Butterfly Sightings 2004 - Upper Thames Branch
(Berks, Bucks & Oxon)
Return to Sightings Archive Index

** July to December 2004 Archive **

 

November & December 2004

 

22/11/04 - Maureen Cross reports seeing a male Brimstone in her garden in Streatley today.

 

October 2004

 

26/10/04 - John Notton sent in these results on behalf of his daughter who lives in Bicester. She has noticed other species throughout 2004 but unfortunately without dates:

10/10/04 - Holly Blue

26/10/04 - Small Tortoiseshell

John says “If I have read the distribution map correctly, this is an under-recorded square, being largely urban (probably ex council house, with small gardens).”

 

26/10/04 - Tom Dunbar sent in this report: “I have had a daily two Red Admirals in my Aylesbury garden over the last four days. They were joined by another RA and a Painted Lady this morning. All are in excellent condition. The absence of Small Torts and Commas is perhaps significant. I hope the Torts have not suffered another serious decline. Here's hoping that they have simply gone into hibernation early this year.

 

09/10/04 – The following news from Dave Wilton: “I decided to go out to the Rushbeds tramway this afternoon to check on the Comma population (it was the only place I could think of to go to locally that might still have butterflies in double-figure quantities!). Sure enough, I found 16 Commas sunning themselves on the more sheltered areas of bramble, accompanied by three Speckled Woods and a single Red Admiral.”

 

08/10/04 - On Saturday 2nd October Dave Wilton’s garden at Westcott was graced by the appearance of a late Hummingbird Hawk Moth.

On Thursday 7th October he spent a pleasant hour and a half in the sunshine at Finemere Wood and recorded a grand total of seven butterflies from five species: Small White (2), Small Copper (2), Red Admiral, Comma and Speckled Wood.

Thursday 7th October - Paul Bowyer spent his lunch time in search of butterflies close to the Haymill nature reserve on Britwell, close to the Slough Trading Estate. He was surprised to find a Small White searching for nectar among the wild flowers in the area.

 

05/10/04 - Phil Coles went to Asham Meads and recorded Green Veined White and Speckled Wood.

 

04/10/04 – Report from Tony Croft: “After this morning's deluge brilliant sunshine tempted me to Whitecross Green Wood and it proved quite productive. Three Commas lazily feeding on blackberries or so it seemed, one very active small copper, one male Brimstone and a surprise female Brown Hairstreak. Although a little worn she was flying quite strongly along the ride leading from the car park and then settled high on blackthorn giving some really good views. On returning home I was greeted by a Painted Lady, Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell.”

 

Tom Dunbar sent in this report on 2nd October: “Setting off home from the branch AGM I encountered heavy driving conditions until I approached the Chilterns where I was welcomed by blue skies. A quick visit to Coombe Hill was too tempting to pass up in my attempt to secure my first October sightings. I was rewarded by singletons of Small Copper, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and Small Heath.”

 

30th September 2004

 

28/09/04 -  Dave Maunder’s butterfly sightings, seen around Aylesbury over the last week (9th-25th): Red admirals(5), Commas(4) - feeding on rotting blackberries and ivy bloom; Sm. tortoiseshell(1), Large whites(4), Small whites(13), and Speckled wood(1). On Sunday 26th Dave had a stroll down to Eythrope and saw Peacock(1), Red admirals(4), Commas(3) - all on ivy bloom; - also Small whites(2), and Speckled wood(1).

 

27/09/04 - Dave Wilton spent an hour and a half at Finemere on Monday afternoon: “It was painfully obvious that the season is now drawing to a close as only six species were active: Small White (6), Green-veined White (1), Small Copper (3), Brown Argus (1), Comma (1) and Speckled Wood (7). The Small Coppers and Comma were in good condition but the remainder were looking very faded and battered.”

 

Phil Coles sent in a number of sightings for this month:

18/09/04 Rushbeds Wood - Speckled Wood

20/09/04 Asham Meads - Green Veined White

28/09/04 Aston Rowant NNR (South) - Small White, Green Veined White, Small Heath

 

Here's Dave Maunder’s list of butterflies seen around Aylesbury last week:- Red admirals(8), Comma(1), Large white(1), and Small whites(15).

 

Dave Wilton called at Whitecross Green Wood on his way home from work Wednesday 22nd September. The weather was overcast and breezy, but the temperature was 18C and he managed to record 2 female Brown Hairstreaks, Large White (2), Green-veined White (4), Comma (2) and Speckled Wood (1).

 

Dave Wilton spent 19th September doing some long-overdue tidying up in his garden at Westcott: “Several Large and Small Whites and a Hummingbird Hawk Moth were attracted to what's left of the Phlox, but it was the Marigolds that brought in a couple of surprise visitors: a Brown Argus (first confirmed sighting for my garden this year) and a rather battered Gatekeeper. I haven't seen a Gatekeeper since early August so I wonder where this one had been hiding!”

 

Sunday 19th September 2004

 

Mick and Wendy Campbell went for a walk in the Piddington area today, 19th: they saw 5 species of butterfly despite the blustery conditions – Small White, Small Heath, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Comma.

 

Dave Wilton’s sightings for Saturday 18th were as follows: “By 3.30pm today (Saturday) the showers had stopped, the wind had died a little and the temperature had risen to 17C so I went out to Lapland Farm and Rushbeds Wood to search the blackthorn and ash. In the two hours that I was there I saw plenty of dragonflies and hornets but the only butterfly that showed itself was a solitary bedraggled Meadow Brown that I nearly stepped on in the Rushbeds tramway. Not even a White or a Speckled Wood! By 5.30pm it was quite sunny and the temperature had gone up another degree but there was still no sign of Brown Hairstreak activity anywhere.”

 

News from David Redhead for 15th September: “In spite of it being windy and the temperature being only 16C I had rather a good day. In the morning on the second flush of flowers on the garden buddleia a Red Admiral, Comma, Large White, Small White and Hummingbird Hawk moth. Then off at midday to do the Swyncombe Down transect - 20 Meadow Brown, 4 Common Blue, 2 Speckled Wood, a Large White and a Small White. But the prize was right at the end two pristine Small Coppers. Surprisingly no Small Heaths. Later at Whitecross Green Wood with Becky Woodell, 5 Brown Hairstreaks (4 definitely female and the other probably so) having supper and going to bed in ash and oak trees. Becky also reported a pristine Small Copper.”

 

14/09/04 - Dave Maunder saw these butterflies in Aylesbury last week:- Painted lady(1), Red admirals(2), Commas(2), Sm. tortoiseshells(4), Large whites(16), Small whites(60+), Green-veined white(1), Speckled woods(6), and Common blues(5, all female).

 

Sunday 12th September - Tom Dunbar sent in this report: “I went on a visit to Arncott MOD land today. Blustery conditions with occasional sunshine and showers prevailed. Adult butterfly sightings were limited to a Small White, two Small Tortoiseshells and a Speckled Wood. However during about 90 minutes of searching 17 Brown Hairstreak eggs were located over a wide area. I look forward to revisiting this site later in the year and feel confident that at least several dozen eggs can be found at this location where adults were seen this year for the first time.”

