www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Not easier - just different Jack Good to see the Small Torts emerging over your way- I got 17 at Five Rivers Monday

Have a goodun

Wurzel

jackz432r wrote: Kids...... Are girls any easier......

I have got two lads and one girl, all grown up now. The two lads were far easier than the one girl, especially when she got to her mid teens

Just been catching up on your diary, great reports and photos

Cheers,

Neil F.

Hi Neil and Wurzel

Thanks for the comments. My boys are good boys really (most of the time ) and by the sounds of it girls could be a whole different ball game

Sunday 30.6.2013 Stephens Castle Down (last weekend)

I have become slightly indecisive of late. Even as I walked out of the front door, at just gone 8am, I had not really decided exactly where to go. I suppose Dark Green Fritillaries were on my mind. Last year I saw them for the first time, at Beacon Hill near Warnford, but that was right at the end of their season and most were well worn. I saw a surprising glimpse of an early one at Wootton Coppice a couple of weeks ago, but that was very brief. Should I go where I know they are located or should I follow my instincts and find my own spot I decided to head back to my newly found site, Stephens Castle Down. A couple of weeks on who knows what I was to find. The forecast was hot and sunny, though when I arrived there was still quite a lot of cloud around. This soon burnt off over the next hour. This time I was not under any time restrictions so I could hopefully see what the whole site had to offer Since I was there last time a wide mown path has appeared in the meadow area between the road and the down itself and the grass seems to have doubled in height. The first species seen were Meadow Brown, a few flitting around in the meadow area. As I went through the gate from the meadow on to the down I noticed 2 young Peacock larval webs and 3 single Small Tortoiseshell Larvae together amongst the Nettles there. Surely it will be a bumper season for these two species with so many larvae around, I did not see any of either last year. Once on the down itself it was apparent that the Small Heath, that were so numerous last visit, had been displaced from being 'most numerous' by the Meadow Browns and Burnet Moths. Every Burnet moth I inspected was of the 5 spot variety sometimes several to one flower head. The burnets became more numerous as the day drew on and I spotted several that appeared to be recently emerged sitting atop their empty pupal case. I also found several Burnet larvae whilst I was there, but these appear to be of the 6 spotted variety ( maybe somebody could confirm this) There were still quite a few Small Heath around but most were quite worn. I decided first to explore the parts of the site that I did not get to last time. I made my way up to the top of the down and headed along the top towards the most northerly point. A wide strip at the top appears to have been cleared fairly recently, perhaps last year. There was no lush vegetation here apart from the Thistles which were quite abundant on this fairly recently disturbed ground. However, most of the Thistles were not yet fully in flower. The butterfly which immediately caught my eye in this area was Small Tortoiseshells of which several were nectaring on the few open Thistle flowers and basking on the expanses of bare chalky ground. Where the cleared area met the long grass of the down I made the occasional foray into the long grass. It was not long before I started to see Large Skippers some of which were surprisingly fluttery rather than whizzing around. Maybe this is a sign that they have only recently emerged or perhaps they were still warming up. Back up at the Thistle patch something altogether more graceful glided in and perched low down on foliage. As I approached I could see this was a beautifully fresh Dark Green Fritillary , this species could well become on of my favourites I think Before I could crank my camera into action, it was off toward the Thistles where it nectared for a short time before zooming off again. I think if I manage to get a decent photo of one of these with my old point and shoot, I will be very lucky. I spent a little time trying to find another here but to no avail. The most northerly part of this site would seem to be unspectacular, with signs of recent scrub clearance. I am sure it will develop over the coming years. I made my way back along the top of the site and explored more areas on the slopes themselves. One particular area had very abundant Orchids growing. I gradually made my way back toward the areas where I had explored at my precious visit. The Large Skippers were now very numerous. One particular female seemed to be much darker than most of the others, I watched her for quite a while trying to get a decent photo, unsuccessfully. Eventually she stopped nectaring and deposited an egg so I left her alone to continue. Amongst the now abundant Large Skippers and Meadow Browns I spotted a single fresh Ringlet (my first of the year). Every now and again I would catch a glimpse of a Dark Green Fritillary normally flying over my head. There were surprisingly still quite a few Brimstone around, both male and females, some very ragged indeed. There is a lot of Buckthorn at this site. I examined one particular Buckthorn and located a well advanced Brimsone larva whilst an adult female deposited eggs on the same bush above my head. I was now back in the area where I had spent so much time last visit. The Dingy Skipper count was down to 3 and there was also a Grizzled Skipper flying, but these were all now quite ragged. Common Blues were also still evident but also quite ragged, particularly the females. I managed to find a Green Hairstreak, unusually at ground level, something I did not see last time. Before leaving the site after several hours I decided to have one last look at the Thistle patch. I got there just in time to see a couple of Dark Green Fritillaries (before they shot off), several Small Tortoiseshells and a solitary Speckled Wood. As I left the site a mating pair of Meadow Browns landed at the side of the path.

