www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

I have been to Alice Holt twice this year and have been quite dissapointed in the numbers of Emperors, having found only one unusually flighty male that briefly came to the footpath at Strait's Inclosure on Saturday.

This saturday I have the oppurtunity to go and search again - what to people think will be the best side to see a grounded male. Fermyn is too far unfortunately! Do you think they will still be performing at Botany Bay?

Cheers

alex

Having had two good days at Botany Bay this week with PE, i can thoroughly recommend it.There seem to be good numbers there and although they are present throughout the wood,there do seem to be a couple of hotspots.My guess is that saturday will still be good for them,weather permitting and judging by the numbers of people present this week you shouldnt find it too hard to locate the good areas.Better still ,if Neil is there with his bait and expertise you will likely find one grounded too.
cheers
rob

Thanks Rob. What time is best for them in this hot weather? I'm still after a decent grounded view so hopefully they will make an appearence!

Many thanks

Alex

I visited Fermyn Wood today and saw my first grounded male at 0805. This picked up with a peak at around 0930-1030. Things tailed off after 1100. Must be the heat!

There is no better reason for getting out of bed early

Cheers,

- Pete

I was very surprised to see a grounded Emperor before 9.30am in full shade at Botany Bay (almost trod on Him).

Thanks guys. will give strait's inclosure one last go tomorrow and if no luck is had then it's off to Botany.is there anything one can put out to try and bring them down?

ABerryman wrote:is there anything one can put out to try and bring them down?

Neil Hulme's trousers, apparently

There are many "secret" concoctions, normally involving shrimp paste. They absolutely stink.

Cheers,

- Pete

I visited Fermyn Woods on Saturday with my parents and we saw around 10 male Emperors on the ground on various "poo" (polite term) but they were also attracted to my mum and particularly her right shoe. Apparently she trod in something the day before and left a slight smell. They settled on her shoe and trousers.
The Emperors were in amazing fresh newly emerged condition. A real delight to watch.

Well I went to Alice Holt today and had 5 Purple Emperors including one 'grounded' male. He refused to open his wings but still a beauty to watch! Still hopefully going to Botany this weekend

Cheers

Alex

Went to Fermyn on Tuesday. It was buzzing with Emperors & Emperor watchers !
Also White Admirals and Silver Washed Fritillaries as a side-show

Is it still likely to be worth my while going to Fermyn tomorrow, does anyone know? It's a good hour away for me so I don't want to waste my time, but I haven't seen emperors this year so would like to give it a go.