable kind of day, even if the butterflies didn't behave as we would have liked. Also seen (far more amenably!)... .. several Meadow Browns and a couple of glimpses of a Silver-washed Fritillary.
Dave
The sun appeared on cue, as did Trevor, Wurzel and Philzoid. However, the Hairstreaks were rather more reluctant, and for a while there was especial frustration for Wurzel for whom they would be a lifer. Eventually, some were seen, and Wurzel managed to squeeze in some decent shots. I didn't fare so well, glimpsing them mostly high in the trees... ...and I was completely the wrong side of the only one I was close to lower down. Phil also discovered the remains of one that had been predated - interesting, but not quite the kind of shot I would like to have had. Never mind - it was another very sociable kind of day, even if the butterflies didn't behave as we would have liked. Also seen (far more amenably!)... .. several Meadow Browns and a couple of glimpses of a Silver-washed Fritillary.
Dave
Re: millerd
Soon after leaving Ditchling on the return journey I drove through heavy rain, which put paid to any ideas of stopping anywhere interesting en route. Nor could I even have a quick walk out locally.
Monday 8th June was cooler and mostly cloudy again, but at least a local walk was possible today.
Meadow Browns were now becoming abundant, with 41 seen today, nearly all of them males still. But not quite all - and one of the few females I found did me the honour of opening up in a moment of weak sunshine. Small Heaths were also frequent (23 seen)... ...and surprisingsly there was a surge in the number of Common Blues, including some quite fresh males. There were both Large... ...and Small Skippers, including a very dark-looking female . There was even a Holly Blue, this time apparently laying on bramble for a change. Small Tortoiseshells are definitely doing well, with these two amongst the nine seen today. There were also new Commas, a fresh Red Admiral - which was a standout example of ab. fructa (broken red forewing band)... ...a very worn Painted Lady. ...and even a Small White - there haven't been many white butterflies lately. Nearly a hundred butterflies seen today - not bad for a day lacking much proper sunshine.
Dave
Monday 8th June was cooler and mostly cloudy again, but at least a local walk was possible today.
Meadow Browns were now becoming abundant, with 41 seen today, nearly all of them males still. But not quite all - and one of the few females I found did me the honour of opening up in a moment of weak sunshine. Small Heaths were also frequent (23 seen)... ...and surprisingsly there was a surge in the number of Common Blues, including some quite fresh males. There were both Large... ...and Small Skippers, including a very dark-looking female . There was even a Holly Blue, this time apparently laying on bramble for a change. Small Tortoiseshells are definitely doing well, with these two amongst the nine seen today. There were also new Commas, a fresh Red Admiral - which was a standout example of ab. fructa (broken red forewing band)... ...a very worn Painted Lady. ...and even a Small White - there haven't been many white butterflies lately. Nearly a hundred butterflies seen today - not bad for a day lacking much proper sunshine.
Dave
Re: millerd
Tuesday 9th June was a warmer day, with more sunshine. I started the day locally again, and quickly counted over 130 butterflies of 13 different species:
Small Heath 39
Meadow Brown 36
Common Blue 25
Small Tortoiseshell 7
Brown Argus 6
Small White 4
Small Skipper 3
Comma 3
Red Admiral 3
Large Skipper 3
Holly Blue 2
Small Copper 2
Green-veined White 1
One Red Admiral was a very new one, and another example of ab. fructa. The GVW was a new brood too, more subtly marked than the early spring ones. Some more bright Small Tortoiseshells... ...and a new male Small Skipper. Of the two Small Coppers, one was not new, though still quite bright... ...but the other was the remarkable individual I first saw on 2nd May. I have a near-continuous record of photos of this individual from his usual haunt during the (at least) 39 days of his life - how long do they last? Bearing in mind this particular butterfly lived through the 300+ hours of May sunshine, plus the 40 hours of sun since, he won't have led a very sheltered life. Quite extraordinary - I expect though from his current state I may not get to see him again.
Lastly of note was that other old favourite - the Holly Blue laying on goats' rue. There can't be many more first brood females doing this during this year now... Dave
Small Heath 39
Meadow Brown 36
Common Blue 25
Small Tortoiseshell 7
Brown Argus 6
Small White 4
Small Skipper 3
Comma 3
Red Admiral 3
Large Skipper 3
Holly Blue 2
Small Copper 2
Green-veined White 1
One Red Admiral was a very new one, and another example of ab. fructa. The GVW was a new brood too, more subtly marked than the early spring ones. Some more bright Small Tortoiseshells... ...and a new male Small Skipper. Of the two Small Coppers, one was not new, though still quite bright... ...but the other was the remarkable individual I first saw on 2nd May. I have a near-continuous record of photos of this individual from his usual haunt during the (at least) 39 days of his life - how long do they last? Bearing in mind this particular butterfly lived through the 300+ hours of May sunshine, plus the 40 hours of sun since, he won't have led a very sheltered life. Quite extraordinary - I expect though from his current state I may not get to see him again.
