Still Plenty to See at Havant Thicket. Yet another Nordic Walk slowed down by butterflies! Havant Thicket is still a delight, with countless Silver-washed Fritillary, Meadow Brown, Brimstone and Gatekeeper. [Posted by Michael Berry]
Migrants in the Wind, Old Winchester Hill. On a rather breezy afternoon, Old Winchester Hill was its usual pleasure. The swards of wild flowers were spectacular. The expected Chalk Hill Blue crouched low to avoid the wind, whilst determinedly having sex in decidedly uncomfortable conditions.
We didn't find any Silver-spotted Skipper (they tend to appear late at this location). However, two Clouded Yellow arrived to entertain us while we searched. At the top of the hill, several Painted Lady were feasting on thistles. [Posted by Michael Berry]
Noar Hill. Spent a pleasant afternoon at Noar Hill yesterday which produced a plethora of butterflies both in terms of numbers and species - best of all were three [at least] male Brown Hairstreaks. Other species included, Common Blue, Small Copper, Peacock, Small Skipper, Brown Argus, Gatekeepers, Meadow Brown and very good numbers of beautiful fresh Red Admirals. I also managed to find a group of Frog orchids including one or two very small examples. [Posted by Mark Tutton]
 |  |  |
| Male Brown Hairstreak Photo © Mark Tutton | Brown Argus Photo © Mark Tutton | Minute Frog orchid Photo © Mark Tutton |
Shipton Bellinger + Broughton Down. More from Shipton Bellinger + Broughton Down [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]
 |  |  |
| Holly Blue Shipton Bellinger Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Small Copper Shipton Bellinger Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Silver Spotted Skipper Broughton Down Photo © Mark Wagstaff |
Shipton Bellinger + Broughton Down. A slow start at Shipton Bellinger this morning considering the vast improvement in the weather but things livened up around 1100 when Brown Hairstreaks started moving in the boundary hedge. With the help of others (many thanks!) I managed 6 males plus 1 female just as I left at lunch time. Also a Small Copper, 3 Holly Blues, and probably double figure Common Blues.
On to Broughton Down in the afternoon. Plenty of Silver-spotted Skippers (20+ in an hour), some fresh Brimstones, a couple of faded Dark-green Fritillaries and lots of Common Blues. No Chalkhill Blues - but time was limited and I kept mainly to the top of the site. [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]
 |  |  |
| Brown Hairstreak - Shipton Bellinger Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Brown Hairstreak - Shipton Bellinger Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Brown Hairstreak - Shipton Bellinger Photo © Mark Wagstaff |
Gatekeeper aberration, Petersfield. At Petersfield Heath SU 755231 we saw what we at first took to be a Clouded Yellow. We were puzzled when it started to to open its wings when settled and we then started to make out the upper wing pattern of a Gatekeeper. Eventually we got a view of the closed hind wing which was typical of Gatekeeper. We looked at an Aberrations book and I found that there is one which is called subpallida or pallidus. That was depicted as having some orange on the upper hind wing but this one was completely yellow. Has anyone else seen this form? [Posted by Penny Raynor]
30th garden species, Winchester. In the 25th year of observing butterflies in our garden at Badger Farm, Winchester, the 30th species to be recorded (and the 20th this year) finally turned up today in the form of a rather worn and windswept Dark Green Fritillary on Buddleia Lochinch.
Unfortunately it nipped off before this historic event could be committed to film (or rather memory card). We must now have met the criteria for our garden to be classified as an SSSI! [Posted by Rupert & Sharron Broadway]
West Harting Down Field Trip. More Photographs from the Field Trip [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
 |  |  |
| Common Blue on Clover in the meadow Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Large Skipper Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Plenty to see and photograph in the ride! Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
West Harting Down Field Trip. The weather today stayed kind to us despite some rather heavy looking clouds coming over in profusion at times. But on the whole it stayed rather sunny and warm and the Butterfly count along with a few Moths was at least (25) species which is easily the highest of the season ...so far!This walk isn't for the faint hearted, very long and arduous and a slog up to the summit at West Harting, but the views are spectacular!We started off in a small field which hadn't been mown or eaten by the shire horses next door and this was a lovely little meadow full of clover, Oxford Ragwort, and the owner had obviously left it for nature to take its course, and here there were countless Common Blues , Small Copper, and a lovely Clouded Yellow was seen in the distance. On the Downland on the bramble and flitting up and down the ride there were Silver-Washed Fritillaries still in evidence, and on the buddleia bushes in the main ride there were countless Red Admirals, Peacocks, Comma's, Painted Ladies, and the star of the show was the Hummingbird Hawk Moth's flitting from flower to flower, there was at least 4-5 of these in this area. On the way back I espied a Brown Hairstreak, which have been reported in this area, and we also saw in the rides some rather tatty Small Skippers which we hadn't been seen on the way up. The last surprise was two rather washed out and tatty White Admirals, which really boosted the tally! I like to thank all those who came and made this a most enjoyable walk....phew! [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
 |  |  |
| Small Copper on Oxford Ragwort Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Peacock plenty seen today Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Hummingbird Hawk Moth at Rest Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Silver-spotted Skippers At Oxenbourne. An early afternoon visit to Oxenbourne Down produced at least 6 Silver-spotted Skippers. In bright, but very blustery conditions, most were making only short darting flights and then resting on vegetation or stones, with open wings. The majority were on the right hand side of the path where the turf is shorter as one heads up the slope from the entrance. There are still good numbers of Chalkhills flying here - at least 30 including several females in various conditions. [Posted by Alan Thornbury]
 |  |  |
| Silver-spotted Skipper Photo © Alan Thornbury | Silver-spotted Skipper Photo © Alan Thornbury | Silver-spotted Skipper Photo © Alan Thornbury |
Old Winchester Hill. Paid a return visit to Old Winchester Hill this morning. Not ideal conditions - cloudy and a cool wind - but plenty to see. The pristine Red Admirals from a week ago appeared to have moved on - but an equally pristine Painted Lady was a welcome substitute. Chalk Hill Blue numbers were probably no greater than a week ago but there was a noticeable increase in the number of females seen. Common Blues were more numerous (20+) and we were fortunate to spot a very blue female. Most of the blues were in the 'dip' on the west side of the fort - below the summit and noticeably warmer/more sheltered. Also saw two rather faded Dark-green fritillaries on the walk to the fort. [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]
 |  |  |
| Chalkhill Blue Old Winchester Hill Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Painted Lady Old Winchester Hill Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Common Blue Old Winchester Hill Photo © Mark Wagstaff |
Broughton Down. In very windy conditions managed to see 20+ Silver-spotted Skippers, male Clouded Yellow , 6 Dark Green Fritillary , Dingy Skipper (2nd brood), plenty of Brown Argus and Common Blue but only 4 Chalk Hill Blue and then the very heavy rain set in. [Posted by Mark swann]
Oxenbourne Down. After visiting Chalton Down, I paid a visit to Oxenbourne Down (SU7118) where the temperature was 20.5 degrees. Here I met Ashley Whitlock, who like me was carefully searching for any signs of the Silver-spotted Skipper. Many Chalk Hill Blues and Gatekeepers were flying, with low numbers of other species. A surprise was recording a single Small Blue, I don't know if there has been any records of it here before.
