Butterfly Sightings 2006 – BC Upper Thames Branch
(Berks, Bucks & Oxon)

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** July & August 2006 Archive **

(Photos have been removed to save space.)

Thursday 31^st August 2006

David Redhead reports on the status of the 2006 Brown Hairstreak season so far: “At the end of August we have 117 reported sightings of Brown Hairstreak adults - all bar seven from the six core areas - Whitecross Green/Asham Meads 59, Bernwood Forest complex 19, Piddington/Arncott area 17, Otmoor 8, Ludgershall/Rushbeds area 5, Span Green area 2. The seven non-core area sightings range from meadows near Bicester in the north to a copse near Waterperry in the south. The females, many of them still very fresh looking, have been laying eggs on the blackthorn for just over three weeks (67 eggs found to date) but at times they can still be seen in ash, oak and elm trees along with the occasional male. However numbers do seem to be down this year as by the same time last year 161 adults had been sighted. Please send any reports of sightings to UTB Brown Hairstreak Champion, David Redhead on red.admiral@ntlworld.com.”

Dave Wilton managed 90 minutes in the Dorton area on Thursday 31^st August: “I found quite a few Brown Hairstreak eggs, 7 fresh this year's and two last year's empty shells, but no sign of any adults despite much staring at ash trees. The sun did come out for a bit and there was some butterfly activity, but Small White, Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Comma and Speckled Wood were the only ones seen.” Dave also sent these photos of a Red Admiral caterpillar and pupa, found at a site near Bicester on 1^st September 06

Dennis Dell visited Laplands Farm Meadows on Wednesday afternoon, 30^th August: “Speckled Woods, Meadow Browns, Small Heaths, Common Blues, Brown Argus [one only], Clouded Yellows [three, including a deformed specimen which had difficulty flying, hence the photo below]; one Hairstreak at the top of an Ash; impossible to tell whether it was a Purple or a Brown.”

Dave Ferguson sent news of another Camberwell Beauty sighting on Wednesday 30^th August, this time in Bucks: “There was a Camberwell Beauty in Prestwood feeding on rotten plums this morning. It was found by a friend of mine, Leon de Muynck and photographed by Angela de Muynck. I looked for it this afternoon but without success.”

[Click here to go to the third Camberwell Beauty sighting.]

Paul Olive has had another visit by the Camberwell Beauty to his garden in Newbury (see his report of 29^th August below): “The Camberwell Beauty was back in my garden on Tuesday 29^th and this time I managed to get a wings-open photo whilst it rested on a garden bench. Result is below - pretty good, but still hand-held camera - I was about to take another using a tripod but was just too late...”

[Click here to go to the second Camberwell Beauty sighting.]

On Wednesday 30^th August David Redhead sent the following report: “For the first time this summer I decided to don a jumper for the morning dog walk and I was glad of it. So I was surprised to see a Speckled Wood already active at 7.55am in the lower reaches of the ash trees in the Rivermead Nature Reserve, admittedly they were in full sun. In the afternoon, from 4 - 5.15pm at Shotover Meadows (19C sun) I went looking for Brown Hairstreak but no joy and no eggs - 2 good condition Small Copper, a tired Common Blue and a tatty Large White was all that I managed.”

Chris Brown’s update on his survey of the Silver-washed Fritillary colony at Crowsley Park Wood for 29^th August follows: “18°C cloudy/sunny - a mild day with light breezes, some sunny periods and occasional short showers. Sorry to say this, but no Silver-washed Fritillary seen despite searching the whole access track and waiting around the buddleia for about 20 minutes. There were other butterflies around so the weather was favourable. I guess those last two males wore out (see Chris’s report and photos of 22^nd August). Still there was a bonus with 2 Hummingbird Hawk Moths still visiting the buddleia, arriving from the deciduous forest to the north. 2 more were seen on the way back to work.”

Dave Wilton went to Piddington Wood and surrounding area on Tuesday 29^th August looking for Brown Hairstreaks: He arrived at 2.15pm and then had to sit in the car for three quarters of an hour waiting for the rain to stop! However, he did manage to find 5 Brown Hairstreak eggs during his subsequent walk, although there was no sign of any adults. The only butterflies seen were Red Admiral (1), Comma (4) and Speckled Wood (4).

Tuesday 29^th August 2006

29^th August - Following the exciting news that a Camberwell Beauty had been seen in the UTB area last week, a second sighting has just been received from Paul and Kate Olive in Newbury: “I thought you may like to know that we have seen a Camberwell Beauty in our garden in Newbury, Berkshire, on Friday 25th, Saturday 26th and Monday 28th August. I managed to get a photo (see top of this page). We have quite a large garden with several plum trees, all of which are laden this year, so I guess we have these to thank for attracting the Camberwell Beauty.”

[Click here to go to the first Camberwell Beauty sighting.]

David Redhead sent the following update on the Brown Hairstreak season as at 29^th August: “We now have 104 reported sightings of Brown Hairstreak adults - all bar one from the six core areas - Whitecross Green/Asham Meads 51, Bernwood Forest complex 20, Piddington/Arncott area 16, Otmoor 9, Ludgershall/Rushbeds area 5, Span Green area 2. The non-core area sighting was on the edge of the known range in some meadows near Bicester. The females, many of them still very fresh looking, have been laying eggs on the blackthorn for nearly three weeks now (41 eggs found) but at times they can still be seen in ash, oak and elm trees along with the occasional male. However numbers do seem to be down this year as, by the end of August 2005, 161 adults had been sighted.” Click here to see the Distribution Map.

Please send any reports of sightings to UTB Brown Hairstreak Champion, David Redhead on red.admiral@ntlworld.com.

Mick & Wendy Campbell spent a couple of hours walking footpaths in an area to the north of Ickford today, 29^th, looking for Brown Hairstreak. In a sheltered corner of one field, where they had found eggs in 2005, they saw 2 female Brown Hairstreaks, one of which was egg-laying on Blackthorn. The only other butterflies recorded were Speckled Wood (6) and singletons of Comma, Small Heath and Common Blue.

Dave Wilton spent three hours on the trail of the Brown Hairstreak on Monday afternoon, 28^th: “First port of call was the M40 bridge between Waterperry and Wheatley. In the young copse to the east of the motorway I found a Brown Hairstreak egg and then, in a group of small ash trees, a female Brown Hairstreak perching on a sheltered leaf just before a shower passed through. 25 minutes later, when the downpour had come to an end, she was still perched on the same leaf with wings closed and antennae facing forwards together. I stayed watching her for another 15 minutes, during which time she remained in the same spot even though the sun had come out. Another female started flying around the next-door ash and ended up perched on top of the tree with wings open, sunning herself. Her movement didn't distract the first female, which was still in the same spot when I left. Next stop was the M40 bridge between Worminghall and Waterperry Wood where I found three eggs very quickly, two on the east side of the bridge and one on the west side. One very battered Purple Hairstreak was recorded here, along with Brown Argus (9), Common Blue (6) and Comma (1). Final stop was the Touchbridge end of Span Green. It was dull for most of the time that I was there although blue sky was visible in the distance all around. The only butterfly to brave flying in the strong wind was a single Speckled Wood. However, I did manage to find two Brown Hairstreak eggs.

Dave Ferguson went for a walk around some sites to the west of High Wycombe, Bucks, Sunday morning 27^th August and recorded the following:

Buttlers Hangings: Silver-spotted Skipper (6), Brown Argus (8), Chalkhill Blue (6), Common Blue (4), Meadow Brown (17).

Hearnton Wood: Speckled Wood (4).

Buddleia at Nobles Farm: Painted Lady (1), Hummingbird Hawk-moth (1).

On Friday 25^th August Francis Gomme’s ramble through Whitecross Green Wood produced 5 Brown Hairstreaks, Common Blue, lots of fresh Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Comma and Red Admiral.

Saturday 26^th August 2006

Further to reports on the BC Herts & Middlesex branch website (and in particular read the report dated 21^st August from Dutch Butterfly Conservation) of recent sightings of the Camberwell Beauty, the following exciting news was received from Nicky Jones today, 26^th August: “Thought you might like to know that some work colleagues and myself have spotted a Camberwell Beauty feeding on a plum tree on Monday 21^st August and again on 22^nd August, in Marcham, nr Abingdon, Oxfordshire. ” It was reported to be in excellent condition, very dark on the underside and with beautiful blue markings on the topside with very prominent pale yellow wing margins.

[Please keep your eyes peeled for further sightings of this rare migrant ! Click here for more information and a photo of the Camberwell Beauty.]

Friday 25^th August 2006

Mike Mobbs sent the following report yesterday, 24^th August: “I went to Bradenham Hillsides this afternoon. Windy and cloudy start but sunshine when I reached the main butterfly areas. Two hours walking and wandering produced 14 species: a single male Silver-washed Fritillary (a first for me in this area after twenty years!); Painted Lady 3; Red Admiral 1; Comma 1; Meadow Brown 54; Small Heath 14; Speckled Wood 5; Common Blue 73; Brown Argus 12; Small Copper 2; Brimstone 2; Large White 4; Small White 6; Green-veined White 4. Also seen: 3 Hummingbird Hawk-moths. On Tuesday 22^nd we saw eight Silver-washed Fritillary at the famous buddleia in Wendover Woods.

David Redhead spent a couple of hours in the Meadows at Shotover on Thursday afternoon, 24^th, looking for Brown Hairstreak but without success: “Not even a Purple – but I did manage Common Blue, Brown Argus, Small Copper, Meadow Brown and Small White. Also some Large White in Oxford this morning and a Comma when taking the dog for a walk at 6pm. So species total for the day was 7.

Then this afternoon, 25th I went to Marston Meadows. There was hardly anything about and definitely no Brown Hairstreaks but on my return journey I had a nice bonus - my first UTB Clouded Yellow of the year! Then I went to the eastern end of Shotover Plain where some eggs were found in the winter. I got out of the car near a large wild buddleia and there were five Red Admirals on it. Again no Brown Hairstreaks but another small buddleia had a Humming-bird Hawk Moth. Final species count was 6: Clouded Yellow, Red Admiral, Large White, Comma, Speckled Wood and Holly Blue. Wendy said there had been a Comma & Peacock in the garden while I had been out - our buddleias have gone inactive.”

