www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Good to meet you yesterday Jack and thank you again for the lift to the station If you're still up for Marsh Fritillaries next season and you can't track them down in Hampshire then send us a PM as I'm sure Philzoid and I will be visiting the same site we did this year and if you can get to Salisbury then there's room for more in my car.

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Hi Wurzel

No problem with the lift I am already starting to think about next year and Marsh Fritillaries will be near the top of the list. I may need to take you up on that offer But for the moment a look back at things in 2013



Highlights 2013

Species

Small Tortoiseshells Galore

The Small Tortoiseshell butterfly, probably more than any other species, reminds me of my childhood butterfly days. They were perhaps the most common species of all when I was growing up. Sometimes I can remember almost ignoring them as if they were somehow not as important as the likes of Red Admirals, Commas and Painted Ladies which were our prized species. Of course I have matured a little since then In 2012, my first proper butterfly year, I saw perhaps half a dozen or so all year. Even this small total was a joy , as I can recall seeing none at all in the preceeding few years. I am sure I would have noticed them if they were there. 2013 was a whole different story, they seemed to be everywhere My first were well away from my local patch, in East Sussex. One at Brede High Wood on the 17th April and several at Cradle Valley on the 18th. From that point onwards there seemed to be good numbers of Small Tortoiseshells at every location I visited It was also the first year I have ever seen the early stages of this species. I saw larvae in several locations during the year and they were particularly abundant on my local patch. My best Count of the year was on 6th July on my local Patch where I saw so many I Lost count. I also saw them flying well into the evening on that particular day. My final Small Tortoiseshells of the year were seen at Kingsdown Leas In Kent on 7th October in the company of Long Tailed Blues. Happy days......

Hopefully this species will continue to do well.

Delightful Clouded Yellows

The fact that these butterflies are not seen every year makes them all the more special I can remember seeing clouded yellows for the first time a few years ago at Highcliffe when I was not actively pursuing butterflies. I saw my first of 2013 at Noar Hill after a tip off. This was the first time I had seen Clouded Yellow and Brimstone flying together. It was quite entertaining watching The clouded Yellows turfing the Brimstones off their perches. My best Clouded yellow day was 18th August at Gilkicker Point in Gosport where I saw lots including several helice females I got so engrossed in them I lost all track of time Such a delightful butterfly

I hope we do not have to wait too long for the next Clouded Yellow year

Long Tailed Blues

Any 2013 highlights list would not be complete without a mention of long tailed blues. I feel very lucky that I have seen this species in my 2nd year of butterfly watching whereas others, I imagine have waited a lifetime for the opportunity. I took the liberty of retaining a couple of Everlasting Pea seed pods from Kingsdown Leas. Hoping that they may come in handy at some point. I have started early and already have a seedling growing on my kitchen windowsill as a constant reminder of Long Tailed Blues and my day at Kingsdown Leas. My hope, however unlikely it seems, is that in some sheltered and secluded spot Long Tailed Blues can survive over the winter

Definite highlights there Jack; Long Tails , Helice Cloudies and bucketfuls of Small Torts I love the shot from Hedge End 30.06, it looks like its having to walk on tip-toes as the ground is so hot, I can almost hear it 'ouching'!

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Happy New Year 2014

Almost exactly at the stroke of midnight the heavens opened bringing a sudden deluge of heavy rain The New Year fireworks rapidly dwindled away and were replaced briefly with thunder and lightning. It seems to have been raining and windy ever since As I watched it lash my garden this morning, I hoped it was not a taster for our coming Spring.

After being treated to some very windy conditions over the last couple of weeks as well as some pleasantly sunny mornings and suffering withdrawal from butterflies , I ventured out into my local woods a couple of days ago. I thought I would try my hand at finding some windfall butterfly eggs, of the Purple Hairstreak variety. I have not actually had a positive encounter with this species, just tantalising glimpses in the tree tops too far away for positive id. I have also never looked for eggs here before and do not posess a pocket lens, so I was not entirely confident I collected some twenty or so freshly fallen, likely looking twigs with healthy looking buds. I took these home and examined them closely several times. Not one egg was found but I have kept the twigs for another look just in case I have missed something. Never mind, I will not give up and I must invest in a pocket lens soon. With my thoughts drifting ahead to warmer and sunnier days, I am starting to make a few plans for the coming season................only a few months to wait I try to confine myself to Hampshire most of the time, except on special occasions (eg for Long Tailed Blues). Even here there are several species which I have yet to see. Enough to keep me going for a couple more seasons before branching out I think.

