Depression

[David M]

Sorry to drag you all down to my level, but am I alone in experiencing mild depression as a result of autumn starting?

I feel almost bereaved as I come to terms with the fact that all butterflies now are either about to die or are going to prepare themself for hibernation.

The leaves on many trees are already starting to turn colour, the mornings are noticeably colder and it's dark by 8.15pm (and it can only get worse).

The season is far too short and I'm personally already counting the days till next Easter.

[Michaeljf]

Hi David,
I do know what you mean, as I love the warm days of the year, and I do hate murky grey skies. As much as I'll miss the butterflies I will miss all the wildflowers, the different leaves and even the buzzing of the bees. However, last winter proved great for watching out for birds and mammals and the landscape looked fantastic at times under snow, so I'm afraid I'll be a complete turncoat during the winter months and go out looking for and photographing different subjects!
Getting out in the landscape and watching wildlife keeps me sane - well, my sort of sane anyway

Michael

[Butterfly Gardener]

I cant believe how quickly this summer has passed, I shall miss the butterflies and wish for spring all winter. I also turn my attention to birds during the dark months but its just not the same is it.

[David M]

I'm fond of birds too (I've been an RSPB member for some while now), but unlike butterflies, they're hard to approach and you need top quality photography equipment to 'capture' them.

I tend to cope better from January onwards as you know spring is just round the corner. September is always the worst, as the lead up to the equinox sees length of day diminish faster than at any other time of year. Even when you DO get a nice day, you kind of curse and ask why you couldn't have it in July or August.

[Gruditch]

Autumn really is my favourite time of year. Beautiful light at dawn and dusk, misty mornings, leafs turning to gold, priceless. You live in beautiful part of the world Dave, go out and capture it with your camera. I was up and out before 5.30am this morning. I think the shot I got was worth it, knacked now though.

Regards Gruditch

[David M]

Autumn really is my favourite time of year. Beautiful light at dawn and dusk, misty mornings, leafs turning to gold, priceless. You live in beautiful part of the world Dave, go out and capture it with your camera. I was up and out before 5.30am this morning. I think the shot I got was worth it, knacked now though.

I know, Gary. There are all kinds of things to admire about autumn, but depression is a psychological thing and the rationale behind mine is the disappearance of all the butterflies for many months.

On a positive note, I'm finally about to buy a good camera, so the next few months will give me an opportunity to experiment with it. I certainly DO live in a beautiful part of the UK, and I intend to familiarise myself more with the area over the forthcoming weeks.

[Matsukaze]

Try moth-trapping - there are good numbers of moths till well into October.

[David M]

I have noticed already that S. Wales is a pretty good area for moths. I've spotted a few this year I've never seen before.

[Dave McCormick]

Hi David,

I know what you mean about butterflies. I spent 4 hours in two sites looking for them (2 hours at a 5 mile streach of costal area) and only saw a single speckled wood. However there seems to be a small tortoiseshell on the ceiling of my hall (which is quite tall) so I can't get it off and may have went into hibernation.

I moth trap regularly so although I don't see as much butterflies (only lots of speckled woods) I do get to see leps of some sort.

This time of year can be great though, the contrasting colours appearing on the leaves of trees, fungi, that feel you only get at autumn (which I seem to like) you can also get great landscape photos at this time of year. Yeah the only downside is the shorting nights.

[Jack Harrison]

Yes, it is sad when the butterfly season is over. But autumns can be colourful for other reasons. I have just updated a webpage to reflect these colours:

http://www.weatherjackwx.co.uk/snapper/ ... n-pt1.html

Jack

[David M]

Yes, it is sad when the butterfly season is over. But autumns can be colourful for other reasons. I have just updated a webpage to reflect these colours:

http://www.weatherjackwx.co.uk/snapper/ ... n-pt1.html

Jack

I love your 'not sure' series, Jack.

[Jack Harrison]

I love your 'not sure' series, Jack.

Suggestion as to i/d welcome.

Jack

[David M]

I love your 'not sure' series, Jack.

Suggestion as to i/d welcome.

Jack

None of them are Himalayan Balsam!

That good enough for you?

[Susie]

I had the miseries when I came back from Spain in the middle of August and could smell the difference in the air. There is a definite smell to early autumn and it started prematurely this year. I miss the excitement of looking forward to the next butterfly species on the wing too. Autumn has plenty of good qualities though, as pointed out above, and I have already planted daffs and cyclamen for next spring.

I'm waiting the arrival of the orange tips!

[JohnR]

I have got 5 kilos of wild flower seed to sow in the next couple of weeks. Let's hope that they grow otherwise I will be really depressed next summer!

[NickMorgan]

I'm glad it's not just me. I have often found this time of year a little difficult. One of my other interests is classic cars and within the next couple of months I will have to stop using them as the weather becomes colder and the gritting lorries come out! It becomes too cold to work in the garage over winter, too. I also enjoy motor sport and the season closes for the winter for many series. For many years I worked as a seasonal countryside ranger and my contract would come to an end at the end of September, leaving me to worry about money and the future.
I suppose this just makes spring that much better. Fresh new leaves, butterflies appearing, dust off the old cars and a new motor sport season, not to mention warmer weather! (Why do I live in Scotland?!)

[NickB]

This autumn has been very poor; it has brought-on the "Butterfly Blues" early in my case.
During the Summer, at work, I find I resent the fact I can't make use of the "good" days for butterflying (it does pay the mortgage and for all my camera equipment tho'...) and I do get fed-up if I can't get out as the weather is bad.
Last weekend it was difficult to find a butterfly - my Transect had only 7.....
I do agree with Gruditch, tho - the light and colours are fantastic at this time of year,and various ruts come up for deer, so there are opportunities for getting out and about and taking pictures..... so I guess we shouldn't wish our time away until next Spring...still can't wait tho'...
N

[Zonda]

Nick said

This autumn has been very poor; it has brought-on the "Butterfly Blues" early in my case.

Autumn hasn't quite happened yet, there's another six days to go. Still a chance of a Clouded Yellow or three. I was cheered up by the news that several Marsh Frit caterpillar webs have been found at Alners Gorse this year. All the scrub clearance is coming up trumps, and might be a few on the wing next spring.

[NickB]

...next Spring? I did see a battered Small Copper still going in the Cemetery and 3 Speckled Wood and a Small White today
A real bounty!
And yes, Zonda, a time for raking of cut grass and planting more wild flowers and plants in the cemetery ready for next year!
Over here, compared to the soft South coast, when the wind comes off the North Sea, it is at least 2 or 3 degrees C colder than Dorset
N

[Michaeljf]

Over here, compared to the soft South coast, when the wind comes off the North Sea, it is at least 2 or 3 degrees C colder than Dorset

Come over to Wales Nick, you'd be guaranteed rain most days. Then you'd be glad for living where you are No wonder David gets depressed here!

Michael