Dave Ferguson went to Yoesden Bank on Wednesday 23rd August and recorded: Adonis Blue m. (14), Chalkhill Blue m. (30), Adonis/Chalkhill Blue f. (60), Common Blue (30), Brown Argus (8), Meadow Brown (30), Small Heath (1), Common Carpet (1).

News has just been received from Debbie Lewis, BBOWT, confirming that Silver-studded Blue has been seen in the UTB area this year at Broadmoor Bottom, just over the road from Wildmoor on 30^th June 2006 (5 males) and 11^th July 2006 (4 males and 1 female - observed ovipositing on bell heather).

On 22nd August Chris Brown sent his latest update on the Silver-washed Fritillary colony at Crowsley Park Wood: “A warm day on 22^nd with very light breezes and quite humid, 21C. Mostly cloudy with frequent sunny spells. Generally a lot less butterflies of other species now and only 2 Silver-washed Fritillary males holding on. In fact if it were not for the buddleia, which they were both regularly coming back to, it would have probably been the end for them by now I assume. There are very few alternative nectar sources, just a few late bramble flowers and some small purple thistle type flowers. In fact this buddleia has been a boon in other ways too. Much to my delight there were 3 Hummingbird hawk moths there this week and I have seen another 1 on 2 separate days at home too. I guess the same ones still hanging around but that makes 9 observations in total I have seen this, and only this year. Both male SWF in very bad condition as pictures below show.”

Phil Coles went to Shirburn Hill (‘Open Access Land’) on August 22^nd 2006: “Weather moderate – Silver-spotted Skipper 1, Brown Argus 2, Common Blue 21, Peacock 1, Meadow Brown 45, Small Heath 6.”

Dave Wilton sent this report on 22nd August: “After work today I spent a couple of hours walking from Dorton, Bucks to Chinkwell Wood and back and, yet again, had no sign of Brown Hairstreak anywhere. It was particularly disappointing not to find anything around the small copse near Spa Farm where I found 60+ eggs last winter. However, there are a huge number of young ash trees there and you can only spend so much time looking skyward without getting permanent neck damage! Butterflies seen comprised Large White (1), Green-veined White (1), Small Copper (1), Brown Argus (1), Common Blue (1), Holly Blue (1), Painted Lady (1), Speckled Wood (26, the majority inside Chinkwell Wood), Gatekeeper (1), Meadow Brown (2) along with moths Shaded Broad-bar (1), Magpie (1) & Mother of Pearl (1). Back home at Westcott the buddleias were hosting Large White (2), Small White (1), Red Admiral (5) and Hummingbird Hawk-moth (2).”

Monday 21^st August 2006

Jan Haseler sent the following report today: “On Saturday 19th August 10 male Adonis Blues and a Clouded Yellow were seen on the Reading and District Natural History Society field trip to The Holies (near Lardon Chase).”

Late afternoon on Thursday 17^th August after the weather had cleared, Mick & Wendy Campbell decided to visit Yoesden Bank, Bucks, for second brood Adonis Blue. During several sunny spells, 7 fresh male Adonis Blue were seen along with numerous Chalkhill Blues - male & female (too many to count, but estimated to be 100-200) including a mating pair. Other species seen were Clouded Yellow (2), Brown Argus (6), Meadow Brown (5), Small Heath (5), Common Blue (good numbers – 50+), Painted Lady (3 pristine). One very worn 6-spot Burnet moth was also recorded.

Then on Monday afternoon 21^st, despite the poor weather outlook, they went on a 5 mile circular walk, starting at Holton, in Oxfordshire, and taking in Waterperry Wood (next to Bernwood Forest). Seven butterfly species were recorded in the fields from Holton but only in low numbers due to the cool and cloudy conditions. Fortunately the weather improved dramatically by the time they reached the centre of Waterperry Wood and the butterflies became very active - eleven species were seen here. The most numerous was Speckled Wood, 11 of which were recorded in the dappled shade of the woodland rides. 10 Brown Argus (which seems to be having a good year) were recorded down the edges of the main ride where there are plenty of wild flowers available as a nectar source (ragwort, fleabane and hemp agrimony). A nice surprise was Purple Hairstreak (3) still fairly active in one of the very small Oak trees. On the return leg of the walk, across mainly arable fields with “set-aside” margins, a Clouded Yellow and finally a single, pristine Small Tortoiseshell. The full list of butterflies (a total of 17 species for the afternoon) was as follows: Brown Argus (10), Clouded Yellow (1), Comma (1), Common Blue (9). Gatekeeper (3), Green-veined White (2), Holly Blue (1), Large White (2), Meadow Brown (4), Painted Lady (3), Purple Hairstreak (3), Red Admiral (3), Small Copper (2), Small Heath (2), Small White (2), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Speckled Wood (23). Moths were: Silver-Y (2) & Magpie moth (1 – in pristine condition).

Thursday 17^th August 2006

Chris Brown sent the following update for the Crowsley Wood site where he is monitoring the Silver-washed Fritillary colony: “Tuesday 15^th was a mild to warm day with very light breezes, 22C, mostly cloudy with occasional sunny spells. I was pleasantly surprised to still see Silver-washed Fritillary. All were quite active. Females feeding on bramble flowers & males on the buddleia, settling for up to 30 seconds at each pit stop. Two females were still in good condition whereas all the males were ragged. One was in such a state that half of the entire hind wings from the rear edge was just a skeleton support with all of the wing scales missing, holes showing where the black spots should have been, but still able to fly okay! Total recorded: 7 (4 male, 3 female). Also seen were two Hummingbird Hawk-moths.”

On Tuesday 15^th August Mick & Wendy Campbell did a circular walk from Asham Meads, taking in part of Otmoor, in search of Brown Hairstreaks. The weather was cloudy and cool with brief intervals of sun. At Asham Meads, however, the Brown Hairstreaks were very active during the short bursts of sun and a total of 10 individuals were seen (male & female), mostly flying in the tops of Ash and Elm trees. Three more were recorded on the remainder of the walk, one female a mile south-west of Asham Meads, another two females to the west of Horton-cum-Studley. Other species seen were: Meadow Brown, Red Admiral, Small Copper, Speckled Wood, Small White, Common Blue, Comma, Gatekeeper, Green-veined White, Painted Lady, Peacock.

Phil Coles surveyed Shirburn Hill (‘Open Access Land’) on August 15^th. The weather was poor but the following were seen: Silver-spotted Skipper 1, Common Blue 3, Meadow Brown 39.

On Saturday afternoon 12^th August, in less than ideal conditions, David Redhead ran a butterfly identification and recording session in Bernwood Forest for four BBOWT members to assist them in carrying out butterfly transects on BBOWT reserves: “As we left the main car park nothing was flying, but a patch of Fleabane proved productive with a Painted Lady, Ringlet, a couple of Gatekeepers, a Small or Essex Skipper (these are not expected to be differentiated on a transect) and a Common Blue all nectaring on it. As we moved on several Common Blues were seen in flight and then one of the trainees pointed out another blue - to my amazement there was a Chalkhill Blue sitting on a bramble leaf - actually a bit embarrassing as my intro chat had included Chalkhill Blue on the wing but not here. As one of the other trainees remarked "Never say never". Presumably a vagrant but it must have flown an awful long way. A small ash tree provided another excellent identification display. A movement was noticed in the top by another of the trainees but before the rest of us could raise our eyes there was a commotion towards the bottom of the tree with about half a dozen butterflies chasing one another around. When everything had settled back down there before our eyes was a male Brown Hairstreak surrounded by four Purple Hairstreaks! Our final success was on another patch of Fleabane - a nectaring male Silver-washed Fritillary. So my concerns about a lack of butterflies to identify was totally unfounded with 14 species seen - Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Green-veined White, Small White and Red Admiral in addition to those already mentioned. The non-ideal conditions meant that most were not very active which allowed the trainees to get a really good look at them. So a very worthwhile session especially as it produced the 64th reported Brown Hairstreak sighting in the UTB area."

Saturday 12^th August 2006

Phil Coles went to Shirburn Hill (‘Open Access Land’) on August 11^th 2006: “Weather poor – Silver-spotted Skipper 10, Small White 1, Green-veined White 1, Common Blue 1, Marbled White 1, Meadow Brown 36.”

On his transect at Coombe Hill near Wendover on 11^th August Nick Bowles recorded 3 Silver-washed Fritillary: “This species is new to the reserve list. I suspect that there were only two Silver-washed Fritillary there and one was seen twice in two different sections. I know there were at least two as after I saw the first I came across two males spinning about each other.”

David Redhead sent the following Brown Hairstreak update on 10^th August: “By close of play on the 8th August the reported Brown Hairstreak sightings totalled 59 (compared to 61 in 2005 on the same date). 30 have been seen up in oak (an unusually high proportion), 19 up in ash, 8 down on blackthorn and 4 nectaring (3 on wild angelica and 1 on bramble flowers). Females now egg-laying - see previous reports for further details of many of these sightings.”

Please report any sightings to the UTB Brown Hairstreak Champion, David Redhead on red.admiral@ntlworld.com

Thomas Merckx reports seeing a male Silver-washed Fritillary foraging on buddleia at Tubney House, Tubney (SU4398) on the 9^th August.

Graham Elcombe visited Aston Rowant Nature Reserve on 9th August: “Despite (relatively) cool and cloudy weather, Silver Spotted Skippers were present in good numbers. In several places, I saw four or five at once within a few square yards.”

Chris Brown continued his survey of Silver-washed Fritillary at Crowsley Park Wood on 8^th August in clear and sunny weather: “The Silver-washed Fritillary were quite active, settling for up to 15 seconds at each pit stop. Most males are quite ragged now, a couple of them were better, being barely nibbled. One looked nearly new. Again, all males were flying along the central track throughout its length but clustering around a self sown buddleia at the far end. There were 6 males on occasion squabbling over this bush. A female visited briefly, was mobbed and then headed straight for the interior of the conifer forest. I also saw a second female come out of the conifer forest, in what must have been a 50 yard flight, land on the bare earth, sit there for about a minute with wings open flat to the ground, then fly straight back into the forest for at least the same distance in the same direction until I lost sight of it. I got the impression this was just to warm-up as there was no interest in any of the nectar sources nearby.”

