Monks Walk, Frater Fields & Woods, Gosport. The last butterfly walk for June realised a very pleasing count of 15 species between 1435-1650. An exercise hampered somewhat by a strong breeze keeping the temperature under clear skies to 25.5 deg C. Accompanied (for a change) by my faithful (long-suffering) 'scribe', she was kept extremely busy noting down the following: Marbled White (56); Small Skipper (10); Comma (16); Meadow Brown (107); Large White (4); Large Skipper (2); Essex Skipper (18); Ringlet (9); Speckled Wood (1); Painted Lady (1); White Admiral (1); Small Tortoiseshell (1); Small White (3); White-letter Hairstreak (1); Gatekeeper (1). Comma is having a great summer on the Portsmouth harbour shores! The Gatekeeper and White Admiral were first sightings here for Summer 2019; the White-letter Hairstreak was found in Monks Walk enclosed meadow which again was a new location for me. This is about 250 metres from the tall elms at the disused car park in Frater Lane where all previous sightings occurred. Hopefully a new colony will be established here. [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Gatekeeper Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Skipper (antennae detail) Photo © Francis Plowman | Comma close-up Photo © Francis Plowman |
Oxleys Coppice and Ranvilles Lane area, Fareham. After a disappointingly cloudy start the Sun eventually emerged and a nice variety of butterflies were recorded around my local patch. The highlight was a patch tick in the form of a White-letter Hairstreak. I've been meaning to check out some elms close to the RSPCA Ark for a number of years but have never got around to it before. Today I made a concerted effort and was rewarded with a sighting of one hairstreak sat on a leaf high up in the biggest elm. Butterflies seen: Small Skipper 2; Essex Skipper 4; Large Skipper 1; White-letter Hairstreak 1; Small White 12; Painted Lady 3; Red Admiral 4; Small Tortoiseshell 2; Comma 1; Speckled Wood 1; Marbled White 12; Meadow Brown c80; Ringlet 4. Also quite a few dragonflies particularly around the new Water Vole habitat (where a vole was also seen): Azure Damselfly 12; Blue-tailed Damselfly 6; Emperor 1; Golden-ringed Dragonfly 2; Black-tailed Skimmer 1; Four-spotted Chaser 4; Common Darter 8. [Posted by Mark Rolfe]
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| Essex Skipper Photo © Mark Rolfe | Small Skipper Photo © Mark Rolfe | Golden-ringed Dragonfly Photo © Mark Rolfe |
Botley Wood + Whiteley Pastures. A circuit around Botley Wood and Whiteley Pastures produced plenty of butterflies. Meadow Browns were the most numerous species but there were also plenty of Silver-washed Fritillaries and White Admirals, although in the heat they were all pretty active and not settling much for photos. The following were recorded:
Small Skipper 3; Large Skipper 10; Brimstone 2; Marbled White 20; Common Blue 2; Painted Lady 3; Red Admiral 2; White Admiral 8; Comma 2; Silver-washed Fritillary 25; Meadow Brown 70; Ringlet 30; Speckled Wood 1. Also the followng dragonflies: Beautiful Demoiselle 8; Azure Damselfly 20; Large Red Damselfly 2; Emperor 4; Golden-ringed Dragonfly 4; Ruddy Darter 1; Downy Emerald 2. One of the Emperors was seen plucking a Marbled White out of the air. [Posted by Mark Rolfe]
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| Ringlet Photo © Mark Rolfe | Silver-washed Fritillary Photo © Mark Rolfe | Photo © Mark Rolfe |
Browndown South. As the red flag wasn't flying we made a last minute change to our walk this morning to include Browndown South. The wild flowers here are at their very best just now - the wet start to June must have been good for them and in patches there are literally carpets of yellow, blue, purple and pink. The Purple Hairstreaks did not disappoint with many in the scrubby oaks and very low down. A gentle tap on the tree resulted in 2 or 3 flying briefly from most of the stunted oaks about 100m directly west of the rifle range. The wind played havoc with my photographic attempts and its surprising how many already show serious signs of wear and tear. Also saw Small Tortoiseshell, Large and Small Skippers, Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Comma and many Marbled Whites. No sign of any Grayling yet despite an extensive search of the area in front of the rifle range [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]
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| Purple Hairstreak - Browndown Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Purple Hairstreak - Browndown Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Purple Hairstreak - Browndown Photo © Mark Wagstaff |
Hayling Island Cycle Trail. Today on what must be one of the hottest days of the year so far, with the temperature reaching 26 degrees, I walked the length of the Hayling Island Cycle Trail (SU7110) on the former railway line from Hayling Bridge to West Town. Meadow Browns and Marbled Whites were seen in the grassland with Small Whites. In the scrubby areas a number of female Brimstones were seen, while the odd Holly Blue and Comma were seen. Totals: Brimstone 1M 8F, Large White 3, Small White 16, Green Veined White 1, Holly Blue 1, Marbled White 13, Meadow Brown 33, Comma 2, Red Admiral 1, Painted Lady 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Southleigh Forest. A midday stop off paid dividends with my first purple emperor of the year which did three brief sorties above the master oak between 12:45 and 13:10 . A brief fly through at a clearing a little further along the path at 13:40 may have been a second individual. Also present were painted lady (1), silver washed frittilary(3). [Posted by Peter Gammage]
Havant Thicket. A late morning walk in the hot conditions produced silver washed frittilary 12, white admiral 3,but not a sniff of an emperor. Supporting cast included hundreds of marbled white and meadow brown in the fields,ringlet ,large skipper, red admiral and the odd brimstone in the rides. [Posted by Peter Gammage]
Haslar Sea Wall Car Park Scrub - Gosport. Despite the on-shore briny breezes the temperature stood at 28 deg C for a brief circulation of the flowery scrub between the car park and Haslar Sea Wall. From 1415-1540 five species were seen as follows: Marbled White (21); Essex Skipper (16); Meadow Brown (14); Small Tortoiseshell (1); Small Skipper (2). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Marbled White (female at right) Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Tortoiseshell Photo © Francis Plowman |