I will certainly try and visit this site regularly throughout the season if I can. To see what other surprises it holds. When I arrived home there was a pristine Small Tortoiseshell basking in the sun on my doorstep, surely a good omen

Total count for the day:-
Meadow Brown 35
Small Heath 22
5 spot Burnet 40+
Cinnabar 3
Ringlet 1
Grizzled Skipper 1
Dingy Skipper 3
Brimstone 7 (5 female + 2 male + 1 larva)
Common Blue 13 (6 female + 7 male)
Small Tortoiseshell 9 (+3 single larvae)
Peacock 5 larval webs
Dark Green Fritillary 4
Green Hairstreak 1
Speckled Wood 1
Large Skipper 28

Total species for the year 24

Great report Jack That Common Blue definitely looks different to me, huge black blobs (can't remember the proper term)

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Saturday 6.7.2013 My Local Patch

On the face of it this weekend did not look too promising from a butterfly point of view. Saturdays are always fairly busy with one thing and another, this one perhaps more so than normal. Sunday was to be spent picnicing in the New Forest with family and friends. 'Our spot' in the New Forest is sadly never very productive butterfly wise, although very good for Dragonflies. There certainly would not be much opportunity to look for White Letter Hairstreaks.
Late in the afternoon an opportunity for a walk around my local patch presented itself. I went for a longer than normal walk covering quite a large area (5.15 till 7.45) and took in a newly found footpath. I do not think this footpath gets used much as I struggled to follow it in places. The final stretch was so overgrown with Nettles, Brambles and Thistles that my legs were ripped to shreds and red raw when I emerged . Nevertheless, it was worth the effort. My local Large Skippers were very evident as were Lots of Meadow Brown. One Meadow Brown was a very pale example, however I failed to get a picture of it. Along the new stretch of footpath I saw my first summer brood Comma. But it was Small Tortoiseshells that made the walk memorable. They were very numerous in several 'hotspots'. I have to say I saw so many I lost count, probably in excess of 35 covering several 'hotspots'. I returned via 'The Thistle Patch' near to where my local Small Tortoiseshell larvae were, there were still a few Small Tortoiseshells flying at gone 7.30pm Still plenty of Peacock larvae in evidence. I also located a couple more moderately sized Elm trees, unfortunately the sunny side was on private land.