On 8^th August Wendy & Mick Campbell visited a site near Bicester where they were pleased to record 13 butterfly species, including a female Brown Hairstreak. It spent 15+ minutes sitting quietly on blackthorn, occasionally sunning itself and then laid a single egg before flying up into a nearby Ash tree. Other species seen were: Common Blue, Gatekeeper, Brimstone, Brown Argus, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Painted Lady, Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell, Small Skipper, Meadow Brown and three Small Copper. Late afternoon they called into Lapland Farm Meadows. In the Ash trees at the end of the railway bridge there were several Hairstreaks, 3 definite Purple Hairstreaks and 1 definite Brown Hairstreak. No Hairstreaks were seen along the hedgeline through the meadow as far as the big Oak & Ash trees in the corner. A single Small Heath brought their species count for the day up to 14.

On Sunday 6th August Paul Bowyer led a joint UTB / BBOWT Field Meeting at Homefield Wood: “On a field trip for butterfly conservation the following 19 butterfly species were identified: Silver Washed Fritillary (7), Clouded Yellow (2), Brown Argus (20+), White-letter Hairstreak (1), Small White, Large White, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Large Skipper, Essex Skipper, Common Blue, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Comma, Peacock.”

Thanks to Paul Bowyer (UTB) and Phillip Pratt (BBOWT) for a very enjoyable event.

Wednesday 9^th August 2006

Dave Ferguson went to Pitstone Hill on 8^th August and recorded: “30+ Brown Argus, 20 Chalkhill Blue, 20 Common Blue. I have never seen so many Brown Argus in one place! Then at Ashridge (Bucks section): 2 Hummingbird Hawk-moths. One was feeding on a Bottlebrush Buckeye bush. Today, 9^th, at Little Marlow Gravel Pit: 6 Brown Argus, 10 Common Blue, Small Copper. I have never seen Brown Argus at this site before.”

Ched George reports a single Clouded Yellow in Radnage on the 8th August and another 2 Clouded Yellows on Turville Hill (Cobstone Hill) today, August 9th.

David and Sally Irven of Northants Branch sent this report on 8^th August: “Over the week end we walked round Bernwood forest and meadows. On Saturday 5th in the wood we saw a male Brown Hairstreak nectaring on wild angelica and a female flying and settling on Oak and blackthorn. Two females were seen, on Sunday 6^th, the first female was flying and then basking in the wood and the second was a very fresh female just sitting on blackthorn in the meadow.”

Becky Woodell reports seeing a Silver-washed Fritillary at Whitecross Green Wood on 8^th August.

Maureen Cross saw 82 second brood Adonis Blue on a quick walk across Lardon Chase on Tuesday afternoon, 8^th, and wondered if this is a record for the site.

Please email Maureen, UTB Adonis Blue Species Champion, with all Adonis sightings.

Melvyn Jones sent this news on 7^th August: “I'm writing to confirm the presence of Silver-washed Fritillary at Little Linford Wood, a BBOWT reserve near Gayhurst, just north of Milton Keynes. I reported a sighting last year and checked for the presence of violets (their foodplant) in the wood this spring - the plant is present across much of the reserve. I saw them again yesterday after recent reported sightings by others. In both years numbers seen were small - over my regular transect I saw 2 last year and 4 this, although being quite strong fliers I cannot guarantee the absence of double-counting. Also, I saw a Clouded Yellow on Saturday, 5^th August at Hazeley Wood, a Milton Keynes Parks Trust property on the west flank of MK.”

David Redhead sent the following report on 7^th August: “On Sunday there was a lot of Brown Hairstreak and human activity in Whitecross Green Wood - well until just before 11am when the Browns quietened down. A total of 18 Brown Hairstreaks were seen - 15 in oak trees, 2 in ash and another flying up from the blackthorn - this total was arrived at from observations made by Tony Clancey and Kevin & Sandra Standridge all from Herts and Middlesex Branch as well as myself. In the early afternoon Kevin & Sandra saw two females down on the blackthorn in Bernwood Meadows, one appeared to be searching for a suitable spot to lay an egg. Later in the afternoon I saw three (one female and two males) in the ash trees near the Menmarsh Post junction - the female and one of the males were feeding off ash buds, the other male for a short while appeared to be feeding off lichen before it flew away.”

On 6^th August Tim & Colleen Watts went to Kimble Warren looking for Silver-spotted Skippers: “We saw 6 at the same time, possibly more. They were very mobile, in groups of 2 or 3 together. Also seen c.70 Chalkhill Blues, 1 Brown Argus, 1 Painted Lady.”

5^th August - Adam Bassett sent the following photo of the female Silver-washed Fritillary that visited his garden in Marlow Bottom on August 4th (see report below). “It was resting on wisteria after feeding on buddleia. Following on from that visit last Friday, we had a brief visit from a rather tatty male Silver-washed Fritillary on the same garden buddleia bush for a few minutes before flying into adjacent woods. Rather tatty, it was missing some of the left hindwing and right forewing. First and second garden records!”

On 5^th August Dave Maunder had a Clouded Yellow fly past his front door in Aylesbury. “And on Monday 7^th my wife saw another Clouded Yellow in Stoke Mandeville. Still plenty of Painted Ladies and Silver-Y moths on the wing everywhere - a lovely summer sight!”

Monday 7^th August 2006

The 28th sighting of a Brown Hairstreak has just been received - 26 seen in ash or oak trees, 1 nectaring on wild angelica and 1 nectaring on brambles. The last reported sighting was the first definite female seen.
Please email any Brown Hairstreak sightings to David Redhead, UTB Brown Hairstreak Champion.

Welcome to the website new contributor Yvonne Dixon who sent this report on 6^th August: “I have only recently started to take an interest in butterflies and am still very much a novice. However I would like to share my butterfly sightings as surely every bit helps. On our return from a family holiday on the Isle of Wight - where I learned to identify a few more species of butterfly - I was thrilled to see a Painted Lady, a Comma, two Red Admirals and a Large White on and around the Buddleia in my back garden in Binfield. I also saw something that I think was a Meadow Brown but it wouldn't open its wings long enough for me to see properly.”

Derek Brown made a quick trip to Greenham Common on the morning of 5^th August and saw 12x Graylings in 15 minutes in dull conditions. “Grayling are clearly out in force now. The Painted Ladies are in my garden in Beenham in profusion. Cathy counted at least 8 last Monday (31st) on the Buddleia and we've had similar numbers again today. Last year we didn't manage a single specimen. Lots of Red Admirals, Peacocks, a few Commas and finally today our first Small Tortoiseshell since mid April. We also had a new species for the garden a few weeks ago - a Marbled White flyby on the 16th July - taking the garden list to 25.”

Tim Watts went to Calvert on 5^th August and recorded 2 Brown Argus. Also at Calvert Green; 3 Clouded Yellow on the waste ground adjoining the estate. This area can be viewed from Brickhill Way or through the slatted fence next to green.

David Redhead sent this report on 5th August: ”This morning I went looking for Brown Hairstreaks more in hope than expectation because I was on the edge of the known range in meadows at Shotover where a few eggs were found this winter. Sadly the nice ash/oak combinations produced just one Purple Hairstreak. There was a compensation in 13 Small Coppers mainly nectaring on ragwort - are we in for a deluge? Also seen Brown Argus, Comma, Common Blue, Essex Skipper, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Peacock, Red Admiral & Small White. 11 species in total.”

On 4th August David did his M40 Compensation area transect in the afternoon: “Numbers at about 70 well down but a reasonable spread of species including a Small Copper & Large Skipper but nothing "exotic". I kept a weather eye out for a Brown or White-letter Hairstreak but no joy. On the way back I had a look at the large ash/small oak combination at the turning circle - alive with Purple Hairstreak, at least a dozen, but could not turn any of them into a Brown. I finally stopped at the ash trees by the Menmarsh post where I have seen Browns for the last few years. I arrived at 4.50pm and a few minutes later noticed a movement and managed to lock the binoculars on a male Brown Hairstreak sunning itself about half way up the middle one of the first three ashes.”

Dave Wilton spent two hours at Rushbeds Wood on 4^th August: “There was no sign of Brown Hairstreak anywhere. Plenty of other species were active, though: Large Skipper, Essex Skipper, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Small Copper, Common Blue, Brown Argus, Purple Hairstreak, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Peacock, Comma, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Ringlet and, best of the bunch, a single Silver-washed Fritillary on brambles along the southern "tramway" (SP 669153). I then spent another two hours searching between Dorton and Chinkwell Wood, again with no luck so far as Brown Hairstreak was concerned. Most of the others were seen again, the only addition being Small Skipper to give me 18 species for the day.”

On Saturday morning, 5th August, Dave carried out his transect at Finemere Wood: “There was plenty of butterfly activity even though numbers are on the wane and the skippers and browns are starting to look decidedly worn. Twenty species were recorded inside the wood, comprising Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Large Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Common Blue, Brown Argus, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell (one worn individual - the first I've seen for weeks), Comma, Silver-washed Fritillary (at last! - a reasonably fresh male in the centre of the wood and it was even on transect!), Marbled White (one very tatty example), Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper & Ringlet. After completing the transect I took a walk through Finemere Meadows and added Small Copper, Purple Hairstreak and Small Heath to the total. This afternoon I went to Bernwood Meadows and then to Lapland Farm Meadows in an attempt to add to the Brown Hairstreak score but failed dismally at both places. There were Hairstreaks about, but all those that I saw were Purple!”

Mick & Wendy Campbell went to Span Green on Friday afternoon, 4^th. At the north end of the footpath on the first big patch of bramble they saw a stunning, pristine female Brown Hairstreak with its wings open, nectaring on the bramble flowers. Unfortunately it was the only one they saw despite walking right through to the other end of the footpath and checking all other bramble, ash trees and lots of Angelica. 15 species were seen altogether, noteworthy ones being Purple Hairstreak (1), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Small Copper (5), Clouded Yellow (1), Common Blue (4) and Holly Blue (1). They also found a batch of 2nd/3rd instar Small Tortoiseshell caterpillars on a patch of nettles.

Chris Brown sent the following update for 2 recent visits to Crowsley Park Wood (SU735800 Berks) surveying Silver-washed Fritillary: ”25^th July was a very humid, still day and the Silver-washed Fritillary were frenetically active, only settling for a few seconds at a time. 12 seen (4M, 1F, 7U). One female was investigating the conifer tree trunks but on the occasions I got a quick focused view through my binoculars, I could not confirm any egg laying. I did try to examine one convenient spot I fixed my eyes on where she had alighted but could not see anything. 1^st August was an overcast warm day with occasional brief patches of sun. 10 SWF seen (7M, 2F, 1U), As expected the cooler temperatures meant that the Silver-washed Fritillary were much more docile and tended to bask and top up their tanks on the available nectar sources. Most of the males were looking 'tatty' with missing parts to their wings and were now faded to a browner shade, not looking quite so bright. It is noticeable that the females are harder to find. I am guessing that they are in the woods laying eggs?”