first gatekeeper north baddesley. looking through photos i realised i had seen 2 gatekeepers on 26th,sorry about the photo i think they were just emerging.seen today on my butterfly reserve in north baddesley;white admiral 11,red admiral 2,meadow brown 125,ringlet 45,speckled wood 1,large skipper 48,small skipper 30,essex skipper 5,common blue 2,painted lady 6,marbled white 31,brimstone 1,small white 2,comma 3,silver y moth 2.no purple emperor but did see one this week.IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO COME AND HAVE A LOOK ROUND PLEASE CONTACT ME ON 02380 733995 OR EMAIL spark.ky@hotmail.co.uk. YOU ARE ALL VERY WELCOME. [These are Meadow Brown - Ed] [Posted by Kevin Ross]
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| Photo © Kevin Ross |
Browndown (North) Gosport. Thirteen butterfly species were noted between 1415-1540 today when the temperature was 28 deg C and the breeze light and refreshing! A notable first sighting of the year for me was a single Gatekeeper which I disturbed on bramble blossom; it flew around but did not settle for the camera! White Admiral was on the wing. So, those seen today: Meadow Brown (26); Comma (7); White Admiral (2); Large White (3); Speckled Wood (3); Small Skipper (19); Marbled White (5); Small Heath (1); Essex Skipper (1); Large Skipper (1); Small Copper (1); Gatekeeper (1); Red Admiral (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Large White (male uppermost) Photo © Francis Plowman | Large Skipper Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Copper Photo © Francis Plowman |
Monks Walk, Frater Fields & Woods, Gosport. My last walk of a very warm afternoon was an hour from 1600 with the temperature a little lower now at 26.5 deg C. Notable first this year was a sighting of Ringlet and pleasingly the White-letter Hairstreak made a brief re-appearance on brambles opposite the elm trees. Total recorded was: Meadow Brown (48); Essex Skipper (12); Large White (1); Comma (10); Marbled White (11); Small Skipper (7); Small White (3); Ringlet (1); White-letter Hairstreak (1); Speckled Wood (3). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Ringlet Photo © Francis Plowman | White-letter Hairstreak Photo © Francis Plowman |
Painted lady. We seem to be short of butterflies in NE Hants but today's heat seems to have hatched a good number of Meadow Browns. However yesterday I saw a pristine Painted Lady at the now-closed Southwood Golf Course (SU854547). I had hoped that this was part of mass migration but it remained alone today. [Posted by Terrence Hotten]
Deep Purple. Alice Holt Forest and Straits Inclosure on the hottest day of the year today in Straits the Purple Emperor was not seen despite there being many eyes gazing skyward.There were many Silver-Washed Fritillaries, I only saw a brief White Admiral, plenty of Small Skippers and Large Skippers and Ringlets, and the Red Admiral imbibing on the main track all the way up to the first deer tower. I stayed here from about 0945,until 12:00, then went for some lunch and then looked at some Assembly points and here there were two Purple Emperors on territory. One was on several Scots Pine stands, and the other was based on a Beech tree. It was a relief to see them. I saw them not regularly from 1315 up till 1339 and the other was on a dodgy wicket it was very windy at Alice Holt Forest (1) so I suspect he will move eventually. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Look for the Emperor away from the main track where there are some good vistas ain track Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Purple Emperor on territory in Abbotts Wood Inclosure Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Silver-Washed Fritillary Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Blackbush Hanger, Southleigh Forest. Today I paid a visit to Blackbush Hanger, Southleigh Forest (SU742087) where the temperature was 23 degrees to search for the Purple Emperor. I made a brief visit yesterday but only saw 5 Meadow Browns. Today again only 5 Meadow Browns and a Speckled Wood was seen and no Purple Emperor, however a late Green Hairstreak was seen. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Browndown (South) Gosport. From 1315-1520 thirteen species were recorded which is rather surprising given the very strong wind from the east. Still no Grayling seen yet but still plenty to see: Small White (4); Marbled White (20); Meadow Brown (16); Essex Skipper (3); Purple Hairstreak (4); Small Heath (7); Painted Lady (2); Large White (2); Red Admiral (1); Small Skipper (2); Holly Blue (1); Brown Argus (2); Common Blue (M)(1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Purple Hairstreak Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Heath Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Skipper Photo © Francis Plowman |
Monks Walk, Frater Fields & Woods, Gosport. An abbreviated circulation of this area today between 1530 and 1700 when the temperature was a hot 28.5 degrees Celsius and fields rather sheltered from the easterly breeze. Twelve butterfly types were accounted for including a shy White Admiral (first seen here of the summer) at 5 o'clock. The numbers: Meadow Brown (43); Marbled White (16); Painted Lady (3); Comma (4); Holly Blue (1); Small White (2); Large Skipper (2); Small Copper (1); Small Skipper (7); Essex Skipper (4); Large White (2); White Admiral (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
Havant Thicket etc. We did a circular walk from home on the main tracks through Bell's Copse, Havant Thicket, Staunton Way and finally through Thicket Lawn from 0900-1220. The highlights were as follows Silver-washed Fritillary 19, White Admiral 10, Red Admiral 9, Comma 2, Painted Lady 2, Small Tortoiseshell 1, Large Skipper 2, Small Skipper 3, Speckled Wood 4, Small White 2 also numerous Marbled White, Ringlet and Meadow Browns. There was also a Red Kite flying north over Gipsies Plain. [Posted by Barry and Margaret Collins]
