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Hi David, Pauline & Wurzel Thanks for the comments

.......just a bit more catch up from what seems ages ago

Sunday 15.6.2014 Stephens Castle Down, Dundridge & Galley Down

I made an early start with the expectation of good weather. Unfortunately the weather did not 'do what it said on the tin' and there was complete cloud cover accompanied by cool breezy conditions. So I took the opportunity to investigate some other interesting areas close to Stephens Castle Down. Galley Down was much more wooded than had been apparent from the satellite image but is definitely worth another look in better weather. No butterflies seen at all except one struggling to stay on course in the cool breeze. There were plenty of Peacock larvae around covering the whole spectrum of development. As is always the case the sun started to appear as it neared time to leave Several Speckled Wood being the first appearances of the day. I could not leave without a quick look on the down itself. My first Meadow Browns of the year bobbed in the meadow next to the down. Then the unmistakable site of Marbled Whites. Again, my first of the year with 3 or 4 seen all males. A single Grizzled Skipper and several Large Skippers were around but the Duke of Burgundy and Green Hairstreaks have gone for the year As I left I had a hopeful look at the Elms in the hedge line along the road for White Letter Hairstreaks, I saw none Saturday 21.6.2014 around my local patch and in the garden

I had not been out along my local footapath near home for a few weeks so I thought I would have a quick look to see what was about. This is a little used path and this time of year it becomes almost impenetrable and overgrown in places. The bracken and Brambles encroach at almost neck height making going difficult. My first Ringlet , one of very few Commas seen this year, a Red Admiral and plenty of Large Skippers were all that I saw.
In the Garden another Vapourer Moth larva appeared on the washing. These are regulars in the garden and this one was returned to the Variegated Maple tree which they seem to enjoy.

22.6.2104 - 6.7.2014 Knowle Village, Ravens Wood & Aytesbury Copse

I visited this particular location back in the spring for the first time and found it a wonderful little haven between farmland and ancient woodland. I have been studying the area over the last few weeks hoping for something interesting to turn up

22.6.2014 For the last couple of weeks there has not been much opportunity for butterfly watching, although the weather has been 'spot on.' I have had to grab opportunities however poorly timed they might have been. This was a very late afternoon visit just catching the last of the afternoon sun. I was not very hopeful, it being so late in the day, but I was surprised to find two firsts for the year, Small Skipper and several White Admiral which were busy on a large clump of Bramble. I managed to miss this species completely last year so they were a very welcome sight In an area where I had seen lots of Small Tortoiseshell activity in the Spring and lots of larval groups a few weeks later, there was now Small Tortoiseshell activity again. Many were exhibiting what I assume was courtship behaviour. I watched one pair for about 15-20 minutes waiting for something to happen. Down in the vegetation one was motionless with wings firmly shut ( I assume the female) the other was lined up astern wings open and quivering constantly and occasionally tapping the other individuals wings with its antennae. They did this for about 20 minutes at which point I had to leave. I hope they did eventually get on with it There were perhaps 10 or more Small Tortoiseshell in this location as well as a couple of Red Admirals. Plenty of Large Skippers and Meadow Browns as well as some Peacock larvae.

27.6.2014 I made a quick visit today at about 6.30pm and although it was a little late in the day I still recorded my first Ringlet and Marbled White in this location.

29.6.2014 Another week on I counted at least 20 Small Tortoiseshell larva webs with very young larvae in a very small area also my first Summer Green Veined White. I feel that this area has more to offer if I can just get there at a sensible time of day and the weather holds. 6.7.2014 Yesterday I managed to visit this location at a sensible time of day although the weather was indifferent. Cloudy and cool in the morning with sunny intervals and a breeze. I was hoping I might see some evidence of Purple Emperor activity as there is ancient Oak woodland here with lots of Sallow on the periphery. I saw a bit of activity in the treetops through my binoculars but so far away I could not be sure even what species I was seeing. Lots of Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper around and a few Large Skipper hanging on. I was pleased to find my first Gatekeepers of the year and there were lots of them, all male. In the sheltered corner of a field there was a large expanse of Mayweed, this was proving irresistible to the Small Skippers. I counted 7 all buzzing around this area. Close by I spotted a very fresh (with that just emerged look) Small Skipper. Upon closer inspection this was my first Essex skipper of the year In this very small sheltered area I found a couple more, again very fresh. There were still Small Tortoiseshell around some looking in good condition and patrolling the area where there are huge numbers of larval webs. After counting 20 last weekend I found a few more in the same area bringing the total to around 30 webs. There were also still a few Peacock larvae around. The White admirals were still present in the same areas as last week. A couple of Green Veined Whites and a fresh Large White appeared. I think this is only the second Large White I have seen this year, the spring has been rather devoid of all the whites with only a handful seen. Has anybody else noticed this A beautiful Golden Ringed Dragonfly also put in an appearance. Hopefully this area still has a few surprises to offer.