Lastly of note was that other old favourite - the Holly Blue laying on goats' rue. There can't be many more first brood females doing this during this year now... Dave
Re: millerd
You made the most of the few photo opps on offer last Sunday.
That was a very enjoyable meet up. This is usually a very solo game.
Stay well,
Trevor.
That was a very enjoyable meet up. This is usually a very solo game.
Stay well,
Trevor.
Re: millerd
As usual a cracking set of shots Dave The Blackstreaks did live up to their reputation as one of the most awkward butterflies and there was one individual that didn't really have a clue about Social Distancing but all in all it was still a great day (having gotten a lifer of course I'm bound to say that ). Thanks for the reminder as well - I've been trying to recall the name of the aberrant Red Admiral and was adamant to remember it and not just google it Hopefully see you soon
Have a goodun and stay safe
Wurzel
Have a goodun and stay safe
Wurzel
Re: millerd
Cheers, both - it was a most enjoyable day, regardless of the Black Hairstreak (non) performance!
Later in the day on 9th June, bearing in mind the partly sunny and relatively still conditions, I went down to Box Hill to look for Dark Green Fritillaries and their usual companions there, the Marbled Whites. I met with success, though the latter species were only out in very small numbers as yet. The DGF were better - a probably saw six or seven individuals altogether. Aside from these two species, there wasn't much to see - a few Meadow Browns, Large and Small Skippers, and a single female Common Blue. She was worth a photo, though. At least those few Marbled Whites I found were fresh ones. The stars though were the lovely bright new Dark Green Fritillaries. With the sun being far from constant, they were stopping to bask relatively often, and were reasonably approachable. I spotted one down in the grass which proved to be unusually so - I suspect it was perhaps quite newly emerged. I gave it a helping hand to a spot where photos might be a bit easier, whereupon the sun disappeared completely for a while and I had to wait some time for it to return and wake the butterfly back up. In the interim, I did manage a whole variety of undersides and closeup shots with changing light levels making quite a difference to the colours of the butterfly. However, patience paid off, the sun returned and I was rewarded with some excellent upperside views of this butterfly and a couple of others. They really were glowing in the late afternoon sunlight.
Dave
Later in the day on 9th June, bearing in mind the partly sunny and relatively still conditions, I went down to Box Hill to look for Dark Green Fritillaries and their usual companions there, the Marbled Whites. I met with success, though the latter species were only out in very small numbers as yet. The DGF were better - a probably saw six or seven individuals altogether. Aside from these two species, there wasn't much to see - a few Meadow Browns, Large and Small Skippers, and a single female Common Blue. She was worth a photo, though. At least those few Marbled Whites I found were fresh ones. The stars though were the lovely bright new Dark Green Fritillaries. With the sun being far from constant, they were stopping to bask relatively often, and were reasonably approachable. I spotted one down in the grass which proved to be unusually so - I suspect it was perhaps quite newly emerged. I gave it a helping hand to a spot where photos might be a bit easier, whereupon the sun disappeared completely for a while and I had to wait some time for it to return and wake the butterfly back up. In the interim, I did manage a whole variety of undersides and closeup shots with changing light levels making quite a difference to the colours of the butterfly. However, patience paid off, the sun returned and I was rewarded with some excellent upperside views of this butterfly and a couple of others. They really were glowing in the late afternoon sunlight.
Dave
Re: millerd
Hi! Dave, what a lot of Butterflies, I see you saw Holly Blues on the 9th June, I thought they might be finished by now, I must look, see,
Fantastic shots of the Fritillary and on your finger as well, they're usually al over the place That Common Blue is lovely too! I hope the Marbled White ore still a round when I get to Kent Goldie
Fantastic shots of the Fritillary and on your finger as well, they're usually al over the place That Common Blue is lovely too! I hope the Marbled White ore still a round when I get to Kent Goldie
Re: millerd
Brilliant photos Dave. You certainly have both the volumes and an enviable variety of species.
Re: millerd
Thank you, Goldie. The Holly Blues are pretty well over for the moment, though I expect the summer brood to appear any day now. Marbled Whites should be around into July, so hopefully if it's not too long before you visit Kent, you'll see them.
Thanks, Otep - yes, my local patch is very fruitful, and other sites within 40 minutes drive provide quite a few more species.
Wednesday 10th June was cool and cloudy again. The only species relatively undeterred by this on my local patch was the Meadow Brown, flying up from the grass at the slightest excuse. Small Heaths were a bit more reluctant, and almost everything else stayed tucked away. One or two exceptions: A couple of Common Blues and a Brown Argus... ...a Small Skipper... ...and a Small Tortoiseshell. There was something slightly different about this last butterfly, and though it could be a trick of the light, I formed the impression that the two spots at the outer top corners of the forewings were actually pale blue rather than white or pale cream. Here's a close-up. I noticed this at the time (hence the close-up) so it's not a feature of the photography process. I have to assume this is within the normal range of variation as it isn't recorded as an ab. anywhere that I can find.
Dave
Thanks, Otep - yes, my local patch is very fruitful, and other sites within 40 minutes drive provide quite a few more species.