 

Another ninety-minute search by Dave Wilton on 12/9/04 for Wall Brown along the southwest edge of the landfill site near Edgcott (not the most pleasant place in the world for a late-afternoon stroll!) drew a blank, which was hardly surprising given the showers and generally blustery conditions. However, he did disturb several Small White, Small Copper and Small Heath along the way, as well as single examples of Common Blue and Painted Lady.

 

Dave Wilton visited the village of Blackthorn on Saturday 11th September and was pleasantly surprised to see a single female Brown Hairstreak, seemingly in reasonably good condition, fly at head height along the hedgerow and then briefly came to rest on some Blackthorn. It took off again and promptly disappeared across the field on a strong gust of wind. There was no other activity in or around the field apart from a pair of Small Heaths and a single Small Tortoiseshell.

 

Friday 10th September 2004

 

The following is UTB Brown Hairstreak Champion David Redhead’s summary of the Brown Hairstreak Weekend (4/5th Sept), when a total of 22 adult Brown Hairstreaks were seen. Thanks to everybody who participated.

Saturday

Whitecross Green Wood :Four females seen by Paul Huckle & Dave Dennis - three at low-level and one in an ash tree.

Noke Wood : Dave Ferguson saw two adults at low-level just north of the wood - one was definitely identified as a female.

Blackwater Wood : Dave Ferguson's next port of call where he saw a low-level female in the field to the east of the wood.

Woodeaton & Elsfield : This area visited by David Redhead proved unproductive.

Bernwood Forest & Meadows: Two visits (Dave Dennis & David Redhead) but no sightings.

Sunday

Bernwod Meadows: Chris Lamsdell reported 3 females

Woodsides Meadows : Dave Wilton saw an adult in the reserve and on his way back to his car saw a low-level female just south-east of the Wendlebury M40/A34 interchange. This sighting extends the north-west range by about 0.5km.

Piddington : Wendy & Mick Campbell saw three females near Piddington and found 15 eggs in the same locality.

Waterperry Wood : Dennis Dell reported a single female on transect and one off-transect

Whitecross Green Wood : Jim Asher saw two adults in an ash tree and a low-level female in the first ride.

Asham Meads : Jim's next port of call where he saw two females in the north meadow.

Stanton Little Wood : David Redhead saw two probables in flight and found lots of promising habitat.

Danesbrook Farm : Another probable here seen by David Redhead just east of the farm buildings.

Bernwood Forest & Meadows : Two visits (Jim Asher & David Redhead) but no sightings.

 

The lack of sightings in Bernwood Forest & Meadows is surprising in view of the reported sightings from there over the previous fortnight. Activity in ash trees is continuing, much later then last year, but most sightings were of low-level females. No definite male sightings were made. If you haven’t seen a Brown Hairstreak yet you’re not necessarily too late. In 2003 the last reported sighting was made on the 16th Sept and the previous year one was seen during the first week in October.

*****

 

This news received from Derek Brown on 10/9/04: “I managed a quick trip to Aston Rowant last Sunday, 5th, – 2 x Silver-spotted Skipper, 2 x Clouded Yellow; 2 x Chalkhill Blue and 3 x 2nd brood Brimstone.”

 

September 9th - Francis Gomme found that Silver-spotted Skippers were still flying at Beacon Hill, Aston Rowant this afternoon:  “3 rather tired specimens seen (I saw my first SSS this year on 18th July near Risborough so they have enjoyed a good flight period!). A few Common Blue and Brown Argus - all now very faded – but good numbers of Small Heath and Meadow Brown. Small Coppers were everywhere - 100+ including some very fresh specimens. Speckled Wood 5+ along Icknield Way below Beacon Hill and 1 Clouded Yellow on open hillside.”

 

David Gantzel went to Lodge Hill on September 9th and found that the most numerous butterfly was Small Heath. Also a few Meadow Brown, Small Copper, Common Blue and one Brown Argus.

 

8th September - David Redhead, having had no definite sightings during Brown Hairstreak weekend, was beginning to suffer withdrawal symptoms so went to Stanton Little Wood, Bernwood Meadows & Whitecross Green Wood today. Stanton Little Wood proved frustrating with a probable Brown Hairstreak flying about but never settling in view to allow a definite identification. Bernwood Meadows was disappointing with only a single Meadow Brown seen. Whitecross Green Wood proved interesting. The first butterfly he saw was a pristine Small Heath (only 12 previous records for this site). Four Brown Hairstreak eggs were found and after much searching a female adult Brown Hairstreak in an ash tree. So over 3 hours searching resulted in only one Brown Hairstreak sighting. Numbers appear to be on the wane. Other butterflies seen were Large White, Small White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Comma.

 

Dave Wilton reports for Tuesay 7th September: “At lunchtime today I went to the section of the dismantled Woodham to Wotton railway line that lies immediately west of Westcott airfield. Twelve species were active in the sheltered cutting there, comprising Large White (1), Small White (4), Green-veined White (1), Common Blue (51), Brown Argus (10), Small Copper (1), Red Admiral (1), Comma (5), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Painted Lady (1), Speckled Wood (10) and Small Heath (6). Unfortunately there was no sign of second-brood Dingy Skipper, which is what prompted my visit. Rather than walk from home I drove to Wotton Underwood village because it is located in the centre of one of Jim Asher's unreported squares. Unfortunately I didn't see a single butterfly along the footpath from Wotton to the cutting (which is in an adjacent square). Next port of call was Lapland Farm on the off-chance that a Brown Hairstreak might show itself. Nothing doing, of course (far too windy) - all that I found were Common Blue (4), Small Copper (2), Red Admiral (2), Speckled Wood (3) and Meadow Brown (3, two of them very battered). Final destination was the Hewin's Wood Drain - still no sign of second-brood Wall, but 3 Clouded Yellows were active, as were Common Blue (25), Brown Argus (11), Small Copper (2) and Small Heath (14).”

 

and on Monday 6th September Dave had a look at the BBOWT-owned Long Herdon & Grange Meadows along the banks of the River Ray south of Marsh Gibbon: “Although the western side of these two meadows had already been partially mown, it came as a great surprise to me to find that they are at least comparable to, if not better then, the meadows at Lapland Farm for their variety of flora. They must support a good selection of butterflies during the summer. The north-eastern section contains a mass of Devil's-bit Scabious which was still in flower (now THIS would be a nice place to find Marsh Fritillary!). The majority of the surviving butterflies were feeding from the Scabious and comprised: Small White (1), Green-veined White (6), Small Copper (6), Common Blue (11), Brown Argus (2) and Small Tortoiseshell (1). A probable female Brown Hairstreak was seen flying along the low Blackthorn scrub that divides the north and south sides of the eastern meadow but she was lost to view in a gust of wind before I could get a positive identification.”

 

On a short walk around Grangelands on Sunday 5th, Dave Maunder saw: Red admirals(2), Comma(1), Meadow browns(18), Small heaths(17), Speckled woods(4), Small whites(8), Green-veined whites(3), Common blues - female(7), male(3), Brown argus(3), and Small coppers(3). “I also noted Vapourer moths(2), Treble-bar moths(2), Pyrausta purpuralis(1), and Pyrausta aurata(1). Near the car park I also saw a Hornet- they seem to be appearing widely in the Chilterns these last few years!”