Friday 4^th August 2006

4^th August - Adam Bassett forwarded this sighting from his garden in Marlow Bottom, S.Bucks: “Just had a female Silver-washed Fritillary on the garden buddleia along with the almost daily appearance of Hummingbird Hawk-moth. Numbers of Painted Ladies seem to have dropped off in the cooler weather.”

David Redhead sent this “buddleia” report on 4^th August: "On Saturday 29th July Wendy & I popped to Temple Cowley library in Oxford. When we arrived the buddleia alongside the car park sported 6 pristine Painted Ladies and a Red Admiral. All the Painted Ladies were still there when we left but the Red Admiral appeared to have moved on. Yesterday, 3rd August I examined the buddleias towards the eastern end of the Botley Road. They produced 3 Large White, 3 Small White, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Peacock and, to my surprise, a female Common Blue. The buddleias alongside the River Thames immediately north of the Botley Road were surprisingly devoid of butterflies.”

Welcome to the website new contributor Prem Roy who sent this sighting on 2^nd August: “I saw two Silver-washed Fritillary on the 21st July quite close together, one was in Round Wood just south of Tingewick and another just outside Tingewick Wood in an area known as Tingewick meadows, but on the southwestern edge of the wood near the road. The other butterfly of interest is the Brown Argus which I have seen in Tingewick meadows, quite a few in the meadow south of Lenborough Wood and one in my garden in Lenborough (there is open grassland all around), I suspect that these are cranesbill feeding populations as there is no rockrose. The White Admiral is common in the area but no sign of the Purple Emperor. Round Wood (SP653310) has a rather overgrown entrance at the southern side, into the actual wood, but there are some clearings and rides inside the wood. Tingewick Wood (SP651316) has a track through - I have not explored it much but it is quite dense and I have not seen much. Lenborough Wood (SP669309) - this corner is good and the southwestern edge is also quite good as is the northeastern edge. There is a bridle path through but the tree cover is dense, the rest is private.”

Allen Beechey managed to join a site visit to the western part of Aston Rowant reserve on 2^nd August with Oxfordshire CC’s BAP officer: “Despite the weather we saw a good number of butterflies sheltering from the wind, 13 species in total with the highlights being 30+ Silver-spotted Skipper (see photo below) and 40+ Chalkhill Blue (including an ab. female – photo below). Other species seen were; more Meadow Brown than you can shake a stick at, Gatekeeper, Common Blue (many), Marbled White, Speckled Wood, Small Skipper, Large Skipper (very worn), Brown Argus, Large White, Small White & Brimstone.”

Maureen Cross recorded her first second brood Adonis Blue at Lardon Chase on Wednesday afternoon, 2^nd August. Please email Maureen, UTB Adonis Blue Species Champion, with all Adonis sightings.

Despite the dull, overcast and windy conditions Dave Wilton went to the disused railway cutting to the west of Westcott airfield for three hours on Wednesday afternoon, 2^nd: “One reason for going was to have a look at Grove Wood as I think it has possibilities for Purple Emperor. The wood itself is mainly ash and it has several rides. They're not very wide and are mostly enclosed under the ash canopy, but there are some areas where sunlight would penetrate if the sun was out. I saw plenty of honeysuckle so this could be where my garden White Admiral came from (it is probably also where the Silver-washed Fritillary I saw along the cutting came from). I noticed some odd bits of sallow here and there within the wood, but there's an abundance of far better quality sallow all along the railway line between SP 700165 and the north-east corner of the wood. One to keep an eye on for next year... Sheltered from the wind, the cutting produced quite a few butterflies even under the dull overcast. 12 species were recorded, comprising Large White, Small White, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Comma, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Ringlet and Small Heath.”

David Redhead sent this news on Tuesday 1^st August: “This afternoon I decided I should take my new responsibilities as a 10km Square Champion seriously and went for a mooch in SP50 with the following results - my garden 8 species, Florence Park 5 species, Elder Stubbs Allotments 5 species, Cowley Marsh 5 species, Southfield Golf Course 0 species (too windy), Warneford Meadow 6 species and finally on return home after 5pm the rough grassland above my house produced 4 species. The total for the afternoon was 15 species: Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Small Copper, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Peacock, Comma, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown & Ringlet. Not a bad haul considering the non-ideal weather and the habitat. The highest concentration of butterflies was in the allotments but the majority of them were Large or Small Whites - they know when they are on to a good thing these butterflies! The Small Copper in Warneford Meadow gave the most pleasure, as I have seen very few this year, but I think I would have swapped it for a Small Tortoiseshell of which I have seen even less. The only moths were a faded Six-spot Burnet and a couple of Shaded Broad-bar. Anybody who would like to assist in recording the butterflies and day flying moths in SP50 please contact me on red.admiral@ntlworld.com”.

Wednesday 2^nd August 2006

On 1^st August Frank Banyard reports that two Silver-washed Fritillary have been visiting his garden buddleias in Beaconsfield in recent days. “No idea where they come from as I'm not aware of this species in any of the local woods which in general are violet and nectar free!”

At one point on Sunday morning, 31^st July, Dave Ferguson counted 27 Silver-washed Fritillaries on the Wendover Woods buddleia. “There were always at least 10. Also on the bush were: Red Admiral (2), Painted Lady (1), Comma (1), Small White (6), Large White (1), Green-veined White (1), Meadow Brown (1), Marbled White (2), Large Skipper (1), Small Skipper (2).”

Phil Coles went to Rushbeds Wood & Lapland Farm on July 31^st 2006 in poor conditions – Gatekeeper 4, Meadow Brown 36, Ringlet 4.

Dave Maunder sent this news on 30^th July: “On a family visit to Coombe Hill near the monument, I was lucky enough to see a nice male Silver-spotted Skipper - the only one I could find! Other species seen were:- Essex Skippers (12); Purple Hairstreak (1); Small Coppers (5); Chalkhill Blues (25+); Common Blues (8); Brown Argus (1); Painted Ladies (4); Red Admirals (2); Peacock (1); Marbled Whites (3); Meadow Browns - many; Hedge browns - many; Small Heaths (2); Large Whites (3); Small Whites (5). Moths seen were:- Hummingbird hawk-moth (1); Silver-Y (5); Vapourer (3); Six-spot Burnet (30+); Pyrausta purpuralis (1).”

Tim Watts visited the private Calvert landfill site on 30^th July: “On the near 4 mile walk around the perimeter I counted 56 Painted Lady and 13 Clouded Yellow. No sign of Wall Brown in favoured areas. There was 1 Greenshank/3 Green Sandpiper/2 Common Sandpiper 1 Yellow Wagtail. Clouded Yellow hotspots could be viewed from public footpaths. 3 together at the far end of the landfill. Next to the railway bridge (a long walk) 5 together on the last remaining part of the old brickworks site, next to the new Calvert Green estate. This area could be viewed through/over a slatted wooden fence next to the green on the estate (next to no walk!).”

Dennis Dell sent the following report on 29^th July: “Slopes below Ivinghoe Beacon and Steps Hill, July 28th, 2 to 4 pm. As recent sightings by members have shown, there cannot be a better place and time for variety and numbers than downland in July. Ivinghoe Beacon yesterday was no exception, although Silver Spotted Skippers have not yet reached 'so far north', but I'm sure it won't be long. Seen: Small White [36], Gatekeeper [44], Red Admiral [2], Large White [26], Meadow Brown [91], Marbled White [34], Painted Lady [9], Peacock [5], Small Skipper [11], Chalkhill Blue [94], Common Blue [6], Dark Green Fritillary [9], Small Heath [4], Brimstone [5], Brown Argus [2]. The Dark Green Fritillaries were all quite worn, so their season is coming to an end, but they were nevertheless still flying briskly; I'm always amazed at the energy of this species! The numbers of Chalkhills and Meadow browns are certainly an underestimate: it became quite difficult to count them all.”

Following Neil Davies’s visit to Aston Rowant on 23/7/06, he has sent the following photos of Chalkhill Blue and Brown Argus:

On Friday 28^th, Richard Soulsby did a Silver-spotted Skipper-special transect at Swyncombe and then on Saturday 29th he did the standard transect: “Noteworthy species were as follows. 28^th July - warm and calm: 26C, 90% sun. Silver-spotted Skipper 28, Dark Green Fritillary 5, Chalkhills 20+ (not counted) mostly male, a few females, Small Blue - most noteworthy was one at bottom near car parking area. Silver-Y's - great quantities (too many when trying to spot SSS!). The hillside was alive with butterflies generally. 29^th July - windy and not so warm: 24C, 86% sun 20 butterfly species seen - not bad, but not as good as the 23 last week. Noteworthy species: Silver-spotted Skipper 5 M & F, mint condition, no DGF surprisingly - I wouldn't have thought such powerful flyers would be put off by the wind. Chalkhills 24, only 3 were female Small Blue 20, seen in small numbers on every section. Inspected fresh kidney vetch flower/seed heads. On 4 seed heads found 15 Small Blue eggs, of which 2 were fresh (blue) and 13 were hatched (white with tops eaten), but no sign of larvae (hidden in seed heads?). So possibly these 2nd generation Small Blue can reproduce - but can the larvae survive the winter? There were a lot less butterflies (and moths) in evidence today compared with yesterday. Total 290, c.f. 376 in week 17 and David Redhead's 641 in week 16.”

Sunday 30^th July 2006

Dave Wilton managed to get a transect done at Finemere Wood NR, Bucks over lunchtime on Saturday 29^th before the weather deteriorated. “I was pleased to find 21 butterfly species active, although the only surprise was the number of pristine Painted Ladies to be seen, with 16 located along the track leading to the wood and within the wood itself. The only vanessid present in larger numbers was the Peacock with 29 seen nectaring from thistles and teasles. The other species comprised Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Large Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Clouded Yellow, Common Blue, Purple Hairstreak, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Comma, Marbled White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Ringlet and Small Heath. Unfortunately there was no sign of Silver-washed Fritillary, a species which I've yet to see in this wood.”