Totals: Brimstone 1F, Small White 1, Gatekeeper 25, Meadow Brown 8, Small Heath 1, Chalk Hill Blue 40M 2F, Common Blue 2M, Small Blue 1, Large Skipper 1, Small Skipper 6. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Chalton Down. This morning I visited Chalton Down (SU736156) arriving at 9.30am where the temperature was 19 degrees and many butterflies were already active. Main species flying were Chalk Hill Blues with Gatekeepers and Meadow Browns.Fresh Common Blues and Small Heaths were seen and a single Dark Green Fritillary in good condition.
Totals: Large White 3, Small White 3, Gatekeeper 36, Meadow Brown 21, Small Heath 5, Chalk Hill Blue 46M 5F, Common Blue 10m, Comma 1, Dark Green Fritillary 1, Red Admiral 1, Large Skipper 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Oxenbourne Down. We went to Oxenbourne Down this afternoon from 1230-1425 and recorded the following species. Silver-spotted Skipper 3 very elusive at times mainly due to the sun keep disappearing behind the clouds, Dark Green Fritillary 2, Brown Argus 1, Small Skipper 5, Red Admiral 2, Small Copper 2, Chalkhill Blue and Gatekeeper still numerous, Peacock 3. This morning we had a Painted Lady nectaring on Budleia in our garden.(Barry and Margaret Collins) [Posted by Barry Collins]
Brown Hairstreaks Starting To Show Well At Shipton Bellinger. My exploration for Brown Hairstreaks at Shipton Bellinger started slowly, but in the end I was sorry to leave! The site seemed very quiet on arrival at around 10am, with few butterflies of any description showing, as the sun began to win its battle against the cloud and dry the remaining dew. A check on several of the large Ash Trees around the site confirmed Brown Hairstreaks were already active, however it would be after 11am when the first was spotted in the county boundary hedge nectaring on bramble.
Five more males were seen along the hedge, during the next hour or so, all nectaring contentedly or resting on foliage. Some had minor wing damage and one had suffered a bird strike to its tails. After so many males, it would have been slightly disappointing not to find a female, and sure enough one appeared just as I was about to leave, in the hedge close to the tree gap, but she didn’t hang around for long. I noted also there were plenty of fresh Brimstones, Red Admirals and Peacocks to be seen, all enjoying the abundant nectar. [Posted by Alan Thornbury]
 |  |  |
| Brown Hairstreak (Female) Photo © Alan Thornbury | Brown Hairstreak (Male) Photo © Alan Thornbury | Brown Hairstreak (Male) Photo © Alan Thornbury |
Oxenbourne Down. Another quick look up at Oxenbourne Down although it was more like 4 hours I spent wandering around different parts of this downland. In perfect weather the Chalk Hill Blue were in extra-ordinary numbers, with several mating pairs. Also Gatekeeper came a close second, and they were pairing up as well. The Silver-spotted Skipper wasn't on the wing yet either, however I was very pleased to see five Dark-green Fritillaries, one female was egg-laying quite close to where I was and I could see her bending her abdomen on the leaf litter under the bramble bushes dotted around the downland. However finding any eggs was a hard task, and I wasn't successful. It was nice to know she was utilizing this stretch of the downland, and she was in excellent condition, however hours later I saw another up close feeding on Hemp Agrimony and she was quite weather beaten. The males on the wing were really rough looking, however they have been on the wing since 2nd of June! Still lots of Small Skippers with the red mites on their thorax's. Other species of note were Brown Argus (2) Small Heath (7) Ringlet (2) and the other commoner species were in good numbers. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
 |  |  |
| Female Dark Green Fritillary Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Gatekeepers mating Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Male Chalkhill Blue Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Monarch on buddleia. Whilst preparing for the field trip to Broomy Plain and loading kit in the car, I was distracted by a a Monarch butterfly on the white buddleia in my front garden ....... almost certainly another locally released butterfly!
No photo, the camera was in the car boot. [Posted by Geoff Jones]
Portsdown Hill (East). Today I walked the Eastern end of Portsdown Hill (SU657063) including the slope and upper footpath. Good numbers of Fresh male Common Blues were seen.
Totals: Brimstone 1M, Large White 3, Common Blue 19M 1F, Holly Blue 1, Gatekeeper 2, Meadow Brown 15, Speckled Wood 2, Comma 1, Peacock 1, Red Admiral 2. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Old Winchester Hill. A beautiful morning on Old Winchester Hill - cool in the wind but lots of sun until late morning. I went to check on Chalk Hill Blues mainly but on the walk from the car park to the fort managed 10 species without really trying. The wild flowers here are amazing - no wonder there are butterflies in abundance. Stars of the show were probably the Red Admirals which were pristine and on every bramble bush. Still a few Marbled Whites - in surprisingly good condition. Also a few Common Blues and Commas. The Chalk Hill Blues were there - but nowhere near the numbers on Portsdown Hill - perhaps the added elevation and cooler slopes make these a little later? Most were on the west side of the fort. I only checked halfway down the 'car park slope' - it's a long way back for dodgy knees! Perhaps 20-30 in each area - and all males. Add in the stunning views and it would be hard to think of a better place to spend a late summer morning. [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]
 |  |  |
| Red Admiral - Old Winchester Hill Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Chalkhill Blue - Old Winchester Hill Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Comma - Old Winchester Hill Photo © Mark Wagstaff |
Jersey Tiger Moth?. Strong winds meant I had to tie up the tall daisies in our Lee on Solent garden this afternoon and I spotted what I think is a Jersey Tiger Moth on the smaller plants. Orange underwings showed distinctly when in flight. A novice where moths are concerned so if my ID is wrong please don't hesitate to correct me. [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]
 |
| Jersey Tiger Moth - Lee on Solent Photo © Mark Wagstaff |
Portsdown Hill - Chalk Hill Blues. There seemed to be a short window of sun early this morning so I braved the traffic (how did I ever commute regularly out of Gosport and keep sane?) to arrive on a sunny but very windy Portsdown Hill before 0900. It was worth the hassle with Chalk Hill Blues (my target for the day) out in very good numbers - at least 100+ on a walk from the roundabout car park to the large chalk pit (west) and back. Plenty of both sexes too and virtually all in excellent condition. [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]
 |  |  |
| Chalkhill Blue Portsdown Hill Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Chalkhill Blue Portsdown Hill Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Chalkhill Blue Portsdown Hill Photo © Mark Wagstaff |
Bramshill Plantation (SU745630). visited this site in search of dragonflies only to experience stunning numbers of Gatekeeper butterflies, during a 3 hour stroll from 2 to 5pm we must have seen over 300 individuals evenly distributed on bramble clumps along the forest rides. The gatekeepers were supported by, Large Skippers and Small Skippers, Purple Hairstreak, Silver-washed Fritillary, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, Large White, Red Admiral, Comma, Common Blue and Brimstone. [Posted by Paul Bamford]
Oxenbourne Down. After visiting Chalton Down, I visited nearby Oxenbourne Down (SU7118), where the temperature had increased to 19 degrees. I and several others were searching for any early sightings of the Silver Spotted Skipper, although none was found. Here Chalk Hill Blues were the main species flying. I covered only a small area of the site, where I recorded the following, Chalk Hill Blue 29M 2F, Gatekeeper 6, Meadow Brown 3, Ringlet 2, Small Heath 1, Small Skipper 2. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Chalton Down, Old Idsworth. Today I visited Chalton Down (SU736156), around late morning following early morning showers where the temperature was 17.5 degrees. Chalk Hill Blues along with Meadow Brownms and Gatekeepers were the most common species, while a single Silver-washed Fritillary put in an appearance. Another surprise was a single Small Blue found towards the top of the main slope close to where my son and I saw one last year.