 

Tuesday 7th September 2004

 

5/9/04 – Tim Watts was at the Calvert landfill today and saw 1 female Wall Brown: “This was same one seen on 15/8 & 22/8, patrolling the same 10 mt area and has the same damaged wing. Now very faded. Also 4 Red admiral, 20+ small heath & lots of Whites. I also checked Rushbeds yesterday and 2 of the Black Hairstreak sites near the landfill for Brown Hairstreak, but no luck.”

 

Tom Dunbar sent in this report on his Brown Hairstreak Weekend “I went Brown Hairstreaking in Surrey and UTB with some success. To see my full report click here.”

 

The following report was received from David Redhead for 5th September: “This afternoon Wendy & I spent over two hours in Bernwood Forest looking for Brown Hairstreak but in the parts not usually associated with this species. We were unsuccessful but had sightings of another 11 species. These included 22 Comma (all nectaring on Devil's-bit Scabious), 7 Brimstone & 5 Red Admiral - all these butterflies were beautifully fresh. Also seen - everywhere - Speckled Wood & Small White; several - Green-veined White, Common Blue, Meadow Brown; one only - Painted Lady, Large White & Brown Argus.”

Monday 6th September 2004

 

4th September - Dennis Dell was doing his Waterperry Wood transect and saw two female Brown Hairstreaks: “One was within Waterperry at the northern end flying around and landing on Hawthorn. The other sighting was very nostalgic for me, for it was at the same spot where I had seen my 1st BrH about 26 years ago, namely, along the road between Hell Coppice and Waterperry. It landed very low down on a fresh Blackthorn shoot about one metre from the ground. It crawled all the way along this shoot in a very deliberate manner; maybe it was ovipositing but it was in the middle of bramble and I could not get close enough. This behaviour, I know, is familiar to all BrH enthusiasts. It never fails to fascinate me, however, since few species apart from the Hairstreaks go in for crawling such long distances!

 

Chris Lamsdell sent in two reports on 5th September: “A few Silver-spotted Skippers still present at Aston Rowant today, with numerous Small Copper, Small Heath, Common Blue, Large White, Meadow Brown, GV White & 2 Clouded Yellows

At least 3 Brown Hairstreaks at Bernwood Meadows, plus someone bashing the bushes with a long pole trying to get them to fly out - is this really necessary?”

 

Tim and Colleen Watts saw a female Brown Hairstreak low down at Rushbeds wood railway hedge at 3 p.m. on 3rd September. Also a Hummingbird Hawk moth feeding on honeysuckle for the last 3 days in their garden in Whitchurch and a Red Underwing at the Calvert reserve last week and another seen at Grendon Underwood churchyard,

 

Friday 3rd September 2004

 

On Friday 3rd September Adrian Cadman got the Brown Hairstreak weekend off to an early start: “Unfortunately I shall not be able to take part in the weekend activities, but I did manage to spend a couple of hours around the Bernwood Meadows (2.30pm to 4.35pm) where I encountered 2 female Brown Hairstreaks - 1 fresh insect at the NW corner of the meadow between York Wood and Hell Coppice (where the footpath from the meadow car park emerges), which I probably disturbed - it then spent about 5 minutes on various leaves of a crab apple before flying up onto an Oak. It was still there half an hour later. The other was on the roadside hedge north of the meadow car park on the meadow side where the meadow is at its narrowest. This rather worn individual was constantly receiving the unwelcome attention of 2 Speckled Woods between bouts of feeding on over-ripe blackberries. I could only spend 30 minutes at the tramway meadow (Rushbeds Wood) inspecting the woodland edge from the gate along to the SW corner of the wood - no sightings at low, medium or high levels.

 

Brendan McCartney sent this news in on 2nd September: “Ruth and I were out at Jubilee River today and saw a beautiful Clouded Yellow butterfly. We had seen our first of this species at the same site 2-3 years ago. It was in the area just south of the river and west of the bridge. Unfortunately I did not have a camera with me.

 

Wednesday 1st September - report from Tom Dunbar: - “Today Mick Campbell and I had an excellent day looking for Brown Hairstreak. We checked out 4 sites including a short stretch of the A41! Our count of BHS was 5 adults. Other butterflies seen included Small White, Clouded Yellow, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell and Speckled Wood.

 

Thursday 2nd September 2004

 

A report from David Redhead of his day spent in Bernwood on 31st August, starting from the Hell Coppice car park: “After seeing a couple of Speckled Woods and a White my fourth butterfly was a female Brown Hairstreak flying up and down the ride. The main ride up towards Oakley Wood car park gave me my first Red Admiral and Painted Lady and turning right towards the Meadows resulted in a couple more Painted Ladies and Red Admirals and another female Brown Hairstreak! This one kept settling on the ride edge vegetation and then moving on and finally left the ride disappearing from sight. Going up the shaded and damp ride from the Meadows my eye was caught by something large flying high (above transect range) in the top of an oak tree. It was a Red Admiral and it then flew down to a branch about 20ft high in another oak. As it settled on the branch, totally in the shade, I realised there was another Red Admiral already settled there and two more flying about the branch. Closer examination through binoculars showed there were half a dozen hornets crawling over the branch as well. I watched the four Red Admirals flying around and settling on this branch for about 10 minutes and at one time all four Red Admirals were settled on it. Then a Speckled Wood joined the party. Presumably all these insects were attracted to this shaded branch by sap oozing from it. Next stop Bernwood Meadows and on the road side of the west meadow I found another female Brown Hairstreak. Further searching of the meadows only produced a Clouded Yellow.

Total count for the day 96 - Speckled Wood 30, Small White 28, Common Blue 10, Red Admiral 9, Meadow Brown 4, Brown Hairstreak 3/4, Painted Lady 3, Large White 3, Green-veined White 2, Small Tortoiseshell 1, Small Copper 1, Clouded Yellow 1.

 

Dave Wilton’s first report after returning from holiday, received on 31st August: “To get back into the swing of things I went out to the Hewin's Wood Drain and Finemere Wood this morning. Hewin’s Wood Drain produced four Clouded Yellows as well as good numbers of Common Blue (40+) and Brown Argus, but no sign of the second-brood Wall that I hoped I might find there. Finemere has changed significantly in the three weeks since I was last there. With the rides having now been mown, gone are the Skippers, Meadow Browns, Ringlets and Gatekeepers, although a single Small Heath was present in the meadow just outside the reserve entrance. The most numerous butterfly seen was the Speckled Wood (50+), while the only other species recorded were Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Small Copper, Brown Argus, Purple Hairstreak and Red Admiral. This afternoon I spent some time on the western slope of Muswell Hill (west of Brill) looking for Brown Hairstreak but none was seen. Again, the most numerous butterfly present was the Speckled Wood. There were even two of them in my garden at Westcott when I got back home.”