Sunday 7.7.2013 Burley/Mill Lawn, New Forest

As a family we always go to the same spot in the New Forest, as most people do. 'Our spot' is near Burley. We call it Mill Lawn, but I think it is also known as Burley Lawn. It is a fairly popular spot with a small meandering river and a large expanse of flat grass suitable for all manner of picnic activities. Today was particularly busy with large groups of which we were one. Most people stay within a couple of hundred yards of the car park/road, us included. However, a 15 minute walk and the noise of the picnic groups fades and you are on your own I always take a little time out for a wander, today being no exception ,but I did not get away for a proper look until 3pm. I am sure that I have seen Grayling here before. So I thought it would be worth a look, although to see Grayling they would have to be mightily early in this late year, I was not very hopeful. During the day the only butterflies seen were a Small Tortoiseshell, a Brimstone, a couple of Meadow Browns and couple of fleeting glimpses of Fritillary, possibly Silver Washed. At 3pm I headed off roughly in the direction of where I think I have seen Grayling. A few Large Skippers, Meadow Browns and huge numbers of Keeled Skimmers (this is a good site for Dragonflies/Damselflies) The further I got from base the boggier the ground became, in fact it became quite hard going and I was only dressed in picnic attire The habitat, aside from being boggy, was mainly coarse grass and Gorse but eventually I started to spot the occasional heather/heath. Just as I was thinking of giving up and returning to base I thought I saw a flutter of blue low down a few metres away. I stood for a while and scanned the area, not seeing anything. Then I spotted blue again and this time I was 100% sure, but it did not look like any 'Blue' I had seen before. I waited an age before it settled and my approach entailed trying to keep one eye on the butterfly and one eye on my footing, not easy. Once I got close I could see this was my first ever Silver Studded Blue . What a charmingly beautiful little butterfly this is . I stayed in this area for some time. Once I had got my eye in I saw several more, all seemingly content to stay in quite a small area, mostly very fresh males. I felt I could not leave this spot until I had found a female, which I eventually did. I returned to base feeling quite pleased with myself and with two wet muddy feet

This brings my species tally for the year to 25

9-12.7.2013 Sparsholt Nr Winchester (last week)

For the last few weeks I have been working In Sparsholt, Nr. Winchester. The place has close involvement with the environment, countryside, conservation and farming, it also has extensive grounds. I discovered in my last week there that there are areas within its grounds that are havens for butterflies. So my lunch times for the last four days of my visit were spent enjoying the habitat and the hot sunshine

Tuesday was my day of discovery and I was amazed at the numbers of butterflies. However, I was not prepared and did not have my camera handy. The area is a very wide, sheltered grassy band surrounding sports pitches surrounded by farmland and countryside.
Ringlet and my first Marbled Whites of the year were most numerous as were Large Skipper and Meadow Brown. There were also several very fresh Large White, a few Small White and good numbers of Small Tortoiseshell. A Painted Lady also put in an appearance (my 2nd of the year ) as did a couple of Red Admirals. In the course of my working day I also spent quite a bit of time working within view of the sunny side of three large, profusely flowering Lime Trees. I must admit to being quite distracted by the constant flow of butterflies that were visiting the trees to feed and bask. Lots of Small Tortoiseshells, Red Admiral, Fresh Large White and Small White as well as a couple of Large Skipper

On Wednesday I could hardly wait for lunch time and this time went prepared. This time I managed a few photos. Similar numbers as Tuesday but no Painted Lady and also strangely no Large Whites seen. Marbled Whites seem to have increased in numbers and there were more Small Tortoiseshells about. On the way home I had an hour or so spare so thought I would try and find the BC Yew Hill reserve. It is on my route and not far away. Unfortunately, I forgot my map and had to guess the way. I took a wrong turning along the track and ran out of time. Along the track I saw similar species seen during the day with the addition of Green Veined White, so all was not wasted. Maybe I would try for Yew Hill at the weekend.

On Thursday I could not resist spending my lunchtime there again. This time amongst all the Marbled Whites and Ringlets I spotted my first Gatekeeper of the year, just one. Also flying was what at first looked like another Marbled White, but on closer examination was found to be a Ringlet with very pale (almost white) hind wings. Unfortunately my camera batteries gave up just before I spotted it, of course I had no spares to hand . I watched it for a while before it disappeared over the hedgeline. Friday was to be my last day here so I made the most of it with one last visit to the butterfly area. Hoping to catch a glimpse of the slightly unusual Ringlet and hopefully get a picture this time, I had spare batteries. I had a close look at a Thistle patch which had previously been out of reach. There were now a handy set of vehicle tracks through the long grass right to the spot. I stood in the middle for quite some time and counted 9 Small Tortoiseshell as well as several Marbled Whites, Meadow Brown and Large Skipper. I did find the unusual Ringlet eventually flying in the same location as before, but it would not settle at all and eventually flew out of sight. Today the Gatekeeper count was up to 4. I have also been told that there are Small Blues within the grounds, but these will have to wait for another visit.

