www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Before we turn a drama into a crisis shall we just get back to what we all love? - butterflies!

The thing I found fascinating about the video was the number of red admirals. I have seen butterflies on sap runs before (purple emperors) but never the wonderful number there was in the video. Just why have they done so well this year?

A high survival rate amongst the overwinterers, lots of lush nettles, a large top-up from the near continent where conditions may have been similar and favourable winds kicked in just at the right moment...? All guesswork.
Certainly in my patch, they've been evident in good numbers since very early on. First one seen on 25th February.

Dave

OK. I'm really sorry' I misread things . I have never heard of Kipper's thingy and being dyslexic I thought some of you were making fun. I'm really sorry .
Yes Chocky was an alien , i liked the story and use Chocky as my user.

again . I'm sorry

Thanks for clearing that up, Chocky. We'll all be relieved to hear it was a misunderstanding.

Susie wrote:That is quite amazing. Great footage!

I wonder if the same effect could be achieved by putting maple syrup out? Hmmmm.....

This is what I misread.
Susie I am so sorry

Beryl

No worries. I've moved on. Let's get back on topic, shall we?

Thank you.
Yes a good idea

Loved the video Chocky, but only seen two Red Admiral's around my area (Bolton Lanc's) Goldie

Thank you all. Glad you enjoyed the video.

I think they are declining down here now. Not quite so many about. We certainly had a great deal down here in Southwest

Chocky wrote:
I think they are declining down here now. Not quite so many about.

They've probably seen the weather forecast.

Great video. It is amazing seeing them in numbers like that. Two weeks ago I saw 11 red admirals behaving like that on some buddleia along with some small tortoiseshells, peacocks, a comma and a painted lady. I guess this is some sort of feeding frenzy to prepare them for a long flight south or to get them through the winter. I have never seen them behaving like that earlier in the year.

Thank you for your kind comment
It's a first for me as well.
You are probably right about feeding and preparing for the long flight south
The fact that there are only Red Admirals make me wonder ifnthey are being teritorial . There wer pleanty of other butterflies in the park but they were feeding on the flowers. not in a flutter though