Phil Coles visited Shirburn Hill (‘Open Access Land’) on July 29^th 2006 where he recorded: Essex Skipper 2, Small/Essex Skipper 2, Silver-spotted Skipper 14, Large White 1, Brown Argus 3, Chalkhill Blue 1, Painted Lady 2, Dark Green Fritillary 2, Marbled White 5, Gatekeeper 24, Meadow Brown 100+, Ringlet 1.

Tim Watts visited Hillesden again on 29/7/06 and recorded 3 Clouded Yellows, mostly on the planted wild flower mix strip, which is adjacent to the track overlooking the pools (see also Tim’s report of 26^th July below). This site is in Bucks (SP69012805). The very obvious hard track that passes the pools, which everyone uses with the owner's consent ISN'T on OS maps. However it is okay for anyone to use this track. The owner has created this area purely for wildlife and welcomes anyone there to record their sightings.

The Field Meeting led by Maureen Cross on Saturday 28th July to explore new open access land near Goring, including BBOWT's Hartslock Reserve and adjacent hillsides, produced 23 butterfly species and 10 moths. Two of the moth species, the Pyralid Mecyna flavalis and Chalk Carpet Scotopteryx bipunctaria are of special interest being new for the UTB 2006 list. The Mecyna flavalis is of notable moth status and the Goring Gap is its only known location in the three counties.

Our thanks to Maureen for leading this event.

Dave Ferguson has been out and about during the last few days and sent the following reports:

- “A belated sighting for 24^th July: c20 Graylings scattered around Swinley Forest.This was my first visit to Swinley Forest. I parked at the Discovery Centre (SU876662) which has a large free car park and is the only access point to the forest that I know. I was walking South to Upper Star Post (SU873646). The area is coniferous forest with rides. Some of these are sunny, wide and have grass and heather edges. This is where I saw the Graylings. Caesar's Camp (SU657864) is an open area of grass/heather. The information board mentions Silver-studded Blues here but I didn't see any. There are some large oaks here which are worth a look. I was actually after Brilliant Emerald dragonflies which have been recorded at Upper Star Post Pond and Butter Bottom, but these ponds are fenced off. Where are the Small Tortoiseshells? I have seen just one of the new brood, but Red Admirals and Commas are well above normal numbers.

- Then on Saturday afternoon 29^th, on the buddleia in Wendover Woods there were 10 Silver-washed Fritillaries and one each of Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Marbled White, Small White, Large Skipper and Small Skipper.

- On Sunday morning, 30^th, at Lodge: Painted Lady (6), Peacock (3), Red Admiral (1), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Common Blue (10), Marbled White (3), Meadow Brown (40), Gatekeeper (30), Small/Essex Skipper (10), Small White (80), Large White (30).

- And finally, taken near Radnage this afternoon, 30^th, this photo of Chalkhill Blues (see below). I don't know what the snail thought of this!”

Friday 28^th July 2006

Francis Gomme’s tour around a very hot and dry Princes Risborough today (Friday 28th) was rewarded with second brood Small Blue and Silver-spotted Skippers at two previously unrecorded sites, Kop Hill and Pulpit Hill respectively. A Clouded Yellow was also performing at Kimble Rifle Range.”

David Redhead sent the following report on sightings at the Watlington Hill field meeting yesterday, 27^th July: “The most numerous species was Common Blue with numbers well into three figures. Brimstone, Brown Argus and Gatekeeper were also about in good numbers. Amongst the key species Chalkhill Blue led the way with a dozen (all male bar one), Silver-spotted Skipper totalled seven and three Dark Green Fritillary were seen in the scallops. Other species seen were: Small White, Small Copper, Peacock, Painted Lady, Meadow Brown and Small Heath. Surprisingly the other Skippers, Red Admiral and Comma were all noticeable by their absence and a haul of just 13 butterfly species was a bit lower than expected. In places every step disturbed a pyrausta moth and they seemed to be almost exclusively Pyrausta aurata. Silver-Y moths were frequent and a few Six-spot Burnet were seen.”

Dave Maunder sent the following report on 27^th July: “Yesterday I was lucky enough to see another two Silver-washed Fritillaries - male and female again - up on Coombe Hill behind the monument. I also saw a Purple Hairstreak, 3 Painted Ladies, 1 Red Admiral, 2 Comma, 1 Peacock, 2 Small Copper, 20+ Essex Skippers, many Hedge Browns, 15+ Meadow Browns, 3 worn Ringlets, 2 Speckled Woods, 3 Brimstones, 1 Large White, 10 Small Whites.”

On 26th July Frank Banyard and Ched George went to Holtspur Bottom. Frank sent the following exciting news: “Ched was primarily checking for Dark Green Fritillary while I was looking for second brood Small Blue following their return last year and successful 1st brood this year. Two, possibly three Small Blue were seen, the first this July. In the area just in front of the new Claude Rivers memorial seat, Ched noted a male Chalkhill Blue. This is the first recorded sighting of this species in the valley for at least 40years, and near to the bank on which we have reintroduced Horseshoe Vetch. With the return of the Small Blue in 2005, two of the three "blues" long absent from the valley have reappeared. The third, Adonis Blue will probably take longer, but the current successes will encourage more Horseshoe Vetch planting this winter. Ched did not record Dark Green Fritillary on this occasion although they have been about in increased numbers this year.”

Peter Hall recorded a Clouded Yellow at Bradenham on Wednesday 26th.

Dick Bodily had a Painted Lady on the buddleia in his Shenley Lodge garden on 26^th July.

Tim Watts passed on this news: “Up to 6 Clouded Yellow seen by Jon Holt 26/7/06 at Hillesden. This site is accessed from public footpaths that form a circular walk from the church at the far end of the village. Walk through large open iron gates to left of church, carry on down the track through the wooden gate. After a further 300mts take track on right which passes a large open area with pools which has been created for wildlife. Clouded Yellow seen over this. View from path only. This is a very recently created area that has instantly attracted rare migrant birds and now migrant butterflies.”

Tim followed up the sighting with a visit to Hillesden pools on 27^th July and recorded 5 Clouded Yellow, Small Copper, Painted Lady & lots of blues.

25th July at Wytham Wood, Andy Reynolds saw 6 Silver-washed Fritillaries (2 male, 1 female, 3?). “Also 1 male SWF on the buddleia bush in my urban Oxford garden in Summertown - that's the 12th species on that one bush this year!”

Welcome to the website new contributors Jane & Alan Williams: “My husband and I went to the Dancersend BBOWT site for a walk on the afternoon of 23^rd July. It was fantastic and we will be going back again. Anyway, we thoroughly enjoyed seeing lots of butterflies and we spotted a Silver-washed Fritillary and a male Brimstone.”

Wednesday 26^th July 2006

“The Silver-spotted Skipper season is truly underway! They have been seen at Kimble Warren, Buttlers Hangings and Aston Rowant, plus I saw two this on 23rd at Swyncombe. All reports will be gratefully received by email, UTB website or phone.” Richard Soulsby, UTB Silver-spotted Skipper Champion.

Jackie Tuckey sent this unusual report yesterday, 25^th: “I sat down to have my lunch at Murcott under the apple trees when suddenly a butterfly dropped on to my hand. It was a bit tatty and new to me then it opened its wings and there it was, a beautiful purple sheen. I've never seen one before but that was definitely a Purple Emperor! It wouldn't leave me and was wandering round my hand prodding me with his yellow tongue. After studying it for so long I tried to put it on to some flowers but it kept coming back to my hand. Just as I was wondering what to do it flew off. Fantastic! Do you think it was getting minerals or salt from me? Am I lucky or what!”

Welcome to the website Neil Davies who sent this report yesterday, 25^th: “I live, and do my butterfly recording, in Shropshire but last weekend I was visiting in-laws in Little Chalfont so took the opportunity to visit your site first in readiness for getting out on The Chilterns for the first time ever. On Sat (22nd July) I visited Aston Rowant (North). It started to pour down just as I arrived in the afternoon and I duly headed back home. On the Sunday (23rd July) by early afternoon the cloud was starting to break up in Little Chalfont so I headed back to Aston Rowant on the off chance it was going to be a fine afternoon. Arriving at 2.30pm, the sun had disappeared again! Nevertheless, I spent a profitable hour or so waiting for the sun to return and saw: Meadow Brown 50+, Gatekeeper 30+, Marbled White 20+, Small / Essex Skipper 30+, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Brown Argus. At 3.45pm, the sun came out properly - then after 5 minutes of sun, I saw 10 Chalkhill Blues (all male, save 1 female lying low on vegetation) and 6 Silver-Spotted Skippers, as well as more of the species seen flying when the sun was in - but no more Brown Argus.”

Phil Coles reports that in the 1Km square SP7310 (Cuddington – Bucks) on July 25^th 2006 he recorded: “Small/Essex Skipper, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Peacock, Comma, Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown.

On 25^th July Andy Reynolds reported that he visited Waterperry Wood: “I had 16 species just in a 20-metre strip of bramble, including White-letter Hairstreak and Purple Hairstreak, both feeding on the bramble. White Admiral (2 or 3) and possible Silver-washed Fritillary (flew by fast) too. I didn't get to see the mighty Emperor in Waterperry but did see a raggedy old male Purple Emperor in the south of Bernwood. That trip upped my species count for this year to 34.”

On Monday afternoon, 24^th July, Dave Wilton called into Greenham Common on his way back up from the south coast: “As there's still no mention of the species on the website and as it took me 45 minutes of searching to find just one example, I thought I'd better let you know that I saw a single Grayling there today, about a quarter of a mile west of the control tower. Quite understandably, other butterflies tend to shun the stony areas favoured by the Grayling so, despite the glorious sunshine, my species count remained very low for the hour that I was there: Clouded Yellow (2), Large White (1), Common Blue (21), Meadow Brown (6), Gatekeeper (5) and Small Heath (1).

Also, I spent 90 minutes at Stoke Wood on Friday morning. 16 butterfly species were in evidence but the only noteworthy item was a single Silver-washed Fritillary. I think I can state fairly categorically that this is not a Purple Emperor wood - I found no sign of sallow anywhere.”