Totals: Large White 6, Small White 4, Green-veined White 1, Chalk Hill Blue 44M, Common Blue 8M, Small Blue 1, Gatekeeper 37, Meadow Brown 43, Comma 1, Silver-washed Fritillary 1, Small Skipper 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Change of date of St Catherine's Hill walk. Please note change of date of Walk at St Catherine's Hill - changed from 29 July (as recorded in newsletter) to 5 August. Other details unchanged. [Posted by Mary]
Eastney Beach. A stroll along Eastney Beach today (my local patch) in lovely sunshine but very windy conditions produced the following species: Painted Lady (1) Red Admiral (1) Essex Skipper (1) Small Skipper (5) Common Blue (30+) several mating pairs. Meadow Brown (5) Small White (3) and last but not least Clouded Yellow (1). I looked at the area where last Autumn I saw Small Coppers laying eggs but I was disappointed not to find any adults today. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
 |  |  |
| Essex Skipper Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Common Blue feeding on Sea Pea Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Clouded Yellow Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Broughton Down. 3 male Silver-spotted Skippers seen in very poor weather . [Posted by Mark swann]
Shipton Bellinger, Hants. On a warm sunny afternoon I set out to Shipton Bellinger to search for Brown Hairstreaks. The weather was suitable although a little windy so I was hopeful. Although I was searching blackthorn and flowers most of the afternoon, it was only as I was making my way back to the car that I briefly saw a male take off from blackthorn and vanish. Then I saw another fresh male in the open quite low down on blackthorn showing well and then opening its wings to sun itself. I believe 5 were seen altogether speaking to other observers present. Also seen were a male Clouded Yellow, egg laying Dark Green Fritillary and 2 Silver-washed Fritillaries. [Posted by Mike Gibbons]
Moth trap Leigh Park, Havant. I had my moth trap on in my garden last night and caught 44 species. The highlights included Elephant Hawk 6, Poplar Hawk 2, Garden Tiger 2, Spectacle 3, Drinker 2, Dingy Footman 2, Scarce Footman 3, Black Arches 2, Least Yellow Underwing 1, Dusky Sallow 1, Scalloped Hook-tip 1, Double Kidney 1. [Posted by Barry Collins]
Hillier Gardens Romsey. A visit to Hillier resulted with a nice sighting of a Monarch butterfly(this may be a release but still nice to see) also seen were a Ringlet, Green-veined Whites, Small Whites, many Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, Peacocks, Red Admirals, Brimstones (mainly females), Silver-washed Fritillary, Common Blue and a brief glimpse of a Clouded Yellow [Posted by Sue Lambert]
 |  |  |
| Monarch Photo © Sue Lambert | Open-winged Monarch Photo © Sue Lambert | Comma Photo © Sue Lambert |
Oxenbourne Down. A change from woodland today and to visit a local Chalk Hill Blue patch and it didn't disappoint with hundreds flying in the warm breezy conditions, also there were many Gatekeepers with several seen pairing up. Other species seen were Meadow Brown (10) Ringlet (2) Silver-washed Fritillary (2) Small Skipper (10) Small White (1) Small Copper (1) Six Spotted Burnet Moth (5) Common Blue (4) Clouded Yellow (1) Marbled White (2) Brimstone (5) and Dark Green Fritillary (1). [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
 |  |  |
| Male Chalkhill Blue Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Small Skipper on Oxford Ragwort Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Oxenbourne Down Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Portsdown Hill - Chalk Hill Blues. Looks like a good year. I saw 300+ Chalk Hill Blues on the slopes above the main chalkpit and also the slopes immediately to the east .Probably more as this count was on a broad transect over a couple of hours. All were males in pristine condition so I assume a recent emergence. [Posted by Keith Turner]
Oxleys Coppice and Ranvilles Lane area. Despite the cloudy conditions there was a surprising amount of butterfly activity on a walk around my patch this morning. Gatekeepers were particularly numerous and there were quite a few Common Blue on the patches of birdsfoot trefoil. It was also nice to see a couple of smart Small Coppers.
Totals: Essex Skipper 6, Small Skipper 6, Brimstone 1, Small White 30, Small Copper 2, Common Blue 18, Red Admiral 3, Peacock 2, Speckled Wood 2, Gatekeeper c150, Meadow Brown c50. Also 1 Southern Hawker and 1 Banded Demoiselle. [Posted by Mark Rolfe]
 |  |  |
| Common Blue Photo © Mark Rolfe | Essex Skipper Photo © Mark Rolfe | Small Copper Photo © Mark Rolfe |
West Wood/Crab Wood Pitt Down Field Trip. Today was again a day of two halves, the morning being reasonably warm but overcast, and the afternoon the sun came out and so did most of the butterflies. We did rather well with (20) species being observed. In the rides there were plenty of Red Admiral, and Commas were extremely common, some of the best numbers I've seen for many years. The Silver-washed Fritillary was still in the rides where their nectar sources were, the Bramble being a magnet for many females and males. Some of them were still pairing up. We had pretty much walked the route in the 'book' and were certainly all looking forward to a spot of lunch when the sun came out, about 13:00. We were passing some young broad leafed sallow, when my wife shouted 'Purple Emperor'! Some of us ahead looked a bit bewildered including me, because I had almost given up on 'him'.But this turned out to be a 'her', and it was two! One was over one side of the ride and the other was in good view in a sallow looking rather magnificent. She was in almost pristine condition, and she shuffled about on the sallow, and flying around us and then back on the sallow again. She stopped in view for about 10 minutes, before taking off and alighting out the back of the ride on a small Ash tree. She flew off again, but I'm not sure where she went. We took lunch being very happy again. In the afternoon we had a look around Pitt Down and saw up to (10) Dark-green Fritillaries most of which were females. When we had passed the area where we had seen the Purple Emperor, it happened again, a female was seen flying low over the Ash and Hazel, and small Oak trees, and then dispersed! This was at 14:50 which was getting quite late for a female to be active.
