www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

5 May 2014

On a hazy slightly humid day, I was surprised by the fluttering of a pale blue butterfly. When it settled on the abundant Horseshoe Vetch, Hippocrepis comosa, on the lower slopes of Mill Hill, I was able to identify it as my first male Common Blue of the year. Less than a minute later another blue butterfly appeared at the northern end of the lower slopes and this settled as well and I could see it was my first male Adonis Blue of the year. Later I was to spot a female Common Blue and another male Adonis Blue. Other butterflies were only occasionally seen with about eight Dingy Skippers, four Brimstones, at least one Small White and a Wall Brown on the lower part of Mill Hill.
The records show this was my earliest ever record for a Common Blue.
http://www.glaucus.org.uk/May2014.html

A trip to Ewyas Harold Common between Abergavenny and Hereford on Monday returned the following species:

Pearl Bordered Fritillary 20-30
Green Veined White 3
Large White 2
Peacock 2
Grizzled Skipper 1

It was generally cloudy and for the first hour I only located two PBFs. The good news was that they weren't at all keen to leave their roosts, making photography much easier.

A brief burst of strong sunshine just prior to midday brought the ground to life though, with 15-20 PBF suddenly appearing and taking to the wing.

Well done David, and a couple of good close-up shot's to round off your visit.

I always enjoy the peace and quiet that Ewyas Harold provides, you can simply concentrate on your butterflying and other associated interests.

Regards,

Bill

"When in doubt...venture out"

Willrow wrote:Well done David, and a couple of good close-up shot's to round off your visit.

I always enjoy the peace and quiet that Ewyas Harold provides, you can simply concentrate on your butterflying and other associated interests.

It is a very tranquil place, Bill, even more so when you consider that the areas frequented by the Fritillaries are somewhat 'off the beaten track'.

I actually don't mind cloudy(ish) weather when hunting this species. Individuals can usually be located in the 'hotspot' and once found are generally very accommodating.

I was surprised to find a Grizzly in such dull conditions though. Definitely not complaining however.

Seeing as we don't get the Dukes and PBF in Suffolk, I'm still enjoying my favourite, the Orange Tip. Good numbers of male & female seen near my home again today.

Regards Kev

Went in search of Pearls yesterday/today at Eyarth Rocks near Ruthin north wales , saw about 10 yesterday and maybe 20+ today
plenty of cloud in between sunny periods helped keep them low down to photograph. a few peacocks, small torts and speckled woods about and cinnabar moths also

Phil

GOLDENORFE wrote:Went in search of Pearls yesterday/today at Eyarth Rocks near Ruthin north wales , saw about 10 yesterday and maybe 20+ today
plenty of cloud in between sunny periods helped keep them low down to photograph.

Stunning photo . Well done. Thanks for sharing.
Ian

Ian Pratt wrote: Stunning photo . Well done. Thanks for sharing.
Ian

Yup. Absolutely in keeping with what we expect from you, Phil.

Lovely image.

Ian Pratt wrote:

Penhale Paul wrote: I did get plenty of pics but im still at my caravan using a mobile so cannot upload any until I return home.

Some great photos by you- easy to see why the brown argus is a member of the blue family.
Ian

Thank you Ian, hopefully I'll get some better shots over the coming weeks, always find the first shots are a bit rushed just to get that ' confirmation' that you have actually had the sighting.
Still struggling to get much suitable weather on that coast, hopefully things will pick up.

A walk along the sea wall at Canvey Island was rewarded by an encounter with this young lady.

I saw around 10 Dukes at Denge Wood this morning Well worth a visit!

Hoggers

Saw a most unusual Small White today around half the normal size

Mark Senior wrote:Saw a most unusual Small White today around half the normal size

Are you sure it wasn't just twice as far away as normal?

Mark Senior wrote:Saw a most unusual Small White today around half the normal size

Getting the reply.

Are you sure it wasn't just twice as far away as normal?

Sounds to me much more like a Senior Moment

(Sorry, but someone had to say it).

Jack

First common blue yesterday at Brading Down with cream-spot tiger moth at Bonchurch Esplanade the day before. Ian

LOL to Mr Harrison and dilettante .
I was within 12 inches of it so definitely a miniature Small White male and not a half size GVW

A few recent images from Salisbury Plain.

Cotswolds - The Duke and my first Brown Argus.

Green Hairstreaks North Wiltshire near Albourne. It has been a very good year for this butterfly in my county.

I saw 8 Dukes in between the showers today at Bonsai Bank, Denge Wood, Kent Several Dingy Skippers A Green Hairstreak Small and Green-veined Whites a Brimstone and a Speckled Wood

Hoggers