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Cracking stuff Trevor - brill Brostreaks and Holly Blues

Have a goodun

Wurzel

With further trips to see Brown Hairstreaks put on hold by the weather, and also by the terrible
Shoreham airshow disaster. This has had a serious impact on the traffic in the area, as one of the
main diversionary routes from the now closed A27 is along the Steyning by-pass. The whole area is
worth avoiding.
With bad weather also forecast for later on today i made the most of the early morning with a visit
to the South Downs. Here it was cool, windy with a little sun, i was hoping to see some Adonis Blues
but only Common Blues put on any kind of show. I did however manage to find, in addition, a Hedge
Brown and a Meadow Brown. Quite remarkable given the conditions.

TREVOR.

Just caught up on your BH's and open winged Holly Blues,really lovely Trevor, awful about the air crash, Goldie

In pouring rain, i was very surprised to see a Holly Blue flying around my garden this morning.
I saw her land on one of my Magnolias, grabbed my camera and got this quick snap.
Incredible given the rain !.

What a welcome piece of Holly Blue sunshine in this rotten weather!

I often wonder how butterflies survive through heavy rain like this

Hoggers

I had a shall i, shan't i moment this morning. After my early morning bath i heard the good news on the TV
that the day should be bright and sunny. I shall i thought, but looking outside it was apparently raining ! .
Having been stuck indoors for much of the week by torrential showers i hoped the rain would leave off,
which it did but i drove through three more showers on the way to Steyning. My master stroke was to take
my coat with me, just in case, this worked as the sun came out and stayed out ! .
Several people were already on site, and more arrived including UKBers B.Saurus Rex, John W, and
Neil Hulme. Our luck was in, and about six Brown Hairstreaks were seen, all females, most coming down
to egg lay. I was later shown an egg by a chap who had watched it being laid, i managed an
average shot of this minute marvel.
An excellent day in excellent company.
TREVOR.

This morning i went up on to the Downs above Eastbourne for a couple of hours. Although my last visit was
quite recent, it was noticeable that Butterfly numbers are in decline. No Brown Argus and some Common
Blues were so worn that the males looked brown in flight.
Prize of the day however must go to the Hummingbird Hawkmoth i spotted enjoying a late flowering
Buddleia . i was pleased that my camera at least managed to ' freeze ' the Moth's body. Also a couple of
fresh looking Brimstones and a Red Admiral spent some time engrossed on the Buddleia.
I actually went to this site hoping to see some Adonis Blues, none were seen, but if i remember it was well
into September last year when i saw them at this site.

TREVOR.

Great Borstraks and the Hummingbird Hawk moth is fantastic Trevor Who's who in the photo?

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Relying on the weather forecast for a reasonable day, i drove over to Steyning, for what may possibly
be my final visit of the year.The bright sunshine soon gave way to cloud, but during one bright spell
the first of two Brown Hairstreaks seen appeared on a leaf, near where i was sitting. The second was
found by Gary, just outside the fenced area. This one was in egg laying mode and disappeared for
quite a long period before reappearing, and basking with wings fully open. UKB'er Katrina turned up
just too late to catch the best of the sunshine, and unfortunately missed the action.
Other Butterflies of note were some very fresh Speckled Woods which looked beautiful in their
autumn livery.

Great Brostreak shots Trevor Good to see them still going strong I'm tempted to try and get over to Shipton to see if there are any left over there though I don't know if I have enough Brownie points left

Have a goodun

Wurzel

On the eastern flank of the South Downs, above Eastbourne, there is a very large Buddleia bush which
is still in full bloom. Unsurprisingly it was host to many insects, including, at least three Hummingbird
Hawkmoths, the first time i have ever seen multiples of this species in one place.
The problem with this particular Buddleia is it's position, it is very tall and only accessible from one side,
the rest of the bush is in dense undergrowth. This meant that a lovely fresh Painted Lady, Comma and many
Red admirals were out of reach. It was also surprising to find a basking female Meadow Brown on this bush.

TREVOR.

Your Red Admiral is an ab bialbata I think it's called, great Humming Bird moth, I've yet to see one Goldie

Can't help but admire Neils butterfly badge collection from on an earlier post Trever. Looks like you've had you fair share of Brown Hairstreak moments recently, very nice

Great Hummingbird Hawk Moths Trevor Cheers for the pointer on who was who as well, I recognised Neil but it's always good to put faces to usernames

Have a goodun

Wurzel

My Father passed away in the early hours of Monday 8th, so with the sadness and all the various procedures
to be dealt with i really was in need of some Butterfly therapy today. Fortunately this hobby does provide
plenty of places where one can find peace and quiet.
I chose the site with the Buddleia mentioned in my last posting. It turned out to be a good choice with
over twenty Red Admirals, a Painted Lady and a Hummingbird Hawk Moth.
Infuriatingly the Painted Lady refused to nectar anywhere near enough to get a good open wing shot,
despite frequent flights to various flower spikes. The Red Admirals were much more obliging, some
allowing very close approach. I imagine the Red Admirals seen today will be seen again next Spring.

Trevor.

My sincere condolences, Trevor. When my mum passed away three years ago, I found butterfly watching particularly therapeutic.

I hope all the associated bureaucracy goes as smoothly as possible. These things are never easy to deal with so soon after a loss.

Many thanks David.

So sorry to hear about your loss Trevor, I lost my father when I was in my twenties and it still hurts on reflection, your close up Butterfly is a stunner, I think you put a lot into that photo close up and it shows
Goldie

Sorry to hear of your loss Trevor. During our times of trouble we have found that being in a peaceful environment surrounded by nature, and in particular butterflies, really made a difference.
The close-up of the Painted Lady is a powerful shot.

Mike

So sorry to hear about your loss Trevor. I lost my Father a couple of years ago and spending time out in the countryside surrounded by nature helped immensely at the time, as did all the messages of condolences from the very kind people that frequent this great forum.

Best wishes,

Neil.