 

Tuesday 31st August - Tom Dunbar sent in this report: “I located a further two new sites for Brown Hairstreak today. I consider both to be highly significant if not very exciting”.

 

31st August - Butterflies seen in Aylesbury last week by Dave Maunder were:- Painted ladies(7), Large whites(8), Small whites(40+), Green-veined white(1), Speckled woods(5), and a single Holly blue - weather not so good last week!

 

Wednesday 1st September 2004

 

30th August 2004 - Despite high winds Tom Dunbar continued to survey for new Brown Hairstreak sites today. He reports: ”A green lane north of the Ambrosden to Merton road produced good habitat but no BHS sightings. I have noted this as a site to return to later in the year for an egg search.' 'I then drove down Ploughley Road towards Upper Arncott. A glimpse of another green lane (logged in the BHS 'locker' 10 days ago) necessitated sharp application of brakes. The lane was overhung with mature blackthorn which was perhaps too shady. Working to the notion that 'nothing ventured nothing gained' I eventually found my way to the south facing / field side of the hedgerow which as expected was more sheltered from the blustery wind. The result was 4 female BHS; three on ash and one initially in flight then to settle on hawthorn. I consider this an exciting and perhaps significant find being the most northerly adults in my records. The quality of the blackthorn and ash trees seemed to be good enough for a colony to exist at this location. It will be interesting to attempt to confirm this notion in future seasons.”

 

Sunday 29th August 2004

 

Pete Eeles visited the Wildlife Trust site at Hartslock on Saturday 28th and saw 1 male Adonis Blue (very worn), 2 Clouded Yellow, 1 Holly Blue, 7 Small Heath, 4 Common Blue, 7 Small White, 1 Small Tortoiseshell and 26 Meadow Brown.

 

David Redhead’s Brown Hairstreak report for Thursday 26th: “There was no sign of Brown Hairstreak activity in the southern of the two Bernwood Meadows. However, in Whitecross Green Wood where sightings of a low level male and female had been seen that morning, I saw two Brown Hairstreaks, one which flew down to the blackthorn where I lost sight of it and the second in a small oak tree in front. The latter remained settled on a leaf for some time before opening its wings to reveal itself as a female. A further trek through the rides accompanied by Tony Croft produced no further Brown Hairstreaks but two Vapourer Moths were seen flying – both obligingly settling in positions allowing definite identification.”

 

Saturday 28th August 2004

 

Adrian Cadman sent this report on 26th August: “I spent a couple of hours along the southern edge of Rushbeds wood on Saturday 21st August looking for Brown Hairstreak; eventually I encountered 1 female near the small pond (50 yards west of the entrance gate to the wood) where it alighted for a few moments before flying up into the ash trees behind. No other BHS seen. I then went up to the Laplands Farm drove where I saw 1 male making its way west along the blackthorn hedge, obligingly alighting on an Oak before disappearing to the other side of the hedge. I also saw about 10 Small Coppers in ones and twos, Common Blues were living up to their name, a couple of Clouded Yellows together with 5 Small Heaths on the flower meadow at Lapland Farm.”

 

The following updates and reports were received from David Redhead on 26th August:

 

Sunday 22nd Bernwood Forest Field Trip: Ten UTB members and two guests from Beds & Northants Branch turned up for what was to prove to be the most successful UTB Brown Hairstreak Field Meeting ever with a total Brown Hairstreak count of 11 adults and 6 eggs. The species count for the day was 15 - Small Skipper, Clouded Yellow, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Brown Hairstreak, Small Copper, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Painted Lady (a count into double figures), Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper & Meadow Brown. A truly successful and memorable day!

 

Saturday 21st Whitecross Green Wood. “An afternoon walk I lead here for the Oxford Meads BBOWT Group was successful in seeing the Brown Hairstreak. Three were flying in ash tree A (although they spent most of the time in the neighbouring oaks) and one was definitely identified as a female when it settled. In the main ride half the party had a short viewing of a female at low level. The final sighting was a brief flight by another adult (of indeterminate sex) in another ash tree. Another 11 species were seen of which the most interesting were two late and fresh looking Large Skippers (a second brood?).”

 

Friday 20th Bernwood Meadows. A late in the day visit produced no adult Brown Hairstreaks but two BHS eggs were found on the blackthorn and marked for the forthcoming UTB Field Meeting.

 

Thursday 19th Wychwood Forest. “Patrick Boston obtained permission for a visit and we were accompanied by Una Fenton. The aim was to assess the site for the presence of Brown Hairstreak last recorded here in the mid 1980's. There are plenty of ash trees and blackthorn, although a lot of the latter is rather aged and does not look suitable for egg-laying. Some of the best looking blackthorn was searched for eggs without success but there was a brief glimpse of a "might have been but probably a Vapourer" disappearing into the foliage. Conclusion: definitely worth some more thorough egg searching this coming winter. 11 butterfly species were definitely seen including two Silver-washed Fritillaries (my first in the UTB area this year). More correctly it was one and a half as the first was extremely faded with half its wing area missing but still able to fly. In several areas the Meadow Saffron made a wonderful show.”

 

Tuesday 24th August 2004

 

Butterflies seen by Dave Maunder in Aylesbury over the last week were:- Painted ladies(2), Red admirals(2), Comma, Sm. tortoiseshells(3), Large whites(14), Small whites(100+), Green-veined whites(3), Meadow browns(2), Hedge browns(3), Speckled woods(8), Holly blues(5), Common blues(35), Brown argus (3), and Small coppers(5).

 

Wendy and Mick Campbell recorded 17 butterfly species on Sunday 22nd August during visits to Wendover Woods – checking Silver-washed Fritillary numbers and Coombe Hill – hoping to find Silver-spotted Skipper. In Wendover Woods they did a wider circuit of the site to see the range of the SWFs. 10 were recorded altogether, the best numbers being seen in sunny clearings where females were nectaring on wild flowers. One (probable) male was seen flying strongly south out of the wood! Other notable species included a Brown Argus, Red Admiral, Small Copper, 10 Speckled Wood and the usual more common species. Later on at Coombe Hill 4 further species were added to the list: Brimstone, Chalkhill Blue (8), Small Heath and a Clouded Yellow. No SSS seen unfortunately.

 

David Redhead recorded Silver-washed Fritillary in Wychwood Forest on Thursday 19th August.

 

Monday 23rd August 2004

 

Peter Eeles has asked me to pass on the following request. He's moved his excellent website (which was www.eeles.net/butterflies) to www.ukbutterflies.co.uk. This website is now open for you to contribute your photos - something that Peter has been meaning to allow for some time. If you'd like to consider contributing to the website, to the benefit of your fellow enthusiasts, then details are shown on the “Contributing” page of Peter's website.

 

David Fuller reports a new butterfly for his garden in Maidenhead: “I was surprised to see a Clouded Yellow on my Verbena bonariensis on Saturday, what a good addition to the garden list. A supporting cast of: Comma x 2, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White x 9, Painted Lady x 2, Meadow Brown, all in the space of an hour.

 

David Gantzel  recorded two Painted Lady butterflies in Hazlemere on Sunday August 22nd.