Whiteley Pastures. A return visit to Whiteley this morning. Conditions much the same as an earlier visit in the week but very different behaviour from the butterflies. Today the White Admirals were happy to nectar and pose for the camera - the Silver Washed Fritillaries were turbo charged and not at all keen to settle in the heat! Good numbers of both (double figures again) along the main track. Also seen were Marbled Whites (in the meadowy areas under the pylons south of the main track), fresh Commas, the inevitable Painted Ladies (but only 3 today), Ringlets and Skippers. No appearance from a Purple Emperor even in my 'hasn't failed in 3 years' spot! Some of the White Admirals showing considerable wear and tear despite presumably being only a few days old. Highlight of the day was a Golden Ringed Dragonfly - dragonflies in general seem very scarce this year so it was real treat to find this one in the glades. Hope someone finds a PE soon - I appreciate my impatience might mean I'm still a little early - but as far as I know none have been seen in Hampshire yet. [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]
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| White Admiral - Whiteley Pastures Photo © Mark Wagstaff | White Admiral - Whiteley Pastures Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Silver Washed Fritillary - Whiteley Pastures Photo © Mark Wagstaff |
Havant Thicket. Today I visited Havant Thicket where the temperature reached 24 degrees. Meadow Browns were flying everywhere in the grassy areas, but only a few Silver Washed Fritillarys were seen. No sign of any early Purple Emperors but a total of fresh 5 Whaite Admirals were recorded. Totals: Brimstone 1M 2F, Marbled White 3, Meadow Brown 140, Painted Lady 1, Red Admiral 1, Silver Washed Fritillary 2, White Admiral 5, Large Skipper 7. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
White Admiral debut at Huntbourn. A late afternoon stroll around Huntbourn produced 8 White Admiral, a most encouraging start. No Purple Emperors atop their favoured oaks, unsurprising given the wind; the absence of Silver-washed Fritillary was more worrying. Some very faded Painted Lady and a solitary Comma, complemented by browns and skippers completed the tally. A White Admiral was seen earlier at Great Fontley, a 'first' for the site. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]
Browndown North. Another circular walk from home taking in Lee on Solent sea front, Browndown north and the Alver Valley. Two White Admirals in Browndown north - one in the oak copse as I might expect and the other by the main gate on the main road which was a surprise. Also lots of Marbled Whites, Large Skippers, Commas, Red Admirals and the inevitable Painted Lady. Also seen was a very fresh and bright yellow Brimstone and a Small Tortoiseshell. Not sure if it's just me but the latter seem very rare these days. [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]
Dark Greens Building Well On Pitt Down. As I recall Dark Green Fritillary did not have a great season on Pitt Down last year, but I am pleased to say 2019 should turn out to be much better. A mid-morning visit, focussing on the western section of the down, produced at least 15 fresh males, mostly flying incessantly over the open down, but stopping occasionally at a few ‘nectar stations' in the form of the scattered flowering shrub areas. If their distribution is reasonably consistent over other similar areas, Pitt Down once again has a very good population of this handsome species (i.e.scores). Other conspicuous species included Marbled White, Meadow Brown and the now seemingly ubiquitous, Painted Lady.
A subsequent walk in nearby West Wood produced 4 Silver-washed Fritillary, another Dark Green Fritillary and of course a few more Painted Lady! [Posted by Alan Thornbury]
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| Dark Green Fritillary Photo © Alan Thornbury | Dark Green Fritillary Photo © Alan Thornbury | Dark Green Fritillary Photo © Alan Thornbury |
Abbots Wood Inclosure. Another day of not seeing 'him' far too windy and I was at the Assembly Points for at least an hour and it was just gale force bursts of wind. There was very little activity in the wood either. I met up with my fellow Purple Brother Mark Tutton, and we spent a good hour and half walking and looking up at the Oak and sallow stands ...nothing. Mark had also been in Straits Inclosure as well and drew a blank. The best thing today worth the entrance fee alone was being in the presence of a newly hatched Purple Hairstreak, which sat on a Hazel leaf just above my head for a good 20 minutes whilst I kept pulling the branch down and managed some photos of this male which wasn't bothered by my presence at all. A few Silver-Washed Fritillary, but no White Admirals, several Large Skippers, Red Admirals, and Painted Lady made up some of the other counts. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Male Purple Hairstreak Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Just sitting on this Hazel leaf Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Speckled Wood Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
White-letter Hairstreaks at Newport,IOW.. Lots of activity at the disease resistant elm at Newport Towngate with males in the top branches and females egg laying on the lower branches. [Posted by Peter Hunt]
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| Photo © Peter Hunt | Photo © Peter Hunt |
Southleigh Forest. I had a visit to this site on the way back from another destination close by and in my opinion was that it was too windy in the tree tops for any Assembly Point observations as I visited this site in the mid-afternoon, with sunny and warm conditions. If there is only one or two about then there wont be much flying especially in windy conditions like today. There were plenty of Silver-washed Fritillary including mating pairs, and several White Admirals, my first Ringlet butterfly, Meadow Browns, Red Admiral, but 'Him' wasn't anywhere to be found. At this time of writing I know its early in the season, but signs don't look very good, for a reasonable season. They seemed to be stuck in the Chrysalis stage too long, due to the wet conditions throughout the month of June, and hence there was probably a lot of predication. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Mating Silver-Washed Fritillaries Photo © Ashley Whitlock | One of the Assembly Points in Southleigh Forest Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Clouded Yellow at Warsash. A walk round Hook and Warsash Nature Reserve produced a Clouded Yellow and several Painted Lady, earlier in the day there was a Hummingbird Hawk-moth in my Burridge garden [Posted by David Ryves]