White Letter and Brown Hairstreak were the only target species on my list for last year which I failed to see, so Hairsteaks will be a priority this coming season. Small Blue and Adonis Blue will also be on the list. I managed to find a couple of very ragged, barely recognisable Adonis Blues at Kingsdown Leas at the end of last season, these were my first. I need to find some fresh Hampshire examples for a proper encounter. Small Blue is a species I have yet to see. I am also keen to see Marsh Fritillary, a species which is only just about resident in Hampshire at a couple of sites, I believe. Then of course there is the Emperor himself. I have still not seen him either

I also have a list a mile long of sites I intend to visit, some local and some a little further away. My newly found local site, Stephens Castle Down, also needs checking out earlier in the season. I only 'discovered' it in May/June time last year. I feel sure it has more to offer than the 23 species already found there All of this when time permits of course.

Roll on Spring.........................Lets hope the coming season is even better than the last

Happy New Year Jack This weather is getting a bit much, a brief respite just long enough to dry out your raincoat before another deluge and gales set in Still it can't last for another three months and hopefully most of the rain will get used up so we'll have a productive spring and summer
If you're after Brown Hairstreak then Shipton Bellinger is probably your best bet and there's also a pretty good White-letter site near to you as well which I'm sure your aware of. Purple Hairstreaks are one of those butterflies that you can see more by luck than judgement - but you stand a reasonable chance at Bentley Wood (about 35-40 minutes from Southampton). Hope this info helps with your planning!

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Hi Wurzel

Thanks for the Hairstreak advice

Sunday 5.1.2014 At Home

Yesterday My day was brightened when my wife showed me a Small Tortoiseshell photo that had appeared on her facebook, posted by someone a few streets away. It was raining all day and pretty dreary so I guess this must have been disturbed from hibernation indoors. Unfortunately I did not see it personally Today it was time for the incredibly tedious job of packing away the Christmas Decorations. Whilst packing away the tree I was surprised when a Moth larva of some sort appeared The strange thing is that our tree is artificial so I have no idea how it has survived over christmas It produced a fresh dropping whilst I found somewhere sheltered in the garden, so I guess it must have been eating something. One of Santas mince pies maybe Can anybody tell me what sort of larva it is

Sunday 26.1.2014 Straits Inclosure

After an unsuccessful egg collecting mission in my local woods a few weeks ago, I thought I would have another go. I was told a couple of weeks ago that Oak trees were being felled in Alice Holt forest ( thanks Nick), an opportunity not to be missed I thought. With recent windy days also creating a lot of debris, this would be as good a chance as any to find some Purple Hairstreak eggs. Eggs on felled trees and wind severed branches are doomed to perish so if I can save a few and have some enjoyment in the process then all the better.

I set off on Sunday morning and encountered much evidence of freshly fallen trees en route, in fact my route was hampered by a road closure at Alton. By the time I arrived at Straits Inclosure it was raining quite heavily There was much spoil in evidence from forestry operations and perhaps even more in the way of windblown debris. I searched for an hour, in the rain, without finding anything conclusive but I collected a bag of likely looking twigs for later inspection. Once my hour was up I made my way back to the car feeling slightly disappointed and picked up one last small twig and gave it a close inspection as I walked over to the car. EUREKA..... this one had an egg on it. I could not believe my eyes, success at last. My efforts had not been totally wasted Once home I set about inspecting the rest of the twigs I had collected. They were mostly pretty sodden and after close inspection I found no more eggs and set them aside to dry for a re check later on. In the evening I gave them another once over. I am glad I did because I found 2 more eggs These had been carefully hidden away under old bud scales that were still attached at the start of last years growth. So a grand total of 3 eggs to rear through. This will be the first time I have reared this species. They will be slightly more challenging than anything I have reared before.

