www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Zonda wrote:Last week i found a large dead frog in my pond.

Quel horreur !!

Charles

Staying in Abergavenny this weekend and have just been down to Castle Meadows where I've seen at least 2 dozen Tortoiseshells (plus one Peacock, which frustrated me by refusing to settle to have its photo taken). The Torts were buzzing about wildly, jousting in mid air and then taking a break by nectaring on the many celandines that are flowering amongst the new nettle growth.

I watched a courting pair on a log for about 10 minutes as I don't ever recall seeing Tortoiseshells actually mating. Sadly however, some bloke's dog decided to bound over and any hope was therefore lost.

Only 11C today but it didn't stop them.

At long last - a Brimstone in Lincoln today

On a bike-ride this morning - at least 8 Brimstone (all males) and a couple of Comma. (No pictures - my son has had previous experience of cycling with me and has banned cameras on our trips.... ). However, once back home, saw 3 Comma in my local cemetery - no restrictions on cameras . Once the gravestones warm-up, the Commas just love sitting warming-up... N

David M wrote:.... I've seen at least 2 dozen Tortoiseshells .....

Not seen one over here, nor any Peacocks, yet....
N

NickB wrote:

David M wrote:.... I've seen at least 2 dozen Tortoiseshells .....

Not seen one over here, nor any Peacocks, yet....
N

That's amazing. I'm seeing them every day. In fact, today's total outstrips the tally for any trip last year except one. I've never seen so many butterflies in the first 3 weeks of March. Perhaps the extremely cold December followed by a benign Jan and Feb has done them a favour.

David M wrote: I watched a courting pair on a log for about 10 minutes as I don't ever recall seeing Tortoiseshells actually mating.

I had a courting pair of Small Tortoiseshells today as well. After a while they disappeared deep into dense vegetation, presumably to mate, which is why this act is seldom observed.
Overall today I saw 7 Comma, 5 Small Tortoiseshell and a male Brimstone.
Surprisingly, still no Peacocks.

Vince

It is strange - we have had only 1 confirmed sighting of a Small Tortoiseshell at my local BC Branch - and that covers Cambs and Essex. To be fair, last year was a poor year generally for ST's over here.
N

Had 4 Commas and a couple of Small Tortoiseshells with a flyby male Brimstone on Epsom Common today. 1st pics of the year. Also many bees and a few bee flies too.

Gibster.

Yet another picture of the comma,this time one of many to be enjoyed while awaiting a glimpse of the Large Tortoiseshell on the Isle of Wight.I have yet to have a sighting of this elusive creature despite a glorious day here today.

A couple of Brimstones and a Peacock along the edge of woodland at Coombe Abbey Country Park near Coventry today.

Dave

Not a butterfly but there was a beefly in the garden today.

A beaut day which deserved to feature some butterflies! Pleased to see my first of the year, on a visit to Loughborough, Leics. Must have seen about 5 Small Torts overall.


Chris

No Butterflies for me today but for those who were talking about Water Voles a few days ago here's one we found to try the new (second hand) Sigma 150-500mm on.
What a cutie.

Birdguides stated that a Camberwell Beauty was seen at Rainham Marshes today.

Saw a Hummingbird Hawk-moth today (20th March at 11:30am) in my back garden at Par, Cornwall. Briefly visited a narcissus for nectar & then took off at 500 mph!!!!!! This surely is very early for this moth isn't it?? A welcome sighting though!
Cheers all,
Lee Slaughter.

Hi Lee. That's very early for an immigrant HBHM and suggests to me they're resident in your neck of the woods. The species regularly flies in winter where it is resident, often coinciding with the first small tortoiseshells.

Guy

Saw my first butterfly of the year in Belfast on 16 March. It was a dozy Small Tort, resting on a sunny windowledge. I got it onto my finger to show the lads. It tried to fly away but hadn't the energy, gave up, and landed on my friend's shirt. We all said his new brooch suited him very nicely!

Ahh, spring.

Sam

http://millar153.wordpress.com

My first Butterfly of the year was unfortunately too quick for me to capture on camera . A Brimstone at Wicken Fen, Cambs on 19th March.

Rich

Just been for a walk in Langdon Hills nature reserve (Basildon, Essex). Two more Brimstones to add to the list. Got a photo but, sadly, too poor to share.

Rich

First Holly Blue in a garden in Melville Street Ryde IOW today.