March 2022

[David M]

- I really like the Brimstone but hardly see any locally.

- I am lucky if I see 20 Holly Blue locally in a whole year.

- It will be months before I see a Small Copper locally.

I feel a bit dejected now.

Brimstones and Holly Blues are common in my neck of the woods, Otep, but I tend to see only small numbers of the other spring species until Orange Tips get going during April.

Small Coppers are rarely common irrespective of where you are, so don't get too downhearted.

[Deborah]

Thanks David M and Bugboy for your comments! I’m feeling rather silly I should know better by now! I put it the photo side by side with this Speckled Wood taken the day before and they were so different that I jumped in with my assumption...

[David M]

Tuesday 29th – CwmIvy, Gower:

Mainly overcast with a bit of hazy sunshine so not too many butterflies. However, there were a couple of fresh female Holly Blues basking in the wooded glade.

Speckled Wood 6
Holly Blue 5
Comma 2

[SarahM]

Hi David,

You've seen impressive numbers of butterflies recently. I am particularly envious of your Holly Blue sightings Very few get reported in North Cumbria where I live & they are a rare visitor to my garden. I have occasionally seen one in South Cumbria, so I do well if I see two in a year. I have never seen one with wings open sadly.

We've had light snow two days this week and low temperatures. I am looking forward to the weather improving and butterflies returning to the garden. I have five Cuckoo Flower plants in the garden in full flower just waiting for the Orange Tips.

Sarah

[David M]

Holly Blues are commoner than you think, Sarah. If you have any churchyards nearby (particularly if they are well sheltered) you may find more than your annual quota within the space of half an hour. Failing that, any woodland clearings with holly/ivy growing should see a handful.

[SarahM]

I forgot to say nice photos too!

I have visited all the local churchyards David, I think they see me coming! I'm very patient, I will keep looking

[David M]

Keep persevering, Sarah. As the famous golfer Gary Player once said: "The more I practice, the luckier I get"

[Ethan Peacock]

Hello, I got this photo in march but only just joined so did not get to post it.

[Ethan Peacock]

It is one of the first commas I have seen this year.