Great to catch up with your doings Paul with some lovely shots - that White Admiral is lush but my favourite is the "three spotter" Gatekeeper I can sympathize with you about having to squeeze butterflying in but it makes it all the sweeter when you get something good

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Very nice latest report Jack...much enjoyed

Bill

When in doubt...venture out"

Thanks Bill and Wurzel for your comments

This weekend I made a couple of quick visits to some local spots But failed dismally with my camera

Saturday 12.7.2014 Moorgreen Meadows

Inbetween dropping the kids off at various places on Saturday, I managed a quick 20 minute stop off at lunchtime just around the corner from home. I was pleased to find my first summer Peacock as well as singles of Comma, Red Admiral, Meadow Brown, Ringlet and a surprisingly fresh Large Skipper.There were also several male Gatekeepers and Speckled Wood. On Returning to the car, which I had parked in the adjacent industrial estate, I had a quick look up at the Oak Trees and saw what I believe were Purple Hairstreaks high up. I returned twice over the weekend to check it out with binoculars only to find this secluded corner of the estate occupied by kids in their cars with loud exhausts and equally loud music I shall return another day.

Saturday 12.7.2014 Knowle Village/Aytesbury Copse

A late afternoon visit to this location provided a few more Summer peacocks. There were no White Admirals today and the Marbled Whites had reduced to just one. Gatekeepers were the most numerous species seen but still no females and this week more Essex than Small skippers seen. There were still a few Large Skippers around and there was a mixture of Small Tortoiseshells from very worn to very fresh as well as a range of sizes of Small Tortoiseshell larvae. There were a few whites around as well as Meadow Brown And Ringlet. Sunday 13.7.2014 Whiteley Pastures

I had unexpected opportunity and just as unexpected weather on Sunday afternoon. I headed out with my eldest son to Whiteley. This location has been on my list for some time but I had not got around to visiting up until now. There had been rain earlier in the day and there was nobody around. I thought there might be a possibility of Purple Emperor but he was not seen There were plenty of summer Peacocks around as well as my first summer Brimstones. Albeit a bit late in their season I saw my first Silver Washed Fritillaries of the year also a single White Admiral and Comma. The highlight of my day was making my way into a wooded area toward a clearing off the main track. Whilst standing at the edge of a very small clearing next to a Birch tree a Sliver Washed Fritillary settled on the trunk about 2 feet off the ground and laid an egg on the bark. It then fluttered a few inches around the trunk and laid another . This was in almost complete shade, in fact I could have done with a torch and my camera was certainly unable to record the event

There do seem to be large numbers of Hedge Browns around at the moment -which is great news for me Liking the shot showing the slightly unusual looking pupils I too saw a female egg laying this weekend, it was unusual seeing a normally sun loving butterfly mooching around under the canopy in the shade.

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Thanks for the comment Wurzel

Tuesday 15.7.2014 Sparsholt

Whilst working in Sparsholt today I took some time out in the heat at midday to watch a large number of Small Tortoiseshell nectaring on Travellers Joy This caught my attention because I rarely see any butterflies on this particular plant. A couple of Small Skippers, Large Whites and Meadow Brown also visited for refreshments but did not stay around long, whereas the Tortoiseshells stayed around for several hours. Other species seen at other spots at the same location today were several Brimstone, lots of Whites and Gatekeepers. I have got Friday and Monday off work so I am hoping for at least one good day of butterfly watching

Particularly like that first pic. - I'd say (with the lovely skyline, behind) that one's a "Padfieldesque" photo!