Allen Beechey went up to Chinnor Hill during his lunch break on Monday 24^th July to have a look for potential Purple Emperor habitat: “Whilst up there I had a look at the grassland. The clearing had a veritable swarm of butterflies criss-crossing the sward. I didn’t bother counting numbers but saw: many Marbled White (looking quite faded), Meadow Brown (new & old), Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Green Veined White, Large White, Peacock, Brimstone (second generation), Common Blue (1 male & two female – second generation), Painted Lady (two very fresh individuals) & Comma. On my return to the office in Chinnor there were 5 Painted Lady, 2 Peacock & 2 Red Admiral on the buddleia waiting to greet me! Not bad in half an hour, even if Iris did not show itself!”

Welcome to the website new contributor Stephen Jackson from Stanwell, Middlesex: “I was just reading through the UTB Butterfly sightings and took a look at the first sightings page. You have your first recorded Silver-spotted Skippers for the 21^st July, I was at Aston Rowant on Thursday evening, 20^th July, from 18:30 until about 19:15 and in that time I saw about half a dozen Silver-spotted Skippers. Other species noted were Large, Small & Essex Skippers, Chalkhill Blue, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Small Heath and Red Admiral.”

David Redhead went for a longer walk than he meant to Sunday afternoon, 23^rd, in Jarn Mound/ Matthew Arnold Field/ Wootton/ Youlbury/ Chilswell Farm/ Boars Hill area (the last in error as a footpath he was aiming for had disappeared). “In the woodland near Yarn Mound I saw a fresh Holly Blue and in a field belonging to the Oxford Preservation Trust a White Admiral & two pristine Small Coppers. The rest did not quite live up to this start but I still ended up with 19 species. A glorious patch of fleabane in the setaside meadow south of Chilswell Farm where I saw the first UTB Small Skippers was covered in Meadow Browns & Gatekeepers and also provided a pristine male Brown Argus, male Common Blue and, surprisingly, a female Common Blue. By the time I got to the footpath leading to Chilswell Farm I had only see one Skipper and that was Small Skipper. Suddenly there were Skippers everywhere and I was able to identify a considerable number of them and they were all Essex Skipper. I went past a lot of oak trees but none produced a Purple Hairstreak.”

At Aston Rowant on Sunday afternoon, 23^rd, Tony Croft saw at least 10 Silver-spotted Skippers: “They weren't being very co-operative posing wise so the attached picture is the best of a mediocre bunch (see photo below).”

On Sunday 23^rd, in Wendover Woods Dave Maunder got nice sightings of two Silver-washed Fritillaries - male and female - at close range. On 11^th July he had a White-letter Hairstreak land on his stomach while in his Aylesbury garden! “Good numbers of Peacocks have been on the wing since the 18th, also many Red Admirals this week, and a few Painted Ladies appearing on our local buddleias. Also Small Tortoiseshells seem to be around in good numbers now.”

Jim Asher visited Buckland Warren on Sunday afternoon, 23^rd, after the sun eventually re-appeared. He found two Silver-washed Fritillaries on the east side of the wood and one towards the south, plus one White Admiral. “I have seen Silver-washed Fritillary only once before here (a singleton, a few years back) and White Admiral just once, also a couple of years back. It’s a first time for both together and Silver-washed Fritillary in multiple numbers.”

Francis Gomme sent this report on 23^rd July: “On Saturday 22nd Silver Spotted Skippers were already in good numbers at Linky Down. Two Dark Green Fritillaries also seen in the upper field adjacent to Upper Icknield Way i.e. the more recent NNR extension.”

David Redhead reports that the Swyncombe Downs transect, which is now in its fifth year, produced a record number of butterflies on Tuesday 20^th July with 641 individual butterflies. “The stars were 16 Dark Green Fritillary (also a record for the transect) and 18 pristine second brood Small Blue, including a mating pair (see photo below). Meadow Brown were the most numerous at 261 and Marbled White came a strong second at 140. The remaining numbers were made up of Small/Essex Skipper 64, Ringlet 43, Gatekeeper 30, Small Heath 27, Small White 14, Chalkhill Blue 8, Large White 7, Brimstone 6, Green-veined White 2, Speckled Wood 2, Red Admiral 1, Comma 1, Peacock 1. Also seen off transect were singletons of Common Blue & Small Tortoiseshell.”

Danny Howard had his first ever Purple Emperor sighting at Bernwood Forest on Sunday 16th. “I had just about given up and was walking back to the car park when a female Purple Emperor came and sat on some sallow next to the main ride at about head height. It fluttered from leaf to leaf and it wasn't until it had flown back to the tree tops that I realised it may well have been egg laying (although a very brief search didn't yield any). I think we are having a bumper Silver-Y moth year too! Have had about 40 feeding (and egg laying) in my garden every evening for the last week or so.”

Saturday 22^nd July 2006

David Redhead attended the hayraking party at Whitecross Green Wood on Friday, 21^st: “Just after 9am our activities received a seal of approval as a White Admiral majestically circled round us - we were to see two more later in the day. Whilst moving to the next raking location, about 10.20am, I noticed an interesting looking dead leaf on a small oak tree, on closer approach it transformed into a pristine Brown Hairstreak settled on an oak leaf at head height. It sat there for a couple of minutes, allowing me to examine it at close quarters, before it flew off - unfortunately I did not have my camera with me! A nearby ash tree showed some Hairstreak activity up top but they were all Purple Hairstreaks. A pristine male Brown Argus was the last butterfly seen before leaving site. Another 13 species, making a total of 17 were seen by the party - Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Marbled White, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown & Ringlet.”

There is still a lot of hay that needs raking up at Whitecross Green Wood. This is essential work to prevent over-enrichment of the rides. The next hayraking party is on Monday 24th July from 9am onwards. Why not come and help preserve the flora and fauna you enjoy watching. Contact David Redhead 01865 772520 for further details.

On Saturday afternoon, 22^nd, Tony Croft managed to add Purple Hairstreak to his list of garden visitors: “We have a very large ash tree which I have studied from time to time over the years to little avail but during the last few days have noticed butterfly activity up at the top. I finally got a good view of one which turned out to be a Purple Hairstreak. There is a copse nearby containing quite a few oak trees so I guess a visitation was inevitable eventually.”

On 21^st July Francis Gomme made a lunchtime dash to the very hot, dry and dusty former BBOWT Chequers reserve: ”I was rewarded with my first Silver-spotted Skipper of the year on Kimble Warren. Recorded every year here since the BIG/EN field day in 1999 - two days earlier than 2005. On the way home tonight I had another Purple Emperor at Whiteleaf, in trees below the cross.”

Michael Pitt-Payne visited the nature reserve at Lower Cadsden opposite the Harrow pub on 20th July: “The whole area was alive with butterflies. The most noticeable were Chalkhill Blues and Marbled Whites. I was delighted to see a Clouded Yellow and to obtain this picture of it (see below).”

Peter Hall sent the following report on Thursday 20^th July: “Silver Washed Fritillary today at the base of Coombe Hill, Ellesborough. Also Small Skipper, Marbled White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Small White, Small Copper, Common Blue, Peacock.”

Robin Dryden followed up his friend Paul Cropper's sighting of White-letter Hairstreak at Maiden's Green on 20^th July at 9am: “I was also successful with three White-letter Hairstreak nectaring together on bramble. The path was full of butterflies with Meadow Drown and Gatekeeper too numerous to count, fourteen Small White, one Red Admiral, two Essex Skipper, one Holly Blue and one Purple Hairstreak also on bramble.”

The Holtspur Valley Reserves Open Day on 15th July was a great success. Frank Banyard reports: “18 species of butterfly were recorded - Dark Green Fritillary, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Brown Argus, Holly Blue, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Red Admiral, Comma, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper & Ringlet. Numerous Six-spot Burnet moths and a Dusky Sallow were seen. In fact the moths tended to outshine the butterflies as several larvae of the Striped Lychnis, a ‘Notable A’ moth, were found on the Dark Mullein plants re-introduced to our Holtspur Bottom Reserve by our Striped Lychnis Champion, Peter Hall, as there were historic records for the valley. Also seen on both the Bottom and the neighbouring LNR Holtspur Bank were singletons of Sitochroa palealis- a ‘Notable B’ Pyralid moth - never previously recorded in the valley.

On the Monday following the open Day, new brood Painted Lady was present on Holtspur Bottom, while Purple Hairstreak was also seen. Both this and Holly Blue had been recorded on the previous Friday.”

Note: Nick Bowles subsequently reported that the walk he led managed Small Copper and Speckled Wood in addition to those listed above, bringing the species count to 20.

On Thursday 20^th July Dave Wilton thought he would try the woods south of Tingewick, Bucks: The first wood had some reasonable rides with plenty of brambles and as a result was quite good for butterflies. “I found Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Large Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Common Blue (1 fresh female, plenty of bird's-foot trefoil about), Red Admiral (2), Peacock (16), Comma (1), Silver-washed Fritillary (1, a bird-pecked male), Speckled Wood, Marbled White (20+), Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper & Ringlet in residence. I was surprised not to find White Admiral as I saw quite a bit of honeysuckle. I then went to Tingewick Wood, which has public paths around the outside and through the middle. This is another mostly conifer wood with some areas of ash. The rides are narrow and, for the most part, little light gets down to ground level. Very little was seen, but I did find Peacock (7), Comma (1) and Silver-washed Fritillary (1, believed female).”

David Redhead reports that he and Wendy had sightings of Silver-washed Fritillary in their Oxon garden on 19^th July: “One Silver-washed Fritillary was flying around the partially out buddleia which catches the early morning sun along with a couple of Red Admiral, Comma, Peacock, Gatekeeper, a Large White and several Meadow Browns.

Then at about 5pm today a second, darker (possibly female) Silver-washed Fritillary flying round a small wild buddleia near the bramble patch.”

David also passed on this news: “Just had a telephone conversion with a contact who was in Bernwood on the 18th July. He saw a large Fritillary in the eastern side of the forest towards the M40. He did not think it was a Dark Green because he had seen them about 3 weeks ago on Cleeve Common and asked me if it could have been a Silver-washed Fritillary - I told him it almost certainly was. He also went to the old Hell Coppice car park because he remembered seeing a Purple Emperor there in 1974. He stood with his back to the gate and saw a Purple Emperor up in the smaller of the oak trees. In fact he had three separate sightings but they may all well have been of the same butterfly. This was about 11:15 am.”