Id like to thank every one for coming, as the field trip program is now well over half-way, I'm getting more and more recorders and observers, which is excellent long may it continue! [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
 |  |  |
| Female Purple Emperor in West Wood today, many thanks to Bryn Jones Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Female Dark-Green Fritillary on Pitt Down Photo © Ashley Whitlock | West Wood and Pitt Down Class of July 2017 Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Noar Hill. I managed to get a record shot of a Clouded Yellow this afternoon at Noar Hill, I had previously seen one at 6.45 pm on Friday but I didn't have my camera. [Posted by Nick lawrence]
 |
| Clouded yellow Photo © Nick lawrence |
New Forest - Hampton Ridge. On a circular walk from Fritham to Hampton Ridge and back again today I could manage only 2 Silver-studded Blues where normally I can expect literally hundreds. Not sure if this was because of the heavy cloud cover or coming to the end of an early season for them (or a combination of both probably) - but at least one was obliging for the camera. Lots of Meadow Browns, Ringlets and Gatekeepers (as many as I have ever seen). An unexpected pleasure was my first Grayling of the year - two in different areas on the ridge. These are the first I've seen there but probably only because I've overlooked them in the past. [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]
 |  |  |
| Grayling - New Forest Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Silver-studded Blue - New Forest Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Silver-studded Blue - New Forest Photo © Mark Wagstaff |
Bentley Road Station NR. not expecting to much we visited Bentley Road Station butterfly reserve in overcast and breezy conditions. Pleasantly surprised at the shear number of butterflies in the lower meadow, which holds a fantastic array of wild flowers and just shows what the countryside would be like without intensive farming. Gatekeepers, Silver-washed Fritillaries, Meadow Browns and Ringlets were everywhere, with a very impressive sideshow of Large and Small/Essex Skippers. Unfortunately no Purple Hairstreaks, which are becoming somewhat of a boggy butterfly this year for us. Apologies no species numbers as there were just too many and all moving about too much for any sort of accurate count! [Posted by Paul Bamford]
 |  |  |
| Silver-washed Fritillary Photo © Paul Bamford | Essex Skipper? Photo © Paul Bamford | Essex Skipper? Photo © Paul Bamford |
Six-belted Clearwing moths at Magdalen Hill Down. The weather was not on our side for the Big Butterfly Count event at Magdalen Hill Down today. It was overcast and windy for most of the day with a couple of bands of heavy drizzle passing through. However, at about 3pm, I took a walk and came across this pair of Six-belted Clearwing moths, in copula on the larval food plant, Bird's-foot trefoil, just on the edge of the path around the Jubilee plantation. [Posted by Steve Easter]
 |  |
| Six-belted Clearwing moths in copula Photo © Steve Easter | Six-belted Clearwing moths in copula Photo © Steve Easter |
Abbotstone Down Field Trip. Today was all about what species we could possible see by a bit of disturbance, in the lovely meadows that are a feature of this site. Warm but cloudy weather, we saw a good amount of species despite the weather. The Marbled White was still in evidence, and some of the females were in perfect shape, so were a lot of the Ringlets seen at rest amoungst the Bramble.The highlight of the walk was to find several Brown Argus, and a lovely Small Copper. The Brown Argus is probably quite common here as there is countless ant hills with a good amount of Rock-Rose on each. The Silver-washed Fritillary did make an appearance when the sun threatened to come out, and in these conditions its always easier to check out the Essex and the Small Skipper. The Small Skipper won by a mile but the Essex put in a fair performance along with (14) other species! [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
 |  |  |
| Brown Argus Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Small Copper Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Marbled White Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Abbots Wood Inclosure, Alice Holt Forest. After a visit to Straits Inclosure, my father and I visited Abbots Wood Inclosure (SU8139) to look for any Purple Emperor activity. We had made a tentative visit to Goose Green Inclosure, to check the old master tree - a sweet chestnut but nothing. Numbers flying at Abbots Wood are always lower than at Straits, but species seen which were absent from there included Holly Blue and Brimstone. We walked the main track as far as the cleared area at SU815404, carefully checking the Sallows and Oaks for Purple Emperors. During the course of this we were able to closely observe the Purple Hairstreaks where at least one individual was found on 1 in every 3 Oaks. On one tree two Purple Hairstreaks seemed to disturb each other and as one landed so no fewer than 5 took to the air briefly at once.
We had almost given up hope of seeing a Purple Emperor, when one, possibly a female appeared flying above a Sallow then briefly chased a Purple Hairstreak around the top edge of an Oak at SU81414002 at 14:37 before disappearing from sight into the wood. I was grateful for one, having travelled from Cornwall to see the Emperor and then knowing that his appearance this year was so early, I thought I may not have seen him, having had at least one sighting each year since 2006.
Totals: Brimstone 2M, Large White 4, Small White 3, Holly Blue 3, Purple Hairstreak 23, Gatekeeper 17, Meadow Brown 31, Ringlet 23, Comma 2, Peacock 1, Purple Emperor 1, Red Admiral 3, Silver-washed Fritillary 12M 4F. [Posted by Richard Symonds]
Straits Inclosure, Alice Holt Forest. Today in company with my father, I visited Straits Inclosure, Alice Holt Forest (SU8014) where the weather was cloudy with brief sunny spells, temperature 19 degrees. During the course of the two and half hour visit, there were longer periods of sunshine. The paths here were full of Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Ringlet. Thistles, especially towards the far end of the main track, were a favourite nectar source for the Silver-washed Fritillary. Just three White Admirals were seen, still in reasonable condition. Large and Small Skippers were recorded as well as two fresh Essex Skippers, by which a closer inspection and a photo to further help identification. Despite looking along the sallows and high in the oaks no Purple Emperors were seen, although a few Purple Hairstreaks were seen flying around both sallows and oaks.
Totals: Large White 3, Small White 3, Green-veined White 1, Common Blue 3M, Purple Hairstreak 10, Gatekeeper 70, Meadow Brown 70, Ringlet 83, Comma 3, Peacock 1, Red Admiral 1, Silver-washed Fritillary 19M 19F, White Admiral 3, Essex Skipper 2, Large Skipper 6, Small Skipper 17. [Posted by Richard Symonds]
Good year for garden butterflies. A brief visit to our garden in Badger Farm, Winchester this afternoon by a Chalk Hill Blue, following Silver-washed Fritillary and Essex Skipper last weekend made it 19 species so far this year. [Posted by Rupert & Sharron Broadway]
Castle Bottom NR, near Yateley. mid afternoon visit once the cloud had started to break up providing reasonable periods of sunshine. There was pretty much constant butterfly action from leaving the car at 15:00hrs right through to 18:00 when we finished. Initially Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns and Fritillaries kept us company, upon reaching the drier and stonier areas of heath the Graylings started to appear, finally once we reached the stream and grassy area Small Coppers and Skippers were found. Also seen were Golden-ringed, Southern Hawker and Black-tailed Skimmer dragonflies, Beautiful Demoiselle damselflies, and a group of fledgling Dartford Warbers.