Wednesday 10th June was cool and cloudy again. The only species relatively undeterred by this on my local patch was the Meadow Brown, flying up from the grass at the slightest excuse. Small Heaths were a bit more reluctant, and almost everything else stayed tucked away. One or two exceptions: A couple of Common Blues and a Brown Argus... ...a Small Skipper... ...and a Small Tortoiseshell. There was something slightly different about this last butterfly, and though it could be a trick of the light, I formed the impression that the two spots at the outer top corners of the forewings were actually pale blue rather than white or pale cream. Here's a close-up. I noticed this at the time (hence the close-up) so it's not a feature of the photography process. I have to assume this is within the normal range of variation as it isn't recorded as an ab. anywhere that I can find.
Dave
Re: millerd
Hi Dave,
Lovely photos of the DGF at Box Hill, along with the Marbled White. They are very early this year aren't they. I remember a similar day with both species there a handful of years ago and it was mid July. I particularly like the head on shot, not an angle you see very often.
Kind Regards
Kev
Lovely photos of the DGF at Box Hill, along with the Marbled White. They are very early this year aren't they. I remember a similar day with both species there a handful of years ago and it was mid July. I particularly like the head on shot, not an angle you see very often.
Kind Regards
Kev
Re: millerd
Fantastic shots of the DGFs Dave They really explain the green bit of their name though I'm not sure about the 'dark' bit
I see what you mean about the Small Tort - I zoomed in as much as I could and there do apppear to be some blue scales around the edges of the white marking which could explain why it looks light blue when zoomed out - not seen anything like that before - something else to keep a look out for
Have a goodun and stay safe
Wurzel
I see what you mean about the Small Tort - I zoomed in as much as I could and there do apppear to be some blue scales around the edges of the white marking which could explain why it looks light blue when zoomed out - not seen anything like that before - something else to keep a look out for
Have a goodun and stay safe
Wurzel
Re: millerd
Cheers, Kev - yes, they do seem early, though the Marbled Whites are clearly only just starting. I like those head-on shots - they bring out a bit of character, like the spiky ginger hairdo for a start!
It's an interesting one, Wurzel, that Tortoiseshell... There's always something different out there it seems.
Thursday 11th June was cloudy and showery, though definitely a bit warmer again. I just had the briefest of local walks and between showers found an amenable Small Heath. They do tend to get overlooked in normal circumstances. The afternoon looked a bit better, and there were patches of blue to the north, so another trip out seemed worth the risk...
Dave
It's an interesting one, Wurzel, that Tortoiseshell... There's always something different out there it seems.
Thursday 11th June was cloudy and showery, though definitely a bit warmer again. I just had the briefest of local walks and between showers found an amenable Small Heath. They do tend to get overlooked in normal circumstances. The afternoon looked a bit better, and there were patches of blue to the north, so another trip out seemed worth the risk...
Dave
Re: millerd
So on the afternoon of 11th June, I headed up the M40 to Aston Rowant. In these times of diminished traffic it only took half an hour, but the blue skies that had lured me up that way were steadily encroached upon by cloud, and on the steady climb up to the top of the Chiltern ridge, the rain started. Luckily it wasn't all that much, so when I stepped out onto he hillside, things had brightened up again. To begin with, all I saw flying were Small Heaths and Meadow Browns (I could have stayed at home for those! ), but then a streak of orange from the bottom to the top of the slope announced the presence of a Dark Green Fritillary. Shortly afterwards, a tentative white fluttering resolved into a Marbled White. A brief burst of real sun produced a flash of electric blue - a worn male Adonis Blue.
Returning home I found that there had been no sun at all to speak of, so my decision to head for the hills had worked out very well indeed.
Dave
I hadn't expected any of these to still be flying, and it was the only one I saw. Next was another orange flyby - smaller though this time, and a different shade. This turned out to be a Small Tortoiseshell, and a slightly unusual one at that. It was quite pale, with little difference in colour between the main orange ground and the yellow patches. The two black forewing spots were blurred, one of them almost to the point of disappearance. It certainly looked different - and attractively so. I saw another one later on, which was rather more normal. After concentrating on this quirky butterfly, I looked up to find the skies had darkened considerably, and by the time I returned to the car to shelter, it was raining quite hard. Of course, it then eased off and began to brighten once more. In fact, I was then treated to about an hour of mostly sunny skies, though the breeze had picked up, especially near the top of the slope. The good thing was that the sunshine brought out the DG Fritillaries from wherever they had been hiding, with nectaring a priority. I found one seemingly glued to a patch of thyme, completely engrossed and undisturbable. Others sought out the large thistles by the path along the top of the hillside, regardless of the breeze. Another in the same area preferred to bask on the ground, and seemed thoroughly more laid back. By its darker colouring and shorter, plumper abdomen, this appeared to be a female. Having mostly seen females up north, where they are often a very different-looking butterfly to the males, I had forgotten that down here in the south they can be quite similar.Returning home I found that there had been no sun at all to speak of, so my decision to head for the hills had worked out very well indeed.
Dave