Cheers, Jon

I really like the last shot Paul, there's something about the way the hind legs are trailing behind it that makes me imagine it's got a nice fully belly so it's just stretching out lazily; like I like to do after a big meal

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Hi Jon & Wurzel

Thanks for the comments

Friday 18.7.2014 Stephens Castle Down

First time out with a new camera and very disappointingly got no shots at all I was there in the seering heat in the early afternoon and everything was far too active. Certainly too active for me with a new toy that I was unfamiliar with Camera aside, I was pleased to see several fresh male Common Blues vigorously defending territory against each other and the 3 or 4 worn male Dark Green Fritillaries which were cruising up and down the main butterfly highway in the middle of this location. I seem to have missed out on seeing Dark Green Fritillaries freshly emerged this year Several Fresh Peacocks and singles of Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell as well as the first Comma I have seen at this site made the visit worthwhile. There were of course the usual suspects Marbled whites, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper and Ringlet a plenty. Still not seen a female Gatekeeper. Also seen several fresh Brimstones both male and female as well the other whites, Small and Essex skippers and Large Skippers. Just as I was leaving a Humming Bird Hawk moth came into view. The thing that really caught my eye was that large areas of the Down had been completely trampled flat including the area that is inhabited by the Duke of Burgundy colony here. It did not become apparent what had caused the trampling until I hit bulls eye with my foot into a large, fairly fresh cowpat which was slightly obscured by vegetation As I left I spotted the culprits at the far end of the reserve, half a dozen cattle. I know that grazing maintains the downland habitat, but is it possible for damage to be done if the wrong livestock are employed?????

Sunday 20.7.2014 Wickham/Knowle Village

After a bit of practise with my new camera in the garden during Saturday I managed to take a couple of pics whilst out walking with my Brother on Sunday Morning exploring a new path/route. I found my first female Gatekeeper of the year as well as fresh Peacocks, Marbled whites, Meadow Brown, Essex and Small skipper, Ringlet and lots and lots of Small Tortoiseshell larvae. Plenty of room for improvement I think

Great reports and shots Jack - you're getting to grips with the camera I know what you mean about the wrong grazers grazing - one of the reserves near me swapped to sheep and the swards have been a different length and there seem to have been fewer blues Hopefully the loss of one will be to the benefit another...

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Thanks Wurzel hopefully they will not have done to much damage

Monday 21.7.2014 Straits Inclosure & Oxenbourne Down

I have always had great difficulty with trying to fit in more than one site in a day. You know how it is, you set yourself a time limit and before you know it 3 hours have elapsed and it is time to go home In fact I don't think I have ever successfully managed to do it. Last Monday I thought I would make my annual pilgrimage to Oxenbourne Down to see the Silver Spotted Skippers. As I had the whole day off and the weather forecast was good I had the idea of popping into Straits Inclosure for an hour beforehand and perhaps get my first ever sighting of a Purple Emperor. So I set off under a cloudless sky with that plan in mind at just gone 8am.

When I arrived at Straits Enclosure the place was deserted, cool and there was almost complete cloud cover but I was confident this would lift. This would be my first summer visit to this site. I have never seen a Purple emperor before although I have looked unsuccessfully at my local site. I get the impression from other reports sometimes that finding Purple Emperor requires lots of experience and practice I have none of this of course but I do retain information well. I was armed with various titbits like 'they tend to come to the ground mid morning', 'they can be attracted to light coloured or shiny objects', and they are also attracted by moisture of various unsavoury types. I have also been advised that when you see one they are unmistakable. Well I was there at the right time of day, I wore my favourite old white T shirt and the ground was moist with various doggy deposits. I walked the length of the main track and saw only a couple of Gatekeepers but this gave me a chance to practise with my new camera whilst keeping one eye on the tree tops and one on the ground. A the end of the main track where the hard surface disappears I made my way a bit further and caught a tantalising glimpse of a large butterfly flying between two Oak trees, it then disappeared without waiting to be identified. The sun did not really start to appear until about 10.15 but once it broke through the cloud rapidly cleared. I returned to the spot where I had seen tree top action just in time to see a Silver Washed fritillary coming down to nectar on Bramble. This would be one of many seen during the day. At this point my camera battery died so I had to resort to my old faithful. It was not long before white Admiral and Peacock were up and about. I had read many reports of Purple Emperor using the two observation platforms as perching points here so every journey I made back and forth along the main track included close scrutiny of these platforms. By 10.30 there was much butterfly action. The Silver Washed Fritillaries, white Admirals and Peacocks had now been joined by whites, Small and Large Skippers, Meadow Browns and Ringlets but not a sign of Purple Emperor. By now there were many Peacocks taking moisture from the gravel track. At the point where the main track dips I stopped to take a photo of one of these Peacocks, as I stood up I was alerted by the sound of rustling butterfly wings and to my astonishment my first Purple Emperor unmistakably swooped past me and back up to the tree tops .This was my first ever encounter with the Purple Emperor:D By this time I had already been there much longer than planned but I could not resist staying a bit longer to perhaps get another glimpse. I stayed on for quite a while without any sign of the Emperor. A Red Admiral joined the many Peacocks taking moisture/nutrients from the track. I had all but given up and decided to have one last circuit of the main track when I glanced up at the first observation tower. I could not believe my eyes as there was a large female Purple Emperor open winged on the shady side of the tower It moved around a bit for a few minutes, wings outstretched and then took to the air, circled a couple of times and then disappeared into the canopy. So I left site feeling quite chuffed. I even still had time to get into see Silver Spotted Skippers at Oxenbourne Down but it would have to be a quick visit, maybe an hour if I was lucky. I arrived at Oxenbourne Down much later than originally planned and it was now gone midday so butterfly activity was frantic. The Chalk Hill Blues were out in force. Mainly males but a fair few females and several mating pairs. A quick search around the main Silver Spotted Skipper habitat turned up several males in high speed action, but no females. There were still plenty of Small/Essex Skippers around some looking quite fresh. Hopefully I can get back next weekend for another look.