Whiteley Pastures. A lovely morning spent on the main track in Whiteley Pastures. I managed three firsts for me this year - White Admirals, Silver-washed Fritillary and Ringlet. I doubled back on myself at one point but even with the risk of double counting the White Admiral and SW Fritillary count must have been double figures. Similarly for Painted Lady which seem to be everywhere at present. Also saw lots of Meadow Browns, 1 Small White, 3/4 fresh Commas and 3/4 Large Skippers and plenty of Red Admirals in good condition. No Purple Emperor - perhaps a day or two early? All my wishing couldn't put a White Admiral in a suitable place to take a picture - they were either travelling too fast or high in the tree tops - but the others played ball. Just a word of warning if anyone is contemplating visiting - if you intend to step off the main track the woods and side tracks are very wet - wellies would not be out of place! [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]
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| Ringlet - Whiteley Pastures Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Silver Washed Fritillary - Whiteley Pastures Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Painted Lady - Whiteley Pastures Photo © Mark Wagstaff |
Whiteley Pastures. A late morning exploration along the main track of Whiteley Pastures produced 5 White Admirals and 9 Silver-washed Fritillary, all very fresh and very active in the warm conditions. An unusual number of Painted Lady were also noted for this location - 6 in all. Bearing in mind Painted Ladies are featuring in almost all of the recent posts to this news page, it might suggest we are in for a large influx this year (the last very large one in 2009). No Purple Emperors in evidence. [Posted by Alan Thornbury]
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| White Admiral Photo © Alan Thornbury | White Admiral Photo © Alan Thornbury | Silver-washed Fritillary Photo © Alan Thornbury |
Monks Walk, Frater Fields & Woods, Gosport. A later walk from 1420-1640 saw a reduced count of 11 butterfly species in total. Clearly too late for the previously recorded White-letter Hairstreak. It looks like 2019 will be a good year for both blackberries and Painted Lady butterflies which are in something of a profusion and feeding hungrily upon bramble blossom. At least 8 counted and I've never seen anything like it here previously. First Essex Skipper of the year seen here for me today plus a summer brood Small Copper. Totals: Marbled White (13); Painted Lady (8); Meadow Brown (82); Comma (10); Large White (1); Large Skipper (2); Small Skipper (6); Red Admiral (2); Small Copper (1); Essex Skipper (2); Holly Blue (F)(1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Red Admiral on you know what! Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Copper Photo © Francis Plowman | Comma Photo © Francis Plowman |
Wickham. I have been out in the woods today close to Wickham on a private estate of which I am involved with, and today under very cloudy but sultry skies, I saw many butterflies on the wing despite the lack of any sunshine.There were many Marbled White ,Large Skippers, Meadow Browns by the hatful, Silver-washed Fritillary, White Admirals, Painted Lady of which were very flighty and would not keep still.I also noted many Orchids in the rides, and Bush Crickets, and Nursery Web Spiders with a large egg ball. There were no Purple Emperors on the wing...as yet but with all the conservation work being carried out here I'm pretty confident I shall rise to the occasion and see one after visiting this site now for four years without success. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Silver-Washed Fritillary male Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Marbled White Photo © Ashley Whitlock | White Admiral Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Abbotstone Down. Whilst rambling around this nature reserve on a cloudy damp muggy morning stirring up scores of Ringlets, Meadow Browns and Marbled Whites, I was delighted to be accosted by a number of Painted Lady whizzing through! [Posted by Robert Bryant]
Martin Down Extra Pictures. Three more views from the southern area of Martin Down. [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Dark Green Fritillary Photo © Francis Plowman | Meadow Brown female uppermost Photo © Francis Plowman | Painted Lady Photo © Francis Plowman |
Martin Down National Nature Reserve South. From 1045 for 2.5 hours the southern area was covered following the Bokerley Ditch and return. Temperature around 20 degrees, quite breezy with very little direct sunshine. Thirteen species were recorded included our first Adonis Blue of the year. The only fritillary seen was just one Dark-green Fritillary. Otherwise the totals were: Painted Lady (7); Marbled White (8); Small Heath (>50); Meadow Brown (>50); Small Blue (F)(1);(M)(2); Common Blue (F)(1);(M)(13); Adonis Blue (F)(1);(M)(5); Large Skipper (1); Small White (2); Brimstone (F)(1)(M)(3); Red Admiral (2); Dark Green Fritillary (1); Small Tortoiseshell (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Common Blue male Photo © Francis Plowman | Common Blue female Photo © Francis Plowman | Adonis Blue male Photo © Francis Plowman |
Martin Down National Nature Reserve North. The second and just 40 minutes long circulation of the northern area of Martin Down ie across the A354 identified 14 species as against the 13 for 2.5 hours' earlier trek through the southern area. From 1330 with the mercury around 23 degrees and under bright clouds we saw: Meadow Brown (27); Small Heath (18); Small Tortoiseshell (1); Marbled White (3); Red Admiral (1); Common Blue (M)(3); Brown Argus (2); Adonis Blue (M)(2); Small Skipper (1); Large Skipper (2); White Admiral (1); Brimstone (M)(2);(F)(1); Dark Green Fritillary (2); Painted Lady (1). The White Admiral was our first sighting for 2019 but was too agitated for photography. [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Brown Argus Photo © Francis Plowman | Large Skipper Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Skipper Photo © Francis Plowman |
