www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

I'm going to actually have a personal diary this year.

I'm starting off with some more video footage from 2010. This time of a butterfly that was completely new to me.

The Chequered Skipper at Glasdrum Wood. A fantastic spot if you get decent weather and don't mind the midges.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BDeYdVhKls[/video]

Hope you enjoy this video footage.

All my video footage is on my new film "A Butterfly Year". Please take a look at my website.

Nice stuff, Paul. This is a species I intend to observe this spring. I have already booked time off towards the end of May in order to do so. When was it that you visited Glasdrum?

Hi David

We went at the end of May 29th and 30th. There were a couple of fresh females about and a single fresh looking male. Most of the males were showing signs of wear and tear when we visited.
The butterflies may be in better condition a little earlier. It could vary though from year to year depending on the weather. I would just keep your fingers crossed for a bit of sunshine on the days you are there.

Paul
Thanks for that video.
It bought back some excellent memories.
I have visited Glasdrum twice. Firstly about seven years ago, and then again the year before last. Both times at the end May/early June.
I met locals there both times, and was told I was bang on time the first time, but just a bit early the second (only a few, very fresh, individuals seen all day.
It is, as you say, a lovely area. I spent the night in the car park there in my campervan, and was delighted to have a curious Pine Marten scuttling around the van in the early morning. As soon as I opened a window he scarpered - thus no photograph.

Where is Glasdrum Wood situated Paul.? I live in the North of England, but plan on visiting Norfolk this summer and other places in a caravan, it helps to know and then plan, it looks great on your video. Goldie M

Hi Roger

Pine Marten. Fantastic. Saw one and captured some video at the Speyside Wildlife Hide up near Aviemore a few years ago. I went back the following year but had no luck.

Hi Goldie M

Glasdrum Wood is on the west coast of Scotland between Oban and Fort William if I remember correctly. I think it's on this site if you look up places for Chequered Skipper.

I envy you with campervans. I hate putting the tent up.

Thanks Paul I'll look it up. Goldie

Hi Goldie

It's not too hard to find and there's a sign at the side of the road where the car park is.

If you go, just head uphill from the car park through the woods to the break in the trees under the power lines. That's where you'll find the Chequered Skippers and Small Pearl-bordered Frits.

Take some sturdy boots as it's quite damp and uneven on the ground.

Paul Wetton wrote: I envy you with campervans. I hate putting the tent up.

I find that the Highland Midge can be very bothersome in peak Chequered Skipper season. They seem particularly hungry at tent-putting-up time. The solution is simple, cover your arms, legs and face in thick black nylon stockings, work fast and have a near-naked helper standing close by, preferably daubed in fresh warm blood. If nothing else it'll give the locals something to talk about!

Seriously though, Killiechonate Woods by Spean Bridge train station is an excellent site for the species, they abound within 20 minutes walk of the train platform for anybody who relies upon public transport. My website has details (see Seth's Diary Jan - Jun)

Cheers,

Gibster.

Avon Skin-so-Soft hand lotion/moisturiser works really well as a midge repellant (you also get luverly soft skin!).
They are also attracted by large dark objects, soyour black stockings should be white Gibster.
So light coloured clothing is a good idea.
They are also attracted to CO2 - so hold your breath (only kidding).
They are also put off by cigarette smoke. Sadly I gave up smoking 10 years ago.

I'd never even heard of Skin-so-Soft until last summer. The Highlanders absolutely swear by it. We tried it and yep it really does work. The midges land in it and die. Sweet! And, of course, it leaves your skin ever so...er...soft!

PS - I look 'orrific in white stockings, black brings out the ninja in me And who you calling a 'large dark object' anyway?!?!?

Hi guys

So your really sayin take a large dark naked woman daubed in blood who has extremely soft skin whilst you should be wearin white silk stockings and smokin like a steam train.

Wow forget the butterflies.

Butterflies??? Huh, Paul?

Hi all,
I prefer nude hold-ups by Wolford, matched with a nice heel by Manola Blahnik and accessorised with an animal print bag from Guess. The outfit is finished with a dab of Chanel No.5 - and I'm good to go. See you there last week in May chaps .
Neil

Yeah Seth, butterflies, those things with pretty wings and stuff.

Can't wait Neil. Must remember to bring the video camera. Never tried blackmail before though.

Hi Paul,
I'll definitely be there - perhaps we should arrange the first UKB meet-up in 'drag'
Neil

Not sure about high heels and stockings on those hillsides.

Well...............
I was going to take the marathon trip up north for Cheqs this year.
However - the idea of bumping into Neil wearing flesh coloured "hold-ups" and stiletto heels is just a bit off putting.

p.s. A good thing I checked this post before sending.
I had missed the "p" out of bumping - and that completely changed the mood of he sentence!

Shucks, looks as though I'll be very busy at the end of May else I'd gladly join you chaps (not sure what it is that I'll be very busy doing yet, but it sure as hell doesn't include traipsing the Highlands with Ms Neli Kipper!!!)

PS: I probably shouldn't mention this, but I won a medieval-themed fancy dress party a few years ago...dressed as a rather gorgeous damsel with huge fake bosoms, a figure-hugging gauzy outfit, tall pointy hat with veil and long flowing blonde hair, all perfectly complemented by a rather scruffy beard and my big hairy knees.

Aaah, those were the days...

Well my 2011 personal diary hasn't started off quite how I planned it but things can only get better as they say.

Although I think things could still go down hill a bit from here.