 

Maureen Cross, Adonis Blue Species Champion, reports that the Adonis Blue is alive and well on Lardon Chase. With fears that they had disappeared from this National Trust sight 3 UTB members set out on the Saturday 21st August field trip to search the hillside and were rewarded with 4 Adonis Blues, 2 males and 2 females. Their reward was, besides the Adonis, 12 other species of butterflies as follows: Small Copper, Small White, Green-veined White, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Common Blue, Chalkhill Blue, Holly Blue, Brown Argos and these moths: Treble Bar, Yellow Shell, Silver Y.

 

Tim Watts had another attempt at photographing the Wall Brown at Calvert Landfill yesterday, 22nd, and was pleased that he managed to get some better shots. A definite count of 2 different Wall Browns (see photo above) as one was in good condition and the second had a damaged wing. Tim also noticed that the one he saw last week was very bright. Also seen on site 2 Clouded Yellow, 2 Painted Lady, 25+ small heath & 3 small copper.

 

Saturday 21st August 2004

 

Mick Campbell and Tom Dunbar continued their surveying on 20th August at 2 sites in the Bucks area. Tom reports on their findings: ”The first site was the Coombe Hill area on the Chiltern escarpment. The target species was Silver Spotted Skipper. Despite likely habitat being found no SSS were located. Photographers would have thoroughly enjoyed the magnificent light conditions that prevailed over the Vale of Aylesbury and indeed on Bacombe Hill as an enormous thunderstorm swept the hillside. It was interesting to note how quickly butterflies were back on the wing post storm. 17 Chalkhill Blue, 3 Painted Ladies and 1 Red Admiral were the butterfly highlights. Our second port of call was the water pumping station at Dancersend. Target species was Brown Hairstreak following a reliable report of it being seen there last year by a warden of a local nature reserve. We found likely habitat to include blackthorn and ash but no BHS. A Clouded Yellow was the highlight at this site.”

 

Thursday 19th August -Mick Campbell and Tom Dunbar visited the Arncott location where Brown Hairstreaks were located yesterday. Their intention was to familiarise themselves with the site and possibly find more BHS adults or eggs.

One egg was found near previous egg finds. Then 3 further eggs were located nearly a kilometre away in a distinctly separate part of the site. Having walked a good deal of the area, Mick and Tom suspect that the butterfly might be widespread here. Tom says: “We would hope to return later in the year to do a more thorough egg survey when the leaves have fallen.”

 

Nick Bowles reports a single Silver-spotted Skipper on his transect at the foot of Coombe Hill, Wendover on 18th August. This is the first SSS on a transect anywhere for Nick and his first at Coombe Hill, although others have reported them there. Further evidence of their continued spread to new sites.

 

Tom Dunbar sent in this report for Wednesday 18th August. “AJP, Nick Bowles and Tom broke some more new ground on the Brown Hairstreak front with the following sightings in the Arncott area:

- 2 fresh BHS eggs

- 2 female BHS on separate ash trees

Nick adds: “These could be some of the first eggs seen in UTB this season though probably not the first laid. Also recorded on the day were 3 Purple Hairstreak and the ubiquitous Painted Lady.”

 

David Redhead sent in this Brown Hairstreak report on the 18th August: “Matthew Oates has belatedly reported seeing a female Brown Hairstreak ovipositing in Whitecross Green Wood on Sunday 15th August. The egg was laid at 8 feet - obviously she had not read the books!”

David also reports seeing two Painted Ladies in his garden on Tuesday17th. Speckled Woods seem to be out in good numbers again – with lots being seen in Bernwood Forest on the 18th. Also Purple Hairstreaks are still about - three seen in ash trees and one at ground level.

 

On 14-8-04, a hot and sunny day, Dave Maunder visited Coombe hill near the Monument and recorded: Chalkhill Blues(60+), Common Blues(5), Brown Argus(5), Small Coppers(11), - “a pair mating and I also watched a female laying eggs on Sorrel – they were quite numerous up here.” Small Heaths(20+), Meadow Browns(55+), Hedge Browns(9), Essex Skipper(1), Brimstones(2), Small Whites(5), Green-Veined White(1)

Then on 15-8-04 Dave walked over the fields to Hartwell cemetery and back. Sightings included: Chalkhill Blue –Female – “A rare sight in the football field near Fairford leys and a vagrant from the Chilterns, I expect.” Common Blues(5), - “a nice little colony of these and Brown Argus in Hartwell cemetery!” Brown Argus(5), Holly Blues(6), Meadow Browns(10), Hedge Browns(8), Speckled Woods(13), Large Whites(2), Small Whites(8), Green-Veined Whites(12), Red Admiral(1), Sm. Tortoiseshell(1)

Dave’s other sightings in and around Aylesbury during 8th-13th August: Painted Lady(1); Red Admiral(1); Sm. Tortoiseshells(2); Hedge Browns(9); Speckled Wood(1); Brimstone; Large Whites(20+); Small Whites(100+); Green-Veined White(1); Holly Blue(1); Common Blues(20+); Brown Argus(4); Small Copper(1).

 

Wednesday 18th August 2004

 

AJP Wingrove (member of Surrey branch) sent in this report for Tuesday 17th August: “I joined Tom Dunbar in searching for my first Brown Hairstreaks of the season. We located 1 on the ash trees at Laplands Farm. Another was found at the Rushbeds Tramway railway bridge despite the windy conditions. We next looked in the area north of Otmoor and found a male close to the Merton M40 bridge. Is this the most north-westerly sighting to date in the UTB area? Our final location was Holly wood where we found 2 adults on very tall ashes. We hope to make contact with the landowner to seek permission to survey here more thoroughly in the future.”

 

Michael Robinson reports a Clouded Yellow on the footpath between Ibstone and Northend on Saturday 14 August and it was the same place that he saw a couple of Clouded Yellows last October.

 

Monday 16th August 2004

 

David Newland (Cambs & Essex BC) sent in the following: “After a walk round Bernwood starting about 2 pm on Sunday 15 August (where there were two reported sightings of Brown Hairstreak at ground level, one male, one female), I saw one unidentified hairstreak at high level on an oak in the far meadow (a tree suggested by David Redhead and Tony Croft). Moved on to Whitecross Green Wood about 4 pm. There was again a report of one each male and female at low level, but it was now dull and further activity seemed unlikely. However at 5.00 pm a male BHS settled on a clump of wild angelica about 200m from the Wildlife Trust sign on the west side of the path. It remained there for 47 minutes. After about 10 mins it made a short flight, returning to an adjacent cluster on the same plant. After about 30 mins it hopped over to a third cluster. I was joined by 3 other observers and numerous photos were taken by two of us. Eventually at 5.47 pm the BHS flew several circles around the small adjacent oak tree and settled on a leaf near its top (height estimate about 7m). The temperature was about 24 C and it remained humid and overcast throughout.”