I can not help but wonder how many eggs are lost during these sort of felling operations. I only found 3 but there must be hundreds more doomed to perish I understand it was a good season last summer for Purple Hairstreak at this site. I wonder how they will fare this year

Good luck with the rearing Jack, I'm looking forward to the photos

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Hi Jack, after reading your diary, we too paid a visit to Alice Holt. Searching the windblown oak debris we managed to find a number of Purple Hairstreak eggs. Like you we intend to rear them through to adults, even though it will be a challenge for us too. However we have found that there is plenty of good advice available

Mike

Hi Wurzel

Thanks for the encouragement Hopefully by the time these larvae emerge I will have acquired a better camera

Hi Maximus

I am glad you have managed to rescue a few more eggs Good luck, I shall be following yours as well. You have a few more than me, you will have your hands full


I wonder if these Hairstreak eggs are more likely to be predated once they are on the ground Being in the treetops must offer some protection against ground level predators. I also hope that the recent bouts of strong wind have not dessimated the populations of this and other tree dwelling species

Sunday 16.2.2014 My Local Patch

I set of early this morning to try and find some fallen trees or flooding to photograph locally. I am grateful that we seem to have avoided anything serious in my local patch. Nothing more than slight inconvenience really. I do feel for those that have had to put up with more serious stuff It was cold and frosty when I left home but by the time I got back at about 9.30 it was positively springlike I thought there might even be a chance of some butterfly action. Unfortunately my wife had already commandeered the car for a few days away with my youngest son so I would have to satisfy myself with a little jaunt around some local footpaths. Before I went out I checked on a few plants in the garden. I have a very small Periwinkle plant in a pot which is currently sporting just one flower. Today it was also providing a basking spot for a plume moth I am not sure which species it is, I did not realise there were so many. I think it is Emmilina monodactyla, maybe somebody could confirm this I decided to walk he paths which run close to the railway line to Botley station and back. Close to the station the footpath is seldom used and crosses the line on an old footbridge. It was here looking down into the railway cutting that I spotted a male Brimstone happily fluttering around in the warm sunshine occasionally settling for a minute and then off again inspecting any pale coloured object. It kept to quite a small area of Ivy and Bramble covered bank, too far away for a proper photo. My first butterfly and moth of the year My butterfly season (year 3) started today I like to take note of the flora growing in all the locations I visit. Whilst on this footbridge I noticed something which looked very out of place. In amongst the Blackthorn and Bramble was another thorny shrub part of which had fallen across the path. This had more vicious looking thorns than anything I have ever seen before After looking in a few books and online it would appear to be either Acacia or Locust Tree, maybe somebody could confirm that for me How it got to be growing on top of a railway bridge I have no idea

Not sure about the Moth Jack - if in doubt I always ask Philzoid he's my 'in house expert' and if he doesn't know then he knows a man who does Glad to hear to hear you're not too affected by the storms.
Have a goodun

Wurzel

PS - I'll believe you about the Brimstone

Out And About

No more butterflies to report as yet but spring definitely seems to have sprung I have noticed over the last week that the Blackthorn is starting to blossom. In fact there is one particular Blackthorn which I noticed last year was out way ahead of all the others locally. This year it seems to have gone the same way having been out for a couple of weeks now. On Friday I noted, whilst travelling up the A3M past Petersfield and Guildford, that there was lots of Sallow out in full bloom. This would seem to be pretty early. I suppose it has been very mild all winter, a fact that seems to have attracted little comment whilst nature throws wind and rain at us. I have also, unbelievably, had a few isolated groups of Oxeye daisies in flower locally up until very recently. The one thing that all these observations have in common is that they are all on sheltered motorway verges. I spend a lot of time gazing at these verges whilst I am driving around at work when I should probably keep my eyes on the road I have often wondered if these verges have undergone any form of scrutiny with regard to butterfly distribution. I know of a couple where Marbled Whites seem to thrive. They are probably not the sort of place that the average person is able to visit without special permission without the risk of being arrested My local M27 M3 and A3M verges look to have some very good expanses of habitat.