Totals: Grayling at least 6, Small Copper 3, Meadow Brown lots, Ringlet 10 plus, Gatekeeper lots, Silver-washed Fritillary 3, Large White 4, Large Skipper 8. [Posted by Paul Bamford]
 |  |  |
| Grayling Photo © Paul Bamford | Small Copper Photo © Paul Bamford | Gatekeeper Photo © Paul Bamford |
Chalton Down. Today with my father, I visited Chalton Down (SU736156) where the temperature was 21 degrees. The slopes were alive with butterflies, with hundreds of Meadow Browns and Gatekeepers. With long grass on the lower slopes attracting Marbled Whites the upper slopes suited the Chalkhill Blues more, which are significantly lower in numbers here than even 4 years ago, when easily 300 or more could be counted, today's count being just above 50. All Chalkhill Blues were fresh males except for one female which was mating with a male. Around a dozen fresh male Common Blues were seen along with a few females. A female Green-veined White was observed, settled and fought off the unwanted advances of two males. A single fresh Small Copper was recorded along with a few Comma, Peacock and Red Admiral. A very faded Large Skipper almost devoid of all scales was seen and a very faded and wing torn Dark Green Fritillary, which could still fly quite strongly and which kept landing briefly in the long grasses.
Totals: Large White 12, Small White 12, Green-veined White 4, Chalk Hill Blue 55M 1F, Common Blue 10M 3F, Small Copper 1, Gatekeeper 117, Marbled White 13, Meadow Brown 109, Ringlet 4, Comma 2, Dark Green Fritillary 1, Peacock 2, Small Tortoiseshell 1, Large Skipper 2, Small Skipper 17. [Posted by Richard Symonds]
Blackbush Hanger, Southleigh Forest. Today accompanied by my father, I paid my first visit to Blackbush Hanger, Southleigh Forest (SU742087), while visiting from Cornwall to search for female Purple Emperors. A long look at a few Oaks resulted in no sightings, only the odd Bumble Bees and flies being disturbed. Every so often a Silver Washed Fritillary would glide through the trees and alight briefly on Bramble blossom. Several Browns were flying in the long grass with a few Small Skippers. A White Admiral did fly through a tree and across some Sallows, sadly not its cousin.
Totals: Large White 1, Gatekeeper 10, Meadow Brown 13, Ringlet 7, Speckled Wood 1, Silver-washed Fritillary 7M 2F, White Admiral 1, Large Skipper 1, Small Skipper 3. [Posted by Richard Symonds]
Havant Thicket and Bell's Copse. I had another cycle ride around Havant Thicket and Bell's Copse visiting various locations in these woods from 1000-1400. Butterflies recorded were as follows, Comma 5, Peacock 4, Purple Emperor 1F, Silver-washed Fritillary 38, White Admiral 7; Red Admiral 10, Speckled Wood 6, Marbled White 3, Brimstone 11M 1F, Gatekeeper 150, Large White 2, Small Skipper 12, Green-veined White 3, Small White 2,plus numerous Meadow Browns and Ringlets but in lower numbers than on my last visit. There were also 3M Beautiful Demoiselle and several Southern Hawkers. [Posted by Barry Collins]
Abbotts Wood Inclosure. This was my last visit to Abbotts Wood Inclosure in 2017, and it was clear to me today that the Purple Emperor has finished, I was in the main flight zone for well over three hours today in very good weather warm, cloudy, with breaks of sunshine, 'him' did not show himself. He never turned up at the territories in the afternoon, which is a sure sign things are empty in the vista's. But in the three weeks it has been flying here was probably one of the best seasons it's ever had, certainly since I've been Co-ordinator anyway. Hopefully the females have laid a good batch of eggs, as there was a lot of female activity, and with a following wind into late summer and a reasonable winter and not too wet a spring the Emperor could be in for a bumper 2018! Other species today the Silver-Washed Fritillaries were were buzzing about in good numbers, with just one White Admiral, now probably finished as well. I espied a couple of Common Blues in excellent condition, and a lovely Small Copper which I've never encountered in this wood before, which was a lovely surprise. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
 |  |  |
| Common Blue seen in one of the rides Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Small Copper which ive never encountered in the wood before Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Silver-Washed Fritillary in good numbers Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Alice Holt. Spent a pleasant afternoon walking the rides of Abbots Wood and saw a multitude of butterflies with huge numbers of Ringlet, Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper. Good numbers of female Silver Washed Fritillary were searching the forest floor for violets then finding adjacent trees to lay their eggs. A multitude of Purple Hairstreak were flitting about in the evening light and as I opened the back door of the car which was parked under an oak, I found a pristine forewing of of an unfortunate female.
fresh Red Admiral and Peacocks were also seen.
Nine Purple Emperors were seen - eight males - the last, a very pale worn example, was spotted doing a long slow flight around an oak at 5.15pm just before going to bed. I also watched a female for about five minutes at 2pm [no wheelie bin unfortunately!] laying two eggs 15m up in an ageing sallow before taking a breather in the warm sunshine. [Posted by Mark Tutton]
 |  |  |
| Resting Empress Photo © Mark Tutton | Female SWF Photo © Mark Tutton | Sad remnant Photo © Mark Tutton |
Purple Emperor at BSM. During a management meeting this afternoon at Butterfly Conservation's Bentley Station Meadow nature reserve,led by Jayne Chapman, we were treated to excellent views of a female Purple Emperor. Dave Pearson spotted the Purple Emperor high in a sallow, and she put on a great show for all of us for about 5 minutes. She was gliding and periodically landing high (4-5m above ground) in a sallow tree at around 3.00pm. She looked as though she was investigating the leaves with a view to egg-laying, but I can't claim this was positively observed. I only had a compact camera, and given the height above ground my photos are fairly basic, but thought they might be of interest. We also saw about 6 Silver-washed Fritillaries, so if you haven't visited this wonderful nature reserve already I'd encourage you to go. [Posted by Andy Barker]
 |  |  |
| Purple Emperor high in sallow Photo © Andy Barker | Purple Emperor (female) Photo © Andy Barker | Purple Emperor (female) Photo © Andy Barker |
The End at Havant Thicket. Today was probably the last shout for the Male Purple Emperor in Havant Thicket, females will probably still be around but I saw no evidence of any males up and down the rides and at the Assembly Point in the afternoon. The Silver-washed Fritillary is still in good numbers, but I had noticed the White Admiral numbers falling off. The total counts were:Silver-washed Fritillary (35) White Admiral (4) Comma (10) Gatekeeper (100+) Green-veined White (7) Meadow Brown (100+) Ringlet (100+) Small Skipper (25) a very conservative estimate as I saw many flying in the meadows but I didn't count them. Brimstone (8) Large Skipper (5) Small White (2) Essex Skipper (4) Marbled White (1) now finished Purple Hairstreak (1) Red Admiral (3) Peacock (1) Speckled Wood (2). I visited the Assembly Point in the afternoon but it was a bit breezy but there were no takers for the vista. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
 |  |
| What you looking at....Comma head on Photo © Ashley Whitlock | The only way is Essex..... Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Southleigh Forest. Arriving just after midday I checked out the Purple Emperor assembly point without success so decided to explore the wood further. I happened upon a valezina Silver-washed Fritillary just a little further up the path and continued to count. After 2 hours I had reached 106 Silver-washed Fritillary, including a second valezina. More than half of these were in the west end of the wood. Many Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper and Ringlet and the odd Green-veined White, Large White, Comma and Red Admiral. I returned to the assembly point around 2.30pm and a male Purple Emperor was patrolling the assembly oak. [Posted by Peter Gammage]