purple emperor in north baddesley. first Purple Emperor of the season seen today at my butterfly reserve in north baddesley.also of note large influx of Painted Lady today,15 seen in quick walk round.YOU ARE ALL WELCOME TO COME AND LOOK FOR PURPLE EMPEROR. [Posted by Kevin Ross]
Blow the wind southerly at Great Fontley. Admiring the Marbled Whites now favouring creeping thistle over white clover at Great Fontley, I was distracted by a Painted Lady ovipositing on the thistles; a rather surprising 'first' for me after six decades of butterfly observation. Another PL was seen nectaring on bramble. No more White-letter Hairstreak sightings alas, but Meadow Browns in profusion, with a few Ringlets and Large Skippers adding to the variety. Peacock larvae now in their final instar. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]
Leigh Park our garden. In our garden this afternoon in very humid conditions there were Painted Lady 3, Small Tortoiseshell 2 and a Ringlet. [Posted by Barry and Margaret Collins]
Lee on Solent/Browndown. Conditions for Painted Lady must be very good at present as we found no less than 16 on a circular walk along Lee on Solent front, back through Browndown north and home. Most were in a well worn condition, the picture below is one of the better condition ones. Also seen were good numbers of Marbled Whites, Meadow Browns and Large Skippers. Also two very fresh Comma's which I assume must be second generation? [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]
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| Large Skipper - Browndown north Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Painted Lady - Alver Valley Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Comma - (showing where the name originates) Photo © Mark Wagstaff |
New Forest Silver Studded Blues. Visited the New Forest today - early and in thick cloud so not expecting to see much in the way of butterflies and/or dragonflies - but couldn't resist a photo of this lovely Silver-studded Blue - one of only three seen on Hampton Ridge. It's the first this year for me and I'm always surprised at how small they are compared to their Common cousins - but what a beautiful sight to brighten up a dull day! [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]
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| Silver Studded Blue - NF Hampton Ridge Photo © Mark Wagstaff |
Chalton Down, Old Idsworth. After visiting Stansted Forest just over the county border in West Sussex, I visited nearby Chalton Down where the temperature was a welcome 19.5 degrees. Here on the now knee high grassy slopes, Meadow Browns and Marbled Whites were flying. A few worn male Common Blues were battling on, while a dozen Small Heaths were seen. Totals: Common Blue 4M, Marbled White 8, Meadow Brown 20, Small Heath 12, Large Skipper 2. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
white admiral in north baddesley. Although I have been seeing White Admiral on my butterfly reserve in north baddesley for a few days it is the first photo opportunity of the year. Also seen on short walk 3 White Admiral,1 Red Admiral,1 Small White,3 Common Blue,7 Small Tortoiseshell,65 Large Skipper,32 mixed Small Skipper and confirmed Essex Skipper,100+ Meadow Brown,6 Speckled Wood,1 Marbled White. [Posted by Kevin Ross]
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| Photo © Kevin Ross |
White-letter Hairstreak - Monks Walk, Gosport. Yesterday, no WLH at Monks Walk. Today, two were seen! Between 1320-1535 my usual beat was beaten in a very warm 21 degrees. Thirteen butterfly species were noted including the two WLH. They were seen, zipping around the high elms in the disused car park at the end of Frater Lane. I waited for over 15 minutes but they would tumble and then disappear each to its own tall tree. A later lower scan of the brambles in front me and there one of the butterflies was imbibing on the flowers occasionally being driven off by bees. At this site last year (4 July) I saw my first WLH at Monks Walk so clearly the habitat is sustaining this butterfly. Totals seen this afternoon: Small White (2); Meadow Brown (60); Marbled White (8); Comma (2); Small Skipper (3); Large Skipper (1); Common Blue (M)(2); Red Admiral (2); Speckled Wood (6); White-letter Hairstreak (2); Small Heath (1); Holly Blue (1); Small Tortoiseshell (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| WLH Photo © Francis Plowman | WLH Photo © Francis Plowman | WLH Photo © Francis Plowman |
Butser Hill NNR Field Trip. Today's field trip wasn't very well attended; whether everybody's gone to Knepp I don't know but they still haven't been seen. However the target species today was the Dark-green Fritillary and it didn't disappoint, we saw in all about 15-20 hard to tell with such a strong flyer, zooming up and down the hill sides. One did pause briefly on some Thistles where I grabbed the chance to take a few pics of them being in excellent condition. But today they were very active. Also we never saw any Marbled Whites, which I thought was quite odd, plenty of Small Heaths, Common Blues, the odd Grizzled Skipper and Dingy Skipper still on the wing, but they didn't look as if they were going to last much longer! I saw 11 species of butterfly and three moths species including a rather large Yellow Underwing. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Male Dark Green Fritillary on Thistle Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Large Skipper Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Hot work climbing up these hills! Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Ringlets and Dark Green Fritillary at Yarmouth,IOW.. Ringlets in Bouldnor Forest,Yarmouth and a Dark Green Fritillary still nectaring on clover in a woodland ride. [Posted by Peter Hunt]
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| Photo © Peter Hunt | Photo © Peter Hunt |
