Re: millerd
Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2020 9:38 pm
Wednesday 3rd June. What a difference a day makes, and don't you hate it when the weathermen get things right? 17 degrees was the high today, and no sunshine at all was recorded at Heathrow for the first time since 3rd May. Nevertheless, there was enough warmth coming through the cloud for a few things to be flying on my local patch - though only a handful of species were seen.
Meadow Browns are not shy of dull weather, but they were still difficult to get close to. Small Heaths also put in an appearance... ...as well as one Common Blue... ...and one Brown Argus. More surprisingly, a fresh new brood Small Tortoiseshell was attempting to warm up on the leaf litter. It was slightly unusual in that the blue marginal spots on the forewings were almost non-existent. With a lack of adult butterflies I searched out caterpillars, finding an Orange Tip (no longer very camouflaged as the Garlic Mustard starts to dry out)... ...and a whole new nest of Peacocks. There's always something to see, whatever the conditions.
Dave
Meadow Browns are not shy of dull weather, but they were still difficult to get close to. Small Heaths also put in an appearance... ...as well as one Common Blue... ...and one Brown Argus. More surprisingly, a fresh new brood Small Tortoiseshell was attempting to warm up on the leaf litter. It was slightly unusual in that the blue marginal spots on the forewings were almost non-existent. With a lack of adult butterflies I searched out caterpillars, finding an Orange Tip (no longer very camouflaged as the Garlic Mustard starts to dry out)... ...and a whole new nest of Peacocks. There's always something to see, whatever the conditions.
Dave