Great report and shots Paul An Emperor and Empress in one visit is a mighty fine result

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Thanks Wurzel the Emperors were certainly the highlight of the day unfortunately my camera skills were not up to it so no photos to show for it

Sunday 27.7.2014 Oxenbourne Down

So for the 2nd time in a week I headed off for Oxenbourne Down. I had the day to myself so decided to explore some of the more remote parts of this site, after connecting with the Silver Spotted Skippers of course. As I arrived the sky was still fairly dull and thankfully the butterflies were only just starting to become active. There was already lots of Chalk Hill Blues about. Some looking pretty ragged but there were plenty of fresh emergees around and some slightly aberrant individuals lacking in underside spots. I spent quite a while observing this species. After an initial search I found no sign of Silver Spotted Skipper activity or any roosting, but it was still early and the sun was not really out. There were plenty of fresh Common Blues about including some unusually marked examples. Once the sun got its act together the Silver spotted Skippers began to appear, not many, but several males were observed. At the top of the down there are several large Buddleia bushes scattered around. I cant help but think observing butterflies on Buddleia in a nature reserve is cheating, but none the less I thought they were worth checking out. Amongst the large numbers of freshly emerged Peacocks adorning each bush were several Red Admirals and Small Tortoiseshells as well as a couple of Painted Ladies Down in the lower valley the habitat is very different, much longer vegetation. As one works further along the valley the species range gradually changes. The Chalk Hill Blues gradually disappear leaving the common Blues and additionally Brown Argus. Then one starts to see the odd Silver Washed Fritillary which seem much fresher here than at other sites I have visited recently. Brimstones also become more numerous and they are so different in character at the moment compared to their post hibernation aliases. At times there were several individuals occupying a single head of Burdock or Thistle and quite content for me to get very close. At the head of the valley is a large Ash tree which marks the intersection of several routes. The Right hand route climbs steeply to an area of habitat similar to that at the top of the reserve where I found Small Copper in addition to other species already mentioned. The middle route found me wading through shoulder high Buckthorn, Brambles and Thistles there was another large Buddleia bush here which again hosted large numbers of Peacocks as well as some Silver Washed Fritillary and with the addition of a couple of Comma. By now I had been here for several hours and started to make my way back along the valley. I worked my way back along and up toward the Top of the down to make a last check of the Silver Spotted Skippers as I made my way out of the reserve a Holly Blue appeared making a total of 22 species seen for the day, not bad going.

Anyone would struggle to get a shot like that at any time of the year Paul, it's a cracker

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Hi Wurzel Thanks for the comments again

