essex buzzard

[millerd]

Great selection of white butterflies, Mark. I particularly like that heavily-marked male GVW - such a contrast to most of them, as some can be pretty well pure white. They seem to be doing pretty well so far this year.

Cheers,

Dave

[Neil Freeman]

Hi Mark,

The Green-veined Whites around my way have suddenly increased in number and are now the most numerous butterfly seen. Still lots of Small Whites too but very few Large Whites so far.

That female is a beautiful example

Cheers,

Neil.

[essexbuzzard]

Thanks everyone. That’s about it from me so far, though I’m hoping that will change next week, if I’m allowed off the lead. If not, I have the wonderful sight and scent of the hawthorn to enjoy, which is glorious this year!

[David M]

Thanks everyone. That’s about it from me so far, though I’m hoping that will change next week, if I’m allowed off the lead.

Fingers crossed for Sunday's announcement, Mark. Looks like there will only be slight concessions regarding travel/exercise but if we can get more significant ones by the end of the month we just might be able to salvage the season.

[essexbuzzard]

So, the first day I’ve been let off the lead and, as luck would have it, it’s my day off. The pictures I’m about to post probably ain’t going to win any prizes, but they are valuable as they are of iconic Spring species, which I didn’t think I was going to see this year.

In reality, conditions at Bison Hill, Whipsnade were only borderline suitable today-it was cloudy, windy and rather cold, with only fleeting glimpses of sun and temperatures struggling to get into double figures. Definitely quality over quantity! But I was there, and that’s all that counts.

[trevor]

Have camera, will travel, Mark!. Great shots from your first day off the leash.
I've got my sights on Dukes before it's too late, just need better weather.

Stay well,
Trevor.

[Pauline]

I can empathise with those sentiments Mark - same conditions yesterday in Chiddingfold. I was interested to see your GH - was she down egg-laying. I know we have been a bit restricted but on my patch there seems to have been a distinct lack of GH compared to previous years.

[essexbuzzard]

Thanks Pauline. In fact,I think the GH was just trying to warm up! Warmer weather again next week. No complaints, we’ve had a lot more warm days this spring than cold ones.

[Wurzel]

Cracking stuff Essex Love those shots of the Dukes - sometimes the cooler weather is a benefit but you certainly did well even when so hard pressed

Have a goodun and stay safe

Wurzel

[David M]

So, the first day I’ve been let off the lead and, as luck would have it, it’s my day off. The pictures I’m about to post probably ain’t going to win any prizes, but they are valuable as they are of iconic Spring species, which I didn’t think I was going to see this year.

Absolutely agree, Mark, and you must feel a whole lot better for being able to venture that bit farther?

As you say, these are spring species that few like to miss out on, especially Duke of Burgundy, although amongst your images it is the Dingy Skipper that stands out - what a beauty!

[Goldie M]

Lovely shots essex, glad you got your Spring Butterflies, I to like the shot of the Dingy Goldie

[essexbuzzard]

Thanks Trevor, yes, I’ve got the travel bug back well and truly!

Yes Wurzel, they were well behaved and weren’t going far.

Thanks David, yes, it’s wonderful to get out and about again, I’m delighted and grateful. I know some are not so fortunate...

Thanks Goldie, shame we didn’t get you your Grizzed Skippers, but eventually we will!

Next up, I was Sussex bound, on a fabulous day last Sunday. The best day so far this year.

This coombe, near Storrington, was full of spring treasures!

[essexbuzzard]

Duke of burgundies were present in good numbers in the gully, with smaller numbers on the surrounding slope. Many were still in good condition on this north-facing site.

Brown argues were here, too, doing battle with the various other species present. There is something stunning about a freshly emerged Brown Argus.

Several Grizzed Skippers were seen, which was a treat, as they are one of my favourite spring butterflies. This one was especially beautiful.

This is a good Green Hairstreak site, so I was surprised to find only one. However, it was a beauty.

Common Blues, as well as a single Small Blue, were here. Although I found one at home a couple of weeks ago, this was my first decent sighting.

Finally, Dingy Skippers were here. Some were showing their age, but there were still a few good ones.

[Wurzel]

Another cracking collection Essex That Dingy is looking good for its age, really interesting markings on the fore wings

Have a goodun and stay safe

Wurzel

[essexbuzzard]

Thanks Wurzel. Part two still to follow...

[David M]

That coombe looks perfect for butterflies, Mark. No wonder you filled your boots. Will look forward to the next instalment.

[Neil Freeman]

A nice selection of species there Mark but I love the deep chocolate colour of the fresh Brown Argus

Cheers,

Neil.

[essexbuzzard]

Then onto Mill Hill, near Shoreham. I was greeted with a glorious carpet of yellow horseshoe vetch. It was worth coming for that alone.

However, I soon began to see Adonis Blues. Lots of them. They had clearly emerged in good numbers. After a poor late-summer brood last year, they have clearly had no problems surviving a mild, wet winter at the caterpillar stage! A cracking way to end an absolutely brilliant day out. I am grateful to that government for easing the rules just in time to savour the end of spring.

[trevor]

Really lovely Adonis shots, Mark. I miss my Wiltshire site for them, so maybe 2nd brood.

Good to see you getting around now.
Trevor.

[Wurzel]

Woah I had to turn the brightness down on my laptop to view those images Essex, I was blinded by the light Adonis when they're like that are simply stunning

Have a goodun and stay safe

Wurzel