 

David Redhead spent Sunday morning, 15th August, in Bernwood with Tony Croft and Gerry Kendall. Later in the day David & Tony met a couple from Cambs & Essex Branch who had been inspired by the UTB Website to come looking for Brown Hairstreak. Here is David’s report: "Today Bernwood Meadows eventually succumbed to the combined might of Tony Croft, Gerry Kendall (armed with scope) and myself. Along the southern boundary we found an oak with an ash tree either side. Just as we were about to leave to examine the next ash along a movement in the oak arrested our step - eventually one female and two male Brown Hairstreaks were identified. Although a couple spent a little time in the ash to the right the oak seemed their home. Gerry lined his scope up on what he thought was a fourth at the very top of the oak tree to find a Small Copper staring back at him. No other ash trees (and quite a few were searched) gave any evidence of Brown Hairstreak activity. Next I walked the Shabbington Wood transect which yielded only 34 butterflies (compared to just over 300 a fortnight ago) but did include a late Marbled White. Returning to my car through the Meadows I met an East Midlands Branch Field Trip looking for Brown Hairstreaks. Some of them had seen a female briefly on the small oaks on the way down to the Meadows but they had had no further success, except for a Clouded Yellow (which I did not see). I took them over to the trees discovered this morning, collecting a loner from Lancashire Branch on the way. I am pleased to report the Upper Thames Branch was not let down. A male was perched near the oak tree top and did not move for the half hour I was there. Then another hairstreak flew from the oak and settled near the bottom of the right hand ash. It remained there for a couple of minutes before flying deeper into the ash but the orange flash from its upper wings made it a definite female Brown Hairstreak. Finally one of the party focussed in on a settled (but tatty) Purple Hairstreak and I left them a much happier band than I had found them.”

 

Tim Watts visited Calvert landfill Sunday 15th: This is a mostly private site but with some public footpaths across and around it. These butterflies were all seen on a public footpath that skirts the site near the Quainton to Edgcott road. (the Hewin’s drain road) - 3 Wall Brown (certain at least 3 as 1 bright, 1 faded + another a long distance away), 3+ Clouded Yellow, 1 Painted Lady.

 

On a short trip to Hewin’s drain on Sunday 15th August, in search of the second-generation of Wall Brown, 4 UTB members recorded 14 species of butterfly, including 1 Wall Brown, a staggering 11 Clouded Yellow (all heading north) and 29 Small Copper, along with good numbers of Common Blue and Brown Argus, 1 Painted Lady and a few Small Heath.

 

David Hutchinson visited Wendover Woods this weekend and sent in the following news: “I had imagined there to be a huge buddleia bush so was a little surprised to see the size of it. Nevertheless, there were 4 Silver-washed Fritillary (females I think) on the bush along with a few browns & whites. They were rather worn & tatty although I did manage to take a couple of reasonable pictures.

 

Mike Wilkins led a Field Trip to Aston Rowant NNR, 14 August 2004.

The day was ideal for the dozen participants who included visitors from Hertfordshire and Worcestershire.  It was cloudy and humid but pleasantly warm on Beacon Hill so the butterflies were active but not too much, making it ideal for the photographers. Butterfly species recorded were: Small Skipper; Large Skipper; Silver-spotted Skipper; Brimstone; Large White; Small White; Green-veined White; Small Copper; Brown Argus; Common Blue; Chalkhill Blue; Holly Blue; Painted Lady; Peacock; Speckled Wood; Marbled White; Gatekeeper; Meadow Brown; Small Heath; (Clouded Yellow).
Moths recorded were: Vapourer; Six-spot Burnet; Dusky Sallow; Yellow Shell; Silver Y.

 

Tom Dunbar sent in this report for Saturday 14th August: “Mick and Wendy Campbell, Tom and Rosaleen Dunbar went in search of Brown Hairstreak today. Initially the team looked at a site by the railway line in Dorton where Dave Wilton had located Black Hairstreak in June. We didn't find any. There was a consensus that the blackthorn was unsuitable. Our next port of call was the Piddington area. We found 6 adults all on ash in 3 separate sites - 2 male, 3 female and one indeterminate. We also had a useful chat with the farmer and praised his successful management of the habitat.”

 

Saturday 14th August 2004

 

David Redhead reports on his Brown Hairstreak sightings today: “Firstly I went to NT's Boarstall Duck Decoy - quite interesting but not too good for butterflies although their guide leaflet does state White Admiral (not that I saw any honeysuckle). Lots of mature ashes and two stands of blackthorn but definitely not suitable for egg-laying. Speckled Woods & Green-veined Whites reached double figures and a Red Underwing on the information hut wall was a bonus. Next Panshill, i.e. the hill down from the motorway bridge towards WXGW. There are superb blackthorn hedges with some ash trees growing out of them and the two most prominent held a brace of male Brown Hairstreaks each. We are now up to 32 active trees and 122 sightings.

 

Today, 13th August, Dave Ferguson recorded 100+ Chalkhill Blues, 1 Silver-spotted Skipper at Yoesden Bank, 50+ Chalkhill Blues, 20 Silver-spotted Skippers, 1 male Clouded Yellow at Aston Rowant NNR (on the most southerly slope).

 

13/8/04 - David Redhead’s update on the Brown Hairstreak survey is as follows: “Tony Croft reported a male and female in an ash tree in the first meadow at Asham Meads. Matthew Oates has just let me know that he saw 3 in the ashes alongside the Rushbeds Tramway and another at Holly Wood. Meanwhile I spent over two hours SW of Otmoor without success. There were compensations - lots of fresh Common Blues in the field margins alongside Noke Wood. The Holly Blues are happy but the Vannesids have vanished.”

 

Adrian Cadman reports from Great Linford a female Clouded Yellow on August 10th amongst the commoner species [photo supplied and will be posted in the next few days.]

 

Thursday 12th August 2004

 

Thursday 12th August - Tom Dunbar reports: “Mick Campbell and I had an exceptionally successful day today searching for new Brown Hairstreak sites in the Piddington Village area. We located 4 males on ash trees in 3 different locations and then Mick used his eagle eye to spot a female down on blackthorn in egg-laying mode at one of these sites. Our observations today indicate that it is very worthwhile scanning both ash and blackthorn at this stage of the butterfly's life-cycle.”

 

A couple of sighting reports from Tony Croft: “On 10th August, at Wendover Woods we saw 3 Silver-washed Fritillary. Then, on a two hour visit to Whitecross Green on 11th, in bright sunshine following heavy rain, revealed 3 purple hairstreak, 6 small copper, 3 small skipper, 2 meadow brown, 1 male brown hairstreak flying near the ground and 1 silver washed fritillary. Is this a first at WXG?”
[As far as we can tell from the records, this is a first sighting of SWF at Whitecross Green Wood.]

 

Welcome to the website, new contributor David Gantzel, who visited the buddleia bush in Wendover Woods on 10th August. He saw two battered females and one quite nice male Silver-washed Fritillary. On the ride leading to the bush one Dark Green Fritillary, others included brimstone, gatekeeper, meadow brown, and GV white, large and small white.

A Red Admiral on his buddleia at Hazlemere, on 10th.

David also made the following comment regarding the note on Gomm Valley [see entry for 1st August]. “I was the warden here for many years and by constantly keeping the scrub under control we had good numbers of DGF. Now it has got badly overgrown, so not surprised none seen. Pity. Enjoyed the moth evening. The small insect with the hood has been tentatively identified as Horned Leafhopper Centrotus cornnnutus.”