In my small garden I am trying to build a collection of various plants, trees and shrubs (as most of us probably do) so that I may have foodplants and nectar sources available for all eventualities. I have to try and be creative at times and hide some things away, my wife does not understand the value of nettles in the garden This is very much a work in progress, patience being the main requirement. I like the challenge of growing all these from scratch without spending lots of money on pregrown plants. I was pleased to note the other day that several of the Blackthorn cuttings I took last year appear to have taken. In a couple of years I will be prepared for Brown Hairstreak should the opportunity arise Elm has been the biggest challenge, after several unsuccessful attempts I am more determined than ever. My Everlasting Pea plant (a keepsake from Kingsdown Leas) is now reaching the point where I need to put it outside. It is currently on the window sill. It is about 2 feet high and supported with some kebab skewers and just started growing a second stem.

I have waffled on a bit but just seen the weather forecast for the weekend, sunny and temp in the mid teens Hopefully a few butterflies to report next time

Good luck with the Blackthorn Jack and good luck this weekend

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Sunday 9.3.2014 A Most Magnificent March Day

The promise of good weather this weekend had me determined to build on my solitary Brimstone sighting from a couple of weeks ago. Yesterday there were chores to do but I did manage to spot my first Small Tortoisehell of the year flying through the garden and whilst out and about a couple more Brimstones Today I was pleased that at least one of my sons football matches was postponed yet again (he has not played a match since mid December) This meant I had a small window of opportunity to get out along my local footpath to see what was about before a 2pm kick off for my younger son. I was even able to time my walk to the middle of the the day. My first butterfly of the day, and a taster of what was to come, was a male Brimstone flying through. This was quickly followed by my first real photo opportunity of the year, a Small Tortoiseshell nectaring on one of the many Dandelions along the footpath. Every few metres along this first section of tarmac path there seemed to be a Small Tortoisehell accompanying me At first I thought this was all the same butterfly but upon later photo examination I pleased to notice that they were all different individuals. By the time I had reached the wilder, less used part of the footpath I had already seen several of both Brimstone and Small Tortoiseshell. Across the middle section of this footpath I have a clear view of the railway cutting to one side and here I was to spot several more male Brimstone, each one pausing to inspect every pale coloured object. In fact I only saw male Brimstone all day, whether they were successful in finding females I do not know, I certainly did not see one. As I reached the best area of my local path I spotted yet another Small Tortoiseshell Basking on the grass. As I got my camera into position I was 'buzzed' by a male Brimstone which fluttered for a minute or so around my camera. I put this down to the fact that my camera being elderly is silver and the reflected light must have caught this individuals attention. As it went on its way the Small Tortoiseshell took to the air together with another and a Peacock. For a few moments I was treated to the delightful spectacle of Brimstone, Peacock and a pair of Small Tortoiseshell all involved in aerial combat

I had been hoping for a full set of hibernators. As I approached the end of the path I expected to find a Comma or two in this reliable location, I was disappointed On the return stretch I decided to take a detour into the bottom, sundrenched corner of a farmers field. Here I was treated to several more Brimstone and at least a couple more Small Tortoiseshell. The final stretch before home provided a second Peacock and a couple more Brimstone. After lunch It was time to set off for my youngest sons football at Fleming Park about a 10-15 minute drive. I thought it would be fun to see how many Brimstone we could count en route. We counted 8. Whilst watching my son play I counted 5 more Small Tortoiseshell and another Peacock

What a glorious day it has been All this unprecedented Butterfly activity has certainly put me in a happy and relaxed frame of mind No Red Admiral or Comma but Small Tortoiseshell and Brimstone are enough to put a big smile on anybodys face. However, I have a niggling feeling at the back of my mind that nature has something nasty (weatherwise) up its sleeve. I hope I am wrong

A great report Jack and great shots too I know what you mean about the weather - 2012 saw a 3 week heat wave in March with Grizzled Skippers and Green Hairstreaks reported and then it went horrible and wet for what felt like an age - let's hope we don't get a repeat of that

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Sunday 16.3.2014 Bishopstoke to Home along the Itchen Navigation

