Trevor

[Wurzel]

Cracking shots Trevor and I'm chuffed for you that you got your February Butterfly:D February butterflies are always a welcome break from the monotony of the winter - the only problem is that they leave you wanting more

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[David M]

So pleased for you, Trevor. Comma, Brimstone and Peacock on a single day in February is a massive, early spring boost (or even late winter, depending on your view of the seasons these days).

[trevor]

PAGE 200!. Deserves something special if I can find it soon!.

You're right Wurzel, I'm wanting more, can't wait.
Thanks David. I look upon February 28th as' Spring eve ', meteorological Spring will do for me,
it's the optimists start to the better months ahead.

Take care both,
Trevor.

[David M]

...I look upon February 28th as' Spring eve ', meteorological Spring will do for me,
it's the optimists start to the better months ahead.

Agreed. The end of February is a special time as even if the weather is poor you just know that butterflies are waiting earnestly to get going.

Keep your eyes peeled for another Large Tortoiseshell, Trevor.

[trevor]

Another slow walk along the Cuckoo Trail this morning eventually revealed three Commas.
None were very active despite fairly warm sunshine, and nectaring opportunities provided
by some blossom, Celandine and Primroses.
Before the cloud arrived later, this morning felt quite Spring like.

Trevor.

[Wurzel]

Great stuff Trevor I'm looking forward to finding my first - but as usual the weather is adopting the "great mid-week, terrible at weekends" pattern

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[David M]

Another slow walk along the Cuckoo Trail this morning eventually revealed three Commas...

Just one would be nice round my way, Trevor.

Spring definitely has arrived chez toi!

[trevor]

Many thanks Wurzel & David.

Today at Halnaker, West Sussex, we had regular visits from a Red Kite.
The bird swooped down low on occasions, and often appeared to be stationary
as it flew against the wind. Red Kites and Buzzards are seen regularly at Halnaker,
but rarely give such a fine view as we saw today.

Please excuse my images, photography was not easy!.

[trevor]

The breeze of recent days was milder today, so I went to the Cuckoo Trail with renewed anticipation
this afternoon. A long patient search was eventually rewarded when I found a worn, female
Red Admiral basking right at the end of the old line just before the path diverts to avoid some houses
built on the old railway formation. This was also my fourth hibernator species so far this year.
I suspect that the fifth, the Small Tortoiseshell will be much more difficult.

Trevor.

[Goldie M]

Your off to a good start too Trevor Only spotted a Red Admiral since the Small White and that didn't stop for photos, hopefully it'll be back Goldie

[trevor]

Thanks Goldie.

I had a fabulous afternoon at Rowland Wood today, with all five hibernators present.
As soon as I arrived I saw three male Brimstones in view at the same time, none settled.
Most frequently seen was the Comma, with about six altogether. A Red Admiral escaped
without a shot, but Single Peacock was more obliging.
The prize of the afternoon was a Small Tortoiseshell, this ensured that I came home very happy !.

Trevor.

[Katrina]

Good Work! Rowland Wood was on my short list to visit after your Large Tortoiseshell find last March.

[trevor]

Thanks Katrina. That LT was found on 21st March.
Wellies are recommended attire if you go soon!.

Good to hear from you,
Trevor.

[Katrina]

Thanks for the tip and belated congratulations on you 200th page!

[millerd]

An excellent start to the year, Trevor - I think your February weather was sunnier than mine, but yesterday was cracker of a day throughout SE England. Interesting to see you had a good showing of Commas too.

I hope you repeat the luck you had last year with LT - if the other five are already flying, this species will also be out I suspect.

Cheers,

Dave

[Wurzel]

Brilliant Trevor - I'm still stuck on two species but we generally lag behind over in the west at the start of the season and then catch up later Great work getting the Small Tort as well and a belated congrats on reaching the 200 milestone

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[trevor]

Cheers Dave. We've had lots of sunshine recently but usually accompanied by ice cold wind.
But as you say yesterday was a cracker, 14/15c in the afternoon. As for the LT I did give the
pine I found it on a loving glance!. Yesterday was probably the best March day I've ever had
for the number of butterflies seen.
Being cautious I think it is still to early to say ' we're off '.

Stay well,
Trevor.

[trevor]

Cheers Wurzel, I hope you will catch up in style when you get the weather/time off.
I'm due to be in Wilts over Easter, let's hope the OT's are flying by then.
It will be great to see you starting a Spring diary.

Stay well,
Trevor.

[trevor]

Despite a chilly breeze I found two Small Tortoiseshells nectaring on dead nettle,
at Halnaker, West Sussex, around lunchtime today. The other one escaped without a shot.
It is not unusual to find Small Torts at this site during March.

Trevor.

[Goldie M]

Hi! Trevor, it's great to see the Small Tortoiseshell, lovely shots of all the butterflies, the Peacock in particular looks great Goldie