Marbled White and Gatekeeper bring my species count for the year to 27

Friday 12.7.2013 Pitt Down Nr Winchester(last Friday)

I managed a late visit to try again for Dark Green Fritillary, this would be my last opportunity to call in after work. I arrived at about 5.45pm and found lots of butterfly activity on the eastern side of the site. Large numbers of Marbled White and Ringlet together with Small Skipper and Meadow Brown. Still plenty of Large Skippers and a few Small Heath. The Dark Green Fritillaries were abundant but inaccessible, most were busy in a Thistle patch which was way off the track. I think I saw a couple of Silver Washed Fritillary in flight but I could not be sure. A fresh Comma appeared, challenging the Dark Green Fritillaries for the 'gracefulness' trophy. There were also a few fresh Gatekeeper in evidence. By now time was getting on, the sun was much lower in the sky and things were starting to calm down a little. So I moved round to the western side of the site. Much of the same action going on there with the addition of some Small Tortoiseshells. I had not previously explored as much of this side of the site but a little further on I found 'the spot' . The area had several clumps of Privett, profusely flowering and very pungent, all right next to the track. At the first clump I counted 7 Dark Green Fritillaries including one very fresh female. Most of the males were looking a little worn but some were still quite fresh. They somehow seemed much less active at this time of the evening. I spent quite a while in this particular area. As the path is right next to the bushes here, it was easy to get up close and personal. I managed a few photos (probably the best I can expect with my camera) I am struggling to keep my diary up to date at the moment, this post only brings me up to a week ago

My Local Peacock Community

On Saturday 29.6.2013, whilst checking on my locally abundant Peacock larvae, my eldest son asked if we could take some larvae home I was initially a little reluctant and explained the reasons to my son. However, once I thought about it, I thought maybe 2 or 3 could be reared at home to help judge the time of emergence for the rest. So I then agreed it might be a good idea to take a couple of nearly fully grown ones and release them again once emerged. Hopefully my son and I could witness the emergence and get an advanced warning of stirrings in the wild.

We took 3 fully grown larvae from the same group. These were the most advanced we could find. Although I have potted Nettle at home, the plants are quite small. So I opted for cut Nettle in water to feed them and contained them within a collapsible netting rearing cylinder. I tried to put them in a position that would be as similar as possible to where they came from, with perhaps a little more shelter. This was Saturday morning, by Monday evening 2 of the larvae had already suspended themselves ready for pupation By Tuesday morning they were pupae On Wednesday the third had suspended itself. The strange thing is that all three pupated on the same leaf right next to each other, is this normal There was plenty of space and plenty of other leaves to choose from. On Tuesday 16.7.2013 I had not checked the pupae for 48 hours. When I did check early in the evening, I was surprised and delighted to find 2 pristine Peacock butterflies The remaining pupa had darkened and the wing patternation was evident. I put a nectar source in for the adults and removed the remaining pupae to photograph indoors as it was now dark outside. By the timing of the others I knew this was likely to be emerging in the next 24 hours. By the time I returned from work the following day the action was over. Needless to say we both missed all three emergences My son and I released the three adults, 2 of which immediately dispersed in the same direction. The third stopped at my conveniently placed, potted Buddleia allowing me a parting photo, before dispersing in the same direction as the others

Sorry you missed the "birth" Jack - you should have announced it on an easel Great shots of the cases and the finished product . I know what you mean about keeping up to date I struggle too - but I look on it as a good sign as it means you're obviously getting out and seeing loads

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Yes, great pictures of your little trio of peacocks!

If you do it again, I wonder if it would be worth leaving a web-cam running while you are at work. There's plenty of good freeware for setting up live feeds and most software that comes with webcams has motion sensitive triggers (I've used this in the past to photograph birds at my bird table, foxes in the garden and even my dog, to see what she got up to when I wasn't there).