Chris Brown visited Crowsley Park Woods again on 18^th July: “I recorded 3 Silver-washed Fritillary (2 were female). It was 34 C in the shade and I went late afternoon when most of the site is shaded. Most butterflies are in the pockets of sunlight, so I did not hang around too long. In fact my bicycle tyres were sticking to the road each way!”

Wednesday 19^th July 2006

Francis Gomme sent this news today: “A tour around Princes Risborough on Tuesday afternoon (18th) produced single Purple Emperors at Whiteleaf Hill, Kop Hill and Sergeant's Wood. Purple Hairstreaks also seen in good numbers at each location. Chalkhill Blues already abundant at usual sites across the Risborough Gap.”

On 19^th July Tim Watts walked the public footpath through Kingswood and recorded 1 Silver washed Fritillary, 2 White Admiral, 8 Purple Hairstreak, 2 Peacock and an Emperor Dragonfly all around the small pond in the wood.

Dave Wilton went to College Wood near Nash, Bucks this morning (19^th) to look for Purple Emperor. “I didn't see any signs of it but there's certainly sufficient sallow present so I see no reason why it shouldn't inhabit the wood. Over two hours I walked all of the rides and ended up recording 16 species, comprising Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Purple Hairstreak, White Admiral (4), Red Admiral (34), Peacock (25), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Comma (9), Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper and Ringlet. I then came back to the Calvert drains in an attempt to get my 40th butterfly species of the year, the Clouded Yellow. Sure enough, two of them were seen, along with Essex Skipper, Common Blue, Painted Lady and large numbers of Marbled White which were additions to the day's list. The Painted Lady and a single White Admiral were recorded at the northernmost point of the drains adjacent to Sheephouse Wood. Why is it that I can guarantee seeing Clouded Yellow here every year from late July onwards? Is it the aroma of the land-fill site which attracts immigrants to this area year after year, or is the accepted wisdom that this species can't over-winter in the UK just plain wrong and there is a resident single-brooded colony in the area? Back home at Westcott, our garden managed to attract a dozen species over a half hour period late this afternoon, comprising Essex Skipper (1), Large White (2), Small White (2), Holly Blue (1), Red Admiral (2), Peacock (3), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Comma (1), Marbled White (1), Meadow Brown (7), Gatekeeper (3) & Ringlet (1), as well as the inevitable Hummingbird Hawk-moth. The various buddleias are proving their worth at the moment!”

Paul Bowyer went to Church Wood Hedgerley at lunchtime today, 19^th July, to look for the White Admiral. “There were few butterflies in the wood. I didn't see 1 Speckled Wood. I did find 1 White Admiral in the churchyard which was cooler than the wood. Other species identified in the wood and the church field were Meadow Brown, Peacock, Marbled White, Purple Hairstreak, Gatekeeper, Comma, Common Blue, Ringlet, Large Skipper, Small Skipper and Large White.”

Tim Watts carried out a survey of the Calvert reserve (BBOWT permit required) on 17^th July with butterflies as the target: “ I was very pleased to confirm 2 White Admirals. The first one was perching on the lower branches of a poplar tree defending its territory against other butterflies for 40mins. I was amazed to see a second White Admiral amongst some brambles, so hopefully this means there is a breeding/small colony on site. Other species seen: 6-Spot burnet. and a Glow-worm (seen in the evening).”

Dennis Dell had a short walk around the top end of Wendover woods [Aston Hill] on Monday afternoon, 17^th. He saw 2 Silver-washed Fritillary; one female egg laying about one foot from the base of a tree.

Mick & Wendy Campbell went to Wendover Woods on 17^th July to survey the Silver-washed Fritillary colony.

They walked about 75% of the perimeter of the wood at a reasonable pace, during which time they had in excess of 60 sightings of Silver-washed Fritillary. Given the mobility of this butterfly it is impossible to count exact numbers in the colony, but at one point they were able to see 14 Silver-washed Fritillary in one small area: 5 nectaring on bramble, 3 flying in a chain and 3 mating pairs. In the many sunny glades they regularly saw 2 Silver-washed Fritillary on bramble patches. Also seen, amongst the usual species, was a single White Admiral.

Phil Coles visited Shirburn Hill (‘Open Access Land’) on July 17^th 2006. He recorded Small/Essex Skipper 18, Large Skipper 9, Large White 1, Small/Green-veined White 5, Peacock 1, Comma 1, Dark Green Fritillary 9, Marbled White 100+, Gatekeeper 36, Meadow Brown 100+, Ringlet 5, Small Heath 7.

Then on 18^th July Phil visited Swain’s Wood (BBOWT Permit Reserve): Small/Essex Skipper 100+, Large Skipper 5, Brimstone 2, Large White 4, Small White 7, Small/Green-veined White 8, White-letter Hairstreak 2, Common Blue 2, Chalkhill Blue 3, Red Admiral 1, Peacock 2, Comma 2, Dark Green Fritillary 1, Marbled White 100+, Gatekeeper 100+, Meadow Brown 100+, Ringlet 1, Small Heath 2.

Having seen so many Silver Washed Fritillary on his brief visit last week, Allen Beechey returned to the Warburg reserve on Sunday 16^th July, camera in hand: “I needn’t have bothered - with the camera that is – as due to the high temperature the Silver-washed Fritillaries were bombing around without the slightest intention of stopping! As for numbers, I gave up counting when I reached 25. Also floating around were a number of Marbled White, Meadow Brown, a brace of Ringlet, a Green-veined White, one Large White and one second generation Brimstone. The highlight, however, was an inquisitive female Purple Emperor that completed a lazy circuit of me before disappearing into the scrub that lies between the two rifle ranges (now strips of grassland). That was at 5pm (temperature 29.5°C!!!!).”

Monday 17^th July 2006

Paul Cropper of Reading sent the following sightings today: “5pm on Saturday 15th July at least 3 White-letter Hairstreaks near Maiden's Green, Berkshire, along the byway at SU893750, on the elm suckers and nectaring on the brambles. One female in good condition but others looking rather tatty. 3pm on Saturday 15th July at least 5 Purple Hairstreaks around the junction of Snipes Lane and Hawthorn Lane, near Maiden's Green, Berkshire, at SU884738. One of these came down to nectar on the brambles, giving good views.”

Tim & Colleen Watts went to Finemere on Sunday 16^th July: “We watched the tall Ash trees at the far end of Finemere for Purple Emperor from 10:30-11:30 but no luck. At 12 o'clock one flew over the turning circle in the wood. I located it perched on the last but one Oak, on right of track heading towards the turning circle. It was a male and stayed perched/guarding for 40 minutes+. It was still there when we left. We managed to show it to other visitors who were looking for their first ever sighting of one. It was a bit tatty with a chunk missing from its wings. Also seen: 2 White Admiral and lots of Purple Hairstreak, some of which were low down. One was seen on the grass in the turning circle.”

Martin Harvey had a bit of a surprise on Sunday 16^th: “Here in our garden in Great Kimble (central Bucks) Nina saw a White Admiral. We both watched it for a minute or so, during which time it landed briefly on an apple tree, and then flew off over the fence. I'm not aware of any colonies nearby, indeed there are no records anywhere in this 10km square in the recent UTB atlas. Presumably it must have been dispersing from some distance away. A very welcome addition to the garden list, I wonder if we'll ever see one again?”

Richard Soulsby reports that Chalkhill Blues are out in good numbers now: “I saw 18 Chalkhill Blues in 2 hours (1400-1600) at Aston Rowant North (Beacon Hill) this afternoon (16^th), all males. The hillside was thick with clouds of butterflies, mostly Marbled Whites, Meadow Browns and Small/Essex Skippers (out of 10 identified, 7 were Essex and 3 were Small), plus 2 Large Skippers in the more wooded areas. 15 species seen in total (Small Tort, Gatekeeper, Brimstone, Painted Lady, Ringlet, Small Heath (only 3), Red Admiral, Comma and Small White in addition to the above). Interestingly, I didn't see any Common Blues - then on return home found a female Common Blue on my lawn probing around in the black medick with intent to lay. Total seen in my garden between 16:30 and 19:00 were 12 species including Holly Blue, Peacock and Large White on top of species seen at Aston Rowant. So 19 species for the day.

No Silver-spotted Skippers yet at A.R., but they should be out in the next 7-10 days. Everyone, keep your eyes open to claim the first of the last species of the year!

[Please report sightings of Silver-spotted Skippers to Richard Soulsby, UTB Species Champion for SSS.]

Dennis Dell sent the following on 16^th July: “On Sunday 9th, the second day of the Purple Emperor field meeting, there were several people present from the Milton Keynes Natural History Society. Paul Manchester took this amazing photo of Purple Emperor in flight above the Bernwood Oakley car park territory (see below).”

Thomas Merckx sent the following report: “On 15^th July I saw more than 10 individual Silver-washed Fritillary in Wychwood forest (near Charlbury). I also saw one White Admiral.”

Graham Elcombe visited the southern half of Wendover woods on 14^th July: “Although I saw no Purple Emperors, I was glad to see that Buddleia dellensis is now coming into flower, abundantly. What I DID see, in the general area to the East of the Buddleia, was a lot of Silver-washed Fritillaries, as the website had already noted. Impossible to count them accurately, but I momentarily saw four at once on scrubby brambles about 200 metres from Buddleia.”

Derek & Cathy Brown went to Waterperry Wood on Saturday 15^th: “We managed 3 White-letter Hairstreaks in the usual place but no Emperors at all in 3 hours. Lots of the usual subjects with Gatekeepers out in force.”

Wendy & Mick Campbell had a very enjoyable visit to Chinkwell Wood on Saturday 15^th, recording 20 species of butterfly. Walking along the outside edge of the wood, they were lucky enough to see one large (probably female) Purple Emperor which headed out of the wood about 8 feet above the ground and then continued flying strongly out across an open field! It was almost out of binocular range when it turned around and headed back into the wood. They also found a number of Elm trees in the wood and recorded 3 fresh White-letter Hairstreaks. 42 Red Admirals were counted on the many patches of bramble. Other species seen were: Speckled Wood, Comma, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Tortoiseshell, Ringlet, Purple Hairstreak, Peacock, Small White, Small Skipper, Marbled White, Painted Lady, Large White, Large Skipper, White Admiral (5), Brimstone and a single pristine Small Copper in the adjoining field.