I set out on Sunday with the hope of finding my first Comma and Red admiral of the year and perhaps some early non hibernators. Luckily the weather was fantastic again and my wife and boys had gone to LEGOLAND with friends for the day, leaving me with the day to myself The only downside was I had no car so I got them to drop me off on their way out at 9am. I often walk for an hour along the Itchen Way whilst my youngest son has football training. So I had the ambitious idea of starting from there and walking the whole route and continue on to home, on foot. I estimated this to be a three hour walk if I did not stop. Not being in any hurry and expecting plenty of butterflies to enjoy on the way I guessed it would probably take me twice that, I was not far off

As I started along the Itchen Way footpath I noticed the signs warning of flooding along the route. These were rather vague so I pressed on I had not got very far when I found the pathway underwater I got as far as I could until the water was almost at the top of my wellies but I had to turn back as it became too deep and quite unsafe. At this point I managed to drop my rucksack in the river complete with camera, phone and shoes Thank goodness I was able to retrieve it immediately before any damage was done. Not a good start After taking a slight detour to avoid this flooded section, I continued with the risk that I might have to turn back at some point further on. Luckily my early start meant even with my little escapade with the flood I managed to arrive at one of the main hotspots just in time to see my first butterflies of the day at just after 10am. A couple of Peacocks nectaring high up on Sallow It was not long before the first of many Brimstone appeared. These first couple of Brimstone giving me my only Brimstone photo opportunity of the day at about 10.15. I unfortunately was too slow to capitalise on this and missed out these were the only two I saw stopping for nectar all day. It was not long before I spotted my first Comma of the year I spent quite a while here, counting 8 Brimstone, 3 Comma, 4 Peacock and 3 Small Tortoiseshell on my first circuit of the area. From this point on I saw a steady flow of Brimstone and the occasional Peacock for the next hour or so. I was almost at the point where the Itchen Way passes under the M27 when I ran into another stretch of flooded path. Luckily the level here did not rise above my boots and I could continue without having to turn back. Around the corner my reward was an oasis of butterfly activity along the bank of the river. Several Comma, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell all putting on a good show. The action now seemed to be hotting up in the warm afternoon sunshine. I was now on the homeward stretch. After a short section on the road, a quick detour to investigate a patch of Elm Trees and a change of footwear ( by now my shoes had dried out ) I headed cross country around West End. I found a path around the edge of a large field along which there seemed to be Comma, Peacock or Small Tortoiseshell every few feet occasionally spiralling off into the air when they would encroach on anothers turf. By now it was mid afternoon and the Brimstones seemed to be dwindling away but there were definitely more Commas around Close to home and one of the last butterflies of the day was a white one which fluttered across the road in front of me, just too far away for a positive id. I would guess it was Small White but could not be positive. I thought that would be it for the day, but as I was almost within sight of home there were still a couple of Comma and Peacock fighting for territory at gone 3.30pm. One of these Comma had very unusual markings with blueish spots on the hindwings. I will return to try and get a better photo of this as it is only 5 minutes away. No Red Admirals but very pleased with my Comma and no sign of a female Brimstone yet. A fantastic end to another great (and tiring) day so early in the season.

Total tally for the day

Brimstone 27
Peacock 23
Comma 18
Small Tortoisesehll 17
Small White 1 (possible)

Great report and lush photos Jack It sounds like my kind if perfect March day apart from the rucksack drop

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Great report and photos sounds similar to my Sunday afternoon walk but with more Brimstones and water

Cheers,

Neil.

Hi Neil and Wurzel

Thanks for the comments

Wednesday 19.3.2104 At Home

Today my Purple Hairstreak eggs came out of the fridge. I had the morning off work and had already planned it in. The warning of early hatchings reassured me that time was right. I am planning to use cut Oak in water as my potted Oak is at present not developed enough to support any larvae. I have a nice Oak almost within site of my front door which has branches which hang down close to the ground. An inspection this morning confirmed that buds are starting to swell and a couple of straight twigs with some nice juicy terminal buds were found. One of my eggs appears to have suffered though, possibly through predation I still have not managed to get hold of a decent camera so am unable at present to get good pics of eggs and small larvae. I am very envious of the superb images captured of the early stages by others on this forum. I also went to see if I could relocate the unusually marked Comma I found at the weekend. The area is only 5 minutes away but lack of time and a sun only just starting to pierce the cloud meant I was unsuccessful with this specific Comma. I did disturb a couple of Small Torts, Comma and peacock