www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

I particularly like the GVW on the flowering currant, Mark. Fresh spring GVW are such an attractive species, and that one is very fresh, with a vibrant lemon shade. Great contrast on the pink flowers too!

Cheers,

Dave

Wow! That's one hell of a Green Veined White, Mark. Absolutely stunning.

Your second Orange Tip stands out too. The spot on the forewing is far more bold than normal.

Thanks everyone. That Green-veined White was a beauty, and briefly brought a bit of cheer during these dark times.

The Speckled Woods are now emerging in decent numbers. Lovely insects when freshly emerged. The numbers of Commas and Small Tortoiseshell are beginning to decline, now, as many have probably mated, laid eggs and completed their life cycle. However, this one, photographed yesterday, was still in fair condition.

Hi! essex, I've not had any Small Tort's in the Garden for a while now so I think your right, that's a nice shot of one, so you never know Goldie

Lovely shot of the often under appreciated Specklie Essex They certainly are building numbers wise

Have a goodun and stay safe

Wurzel

Just seen the Green-veined White on the flowering currant Mark, a lovely colour combination

Nice Orange-tips as well, and the nice fresh Speckled Wood.

I haven't seen many Commas here this spring, far more Small Tortoiseshells and Peacocks, especially the former. Interesting how the fortunes of these species (and others) are varying around the country.

Cheers,

Neil.

essexbuzzard wrote: ↑Thu Apr 16, 2020 10:21 pm..The numbers of Commas and Small Tortoiseshell are beginning to decline, now, as many have probably mated, laid eggs and completed their life cycle...

Same round my way, Mark (Brimstones too). Peacocks seem to keep going though. I've probably seen more of this species than any other so far this year.

Thanks everyone. I would go so far as to say I’ve seen more Peacock than all the other species put together!

What a difference a month makes. A month ago, we were still watching the flood waters recede, and everywhere was full of slush and slime, making walking in the countryside more of an ordeal than a pleasure. It is surprising how quickly things dry out, once it stops raining! Ground conditions are pleasant at last.

It is no coincidence that the rain has stopped at the same time as the wind has changed direction. The prevailing westerlies are at their weakest at this time of year and, for most of us, April is statistically the driest month. Sure enough, the dominant wind direction in the last month has been from the east. A quick flick through the records finds several April’s where it hasn’t rained at all. April is not guaranteed to be dry of course. Who can forget the April washout in 2012?

Another mostly dry week, with decent sunshine but a chilly breeze, is expected this week, so let’s all enjoy those Orange Tips, while they last.

essexbuzzard wrote: ↑Sat Apr 18, 2020 11:03 pm..What a difference a month makes. A month ago, we were still watching the flood waters recede, and everywhere was full of slush and slime, making walking in the countryside more of an ordeal than a pleasure. It is surprising how quickly things dry out, once it stops raining! Ground conditions are pleasant at last.

Indeed, Mark. The difference is possibly more immense than for many years. On 20th March I had only just seen my first butterfly and life was relatively normal (albeit with the anticipation of things soon to change pretty radically).

Here we are a month later and the situation is unrecognisable. That said, there is a shaft of light at the end of this grim tunnel, and in another month I expect things to be markedly brighter.

In the meantime, nature goes on with its business, and probably all the better for its principal adversary, the human race, being forced to largely take a sabbatical from its destructive behaviour.

As you say, let's enjoy those Orange Tips while they last, and hope that when they come by again in 2021, we will have greater freedom to enjoy them.

Well said David, and I wholeheartedly agree. Things are moving so fast now, that I hope there will be something left by then!

This week, the Essex bluebell woods have reached their peak. Traditionally, I always thought of bluebell woods as a May spectacle, but nowadays, they often flower in April. The glorious warm sunny weather has brought them out even earlier than last year. With a week of this month still to go, they will probably be passed their best by time May arrives. Orange Tips have also reached their peak, but numbers this year seem slightly down, perhaps due to a shortage of garlic mustard last year. Their is no such shortage this year though-my garden is full of it-and out and about I am seeing it everywhere, often in great abundance. The Orange Tip females will have plenty of choice when laying their eggs this year. The walk to the bluebell woods takes me along a river valley. This is Tortoiseshell country, and dozens of them were doing battle with Peacocks. Large nettle beds can be found here, and soon they will be full of caterpillars. The adults are showing their age now, but at least they got this far. A Small White was not so lucky...

Whilst slightly macabre Essex that final shot is a cracker - brilliantly caught image

Have a goodun and stay safe

Wurzel

The carpets of bluebells are one of the joys of a British spring aren't they, Mark? I've noticed lately that the red campion is emerging too along with the horse chestmut candles. It's a colourful time right now.

Does seem odd for it to be happening so early. It really seems to have accelerated these last 10 years or so. The daffodils vanished a fortnight ago and the mayflower will hardly live up to its name this year as May is yet to arrive and it's practically all finished flowering round my way!

Loving the Bluebell wood Mark

A sight that I will sadly miss seeing for myself this year.

Cheers,

Neil.

Welcome to May, the most beautiful month of the year. The countryside, as well as our towns,have been transformed in the last month. For so long, dingy browns and greys have dominated, but now the landscape is full colour and scent. The Orange Tips are now at their peak as is the birdsong, the hawthorn or May blossom, and the horse chestnut. Days are long. Times are tough, but scenes like these gladden the soul, and should be enjoyed.

My sentiments exactly, Mark. May is a fabulous month.
While I was photographing the PBF yesterday, I heard a Nightingale blasting out his song.
I won't meet you at Cotley Hill this May, and that is another Springtime gem.

Keep well,
Trevor.

"Times are tough, but scenes like these gladden the soul, and should be enjoyed" Brilliant sentiments Essex, so true There is talk that we may be allowed to travel to the countryside - how far I don;t know but don't write The Hill off just yet, there's still time

Have a goodun and stay safe

Wurzel

I haven’t given up yet! There are 101 places I would like to go to this month, if I am allowed, and Cotley Hill is definitely one of them!

It was a glorious day yesterday and for me, it was all about Whites. Although less dramatic, and less quintessential spring time than the Orange Tip, the Gree-veined White is equally beautiful in its own way. There are lots of them around now and in good years, when there is lots of garlic mustard, they breed in my garden. Here is a female on hawthorn. And a male. The markings on this one were particularly bold. Small Whites were about, too. And a couple of Large Whites. No May scene would be complete without the Orange Tip, here on the blue flowers of green alkanet.

"I haven’t given up yet!" - that's the spirit, fingers crossed we hear some good news on Sunday evening
Lovely set of whites Essex - especially the beautifully marked Green-veined White

Have a goodun and stay safe

Wurzel

Nothing wrong with concentrating on Whites, Mark. In fact, I think we should all devote at least one day per year to doing precisely that!

The Large White in particular looks great. I've really struggled with them this year although I'm pleased to say they're far more ubiquitous than in 2019, when I saw precious few both here and abroad.