www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Thats a fantastic Orange Tip shot sadly not seen one yet Goldie

Thanks everyone.

I’d say the orange was on the light side, Wurzel.

Yes David, a very welcome surprise indeed!

Hi Goldie. I reckon you might see one this weekend, if the sun shines!

Well, the sun shone at last on Tuesday, my day off. This allowed for my first proper butterfly day of the year! It was cold again, though, and this is reflected in the fact that the butterflies dropped to the ground immediately a cloud came over. But the sun is now strong, and the day kicked off with this gorgeous Speckled Wood in my garden. It was nearly lunchtime before I saw my first Orange Tip, but then I saw 4, three males and a female. A Large White was too quick for my camera. Not so a Green-veined White, my first definite one of 2023. During a cloudy spell it settled, giving my plenty of time to admire those lovely veins.

"I’d say the orange was on the light side, Wurzel." I'd go with that Lovely looking Green-veined White -still not seen one (in the UK) this year

Have a goodun

Wurzel

That Green Veined White is a real gem, Mark.

The north Essex anemones were a little late appearing this year, and it wasn’t until 17 April that the weather was suitable for a visit. Numbers seemed slightly down on last year. Perhaps last years drought has had a temporary effect. However, these lovely, simple flowers were a still sight to behold!

On Tuesday 9th, I was Kent bound. After spending an enjoyable morning at Emmetts garden, I headed the short distance to Trosley country park for the afternoon.

My first target was Grizzed Skippers, which were actually found quite easy, with reasonable numbers seen. What gorgeous little butterflies! My other target here was the Dingy Skippers. Again, found quite easily. Photography, though, was another matter! They gave me the run around for a while, but eventually... My first Common Blue of the year was a surprise. I also saw my first Wall and Small Heaths of the year.

Final tally was, Brimstone,Green-veined White, Orange Tip, Dingy Skipper, Grizzled Skipper, Common Blue, Peacock, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Wall and Small Heath.

What a final tally for one day, Mark! Some great shots too, especially the Grizzled Skipper.

Great stuff to see Essex You know it's a good day at this time of year when you break into a double digits tally There's two or three there that I've still to see - fingers crossed for this weekend

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Cracking line up of butterflies, Mark. You're right, those Grizzled Skippers are magnificent when freshly emerged...and Dingies are underrated too!

Hi! essex, where is Trosley Park, I've looked for it and it shows it but I'm not sure how far it is from Canterbury, well, Herne Bay really.

Your Grizzled Skipper shot is lovely Goldie

Hello Goldie ,
"Trosley " Country Park is the shortened name for Trottiscliffe in North ,Kent ,i,ve seen Grizzlies there on one occasion many years ago its an excellent site !
Close by also North Kent is Bluebell hill NNR ,another site for Grizzles is Burham Down and the Kent trust site Polhill bank ,i,m sure you,ll find information for these sites on the internet .
Had a look for Grizzles and Small Coppers at Dungeness mid-morning but no luck ! ..............not a one ,excepting two possible Copper flypasts !
Just 2 Small Torts ,1 Small White and 1 Small Heath (1st for year ).
Good Hunting ! Allan.W.

Blimey ! think i,m going cranky ....................Apologies Essex ! don,t know how i managed to put a post intended for Goldie on your page .................Sorry about this !!
Regards from a loopy Allan.W.

Thanks Trevor, that was the best day I’ve had so far.

Thanks Wurzel, it was good to get into double figures for the first time!

Thanks David. I love Grizzled Skippers. Perhaps I need to move to France, where there are 10 or so different Species!

Hi Goldie, Trosley is probably about 50 minutes drive from Herne Bay. Please PM me if you need more information.

Hi Allan, no worries . Hopefully the advice will help Goldie, if the weather ever warms up!

Hi! essex, Hope fully I'll be able to try the Blue Bell Hill one next week, can't get there this week it's too busy for my Daughter, fingers crossed, weather
looks good for the next couple of weeks , I'll say thank you to you and Allan for the Posts Goldie

Just catching up on your diary Mark and I had to look twice at that Common Blue, those dark borders have a Silver-studded Blue look about them.

Cheers,

Neil.

Thanks Goldie. I’ve not been to Blue Bell Hill, so I look forward to seeing your discoveries!

Thanks Neil, yes, he has quite a pronounced border. Still the only one I’ve seen.

Tuesday 16th. With a bright morning and increasing cloud forecast, I got an early start and, despite lots of traffic, arrived at Bison Hill, Whipsnade, by 9.15am. The main target here were the Duke of Burgundy and the Green Hairstreak, but with a good supporting cast of other species.

It didn’t take long to find the Duke, at first warming up it the most sheltered spots, but later seen more widely across the site. Estimate about 20-30 in all, about the same as last year. Given the indifferent weather this year, I reckon that is pretty good. I also saw a pair copulate. Little ceremony surrounded the event, he simply landed, spun round her a couple of times, flapping his wings and they were joined. Greens had an excellent season last year, but this time they were back to normal, low numbers. My first, perhaps only ones this year. All to the backdrop of good views, and the glorious sight and scent, of May blossom. What a great site this is. More to come...

Cracking set of shots Essex . I've only ever seen one pair of Duke of Burgundy in cop but it was just like you describe; a case of 'wham' followed by I presume a long period of 'bang' but definitely no 'thank you mam'!

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Glad you caught up with those Dukes, Mark. They're always a highlight of late spring.

I always hope to see Grizzled Skippers here, and today was no exception. Such fantastic little creatures, these. It was nice to see my first Brown Argus of the year. This Small White proved photogenic, I couldn’t resist... Dingy Skippers were present in decent numbers. By early afternoon, the clouds had filled in, and the days action was over. The Dingies had gone to roost, in their characteristic pose.