Browndown (South) Gosport. Between 1100-1255 the red flag was down so our first walk of the day started from the Elmore gate (ie westerly end). Temperature was 18.5 degrees, somewhat overcast with occasional bursts of warm sunshine. Upon entering the gate a Red Admiral was on the wing and but for a shout from my wife I would have stepped upon the best sighting of the day! Beneath my feet on the shingle track was a mating pair of Clouded Yellow, my first such sighting of the year (including four weeks on the Continent). So that was a good start. Sadly it was too early for Grayling although the heather is beautiful and plentiful. Target species was the Purple Hairstreak and one, only one, was duly found and the female handily perched out of the breeze on a small oak! Some you win. Final tally: Red Admiral (3); Clouded Yellow (2); Peacock (1); Purple Hairstreak (F)(1); Meadow Brown (16); Small Heath (4); Common Blue (1); Large Skipper (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Clouded Yellow Photo © Francis Plowman | Purple Hairstreak Photo © Francis Plowman | Red Admiral Photo © Francis Plowman |
Alver Valley Country Park (Browndown North), Gosport. After lunch we circulated the country park area (south over Apple Dumpling Bridge) and around Browndown North. Here the heather is flowering well although between 1330-1445 the SW wind interfered with sightings even though the temperature was at 19 degrees. No sign of White Admiral, in fact honeysuckle appears sparse this year and obviously too early for Grayling. Only five types recorded today: Meadow Brown (39); Speckled Wood (2); Red Admiral (5); Marbled White (5); Large Skipper (2). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
Monks Walk, Frater Fields & Woods, Gosport. As usual, our last walk was Monks Walk from 1500-1600. Now the temperature had risen to a comfortable 21 degrees yet still with a noticeable SW breeze. Nine butterfly species were recorded including first sighting this summer of Small Skipper. Totals: Large White (3); Meadow Brown (18); Comma (5); Small White (5); Marbled White (2); Small Skipper (3); Holly Blue (1); Large Skipper (1); Red Admiral (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Small Skipper Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Skipper (brown antenna clubs) Photo © Francis Plowman | Small White female Photo © Francis Plowman |
Alice Holt's Assembly Points. I've spent another three to four hours in Alice and again drew a blank which certainly says to me the Purple Emperor is still absent in Hampshire. As this is the site and the Assembly Points over the last decade where it has been seen first. To completely confirm this I spent at least one and half hours at the two main Assembly Points where the Purple Emperor normally frequents after 12:00. And today he was absent the only thing Purple was the odd Purple Hairstreak flitting between the Oak leaves.Perfect weather not very windy so if he was about he was certainly hiding from me! [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| One of Abbott Wood's Assembly Points Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Alice Holt Forest (1) Assembly Point Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Abbotts Wood Inclosure. Today it was very cool and cloudy with small bouts of June weather when the sun shone the sun sent the temperature somewhere where it should be. However 'him' never turned up...so far there has been one brief sighting in Surrey at Bookham Common, which isn't a million miles away from where I was standing today. Only seeing in short spells of sunshine Meadow Browns, Common Blues, Red Admiral, and Large Skipper.
However with no Silver-Washed or White Admirals on the wing, I feel it's still a little early as these two species are normally on the wing a good week before the Emperor puts in an appearance.
However not being beaten I shall revisit the site again tomorrow as the weather is going to be good and warm. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Common Blue in one of the rides where they have been used for timber stacks. Photo © Ashley Whitlock | One of the Assembly Points in Alice.... Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Meadow Brown hardly moving this morning. Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Tortoiseshells at Axmansford. A lovely pair of fresh brood Small Tortoiseshell butterflies on red valerian in the garden at Axmansford at lunchtime today . [Posted by Andy Bolton]
Chalk downs north edge of Wherwell. Countless Marbled Whites in flight and a few, newly emerged Ringlets. Late morning, warm but cloudy conditions. [Posted by John Samways]
Dark Green Fritillary, Yarmouth, IoW. A pristine Dark Green Fritillary seen feeding on clover in a woodland ride at Yarmouth,Isle of Wight. [Posted by Peter Hunt]
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| Photo © Peter Hunt | Photo © Peter Hunt |
Havant Thicket. With unsettled weather forecast in the coming days, I paid a visit to Havant Thicket, where in the sunshine the temperature reached 20 degrees. Around this time last year I had recorded my first White Admiral here so was keeping a close eye out. Sadly no White Admirals, but plenty of fresh Meadow Browns mixed with Speckled Woods. A few Large Skippers were also seen and surprisingly the numbers of newly emerged female Brimstones exceeded that of the males. Totals: Brimstone 3M 10F, Small White 4, Holly Blue 1, Meadow Brown 37, Small Heath 1, Speckled Wood 12, Large Skipper 5. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Fort Widley, Portsdown Hill. First walk of the day took us to the northern slope of Portsdown Hill, specifically the circulation around the sides and rear of Fort Widley. The temperature was 18 degrees C between 1130-1235 and the wind from the south was fresh and kept butterflies down in the grasses. Totals: Meadow Brown (34); Brimstone (F)(3); Common Blue (M)(4); Small Blue (F)(7); Large Skipper (1); Marbled White (9); Holly Blue (M)(1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Brimstone female Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Blue female Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Blue female Photo © Francis Plowman |
Portsdown Hill, Paulsgrove. From 1255-1410 a warm and blustery walk along the paths and hillside (18 deg C) accounted for nine species including an early Dark Green Fritillary and a fresh Small Tortoiseshell. Altogether: Meadow Brown (22); Marbled White (18); Common Blue (M)(3); Small Blue (5); Brimstone (F)(2); Green Hairstreak (1); Large Skipper (1); Dark Green Fritillary (1); Small Tortoiseshell (1). No sign of any Chalkhill Blue, sadly. [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Dark Green Fritillary Photo © Francis Plowman | Marbled White (male) Photo © Francis Plowman | Green Hairstreak Photo © Francis Plowman |
