www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Lovely shots of the Small Torts Trevor, sorry you didn't manage a shot of the Holly Blue, the first shots are always difficult to get I find Goldie

Many thanks all. Was I last person in the UK to find some Small Tortoiseshells ?.

Today was slow going at the old railway, but at least my first Orange Tip, and second
Speckled Wood of the new season put in an appearance.
Also seen were two Peacocks and a very tatty Comma.

Trevor.

The old railway was a little livelier today than yesterday.
One thing that was obvious was the building numbers of Speckled Wood, with seven seen.
One in particular was a boldly marked female.
I also obtained a favourite Springtime scene of mine, a Peacock on Blackthorn blossom,
not with a blue sky background, but it will do.( for now ).
The day's tally was seven Specklies, three Peacocks and three Commas.
If the forecast weather is as good as they say I would think Green Veined Whites,
Holly Blues and more Orange Tips will grace the old railway by the weekend. ( hope so )

Trevor.

Still no Specklies round my way, Trevor, but it can't be long. That female is beautifully marked - after the late summer ones, the spring brood is much brighter.

Dave

That second Speckie, looks really unusual, it's marking's really flower like, Goldie

You nipped off home in good time Trevor - it's been dire to not great here so far this week Great set of reports and I see what you mean about that female Specklie, she really does stand out, very well marked

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Remarkably pale Speckled Wood is that, Trevor. Well done for spotting her. Good to see another join 2018's Orange Tip club too!

Many thanks for the interest in the Speckled Woods.
However Speckled Woods were not the stars of the show today. It was the Large White.
On Monday and Tuesday, no Large Whites appeared at all along the old railway,
but today they seemed to be everywhere, I counted eight but I'm sure there were more.
Another notable was a male Holly Blue, my first Sussex sighting.
As for Orange Tips, it was a day to watch them, the three I saw never stopped, an added
bonus was a fourth OT. which flew across my garden this afternoon.

Trevor.

Hi Trevor

I've been looking at your recent pics. You seem to have a great location at your "Old Railway Line".

Great shots Trevor! Love the Speckles, seems like this week has really delivered the goods.

I'm still on Small Torts and Peacocks over this way Trevor! Lovely set of Large White shots - they're difficult to get without bleaching

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Cheers Andrew & Wurzel.
For Ernie f. I have enclosed a view of part of the old line, taken last year.
The site really is 5* luxury Butterflying. There is a free 23 hour car park at the entrance,
and a tar-mac path runs the whole length, with luxurient vegetation, at this time of year,
on either side of the path. Plus there is a Pub and coffee shops nearby.

Today I only had a short time at the old railway, and found my first Green veined White
of the season. The warm sun kept most species non stop in the air, and Speckled Woods
provided some closed wing opportunities in the sunshine.

Happy days,
Trevor.

Wow Trevor! your certainly on a roll Goldie

Hi Trevor.

I am glad to be able to report similar progress in Northants. Two Orange Tips and a Holly Blue today (no pictures), and Large White and Green-veined yesterday. I have pictures of a few other things that would stay still for me, but would need a drone for the fast ones. Glad to see you are enjoying good weather and hope it continues....

peter

Lovely GVWhite Trevor The Old Railway looks like a great site, a handy Local Site

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Very nice, Trevor, especially the context image with the Orange Tip in the foreground. Looks like there has been a Pierid explosion round your way!

More great stuff Trevor. Do you head north or south, or bit of both ?

Great reports and photos of some lovely spring butterflies

I particularly like the last photo of the Speckled Wood from Tuesday 17th - a nice female. Spring brood are usually brighter than the later broods with females usually being brighter than males and yours is a lovely example

Cheers,

Neil.

Now I have an idea what the Old Railway looks like! It seems like a cracking spot. Some lovely spring views there too.

Dave

Many thanks everyone. Good to hear from you Peter, glad Spring has caught up with you.

I hope I might be permitted a little indulgence. Some Primroses from my garden.
When I'm Prime Minister the Primrose will become our national flower.
Sadly they will soon fade away for another year .
But will be replaced by carpets of Bluebells .

Trevor.