PE spotted Paulsgrove. Empress Touches Down On Paulsgrove Wheelie Bin. Very privileged and excited to see this beautiful Purple Emperor in our garden today. Shame the background is not as beautiful. Have been told there could be some envious people out there!! [Posted by Dawn Riddle]
 |
| Photo © Dawn Riddle |
Havant Thicket Field Trip. Blistering heat, nil wind, great numbers come and join me for this field trip, and the Purple Emperor didn't disappoint. OK it wasn't on the ground, it wasn't a male, but a female for me has just as much fascination, as this time in the Purple Emperor season they are elusive but when you do find one they do spectacular things, and are always a subject of intrigue. We had looked down the main ride for about an hour and turned the corner into the Bells Copse sallow run, and were on our way back when this very large magnificent object came flying over my head, from Bells Copse flying over lots of the other observers, and settled deep inside a large sallow bush at 12:10. We had found our prize! She was in very good condition, I dont think she was egg laying, but she could be seen by binoculars about 12 feet above our heads. She shuffled about a bit and then came out several times giving a twirl of her lovely wingspan, and then shot deep inside the sallows again a bit further on. She went deeper and could be seen flying from the other side of the sallow, and then she flew through the sallow again, and gave us another glimpse of her magnificent beauty. Moving further up the ride we lost her, and we departed company as time was getting on. I took everybody to the main Territory area, and after a short wait two males were seen flying at breakneck speed through the vista, they seemed to be on a mission, and we never saw any chasing or other action, but seeing two males here was a boon. Roger Marriot who had come on the walk had left us for his lunch just after 12:30 and when we got back to the car-park he reported to me that he had seen two more females in the main ride deep in the sallow. So the count was (3) Purple Emperors for the main group and an extra (2) as well. I have to thank all who came which was a record, over 30 individuals. From far and wide I hope everybody went home happy. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
 |  |  |
| Female Purple Emperor Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Gatekeeper in good numbers Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Purple Emperor school July 2017 Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Havant Thicket. Our first visit here started early with Meadow Browns and Small Skippers on the wing at 08:30. By 09:00 we had seen the first White Admirals, and throughout the morning they were about in good numbers, including one mating pair. Silver-washed Fritillarys were later in getting up, with only three individuals seen. Gatekeepers were everywhere, along with the Meadow Browns whose numbers increased through the morning. The main reason though was to find Purple Emperor, but despite an extensive search we did not get even a tree top glimpse, very frustrating, especially so when you read the news from the next day! http://awayfromfourmarks.blogspot.co.uk/ [Posted by Chris Rose]
 |  |  |
| White Admiral Photo © Chris Rose | Meadow Brown Photo © Chris Rose | Silver-washed Fritillary Photo © Chris Rose |
The Last Emperor's Hurrah. This weekend will probably be the last weekend the Purple Emperor will be flying around in any great numbers so all you fans out there I suggest you get your skates on.......But do not expect to see any on the ground. The ones you will see will be very tatty and flying high in the oaks and sallow they will look very 'rusty' coloured, which gives them a great contrast in colouration against the backdrop of the blue sky and green of the leaves. Today I was in Abbots Wood Inclosure which has proved beyond any doubt that this is probably the best spot in Hampshire for this elusive species. I was in there for about 3 hours and counted well over (20) in the woodland and up at one of the many territory spots. They are still searching in the oaks, and sallow but it doesn't seem to be be with much urgency. Up at the territories they are up there now for 'fun' and the chasing game has diminished somewhat. Still plenty of Silver-washed Fritillarys around and still the odd White Admiral. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
 |  |
| Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Havant Thicket. In hot conditions, 25 degrees, I visited Havant Thicket. The outer track I walked was filled with Meadow Browns, I stopped counting once I had reached 100 with several Silver-washed Fritillarys too and fresh Brimstones. The only disappointment was not seeing any Purple Emperors and just two White Admirals.
Totals: Brimstone 5M 3F, Large White 1, Small White 3, Gatekeeper 9, Marbled White 7, Meadow Brown 100+, Ringlet 13, Speckled Wood 1, Comma 2, Silver-washed Fritillary 18, White Admiral, Small Skipper 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Chalk Hill Blues on Portsdown. There were at least a dozen Chalk Hill Blues on the wing at around 7 p.m. above and east of the Paulsgrove chalk pit. Speckled Woods, Gatekeepers, Small skippers, Meadow Browns and Marbled Whites also seen. [Posted by John Goodspeed]
Emperor at Crab Wood. Best sighting I've ever had of a Purple Emperor at Crab Wood today, which isn't saying much as I've only had 3 glimpses in over 25 years!
Also, lots of Silver-washed Fritillary and a Muntjac. Disappointingly, not a single White Admiral. [Posted by Rupert & Sharron Broadway]
 |
| Photo © Rupert & Sharron Broadway |
Southleigh forest. another lunchtime visit looked like drawing a blank until 13:20 when a male appeared around the assembly oak. He soared around a few times before I had to leave. As I headed back to the car a spotted a female at head height in the sallows. I didn't witness her egg laying but she landed several times before melting away into the wood. [Posted by peter Gammage]
Moth trap Leigh Park. I had my moth trap on in my garden last night and caught over 40+ species. Some of the goodies were Elephant Hawk-moth 11, Buff-tip, Scarce Footman 3, Dingy Footman 3, Festoon 2 males, L-album Wainscot 1, European Corn-borer 5, Rush Veneer 1, Buff Arches 3, Large Emerald 1, Kent Black Arches 2, Scallop Shell 1. During the afternoon my cat Charlie caught a Roesel's Bush-cricket in our back garden and was quickly released (bless him). [Posted by Barry Collins]
Small Blues Flying Again On Portsdown. The summer brood of Small Blues are flying on Portsdown Hill. An early afternoon visit to the downland below the Paulsgrove Quarry produced 3 Small Blue (very early!), 12 Chalk Hill Blue, 5 Common Blue, 8 Marbled White and 3 Gatekeeper, as well numerous Meadow Browns and Small Skippers. All the ‘blues’ seen were males. [Posted by Alan Thornbury]
 |  |  |
| Small Blue Photo © Alan Thornbury | Small Blue Photo © Alan Thornbury | Common Blue Photo © Alan Thornbury |
Blackbush Hanger, Southleigh Forest. In hot conditions, with 24 degrees recorded, I ventured into Blackbush Hanger, Southleigh Forest to search for the Purple Emperor. At 11.45 a male flew across the path in front of me just above my head, then later further along the path, at 12.15 I saw a further male suddenly take flight from the top of an Oak, flying briefly before landing again. On another Oak I spotted a Purple Hairstreak whizzing around. At total of 12 different species were seen.
