www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

I seem to recall that New Year's Day last year provided an abnormal number of sightings, with all the Vanessids, Brimstone and even Speckled Wood recorded.

No such hope today though, as the rain is fair battering down throughout most of the country. Perhaps we'll eventually get a little respite and maybe one of Bournemouth's Clouded Yellows might take to the air...

Small Tortoiseshell seen this afternoon under a chest of drawers in my bedroom. Good old Bob

Have a goodun

Wurzel

Snap, Small Tortoiseshell on my bookcase. Found it when the Christmas tree came out. Lots of my Fb friends reporting ST found in their homes. I know Phil has 2 and his mother has 1 also

I also have a Small Tortoiseshell butterfly hibernating in my garage right next to a similarly hibernating Herald Moth! Only time I've seen a butterfly alive on 1st January even though it is hibernating.
I'm at Par in Cornwall.
Cheers,
Lee Slaughter.

I was out on a bike ride today and around Itford Farm, north of Newhaven, a Red Admiral was seen flying in the sun in a sheltered spot. It seemed to be in very good condition. Fabulous to get the year up and running.

https://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.com

My first and earliest ever butterfly today, albeit a bit of a cheat as I found it hibernating when I moved a wood pile that was covering my bulbs.

Red admiral and small tortoiseshell seen at Quarr Abbey Isle of Wight today in warm sunshine. Ian

Excellent stuff, Ian. I chanced a hour searching round Castle Meadows and Linda Vista Gardens in Abergavenny early this afternoon but there was nothing to report. We've been frost free for weeks now so I wouldn't be surprised if a few sightings were returned as conditions are currently more like early March than mid-January.

A lovely day indeed, but nothing flying near me I'm afraid.

However, there were some interesting views from the Egham Bypass of flooding at Runnymede. The unaccustomed vista of expanses of water in the winter sunshine attracted quite a few visitors, and with a local photographic competition underway too, I expect a few better shots than these were taken. Back at home, the parakeets were tucking in noisily on the bird feeders across the road. Numbers have increased over the years and it seems to be learned behaviour.

Dave

Two recent sightings reported from South Wales; Small Tortoiseshell seen basking on rock at Nash Point (Glamorgan Heritage Coast) and a 'probable' Red Admiral seen in flight near the Cardiff City Stadium last Saturday by a mate.

It's been quite a few years since I personally recorded a butterfly 'on the wing' in January, I did however have a Small Tortoiseshell spend the winter hibernating on top of my inkjet printer some years back, I was unable to use my printer until late February when it decided to take the air through the open window, I missed the critters departure, but at least it's departure mean't the printer could be used again!

Bill

millerd wrote: ...flooding at Runnymede...

Ah, that brings back memories of 2009 when I was staying at that hotel for a wedding and the proliferation of Painted Ladies in that large field and again the next day in Windsor prompted me to join this very website.

All that water won't help the Meadow Browns and Common Blues though...

Lee:

All that water won't help the Meadow Browns and Common Blues though...

I believe some butterflies in the hibernation stage CAN survive being under water for short periods: Essex Skipper and Swallowtail are two that I have seen mentioned.

Others?

Jack

Jack Harrison wrote: I believe some butterflies in the hibernation stage CAN survive being under water for short periods: Essex Skipper and Swallowtail are two that I have seen mentioned.

I'm surprised, but can understand with a species such as the Swallowtail, at least in this country. As we know, nature does have a way of adapting and overcoming the extremes thrown at it.

Second butterfly of the year today - a Red Admiral basking on the side of a building in my road

Have a goodun

Wurzel

I wrote earlier

I believe some butterflies in the hibernation stage CAN survive being under water for short periods: Essex Skipper and Swallowtail are two that I have seen mentioned

The effects of the storm surge of last December are now being realised as being more significant than at first thought.

Anyone know if salt water got into the Norfolk Broads? Salt water would certainly disrupt the flora and fauna.

Jack

14th Small Tortoiseshell catching some rays on the industrial estate where I work, ST has put up with me redecorating and now back on the bookshelf

Just had a Red Admiral flying in the garden, my second butterfly and RA of the year. It landed for a short while on the patio doors where I managed a pretty awful picture. Hopefully I will get a few better pictures of butterflies throughout the year!!!!!
http://bobsbutterflies.blogspot.com

badgerbob wrote:Just had a Red Admiral flying in the garden, my second butterfly and RA of the year. It landed for a short while on the patio doors where I managed a pretty awful picture. Hopefully I will get a few better pictures of butterflies throughout the year!!!!!

Well done, Bob.

I daresay this species will be around in decent numbers if we don't get any cold weather soon!

You're doing much better than me Bob I've not seen a single Butterfly this year, even though I've been 'on lookout' whenever I'm out & about.

Red Admiral seen and photographed at Dungeness on Sunday. In addition a Hummingbird Hawkmoth seen today by one of the regular moth trappers at Dungeness.
What with a wintering Swallow in Sussex January is turning out to be remarkable.