Saturday 2.8.2014 Stephens Castle Down

My wife had taken the boys away for a few days to visit friends, this left me to my own devices but also car- less I came up with the wonderful idea of making an evening visit to my local downland site, by bicycle It is a 20 minute car journey so why not, I thought although I might end up regretting it. My aim was to find butterflies settling down for the evening to roost. Although I am not a regular cycler I did the journey in about 45minutes without stopping and arrived on site at about 6.15pm with slightly wobbly legs This is an east facing site so with the sun rapidly setting some areas were already in shade and butterfly activity was minimal. Just the odd brief flutter of a Common Blue, Brown Argus or Skipper. After visiting this site regularly over the last couple of years I have come to learn the best spots for roosting butterflies so I headed straight for these areas. Last time I visited this site I was dismayed to find that large areas of the site had been trampled completely by livestock (I do not know whether this is a good thing or a bad thing). Today the site was much the same but the livestock seemed to have gone. There were small islands of untrampled vegetation consisting mainly of common Knapweed and grasses. It was some of these islands that played host to numbers of roosting butterflies. There were definite hotspots where there were several individuals and species together. Once I had seen one and got my eye in more and more became apparent. Once I had exhausted the roosting areas I was familiar with I set about discovering some new ones. In one new area approximately a metre square I counted 15 Common Blues, 1 Brown Argus, 1 Meadow Brown and a Small Skipper I got slightly carried away again, lost track of time and realised at 7.40 that the light was going fast. I had no lights of course and my route was down narrow country lanes with no footpath I made a quick exit and cycled as quick as my legs would manage (much slower than the outward journey) Thursday 7.8.2014 Shipton Bellinger

After several unsuccessful attempts at finding Brown Hairstreak at Noar Hill last year, I decided to head for Shipton Bellinger. A day off work just happened to be well timed and although I should have been decorating I managed to get a couple of hours in I remembered all the information that Neil Hulme had given me at Steyning last year and arrived on site at 9.45, well before the 'witching hour'. Having never been to this site before it was a bit of a voyage of discovery finding the best spots. The first thing that became apparent was the large number of Speckled Wood along the main track as well as several Holly Blue and lots of Gatekeepers and Green Veined Whites. There are a couple of moderately sized Ash trees along the track and it was at one of these that I was to have my first ever encounter with Brown Hairstreak. This was quite early on, some fluttering around up in the canopy resulted in the butterfly coming to rest well up in the tree but in such a position that I could clearly see the wing shape silhouetted against the sky. At another Ash tree towards the end of the track there were half a dozen or so butterflies chasing each other around the tree top. Some were definitely not Hairstreaks but some certainly could have been. At the end of the track the terrain becomes more open there is scrub as well as a large open meadow/field. Here there were plenty of Blues in action. All those that I studied closely were Common Blues but I am assure there are also Adonis Blues at this site as well. Here I met up with another UKBer 'Craigbirdphotos' who was also on a similar mission looking for his first Brown Hairstreak. We headed over to the far edge of the field and started scouring the trees, bushes, brambles etc. We walked the whole length of the tree line without success but there were good numbers of Blues, Brimstone, Whites, Peacock, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper as well as Small Copper, Brown Argus, Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral. As we started back along the treeline I spotted a Brown Hairstreak nectaring high up on one of the few remaining Bramble blossoms where it stayed for some time too far away for me to get a photo. A short while later, after being joined by some others, we spotted another one low down on a Thistle. This time I was too gentlemanly to push my way in for a photo and it flew before I got close. After that I was under pressure to get back to decorating although I could have stayed all day. I added Comma to the tally as we left This site is always highlighted for Brown Hairstreak to the point where I think the other species present tend to get overlooked. This is actually a delightful place with lots of potential considering it is apparently not managed for wildlife. It would be interesting to visit in the spring to see what was on offer. I was quite pleased with a total of 3 Brown Hairstreak. I had been saving my partially drained camera battery for Brown Hairstreak so subsequently took hardly any photos. However, I did manage to get my first ever photo of a Holly Blue which I have posted although it is poor. This site seemed to be particularly blessed with Holly Blues something that I also noticed about Steyning Rifle Range (another Brown Hairstreak site) last year. Maybe the two species share common habitat requirements.

It was good to meet you Paul. I went back on Saturday morning and was luck enough to see a female and with the help of Wurzel a male.

Yes, never a truer word spoken about this site. Yes many species do get overlooked and it should not be forgotten that it is close of the vast 'Serengeti' of Salisbury Plain. Arguably nearby Porton Down is the best butterfly site in Britain, with the Army doing a fantastic job looking after this great wilderness. Whilst everyone is watching the Brown Hairstreaks numerous blues, browns, skippers and nymphalids are flying nearby and ignored by many visitors. It is a big site and I agree a spring/early summer visit could be most productive. When I last visited there were guns going off nearby and we ended up driving on a tank track! An exciting place.

Regards
Mike

Great to hear that you got your Brostreak at Shipton Paul think the Ash at the top of the path that you described is the master tree and the Hedge is the best place on the whole site to find them although I've seen then in a lot of places there.

Have a goodun

Wurzel