 

Tom Dunbar sent in this report of two field trips made on Tuesday afternoon with Dave Wilton: Yeosden Bank failed to deliver the promised Adonis Blues. However the species count totalled 17 including 1 Clouded Yellow, 2 Painted Ladies and 104 Chalkhill Blues. Then at a site near Goring Dave saw his first Adonis Blue of the season - well 21 of them actually – taking him to 40 species for the season. They were accompanied by 32 Chalkhill Blue and a handful of Brown Argus, Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper. He is off to the US of A in the near future and will no doubt attempt to misdirect some Monarchs across the pond to settle in Finemere to improve his total.

 

David Redhead reports on his Brown Hairstreak surveying on 10th: I went to Woodsides Meadow near Wendlebury this afternoon where I drew a blank - perhaps not surprising as it is on the very edge of known egg-laying area. Came back via Charlton-on-Otmoor and lost count of suitable looking roadside ash trees. Stopped of at Nick Droy's group of trees opposite the entrance to Whitecross Green Farm and got a single male after a short wait. Ash trees and blackthorn are ubiquitous - so why does this apparently mobile butterfly have such a low occupation density and such a restricted range?

 

Dave Maunder has sent in his regular list of butterfly sightings for the last week and says it’s good to see Brown Argus doing okay in Fairford Leys this year: Brimstone(1), Large Whites(30+), Small Whites(100+), Green-Veined Whites(12), Red Admiral(1) - on a patch of nettles, Peacocks(6), Commas(3), Sm. Tortoiseshells(2), Meadow Browns(6), Hedge Browns(65+), Speckled Woods(7), Small Skipper(1), Essex Skippers(13), Holly Blues(14), Common Blues(45+), Brown Argus(6) – found along the Fairford Leys on trefoils, Small Coppers(4).

 

Tuesday 10th August 2004

 

Robin Carr reports that he had 2 Silver-washed Fritillaries on his transect at Dancers End last Friday. This site is only about a mile east of Wendover Woods.

 

Dave Wilton’s report for Monday 9th is as follows: “Having seen a Hummingbird Hawk Moth feeding from Phlox in my garden in the pouring rain at lunchtime, I was tempted out mid-afternoon when (all too briefly!) it stopped raining. Even though it was drizzling at the time, I managed to confirm another Brown Hairstreak site at the southeast corner of Rushbeds with a single specimen seen flying about in the top of an Ash beside the gravel parking area right at the road junction.

Mike Collard reports there were just three Silver-washed Fritillaries on the famous bush in Wendover Woods when he visited it on 9th August. 1 GV White and a few common species, no Peacock and not many flowers left and that was before the rain.

 

On Sunday afternoon, 8th August, David Redhead went to the SW corner of Bernwood Forest to survey the ash trees for Brown Hairstreak: ”Within about 10 mins a couple of large hairstreaks were sighted and a little later a third flew and settled on a leaf allowing a good view to definitely confirm it as a Brown Hairstreak. I had another brief flight by a large hairstreak followed by a much longer one by a small hairstreak which went into the first ash tree where I was able to id it as a Purple Hairstreak. This is another difference I am noticing between brown and purple - the purples seem to fly for much longer with a fidgety flight. I next went to the small Bernwood Meadows car park and scrutinised the ash trees on the west (less visited) part of the meadows but without success except for a pair of purples in a half dead ash. Wandering back across the meadows a skipper settled very obligingly for me to get a full on view of the antennae - it was a hit you in the eye no doubt Essex Skipper with its bulbous antennae ends glossy black as though they had just been dipped in Indian ink”

 

Adrian Cadman managed to spend a late lunch at Rushbeds Wood Friday 6th August hoping to see SWF: “No luck (in fact no luck here at all this year for SWF). I then went to the tramway meadow which had just been cut for hay where 2 fresh looking Clouded Yellows were nectaring on knapweed lying on the ground. Along with commoner species there were at least 3 Small Coppers on the bramble flowers and Holly Blues (v active & difficult to count) along the woodland edge, but no sign of Brown Hairstreaks on the wing.”

 

Darren Ward travelled down from Cumbria on Saturday 7th to visit the infamous 'Buddleia bush' in Wendover Woods: “It held 6 Silver-washed Fritillary, 3 males 1 reasonably fresh, plus Brimstone & 3 Common Whites & Marbled. Going back to the car a cracking male SWF Very fresh. Later on at Watlington Hill, Silver-spotted Skipper was ace (photo below) +24 all males that were sexed, but were very mobile in the hot weather, plus 3 Brown Argus.”

 

Derek & Cathy Brown went to Hartslock on Sunday 8th for the Adonis Blue: “It was very hot (11.00-12.30pm), - the butterflies would not settle, and even when they did they wouldn't open their wings! We're sure that we did see some male Adonis in the far field, but unfortunately no photos. However see below because I think I got a couple of shots of a more sedentary female Adonis - but again with closed wings? I'm not sure about the underside on this one. I should mention that the Chalkhills were common over the other fields but noticeably not the last field - so maybe ABs? However the Commons were there too. In addition we saw 5-6 Clouded Yellows - again see below for a rather poor photo. Having moaned about the lack of migrants, of course they prove me wrong by suddenly showing up, as we have now had 10 Painted Ladies in the garden this weekend as well as the CY at Hartslock.”

 

On Saturday 7th August Paul Bowyer went back to Sands Bank to check on the Chalkhill Blues he had seen earlier in the week and spotted a couple more. Also identified were Gatekeepers(14), Small White (4), Brimstone (4), Peacock (2), Ringlet (2) Meadow Brown (21), Small Skipper (2), Small Copper (1), Brown Argus (4), Marbled White (2), Painted Lady (2), Silver Y (1) and Six Spot Burnet (4). Also for future football ground sightings, Common Blue, Meadow Brown and Small White on the pitch at the Wycombe Wanderers' match.

 

Sunday 8th August 2004

 

Martin Mitchell visited Lardon Chase today and recorded the following: Painted lady (1), Brown Argus (1), At the Holies he saw Clouded Yellow (2).

 

Tim & Colleen Watts visited Finemere Wood this afternoon and saw 1 Clouded Yellow in the field at the top of wood.

Also 1 Painted Lady, 4 Small Heath, 2 Purple Hairstreak.

 

Dave Wilton reports on his findings today: “Tom and I spent some considerable time searching locations around Stanton St John, Boarstall and Dorton but the high winds limited any chance of success. The only Brown Hairstreak seen, apart from those while we were with 2 other UTB Members at the entrance to Lapland Farm, was on the west side of the M40 bridge at Honeyburge.”