Guy

Wurzel wrote:Sorry you missed the "birth" Jack - you should have announced it on an easel Great shots of the cases and the finished product . I know what you mean about keeping up to date I struggle too - but I look on it as a good sign as it means you're obviously getting out and seeing loads

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Hi Wurzel and Guy

Like you say Wurzel, it is better than having nothing to write about, but I am now nearly 2 weeks behind. I am even considering writing things out of sequence

Thanks for the suggestion Guy I am currently nurturing a single Green Veined White egg, laid on Garlic Mustard in the garden.

Hi Jack,

It is certainly a challenge to keep up to date at the minute. What I have started doing is writing my report in Word, usually a bit at a time, and then copy and paste and add photos later. I find it easier than trying to do the lot in one go. It helps that I don't do much post-processing on my photos, usually just a crop and resize before posting.

Cheers,

Neil F

Hi Neil
Thankfully I do not edit my pictures at all other than adjusting the file size for posting, if I did I do not think I would ever get round posting anything. How others find the time I do not know.

I am now completely behind and out of sync with my postings , so in an effort to catch up here is a few bringing my local patch/garden 'goings on' up to date.

Saturday 20.7.2013 In The Garden

At 9am on Saturday (weekend before last) morning I moved my small potted Buddleia. I moved it from an area which is shaded in the morning and sunny in the afternoon, to an area that gets full sun first thing and is in shade by mid pm. Within 5 minutes there was A Small Tortoiseshell engrossed in feeding together with a Small Skipper (the first time I have seen this species in the garden) Not only that but a pristine Holly Blue flew in and perched just above it on some Virginia Creeper. All three in view from the kitchen, whilst I enjoyed a cup of tea Later in the day some fluttering activity from a Green Veined White in the shadier part of the border, prompted me to put some potted Garlic Mustard in the spot. The butterfly continued to flutter around there, occasionally settling. A bit later on I made a thorough check of the Garlic Mustard and found one egg which I shall tend over the coming days. A pristine male Brimstone also visited later on. Having got used to the gradually fading yellow of the Brimstones over the last few months, the appearance of a newly emerged individual is a pleasant shock to the system There seems to be little, if any gap in the cycle between the previous and the next generation.

Sunday 21.7.2013 My Local Patch

During the height of the season last year I managed to neglect my local patch. So in an effort to make amends I took an afternoon walk during very hot and sunny conditions between 3pm and 5pm around my favourite local footpath. This resulted in my best ever species count for the area, with sixteen species seen , including two for the first time here .

After the emergence of captive Peacocks at home, I was keen to see if there was any evidence that they had also emerged along my local footpath. Unlike the Small Tortoiseshells which I found right where the earlier larvae had been, the Peacocks were found in a position away from the site of the larvae. I counted 15 in total, all pristine and most found 'resting' in partially shaded positions with wings firmly shut, almost as if it were too hot for them ( as it apparently was for all the other footpath users. Unusually I did not see another sole the whole time I was out) . There were still a few Small Tortoiseshells around but now looking fairly worn and also mostly inactive and resting. Two of them seemed to be following each other in flight and then would land close to each other on Nettles and one appearing to chase the other on foot around the nettle plants. I thought a pairing might be imminent, but as I watched they eventually went their separate ways. Lots of whites around mostly flying and unable to stop for id, but at least on of each type seen. Ringlet and Marbled White appeared along the path, the first time I have seen them there. Unfortunately the Meadow that is next to the path at one point has been cut since I last went there, this is where the Marbled Whites have appeared. Small Skippers have now all but taken over from the Large Skippers. Single individuals of Red Admiral, Small Copper and a Holly Blue, but the Star of the day was the Gatekeepers. I counted 54, but I that is a very conservative count. I tried hard to get a Gatekeeper open wing shot, but failed miserably. It was probably too hot, they seemed to settle in the shade and give one or two brief flashes of upperwing before shutting up shop. I saw several mating pairs including one that had managed to get themselves wedged either side of a fern frond. Caught 'by the bits' so to speak, one above and one below. I considered whether I should try to free them, concerned that I may cause the pairing to fail. I decided to help out and very carefully freed them. Thankfully, they stayed coupled and flew to another perch. Also seen Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood and several Commas.