Totals: Brimstone 1M, Large White 1, Purple Hairstreak 1, Gatekeeper 4, Marbled White 1, Meadow Brown 8, Ringlet 4, Speckled Wood 4, Peacock 1, Purple Emperor 2, Silver-washed Fritillary 4, Small Skipper 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Creech Wood. Another visit to a wood I'm very familiar with, but haven't visited for a couple of seasons; however I've had good times with 'HIM' in this wood. Today there is heavy Forestry Commission Timber extraction, and so walking into the wood and visiting various areas is extremely limited. However I saw one male Purple Emperor at a vista at 10:40 which has always produced results for me. The male was looking very 'tawny' underneath, and on the wing they look very distinctive. He did a quick look around a very young oak tree, and then decided to sit in a fir tree for about a minute. He then took off again down the ride looking around other young oaks. He then shot off over the ride and disappeared. As I returned having only been in the wood for less than an hour the timber extraction areas were heavy going, I saw a male very low down at 10:45 fly over the ride into a large area which had had lots of conifers cut down, doing a quick flight left and then right he must have settled down and imbibed on some fresh smelling wood. I must admit it does smell and this would be a huge attraction, especially the sap which must be coming out of the timber at the moment. The other species of note in the wayleaves were excellent numbers of Small Skippers and Marbled Whites. Not many Silver-washed Fritillarys, and only two White Admirals. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
 |  |
| Marbled White Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Small Skippers mating Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Pear-tree Green /St Catherines Hill. On a very hot day managed to see 2 White-letter Hairstreaks and Comma egg laying on elms; then on to St Catherines Hill, up to 10 Chalk Hill Blues seen along with 1 Dark Green Fritillary [Posted by chris piatkiewicz]
Wednesday Wander at MHD. On a very hot day the Wednesday Wander was well attended and we were rewarded with 19 species of butterfly.
The meadow was alive with Meadow Browns, closely followed by Marbled White,there were also Gatekeepers(10), Ringlets, Large Skippers, Small Skippers and Essex Skippers, only one of the latter being identified as the butterflies were reluctant to settle. We saw 2 Small Blues, 2 Common Blues, 1 Brown Argus and 3 Chalk Hill Blues, Large White, Small White and Green-veined White together with 8 Brimstone, 1 Red Admiral, three Small Tortoiseshell, one Peacock and 5 Commas. We also saw a red kite and a young kestrel on the wires and heard a yellowhammer and a whitethroat. [Posted by Sue Lambert]
 |  |  |
| Chalkhill Blue Photo © Sue Lambert | Gatekeeper Photo © Sue Lambert | Ringlet Photo © Sue Lambert |
Hayling Island Billy Cycle Trail. Today I took a walk almost on my doorstep, walking the Hayling Island length of the Billy Cycle Trail from the old railway bridge through to the Station Theatre in West Town. Taking three and a half hours in temperatures reaching 24 degrees, a good variety of butterflies were seen, a total of 11 species. Marbled Whites were seen in the extreme Northern section on chalk.
Totals: Large White 7, Small White 27, Green-veined White 1, Gatekeeper 15, Marbled White 19, Meadow Brown 36, Speckled Wood 5, Comma 3, Red Admiral 1, Large Skipper 1, Small Skipper 5 [Posted by Roy Symonds]
West Wood/Crab Wood. Today in very warm conditions I went to one of my favourite spots for His Majesty and he didn't disappoint, although he is becoming rather elusive now after being on the wing now nearly 3 weeks plus. I saw my first male Purple Emperor in the main ride flying from north to south, and he wasn't really looking at any oak or sallow, he seemed more on a mission. At 10:30 a lovely male was seen sallow searching in my ride, flitting through the sallow and diving from left to right, and going around the back of the bush and disappearing. 10:35 one male was seen again sallow searching at the crossroads, where there is a large bench and all the rides converge in a star shape. 10:45 one male was seen on the ground imbibing in my ride, but unfortunately he didn't hang round long. I lost him as I searched inside my camera bag for a lens, he probably shot up over to the hazel thickets at the edge of ride, and mocked me as I looked rather flummoxed. I then went back into the main ride and another male was espied looking in the high ash trees at 11:07. Then the sighting's dried up, probably due to the excessive heat of the day. I went into Crab Wood next door and managed to espy another male in a very tight vista at 12:07. Today belonged to the Silver-washed Fritillary, many pairing up doing their rituals down the main ride and mating. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
 |  |  |
| Silver-Washed Fritillary mating Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Purple Emperor now becoming less likely to come to the ground Photo © Ashley Whitlock | The main ride in West Wood Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Havant Thicket. A lunchtime walk up the east side revealed fewer butterflies than recent visits perhaps in part due to the heat. A brief appearance of a Purple Emperor at the top of Horse Foot Hill at 13:20 was I suspect a female but it flew through without stopping. I counted no more than 4 White Admiral and 9 Silver-washed Fritillary. [Posted by Peter Gammage]
Abbotts Wood Inclosure. Today I found the perfect conditions for Purple Emperor watching, overcast conditions, no wind and very warm. I been Emperor watching for at least 25 years, and I dont think I've seen so much action in the ride I look at as I have today. Every two or three minutes from 10:30 this morning there was at least one male Emperor oak edging or sallow searching. Many times there were two males coming towards each other and they never really engaged in pleasantries, one either swooped left or right or just engaged in a little tussle and chase.Some males were so desperate to find a female they were going very deep into the thick sallows. Some flew over the ride to where I was watching and they were just above my head going this way and that.I left the ride at 12:20 and I estimated I must have seen at least (10), most looking in reasonable condition. I then proceeded up to one of the Assembly points at 12:50, and immediately a male was seen flying around his vista, and then he settled into a pine tree. After a time I thought there must have been at least three males up here as I saw two in seperate trees. At 13:05 a female was engaged by one male and there was a typical Purple Emperor ball, and they plummeted to the ground disengaging close to me in a small beech tree, she buzzed off over the road, and then the other one went back to his perch. I witnessed three males chasing each other in the vista, and the sun was just out and the temperature went up, and the action abruptly stopped. The total was about (15) in all, which was higher than Silver-washed Fritillary, and only one White Admiral was seen, which would suggest they like sunnier conditions. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
 |  |  |
| Male guarding his territory in Abbotts Wood Inclosure Photo © Ashley Whitlock | A bit moth eaten but still flying... Photo © Ashley Whitlock | White Admiral Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Chalton Down, Old Idsworth. After my recent pursuits of the Purple Emperor, today with the temperature at 18.5 degrees, I visited the downland turf of Chalton Down (SU736156) where I was pleased to see my first Chalk Hill Blues of the season. This is my earliest sighting since my personal records started in 2008, the closest being 5th July at this site in the hot summer of 2010.