Monks Walk, Frater Fields & Woods, Gosport. The final of the three walks today was our 'local' butterfly haunt which between 1445-1600 produced nine sightings. By now the temperature was 20 degrees Celsius and the wind much less intrusive than earlier atop Portsdown Hill. The summer emergence of Comma has begun and Peacock larvae were also noted on nettles. The count today: Large White (1); Common Blue (M)(2); Marbled White (3); Meadow Brown (29); Comma (3); Holly Blue (5); Large Skipper (1); Speckled Wood (2); Small White (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Peacock larvae Photo © Francis Plowman | Comma Photo © Francis Plowman | Holly Blue Photo © Francis Plowman |
white admiral in north baddesley. first white admiral of the year seen on my butterfly reserve in north baddesley today,sorry no photo as wind carried it but i do have a witness!.also seen in 30 minute walk; 2 very fresh Small Tortoiseshell,4 Common Blue (including the one in photo with aberrations),3 Speckled Wood,5 Meadow Brown,18 Large Skipper,1 Small Skipper,1 6 spot burnet. [Posted by Kevin Ross]
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| Photo © Kevin Ross |
Purple Hairstreaks Take Wing On Browndown South. An early evening visit to Browndown (South) at around 6pm, in mainly cloudy and breezy conditions produced 8-10 Purple Hairstreaks. In these early days of their flight period, most were staying well above head height in the medium sized oaks, with none seen in the low level scrub oak. I suspect most if not all were males, including one which settled just low enough to photograph. [Posted by Alan Thornbury]
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| Purple Hairstreak (Male) Photo © Alan Thornbury |
mystery butterfly in North Baddesley. mystery small very nicely marked butterfly found today in my yard next to my butterfly reserve in North Baddesley. unfortunately it was dead.ANY IDEAS PLEASE?? also seen in 30 minute walk; first Small Skipper of the year,Large Skipper 24,Meadow Brown 7,Speckled Wood 1,Brimstone 1,burnet companion 3,mother shipton 1.cinnabar moth 4. [Posted by Kevin Ross]
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| mystery butterfly. Photo © Kevin Ross |
First ringlets at Great Fontley. An unsuccessful hunt for white-letter hairstreaks at Great Fontley concluded with the discovery of Ringlets amid the throng of Meadow Browns. Also seen were two Marbled Whites, Small Heath, Common Blue, Red Admiral (nectaring on dogwood), and a remarkably well-preserved female Brimstone. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]
Monks Walk, Frater Fields & Woods, Gosport. After a few weeks absence and following a week of poor weather I was pleasantly surprised to record 11 butterfly types in two hours from 1330. The temperature ranged from 16 degrees at the start and was a welcome 19.5 Celsius at 1530. Meadow Brown (15); Common Blue (M)(2); Peacock (1); Small White (M)(2)(F)(1); Painted Lady (1); Red Admiral (3); Large White (2); Speckled Wood (1); Marbled White (1); Holly Blue (2); Large Skipper (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Meadow Brown Photo © Francis Plowman | Marbled White (male) Photo © Francis Plowman | Large Skipper Photo © Francis Plowman |
Paulsgrove Chalk Pits. Today I visited Paulsgrove Chalk Pits (SU6306) where the temperature was 16 degrees. Despite the low number of species, I did record many fresh Marbled Whites, my first sightings this year. Totals: Common Blue 2M, Small Blue 6, Marbled White 28. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Purple Emperor in Botley Wood. Purple Emperor (male) seen along ROW running NE from the Solent Business Park into Botley Wood at approx OS 538094. Disturbed from path, it made one low pass before heading into adjacent trees. 13:00 approx [Posted by Francis Gomme]
Chalton Down, Old Idsworth. Visited Chalton Down today where I saw my first of many Meadow Browns of the year. A dozen were flying along the slope with Small Heaths and Common Blues. Totals: Brimstone 1M 1F, Small White 1, Common Blue 5M, Meadow Brown 12, Small Heath 7, Speckled Wood 1, Peacock 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Urban Hairstreaks in central Portsmouth. Watched at least three White-letter Hairsteaks take advantage of the sun and enter into frequent battles at the top of this gorgeous elm in central Portsmouth. Pretty incongruous really, watching a delightful elusive little butterfly carry on its business from the roof of a concrete car park alongside a continuous stream of traffic! [Posted by Mark Tutton]
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| They are up there! Photo © Mark Tutton |
White-Letter Hairstreak on the wing at IBM Lakeside. The sun had disappeared behind cloud by the time I arrived, but eventually it did re-appear this afternoon and with it at least one White-letter Hairstreak. I also saw my first Marbled Whites of the year, Common Blue, Large Skipper and several Meadow Browns. [Posted by Paul Harfield]
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| Distant shot of White-Letter Hairstreak today Photo © Paul Harfield | First Marbled White of the year Photo © Paul Harfield | Female Common Blue Photo © Paul Harfield |
Portsdown Hill and Fort Widley. Today I visited the East end of Portsdown Hill and Fort Widley walking the main paths. Despite the conditions I did not record much activity. Along the track opposite Fort Widley three male Common Blues were flying and a single Large White.
At Fort Widley, a female Brimstone, along with a Green Hairstreak and Speckled Wood. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Portsdown Hill Field Trip. Cloudy and very windy on top of the Hill today, and it was best to find some sheltered spots, and when the sun was out it was very warm. Considering the conditions we did rather well with Small Blues in many parts of the Fort Widley area.Common Blue was also present, Holly Blues were also seen many were seen in pairs possibly males and females. One brand new Comma, and several Marbled Whites.Other species seen Red Admiral, Meadow Brown, Brimstone one female was laying eggs, and several Burnet Companion Moths.