Total count for the day:-
Gatekeeper 54
Meadow Brown 22
Speckled Wood 8
Marbled White 7
Ringlet 3
Small White 3+
Large White 1+
Green Veined White 1+
Small Skipper 26
Large Skipper 3
Holly Blue 1
Small Tortoiseshell 5
Red Admiral 1
Peacock 15
Comma 6
Small Copper 1

Saturday 27.7.2013 In The Garden

What with all the hot weather we have a paddling pool set up in the garden for the kids. In an effort to avoid having to keep refilling it we have covered it when not in use. The cover was left off on Friday evening and left rolled up alongside the pool. When I covered it back up on Saturday I was surprised to find 2 Buff Ermine moths tucked up inside and even more surprised to find a large batch of eggs. I am assuming these were laid by one of the moths. These have been laid directly on the cover and I can not cut the section from the cover. So I am monitoring them daily to try and catch them hatching so I can transfer them to suitable foodplant and rear some through. I understand they feed on Virginia Creeper of which I have a plentiful supply. Tuesday 30.7.2013 In The Garden

My eldest son has decided to sleep in a tent in the garden for the last few nights. This has necessitated leaving the outside light on overnight. When I came in from work tonight I noticed a handsome moth perched just outside the window When I went out to investigate I found several more. Obviously attracted by the light overnight. Perhaps I should leave it on every night I just need to identify them all now.

Just catching up after a few days break - great reports and shots especially the penultimate moth I reckon you should definitely keep that light on

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Sunday 28.7.2013 Stephens Castle Down

I was considering several different options last Sunday. I could go to Oxenbourne Down for Silver Spotted Skippers and try and repeat my success of last year at this site. Last year I managed, by a complete fluke and beginners luck, to get Silver Spotted Skippers on what seemed to be their best day of the season . Or should I try one last time to find my own White Letter Hairstreaks after several unsuccessful attempts this year. Or maybe I should revisit my newly found local site to see what it has to offer a few weeks on from my last visit. The habitat is certainly similar to Silver Spotted Skipper territory, but I would not know the Sheeps Fescue grass if it came up and slapped me round the face I chose the latter and headed off at 8.15 to try and get a good few hours in. The conditions were much cooler than that of recent days perhaps 10 degrees cooler than the previous afternoon together with a good helping of cloud and breeze. The first thing I noticed when I arrived was that the meadow at the bottom of the site has been cut. Last time I visited this was full of Meadow Browns. Once I entered the site proper there was not actually much activity at all, even the Meadow Browns were not flying much. A couple of Marbled White took to the air briefly, but it was still only 8.30 and pretty cool, so plenty of time.