Totals: Small White 1, Chalk Hill Blue 4M, Gatekeeper 3, Marbled White 17, Meadow Brown 24, Ringlet 5, Small Heath 3, Small Skipper 2. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
More Photographs from Martin Down. More photographs from Martin Down [Posted by Chris Rose]
 |  |  |
| Dark-green Fritillary Photo © Chris Rose | One or two Dark-green Fritillaries? Photo © Chris Rose | Marbled White Photo © Chris Rose |
Summer's Day on Martin Down. A lovely afternoon walking around Martin Down. Many Dark Green Fritillarys on the wing, and eventually some really good views. In addition to the DGF, many Marbled Whites, Small Skippers, Small Heaths, and of course Meadow Browns. Of note as well my first Gatekeeper, and a pristine Small Copper. In total we had sixteen species. https://awayfromfourmarks.blogspot.co.uk/ [Posted by Chris Rose]
 |  |  |
| Marbled White Photo © Chris Rose | Dark-green Fritillary Photo © Chris Rose | Small Copper Photo © Chris Rose |
Havant Thicket Today. Went to Havant Thicket today - bumped into Ashley and some others briefly - lots of Silver-washed Fritillary everywhere, more White Admiral than last year too, Brimstone, Red Admiral, Meadow Brown, Marbled White, Green-veined White and Small White, Skippers, I think a Gatekeeper, Purple Hairstreak and finally a Purple Emperor, which circled and briefly landed on my shirt at one point before landing on some dung ( this was at 13:00 ) - photos not fab as amongst thick grass - this was at the first crossroads to the east along the main ride in the direction of Bell Copse from the T junction up from the car park - also later saw 2 more chasing in the treetops back toward the car park - keen to go back next week! :-) [Posted by Francis Kinsella]
 |
| Photo © Francis Kinsella |
In my garden at Gurnard IW.. 3 Large White 2 Comma, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Small Skipper, 5 Meadow Browns,
3 Gatekeepers,4 Marbled Whites. Also 1 Hummingbird Hawk-moth and 4 Six-spot Burnet. [Posted by Mick]
Chalkhill Blue at St Caths. First Chalk Hill Blue of the St Caths year was seen today in Plague Pits Valley. [Posted by Mike Allen]
Abbotts Wood Inclosure. We decided to have a change of scenery today and went to Abbotts Wood Inclosure and we were not disappointed. Our highlights there included Purple Emperor 3, Red Admiral 4, Purple Hairstreak 8, Silver-washed Fritillary 31, White Admiral 10, Comma 6, Brown Hawker 5, Beautiful Demoiselle 4 males. (Barry and Margaret Collins) [Posted by Barry Collins]
Purple Patch. I though it was time I saw a Purple Emperor this year so I set off for West Wood this morning. This was probably not a great idea given the number of walkers, joggers and loose dogs present but I managed to see one oak-edging at 11:49 along the main track. I then went to Abbotstone Down, which was a lot quieter, and saw two more. The first was half-way between the second and third wooden gates at 12:50 and the third was above the third wooden gate at 13:01 (all flying at some height). Good numbers of Marbled Whites were also seen along with many Small/Essex Skippers and one Small Copper. [Posted by Dave Pearson]
Havant Thicket. In what I thought was perfect weather conditions, which over the course of three to four hours turned out not to be the case. I went to Havant Thicket to see if I could improve on my scorecard from last weeks (five). I know the Purple Emperor is unpredictable, but today I thought I had it in the bag, just shows 'him' can be most annoying!The highlight of the day were the incredible numbers of Silver-Washed Fritillaries well past (50+), several were seen performing their lovely mating ritual in the many rides. There were also good numbers of White Admiral's as well, certainly well up on 2016. Many were seen on the footpaths imbibing on the mineral salts. I arrived at 10:00, and turned into an excellent Oak and Sallow strip, and 'him' turned up oak edging,about 20 feet above my head, doing quick turns around the many oak sprigs hanging over the ride. He shot off down the ride heading south, this is when I thought, well here goes.....I spent the best part of 4 hours on the hunt, no more Emperors Sallow Searching or Oak edging, and they hadn't turned up at the Assembly point either, by 14:30. This tells me that the weather conditions weren't ideal, too hot, better on cloudier cooler days, being in the right place at the right time when looking up. And probably the mood they are in. I met several other recorders in the site as well and they had drawn a blank. But at least I had seen one, still there always next Sunday. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
 |  |  |
| White Admirals are in good numbers in 2017 Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Male Comma imbibing on Bramble. Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Excellent numbers of Silver-Washed Fritillaries Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Surprise at Stockbridge. On Saturday afternoon I headed to Stockbridge Down in search of the White-letter Hairstreak colony I had read about. To my great disappointment, on a very hot afternoon, I saw no Hairsteaks at all, although I did see plenty of other butterflies including my first Gatekeeper of the year; a Red Admiral, several Small Skippers, numerous Meadow Browns and Marbled Whites. Walking back to the car park parallel to the road I wandered around a large bramble bush which was alive with bees and butterflies. There to my surprise and delight was a Silver-washed Fritillary valezina. A beautiful butterfly which certainly lessened my earlier disappointment! [Posted by Isobel Taylor]
 |  |  |
| Valezina Photo © Isobel Taylor | Valezina Photo © Isobel Taylor | Gatekeeper Photo © Isobel Taylor |
Havant Thicket. Today I visited Havant Thicket where the temperature reached 21 degrees. I followed my usual route walking the main outer track, completing a full circuit. The rides were teaming with Meadow Browns as well as Ringlets and more Small Skippers noted. I could see no sign of the Purple Emperor, however while looking up at a few Oaks, I did spot my first Purple Hairstreak of the year. Elsewhere Silver Washed Fritillarys and White Admirals were gliding.
Totals: Brimstone 3M 1F, Small White 4, Purple Hairstreak 1, Gatekeeper 9, Marbled White 7, Meadow Brown 161, Ringlet 22, Comma 1, Red Admiral 2, Silver Washed Fritillary 21, White Admiral 7, Large Skipper 1, Small Skipper 10. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
New Forest Field Trip Hawkhill Inclosure and Heathland. Today for once began with reasonable weather, and it wasn't long from the car-park when we had picked up our first sightings of the Silver-Studded Blue. I noticed today that many males were very fresh, and there were many females to be seen as well. In side the woodland there is a stream called 'Worts Gutter' and here there were good counts of Large Skipper and Meadow Brown, with a splattering of another target specie the Dark-Green Fritillary which in the end of the walk totalled a respectable (13), these I suspect were late comers, which the New Forest is renown for, and all the males seen were in excellent condition feeding off of Marsh Thistles. We also saw Silver-Washed Fritillaries flying around the islands of bramble blossom, and only one White Admiral. On the heathland in the afternoon we were after the Grayling and the Clouded Buff Moth. We were extremely lucky to strike two newly hatched Graylings, but the Clouded Buff eluded us.The Silver-Studded Blue count went through the roof, hundreds being seen on the Bell Heather, and other interesting flora and fauna seen were Emperor Dragonflies, Dartford Warblers, with Stonechats, and Linnets flying around the heathland. Id like to thank all who came and made this a most enjoyable walk around the New Forest today. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
 |  |  |
| Male Silver-Studded Blues were still in excellent condition Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Grayling now appearing on the heathland Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Dark Green Fritillary Photo © Ashley Whitlock |