 

Wendy & Mick Campbell visited 2 sites today. The first was Chinkwell Wood where they recorded an astonishing sighting of a Silver-washed Fritillary which emerged briefly from the wood out into the field, did a complete u-turn and shot back into the wood again!  Other interesting species seen were Brown Argus, Common Blue and a Clouded Yellow. As the strong wind was greatly reducing any possible Brown Hairstreak activity in the Ash trees they then decided to find a more sheltered location and headed for Lapland Farm, They were immediately successful and saw 2 BHS in the railway bridge area where Tom Dunbar had directed them. One was in an Ash tree and the second posed for photos low down in a nearby hedge. They positively id’d another 2 BHS in a large Ash tree in the left-hand corner of the field from the gate.

 

Dave Maunder saw 2 Clouded Yellows, both newly emerged males, yesterday afternoon near Fairford Leys in Aylesbury - a nice town sighting!

 

Welcome to Tim Hearn, new contributor to the website, who sent in the following report today: “I'm not a member, but thought you might like to receive some sightings from yesterday at Wendover woods. Having failed to locate the legendary buddleia, we set off down the Orientation ride. About 100m in from the car park/toilets is a bank of what I think is probably wild Thyme or similar. This was alive with butterflies at 2.30pm. Small Skippers (12), large skipper (1), 1 rather battered Marbled White, 1 brown argus, 100+ Gatekeeper, 50+ Meadow Brown, 4 Brimstone, 10 Silver Washed Fritillary and a solitary Clouded Yellow in a big hurry! Also what I'm reasonably sure was a purple hairstreak but since I could only observe it on the wing, I can't claim it as certain. All in 20 minutes! Hope this is of some interest to your members.”

 

Peter Hall reports seeing a Clouded Yellow yesterday at BroomWade sports ground next to Hughendon Manor, High Wycombe.

 

The following report was received from David Redhead: “Saturday morning in bright sunshine I was approaching the top of the south face of The Holies when I was met by a shimmering carpet of Chalkhill Blues. Closer examination showed there was an area of about 40 by 10m which had been fenced off in the past and presumably subjected to a different management regime at some time The turf height and floristic density here was intermediate between the area outside the fence and the bottom of the hill below an electric fence. The area below the electric fence was being grazed and was devoid of Chalkhills. My estimate of numbers in the relatively small previously fenced area was of the order of 600 - taking the hillside as a whole they must have been into four figures. A beautiful and interesting sighting.

 

7th August - Tom Dunbar sent in this report for today: “One Brown Hairstreak was located on a mature ash in the M40 / Worminghall area adjacent to Bernwood. I have seen good numbers of eggs and 2 adults in an adjacent area over the last 2 years. This fact prompted me to check the area again today. A return to the Smiths Lane area of Bernwood brought zero returns. The local lane was flailed last winter, which obviously removed what would have been a good crop of eggs. A Clouded Yellow offered some compensation - 4th day on the trot for CY. One further BHS was found in the Stanton Little Wood area, again on ash. Mick Campbell and I looked on this ash on the 5th. Mick was fairly confident he located a BHS at the time but didn’t get a good enough sighting to id it. So far I have seen 18 Brown Hairstreaks at 9 locations. I am avoiding the 'hotspots' i.e. Whitecross Green Wood and Bernwood Forest.”

 

This interesting news was passed on by Dave Ferguson and came from Don Otter of Bucks Birders – “Also had a Silver-washed Fritillary on Buddleia bush in my garden at Ringshall yesterday. I have seen these on the estate on a handful of occasions but not often enough to make me think we have a resident population. If anyone knows different... I'd like to hear from you! There are, of course, Dark Green Frits on the Ivinghoe Hills.”

 

New contributors to the website, David & Sally Irven (Members of Beds & Northants branch) paid a visit to Hartslock this morning, 7th August. It produced sightings of; dozens of Chalkhill Blues, several Brown Argus, one male, two female second-brood Adonis Blue, several Common and Holly Blues, two Clouded Yellows & many Meadow Brown, Small Heath and Gatekeeper.

 

Mick & Wendy Campbell decided to do a short walk around Penn Wood on Saturday 7th and were very surprised to find a Brown Argus and a Small Blue in an open, sunny clearing of the wood. Some wild flowers were growing in the clearing, such as Bird’s foot Trefoil and also Heather which was being used for nectar, but the foodplants for these 2 species of butterfly could not be located.

 

Saturday 7th August 2004

 

Dave Wilton’s report for Friday, 6th August:  “I made another brief stop at Span Green this morning before heading off down the A34 to work. I parked at the eastern (Touchbridge) end and ambled off down the track towards where I'd seen Brown Hairstreak activity a few days ago. I'd walked less than a hundred yards, only half way to the first southside field entrance, when I espied these two [see the rare photo of Brown Hairstreaks pairing at the top of this page] on Brambles on the right (north) side. Lucky or what?! The Brambles are beneath a substantial Ash tree (the first Ash that you come across in that hedgerow) but the nearest suitable Blackthorn would appear to be some distance away. I walked down as far as the point where the farm track narrows into a footpath, checking all the fields as well, but the only other confirmed Brown Hairstreak activity that I saw in the hour that I was there (10.15 - 11.15) was back at where I'd started. The mating pair were still on the Brambles, while another male was seen flying about in the Ash above them. That's at least four different trees they've been recorded in at Span Green - makes me wonder if this "Master Tree" idea has much substance!
Other activity besides the three Brown Hairstreaks comprised Small Skipper (6), Essex Skipper (2), Large White (3), Small White (12), Green-veined White (7), Small Copper (6), Common Blue (1), Marbled White (1), Speckled Wood (2), Gatekeeper (49) and Meadow Brown (17).”

 

Friday 6th August Tom Dunbar saw a Painted Lady at Prestwood Picnic Site and a Clouded Yellow at Beacon Hill Elsborough during two short visits. “Are migrants now hitting the UTB shores in numbers?”

 

Paul Bowyer went to Finemere on 5th August to see the much publicised Clouded Yellow: “I was not disappointed, I found 1 in the area of wild flowers before the gate to the woodland and another in the cleared area behind the fence near the turning circle. This latter area is supporting more butterflies than I can ever remember. I also noticed the good numbers of Brown Argus near the entrance to the wood and even along the main ride. The species I identified were Clouded Yellow, Large White, Small White, Green Veined White, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Common Blue, Brown Argus, Purple Hairstreak, Painted Lady, Peacock, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Ringlet, Small Copper, and Brimstone.”

 

Dave Maunder comments on the butterflies he’s seen in Aylesbury during the last 2 weeks of July: “Not many Vanessids about this week (1st week of August), compared to this time last year when I was recording 100+ painted ladies and sm. tortoiseshells on the Buddleias around Aylesbury - not one tortoiseshell yet this week!
Red Admirals(6), Sm. Tortoiseshells(34), Commas(9), Large Whites(60+), Small Whites(300+), Green-Veined Whites(10), Marbled Whites(2), Meadow Browns(10), Ringlets(3), Hedge Browns(60+), Speckled Woods(4) – 1st of 3rd brood on 21/07/04, Small Skippers(7), Essex Skippers(16), Holly Blues(20) - good numbers of Holly Blues around this season! Peacocks(8), Marbled White(1), Large Skipper(1), Small Coppers(3).

 

Thursday 5th August 2004

 

Tom Dunbar and Mick Campbell found 2 new sites for Brown Hairstreaks today.