The first noticeable butterfly activity was the Whites, seemingly every bush I walked past would hold several whites (Small and Green Veined variety) all warming in the sun. Many would flutter up for a few moments only to resettle very quickly and resume the warming process. The numerous Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, Marbled Whites and Ringlets had a similar idea and many were seen warming at the top of grass stems. I thought this a good opportunity to get close to species that I do not normally get the opportunity to, like Small and maybe Essex Skippers. After about an hour I came across a spot where there seemed to be lots of Small Skippers roosting. Some were mid way up grass stems but most were on flower heads. I managed to get some interesting photos, something I find difficult with this species normally with my basic equipment. I was able to study these roosting butterflies for quite sometime. Even when the sun did come out it was still fairly cool and only a few of the Skippers took to the air but settled again fairly quickly. It was not long before I found my first confirmed Essex Skipper (my first of the year ) this was followed by several more during the morning. By now it was starting to warm up properly and more butterflies were on the wing. A flash of blue in the distance was too brief to get id, but Chalkhill Blues were on my mind and were something I expected to see here by now. In a sheltered area of longish grass a small greyish butterfly caught my eye. I moved in closer to take a look, trying not to take my eye away from its position. What I thought initially to be a blue of somekind was in fact my first Brown Argus of the year Again not very active in the occasional sun, giving me plenty of time to get a picture. This must be a second brood Brown Argus as it was quite fresh, but it is a species that I did not see here earlier in the year and indeed was the only example I saw on this visit. A few Common Blues started to appear, mostly males, but still no sign of Chalkhill Blues. I thought I should go and check the area where I saw Dark Green Fritillary a few weeks ago. Much lusher growth at the top of the site now and many of the Thistles were now past their best. After quite some time I spotted the unmistakable (by its size) sight of a female Dark Green Fritillary cruising in to take nectar from the Thistles. Further along the top ridge Peacocks and Small Tortoiseshell were much in evidence as well as lots of Whites of all three varieties. Another female Dark Green Fritillary and a male also put in an appearance. One particular Small Tortoiseshell had obviously had a pretty hard time with large chunks of wing missing. Knowing that Silver Spotted Skippers like hot temperatures, I had left my search for that species till last. I headed for the areas where I thought there maybe a chance, but after a long time searching and waiting I had to admit defeat. However, a Red Admiral and several Brimstone had now shown their colours. I thought that it was time I should be leaving as I had been there for over 4 hours already. I sat down on the slopes for a while just enjoying the peacefulness. As I sat a rather worn Small Heath came and settled next to me, the only one of the day. Then a Skipper buzzed in and settled just too far away for a good view My eyes probably lit up and my heart jumped as I moved closer half expecting it to be a Silver Spotted Skipper...........Unfortunately it was not , it was a very worn Large Skipper, the only one of the day. I left feeling slightly disappointed that Chalkhill Blue are obviously absent from this site, but pleased to have found Essex Skipper and Brown Argus increasing my species tally for this site to 23

Total count for the day:-
Marbled White 22
Gatekeeper 34
Meadow Brown 16
Ringlet 12
Small Skipper 27+
Essex Skipper 4+
Large White 7
Peacock 8
Large Skipper 1
Small Heath 1
Brown Argus 1
Red Admiral 1
Dark Green Fritillary 3 ( 2 female & 1 male)
Brimstone 5 ( 4 male & 1 female)
Green Veined White 4+
Small White 8+
Common Blue 7 (1 female & 6 male)
Small Tortoiseshell 7

Brown Argus and Essex Skipper together with Chalkhill Blue (seen on visits which I have yet to post) brings my species tally for the year up to 30. However, so far I have managed to completely miss all the summer woodland species They may have to wait till next year now.

Saturday 3.8.2013 Eggs In The Garden

When I get in from work my first job is to check on the Buff Ermine eggs which were laid on the pool cover last week. On Thursday I was pleased to find that the first batch had hatched and there was a cluster of small pale larvae devouring their empty shells. I was concerned I may miss this event and the larvae might go hungry as they are some way away from the nearest food source. Over the weekend several more batches have hatched. I have transferred a few of these to containers with fresh Virginia Creeper, but most I have distributed around the garden on various Virginia Creeper in various aspects of the garden. I am not sure if the larvae live in groups or singly, but have distributed them in groups of similar numbers to that in which they were laid. The Green Veined White egg that was laid on Garlic Mustard seems to have disappeared. There are nibble holes in the leaves but I can find no trace of any larvae.

Watch this space

Sunday 4.8.2013 Oxenbourne Down

On Sunday, for once, I was not indecisive at all In an attempt to repeat my success from last year, I was heading for Oxenbourne Down for Silver Spotted Skippers. As I drove along the coast a clear blue sky was evident over the water, but lots of cloud landward. I started early and was on site by 8.30, at which point it was cool and breezy with no sign of sun. As I entered the site I disturbed a couple of Chalkhill Blues which fluttered briefly but soon settled back down. Other than that there was nothing flying at all, it was too cool/windy even for the Meadow Browns I set about looking for some Roosting butterflies. After disturbing a Painted Lady from his roost I found an area of long grass with several Chalkhill Blues, a Common Blue, a bee of some sort and a Cinnabar Moth larva all almost in the same frame (if I had a better camera of course ) I spent a while in this area and found a few more Chalkhill and Common Blues in the vicinity. It was not until gone 9am that the sun briefly appeared and with it the whites came to life.Then at almost exactly 9.30 all of a sudden the roosting blues I had been watching all seemed to open their wings together, a few more brief sunny spells and they were off. The Small and Essex Skippers also took to the air. Time to find some Silver Spotted Skippers I thought to myself