I apologise to anybody who parked in the Jim Callahan Car-Park and couldn't find the Fort Widley one, and missed the field trip because of my mistake. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Small Blue Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Small Blue Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Single Red Poppy very apt at the moment on top of Portsdown Hill Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Skippers delight Nordic Walkers in Havant Thicket. The Nordic walkers were entertained today at Havant Thicket by numerous Small Heath, several Speckled Wood, a Small Skipper and a Grizzled Skipper. [Posted by Michael Berry]
Bentley Wood, Eastern Clearing Field Trip. More Photos from the field trip.... [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Female Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Four Dotted Footman Moth Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary feeding on Ragged Robin Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Bentley Wood Eastern Clearing Field Trip. This was one of the best attended Field Trips I have had the pleasure to lead, and I was hoping the target species were going to respond. We went into the first large meadow which was cleared a few years ago and here the Argent and Sable Moth appeared a male at first, which was very flighty, but then we managed to see a female of this species and she was defiantly more photographic, and she even gave us a good look at her as she laid a few eggs on the many young Silver Birch trees dotted around. The Small-pearl Bordered Fritillary appeared in another of the meadows, but they were very hard to find.I never once saw two together, and the count of this species was about (7). The site is very dry, I remember years ago having to walk around this site in wellington boots it was so boggy. One of the SPBF was a female and she was at rest for a good while, maybe she had been laying eggs. We saw 10 species of Butterflies, but the counts weren't great, among these were (3) Duke of Burgundy, and one was really tatty but the other two were quite respectable in appearance. Other butterflies seen were Small Copper, Grizzled Skipper, Small Heath, Common Blue, Pearl-bordered Fritillary (8) Brimstone, Speckled Wood and Meadow Brown. The moth counts were quite impressive, these being: Argent and Sable (3/4) Brown Silver Line, Narrow Bordered 5 Spot Burnet Moth Burnet Companion, Broad Bordered Bee Hawk Moth, Silver-Ground Carpet, Straw Dot, Speckled Yellow, Wood Carpet, Four Spotted Footman.
Thank you everybody who attended, making this a quite memorable field trip. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Female Argent and Sable Moth Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Male Small Pearl -Bordered Fritillary Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Female Duke of Burgundy Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Small Blues at Pitt Down. Encouraged by a single small blue on the Pitt Down transect today, we decided to explore the area to the west of the site that used to host a strong colony, before the food plant was grazed out by highland cattle some years ago.
Very pleased to report that the kidney vetch is flowering in profusion; and the Small Blues are back in numbers. We saw 15-20 in a stroll around a small part of the site; rounded off by the first Meadow Brown of summer. Hopefully HCC will be a bit more circumspect with their grazing in future. [Posted by Rupert & Sharron Broadway]
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| Small Blues at Pitt Down Photo © Rupert & Sharron Broadway |
4 firsts of the year North Baddesley. 4 firsts of the year seen on my butterfly reserve in North Baddesley today= Large Skipper,Painted Lady,mother shipton and first big caterpillar group (Peacock).also Red Admiral 1.very late Small Tortoiseshell 1.Comma 2.Common Blue 2.Brimstone 8.Small White 2.Small Copper 1.mother shipton 5.burnet companion 14.brimstone moth 1.very pregnant adder 1.grass snake 3.lizard 2.slow worm 44.dragonflies 3.the very large area of meadow thistle is almost in full bloom.REMINDER if anyone would like to visit my reserve please email spark.ky@hotmail.co.uk or phone 02380 733995. all welcome if you have been here before or not.thanks,kevin [Posted by Kevin Ross]
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| Photo © Kevin Ross | Photo © Kevin Ross | Photo © Kevin Ross |
Chalton Down, Old Idsworth. Today I visited Chalton Down in hot sunshine with the temperature reaching 19.5 degrees. Numbers of Common Blues are starting to increase slowly, however the site is getting overgrown with long grasses. Totals: Brimstone 2M 2F, Large White 1, Common Blue 12M, Small Heath 6, Speckled Wood 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Brook Down. More Pictures from the Isle of Wight [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Mating pair of Glanville Fritillaries Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Mating Dingy Skippers Photo © Ashley Whitlock | The scene from Compton Chine with Thrift in the foreground. Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Compton Chine and Brook Down Isle of Wight. Today was my annual pilgrimage to the Isle of Wight and I couldn't have picked a better day with a few friends for company and great scenery. Compton Chine is probably one of the best butterfly sites in the UK and today the Glanville Fritillary was standing proud. How many there were I do not know but I had counted well past 100 within the first hour on site. I have never seen so many mating pairs, which hopefully bodes well for 2020. I've been coming to the Isle of Wight since the early 1980's for this species and I think today was the best...The site was alive with butterflies and a few moths.There were Meadow Browns, Common Blue, Small Blue, Small Heath, Dingy Skipper, Green Hairstreak, and of course the Glanville Fritillary.
Brook Down
In the afternoon the temperature had gone up somewhat.. and at the entrance of the down a lovely female Wall Brown greeted us as it fed on some dandelions. I never managed to get a photo as they were in a great hurry ...every butterfly was on overdrive. The down was alive with Small Blue never seen so many the what I call the two bomb pits they were every where, with good amounts of Adonis Blue, Dingy Skipper and I've never seen so many Glanvilles Fritillaries here either well over (50) and some, they look perfectly at home there. Brown Argus, mating Large Skippers, and the sound of many Skylarks filled the atmosphere here...truly magical, I wish I could bottle it! [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Male Glanville Fritillary Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Mating pair of Large Skippers Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Male Adonis Blue Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Summer arrives at Great Fontley. Meadow Brown (3), a pristine Comma, and several second-brood Speckled Woods heralded the arrival of summer at Great Fontley. Making up the numbers were Small Heath (3), Small Copper (1), and Brimstone (2) inc. a female ovipositing. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]