May 2014
Re: May 2014
5 May 2014
On a hazy slightly humid day, I was surprised by the fluttering of a pale blue butterfly. When it settled on the abundant Horseshoe Vetch, Hippocrepis comosa, on the lower slopes of Mill Hill, I was able to identify it as my first male Common Blue of the year. Less than a minute later another blue butterfly appeared at the northern end of the lower slopes and this settled as well and I could see it was my first male Adonis Blue of the year. Later I was to spot a female Common Blue and another male Adonis Blue. Other butterflies were only occasionally seen with about eight Dingy Skippers, four Brimstones, at least one Small White and a Wall Brown on the lower part of Mill Hill.
The records show this was my earliest ever record for a Common Blue.
http://www.glaucus.org.uk/May2014.html
On a hazy slightly humid day, I was surprised by the fluttering of a pale blue butterfly. When it settled on the abundant Horseshoe Vetch, Hippocrepis comosa, on the lower slopes of Mill Hill, I was able to identify it as my first male Common Blue of the year. Less than a minute later another blue butterfly appeared at the northern end of the lower slopes and this settled as well and I could see it was my first male Adonis Blue of the year. Later I was to spot a female Common Blue and another male Adonis Blue. Other butterflies were only occasionally seen with about eight Dingy Skippers, four Brimstones, at least one Small White and a Wall Brown on the lower part of Mill Hill.
The records show this was my earliest ever record for a Common Blue.
http://www.glaucus.org.uk/May2014.html
Re: May 2014
A trip to Ewyas Harold Common between Abergavenny and Hereford on Monday returned the following species:
Pearl Bordered Fritillary 20-30
Green Veined White 3
Large White 2
Peacock 2
Grizzled Skipper 1
It was generally cloudy and for the first hour I only located two PBFs. The good news was that they weren't at all keen to leave their roosts, making photography much easier.
A brief burst of strong sunshine just prior to midday brought the ground to life though, with 15-20 PBF suddenly appearing and taking to the wing.
Pearl Bordered Fritillary 20-30
Green Veined White 3
Large White 2
Peacock 2
Grizzled Skipper 1
It was generally cloudy and for the first hour I only located two PBFs. The good news was that they weren't at all keen to leave their roosts, making photography much easier.
A brief burst of strong sunshine just prior to midday brought the ground to life though, with 15-20 PBF suddenly appearing and taking to the wing.
Re: May 2014
Well done David, and a couple of good close-up shot's to round off your visit.
I always enjoy the peace and quiet that Ewyas Harold provides, you can simply concentrate on your butterflying and other associated interests.
Regards,
Bill
"When in doubt...venture out"
I always enjoy the peace and quiet that Ewyas Harold provides, you can simply concentrate on your butterflying and other associated interests.
Regards,
Bill
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
"When in doubt...venture out"
Why not visit my website at http://www.dragonfly-days.co.uk
Re: May 2014
It is a very tranquil place, Bill, even more so when you consider that the areas frequented by the Fritillaries are somewhat 'off the beaten track'.Willrow wrote:Well done David, and a couple of good close-up shot's to round off your visit.
I always enjoy the peace and quiet that Ewyas Harold provides, you can simply concentrate on your butterflying and other associated interests.
I actually don't mind cloudy(ish) weather when hunting this species. Individuals can usually be located in the 'hotspot' and once found are generally very accommodating.
I was surprised to find a Grizzly in such dull conditions though. Definitely not complaining however.
Re: May 2014
Seeing as we don't get the Dukes and PBF in Suffolk, I'm still enjoying my favourite, the Orange Tip. Good numbers of male & female seen near my home again today.
Regards Kev
Regards Kev
- GOLDENORFE
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Re: May 2014
Went in search of Pearls yesterday/today at Eyarth Rocks near Ruthin north wales , saw about 10 yesterday and maybe 20+ today
plenty of cloud in between sunny periods helped keep them low down to photograph. a few peacocks, small torts and speckled woods about and cinnabar moths also
Phil
![Image](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7447/14120969171_6a62d4ab2e_b.jpg)
plenty of cloud in between sunny periods helped keep them low down to photograph. a few peacocks, small torts and speckled woods about and cinnabar moths also
Phil
![Image](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7447/14120969171_6a62d4ab2e_b.jpg)
Re: May 2014
Stunning photo . Well done. Thanks for sharing.GOLDENORFE wrote:Went in search of Pearls yesterday/today at Eyarth Rocks near Ruthin north wales , saw about 10 yesterday and maybe 20+ today
plenty of cloud in between sunny periods helped keep them low down to photograph.
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
Ian
Re: May 2014
Yup. Absolutely in keeping with what we expect from you, Phil.Ian Pratt wrote: Stunning photo . Well done. Thanks for sharing.![]()
Ian
Lovely image.
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Re: May 2014
Thank you Ian, hopefully I'll get some better shots over the coming weeks, always find the first shots are a bit rushed just to get that ' confirmation' that you have actually had the sighting.Ian Pratt wrote:Some great photos by you- easy to see why the brown argus is a member of the blue family.Penhale Paul wrote: I did get plenty of pics but im still at my caravan using a mobile so cannot upload any until I return home.
![]()
Ian
Still struggling to get much suitable weather on that coast, hopefully things will pick up.
Last edited by Penhale Paul on Wed May 07, 2014 10:01 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: May 2014
A walk along the sea wall at Canvey Island was rewarded by an encounter with this young lady.
Re: May 2014
I saw around 10 Dukes at Denge Wood this morning
Hoggers
Well worth a visit!Hoggers
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Re: May 2014
Saw a most unusual Small White today around half the normal size
- dilettante
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Re: May 2014
Are you sure it wasn't just twice as far away as normal?Mark Senior wrote:Saw a most unusual Small White today around half the normal size
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
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dilettante's butterfly photos at pbase.com
dilettante's butterfly photos at pbase.com
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Re: May 2014
Getting the reply.Mark Senior wrote:Saw a most unusual Small White today around half the normal size
Sounds to me much more like a Senior MomentAre you sure it wasn't just twice as far away as normal?
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)
(Sorry, but someone had to say it).
Jack
Re: May 2014
First common blue yesterday at Brading Down with cream-spot tiger moth at Bonchurch Esplanade the day before. Ian
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Re: May 2014
LOL to Mr Harrison and dilettante .
I was within 12 inches of it so definitely a miniature Small White male and not a half size GVW
I was within 12 inches of it so definitely a miniature Small White male and not a half size GVW
Re: May 2014
A few recent images from Salisbury Plain.
Re: May 2014
Green Hairstreaks North Wiltshire near Albourne. It has been a very good year for this butterfly in my county.
Re: May 2014
I saw 8 Dukes in between the showers today at Bonsai Bank, Denge Wood, Kent
Hoggers
Several Dingy Skippers
A Green Hairstreak
Small and Green-veined Whites a Brimstone and a Speckled WoodHoggers