I did not have to wait too long before one buzzed in and settled just to the side of the track The sun disappeared at almost the same time and with it the wind increased. This was the story of the day with the Silver Spotted Skippers really, short bursts of flight punctuated by long spells sheltering from the wind. The first few I saw were all males but a female appeared on the other side of the track a little later. Last year I found this site good for Small Copper, this year was no different with several seen. Several times during my visit I had Small Copper and Silver Spotted Skipper posing together for the camera. The Silver Spotted Skipper here seem to be pretty much confined to this open short turf area either side of the track. In this area also seen Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Marbled White, Dark Green Fritillary, Common Blue, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Large White, Small White, Green Veined White, Small and Essex Skipper. In the area near the entrance, as last year the Chalkhill Blues were very numerous. I felt slightly sorry for the newly emerging females of which I witnessed some being accosted by several males even before their wings had expanded. Just as I was about to move out of this area along the ridge I bumped into another butterflyer. He was making his first visit to this site and hoping to find his first Silver Spotted Skippers and was asking me to advise the best areas. I confirmed he had found the spot and gave him the benefit of my small amount of experience. Hi Nick, I am still baffled as to how you knew who I was, but it is always a pleasure to meet others on a similar mission, I hope I was of some help and that you managed to get some decent shots. After a while chatting I moved on along the ridge which is slightly different in feel. As I rounded the corner by the broken metal gate I was confronted by a couple of female Silver Spotted Skippers, a Silver Washed Fritillary, a Small Copper and several Gatekeepers all nectaring. I did not see Silver Washed Fritillary here last year and this year this is my first having missed out on all summer woodland species so far. Moving along the ridge I saw a couple more Silver Washed Fritillary and a couple of Red Admirals. Whites were very numerous in this area mainly Small and Large variety, I do not think I have ever seen so many in one small area. Small and Essex Skippers as well as Peacock completed the species count for the day. On my way back I bumped into two more chaps looking for the Silver Spotted Skippers. One of whom used to manage the site when it had restricted access. 'Pauline' if you are reading this he confirmed to me that the colony was indeed an introduction/reintroduction organised by Mr Oates. Apparently they disappeared after the introduction for several years and then suddenly reappeared. He also informed me that White Letter Hairstreaks have been spotted at this site , something to look out for next year . I managed to increase my species count for the year to 32. Most notable by its absence at this visit was Brimstone. I saw none at all, whereas last year there were plenty

Total count for the day:-
Silver Spotted Skipper 10 (3 females & 7 males)
Chalkhill Blue 150+
Meadow Brown 25+
Small Copper 7
Small Skipper 30+
Common Blue 8
Painted Lady 1
Gatekeeper 30+
Large White 25+
Small White 12
Green Veined White 6
Ringlet 1
Comma 1
Small Heath 3
Red Admiral 3
Silver Washed Fritillary 3
Essex Skipper 1 (confirmed)
Peacock 2
Dark Green Fritillary 2 (1 male & 1 female)
Marble White 8

Hi Paul - great to hear that the number of SSS appears to have doubled from last year. The person you refer to is the same one who told me they were introduced - let's just hope they can hang on in there as a few years ago there were dozens of them on the lower slopes of Butser too, but haven't seen any for a while now.

Great read and shots Jack- especially the up close and personal shot of the Silver Spot - brill that is

Have a goodun

Wurzel

nut tree tussock I think, willow beauty, black arches and coronet for your moths

Chris