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Tuesday 14th, Lavernock Point - Red Admiral seen basking on dead leaves in light woodland:

I also saw my first Red Admiral yesterday amongst the Snowdrops at Shugborough (Staffs). Lovely Valentine's Day gift...

Tony M.

David M wrote: ↑Wed Feb 15, 2023 9:53 am Thurs 19th - Whilst at Worcester Woods for an EBG meeting, there were good numbers of redwings foraging in the trees. Not a bird I ever see in south Wales:

A perfect reason for leaving the ivy in ones garden to produce berries David. A great late winter source of food. Both photos taken in my garden over the past couple of weeks. Melksham, Wiltshire

................and we're off.
First sighting of the year was a Peacock in the bushes at the edge of the playing field out the back of my house. A movement caught my eye as I was walking past with my dogs and as I turned to investigate I caught a glimpse of a large pair of eyes peering out before it flapped and flew up and away across the field.

David M wrote: ↑Tue Feb 14, 2023 10:51 pm

Testudo Man wrote: ↑Tue Feb 14, 2023 8:25 pm...Spot the Comma, if you can?! Yes, that freakish shadow is mine!!

Glad you got some closer images, Paul. I'd never have spotted it in your first one!

Looks like they're all being slowly tempted from their winter slumber.

Thanks David.
To be fair, i wouldnt of seen it from that distance/spot either...but i had found it lower down, took a couple of pics, then watched it fly up ontop of that hedge, so i had to step right back, to make some long range/zoomed pics.
Cheers Paul.

Stevieb wrote: ↑Wed Feb 15, 2023 2:29 pm...A perfect reason for leaving the ivy in ones garden to produce berries David. A great late winter source of food...

Indeed, Steve. They were all over the ivy berries like a rash. Surprisingly attractive birds too. Shame we don't seem to get them near me.

Red Admiral on 15th at Ffos-y-ffin, Ceredigion.
Today 3 Small Torts and 2 Brimstones at Middle Street, Salisbury.

Have a goodun

Wurzel

First Peacock of the year sighted at Kenfig, Glamorgan.

1 Peacock, an 1 Brimstone sighted yesterday...just leaves me a Small Tort now, to get all the hibernators.
I really expected to see more butterflies on the wing, with plently of sunshine, light winds, good temps. etc. ??

3 Common Lizards, 2 male Adders, an 1 Slow Worm also sighted at the same location...4+ hours spent at it.
Cheers Paul.

Coming to something when you see more lizards than butterflies on a February day, Paul!!

Hopefully now we're two months past the winter solstice a few more butterflies will start to get active.

Monday was quite sunny at lunchtime.

Still haven't seen any butterflies outside yet, but I am seeing fresh-looking Diamond-back moths (Plutella xylostella) around the nursery (inside and out). They are the most successful of all the moths and butterflies on the nursery. The cabbage whites (both species) give them a good run for their money, but the Diamond-backs just keep on going !

I also saw my first mating insects of the year....mossies I think. More bites to come when it's warm enough to get the shorts on (not for a while yet though- probably extra layers needed next week).