Saturday 15^th July 2006

Richard Soulsby wandered through Benson today, 15^th, to do the Benson churchyard survey: “I noticed a single modest-sized buddleia with 9 species on or near it: Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma, 2 x Large White, Meadow Brown, 4 x Red Admiral, Essex Skipper, Small White and Brimstone. The Peacock was the first I've seen of the new brood. Also seen in both my garden and the churchyard were my first of the summer-brood Holly Blues. One week ago Skippers seen by the verge-side of the main road past Benson were roughly 50/50 Small and Essex Skippers, whereas yesterday evening they were about 5 to 1 in favour of Essex.”

At Piddington wood today, 15^th July, Tim Watts watched the tall Ash trees for one and half hours and eventually saw a male Purple Emperor gliding around the tops then landing on the same look-out branch. “This was at 2pm. I also saw 1 White Admiral and 2 Purple Hairstreak.”

Ched George visited Bix on Friday pm. 14^th: “A number of Silver-washed Fritillaries flying. 2 males positively identified once settled. Two courtship flights witnessed but did not confirm females as they did not settle. I saw 3 individuals at once. Must be more. All looked very fresh but one male chipped on hind wing.“

Nick Bowles has received reports of Chalkhill Blue being seen: 1 at Lardon Chase on 6^th July, 1 at Coombe Hill on 11^th and 2 at Aston Rowant on 12^th.

[Please report sightings of Chalkhill Blue to Nick Bowles, UTB Species Champion.]

Dave Wilton called in to Bernwood on Friday 14^th and spent 50 minutes searching for Purple Emperor but didn't see any, despite trying the poplars by the Oakley Wood car park entrance and walking down the track as far as Piccadilly and back. He did see a couple of White Admirals and loads of Purple Hairstreaks. Back at home he decided to go for a wander around the village and it proved very fruitful. On the far side of a football pitch, about 150 yards from his garden he discovered a White-letter Hairstreak on a hedge of elm/ash/sallow with blackthorn and hawthorn.

Wendy & Mick Campbell went to Waterperry Wood on Friday 14^th to look for Purple Emperor. In a thorough survey of the wood they didn’t see any males but did have good views of 4 female Purple Emperors, one of which glided ahead of them along the track only a metre above the ground and then settled low down on vegetation sunning itself. Another female was seen flying into a Sallow tree where they watched it laying eggs. 20 species of butterfly were recorded altogether, including White-letter Hairstreak (4), Silver-washed Fritillary (3) and White Admiral (16).

14^th July - David Redhead reports that the buddleias in his garden are already attracting butterflies. “The "wild" one, which went unpruned this year and grows out of an old wall, had a maximum count of nectaring butterflies of 3 Red Admiral, 2 Comma, 1 Small Tortoiseshell (my first of the second brood), 1 Small White and a very tired Meadow Brown - all this in spite of none of the flowers being fully out. Another buddleia, which only has 3 partially open flowers, even had a temporary visit from a Large White. In the parched area of rough grassland, over half a dozen Meadow Brown were flying along with a Ringlet and a Marbled White (there is a colony nearby and most years one or two find their way into our garden). In the vegetable garden a Comma was showing prolonged interest in the contents of the wheelbarrow. The herb garden sported a couple of Gatekeeper, another Large White and a couple of Meadow Brown, all mainly interested in the marjoram. There were also three Small Whites nectaring on lavender. The alleged wildflower lawn, which is partially shaded at this time of day, had a couple of Ringlet and Meadow Brown plus a Large Skipper. Total count 25-30 butterflies and 10 species. Later in the afternoon Wendy added two Holly Blue and a Small Skipper. In the afternoon I went to the Westwood Country Hotel which is surrounded by Bagley Woods. They kindly gave me permission to search their grounds for the Silver-washed Fritillary. On the buddleia in their formal gardens I saw singletons of Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell and Silver-washed Fritillary. There were also two other Silver-washed Fritillaries flying in the wilder parts of their grounds. A very successful afternoon.”

Allen Beechey sent the following sightings on 14^th July: “I saw a White-letter Hairstreak in my parents' garden in Chesham on Wednesday evening, 12^th. This is the third year in the last four that a White Letter Hairstreak has been sighted there. There must be a colony quite close by but I have so far been unable to find any Elm or Wych Elm in the vicinity! It’s a fantastic year for Silver-washed Fritillary this year - I paid a visit to the Warburg reserve yesterday, 13^th and saw 24 individuals including a frenzied whirring mass of 6 all chasing each other! Another highlight was seeing my first ever Adder!

The reserve warden told me that Silver-washed Fritillary are now far more common than Dark Green Fritillary at the site, although he has seen one this year. Two Purple Emperor have also been seen there this year.”

David Gantzel took a short walk along a footpath at Hazlemere on Thursday July 13^th. “Most numerous were Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown, a good number of Marbled White, a few Ringlets, Small Skippers, Large White and 1 Comma. I have a large buddleia in my garden at Hazlemere and those butterflies seen at 4pm were: 4 Red Admiral, 3 Painted Ladies, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Meadow Brown and 1 Gatekeeper, 3 Large White. Old Lady moth in evening.”

Upon getting home from work Thursday afternoon, 13^th, Dave Wilton popped out to the disused railway line to the west of Westcott airfield for an hour between 3.30 and 4.30pm: “I was hoping that I might bump into White Admiral and thereby perhaps find a source for the occasional specimens in my garden, once last year, twice this year. No luck with the target, but I did have some other surprises. Along a field hedge near the airfield fence there are several dead elms but quite a lot of regenerating growth and I discovered a single White-letter Hairstreak there. Another new colony, perhaps, and one that would be my closest yet to home, although there's so much elm in Westcott that I must be able to find the species even closer if I really try! I bumped into ten other species on the way to the cutting but nothing unexpected. In the cutting itself it was more of the same, with Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper being most numerous but with good numbers of Marbled White and a couple of Small Heath, even an early second-brood Common Blue. Further on I found another row of youngish elms amongst the blackthorn and other scrub right next to the path and noticed that there was Hairstreak activity there as well. In ten minutes I must have seen double-figures but there were two species present so all I could definitely come away with was five White-letter and two Purple Hairstreaks. Nice! Carrying on down the line I was surprised by a Silver-washed Fritillary which did a quick circuit around the area where I was standing and then disappeared over the vegetation.”

Thursday 13^th July 2006

John Stevens sent the following report today, 13th: “I am sure that I am not the first person to point out that this year seems to be quite extraordinary in the UT/H&M area for Silver-washed Fritillary. On Tuesday I spent the day walking and observing in the general area of Wendover Woods and in the period 11.00 - 15.00 had at least 15 sightings of this species in the area. On three occasions the individual stopped to nectar and could be examined but the other records were rapid fly-bys. At Dancers End there were two separate males frequenting the meadow area and a very tatty valezina female nectaring on Marjoram.”

Nick Bowles saw a White-letter Hairstreak at College Lake, Bucks, at lunchtime on Wednesday while helping to plan an ecological study day. “Also seen there today (not by me) was a White Admiral – a reserve first I think.”

Adrian Hickman went to Sole Common BBOWT reserve on Wednesday mainly to look for Dragonflies: “Only yards from where I parked and within minutes of arriving I saw White Admiral and Silver-washed Fritillary, closely followed, to my amazement by a superb male Purple Emperor feeding on some smelly fly-tipped DIY rubbish close-by! It was in view for at least half an hour and allowed very close approach. Being unexpected, as I’m new to the area. this was all the more enjoyable! I also saw Large White, Comma, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Large Skipper and Red Admiral. Plenty of Dragonfly activity also, so all in all an excellent visit.”

Chris Brown regularly visits a site called Kennylands Field, now the Millennium Green, in the triangle of B481 & Kennylands Road and sent in this interesting information: ”It’s slowly reverting to an unimproved pasture. Frequented by large numbers of Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Marbled Whites, Small Heath, Common Blue, Small Copper, Gatekeeper, Ringlet & Meadow Browns, most years, but particularly for the many hundreds (most years) of Forester Moths (only a few this year so far). Although I am not really a moth observer, this is the only one I currently recognise and monitor specially for the Millennium Green Trust. It was the presence of this one species which enabled the Trust to get a grant to help establish & run this site. The Forester can usually be found on the blue field scabious. I am currently growing both the blue field scabious and some knapweed from seed collected there, specifically to increase the amount of plants available as nectar sources. The Marbled Whites are fond of the knapweed. The plan is to have more wild plants around the field in the years to come. There is a lavender hedge around the playing green which is usually swarming with Bees, Skippers, Meadow Brown & Gatekeepers in the warm weather.”

At Finemere wood yesterday, 12^th, Tim Watts recorded 10 Purple Hairstreak and 2 White Admiral. “I met a couple who I know from bird-watching. They were delighted to have seen 2-3 Purple Emperor over tall Ash trees at the end of wood, their first ever. Luckily they met Dennis Dell who had pointed them in the right direction. I sat by the bend in the track where I’ve seen them before but no luck. We also saw 1 White-letter Hairstreak on the scraggy elms 200mts from road,”

Dave Wilton went to Chinkwell Wood yesterday, 12^th July: On his approach to the wood clumps of thistles were providing nectar to Red Admiral (4), Painted Lady (5), Small Tortoiseshell (14) and Comma (1) as well as the usual suspects. “Twenty minutes studying the trees (and the cowpats in the field) at the corner of the wood produced no sign of any Purple Emperor activity so I went through the gate into the set-aside field which borders the wood's southern edge.  Just inside the field, right by the gate, there's a big clump of brambles with some thistles in front of them and on one of the latter I found a White-letter Hairstreak with a large chunk of its hindwings missing (see photo below). All the usual species were present plus Red Admiral (3), Painted Lady (1) & Small Tortoiseshell (2). Inside the wood I was pleased to find Brimstone (3), White Admiral (7), Red Admiral (29), Comma (13) & Speckled Wood (2) as well as very good numbers of skippers, whites and browns. After Chinkwell I did a quick circuit of the public footpath through Kingswood and found 2 Silver-washed Fritillary, White Admiral (6), Red Admiral (1), Small Tortoiseshell (2) & Comma (3).

Tony Croft went to Aston Rowant on Wednesday 12^th: “It was an absolutely perfect summer's day and there was an astounding number of butterflies. Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Small Heath, several Brimstone, Large White, what looked like Green-Veined White, Small White, Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma and two Chalkhill Blue looking fantastic.”

Robin Dryden had a very successful walk around Black park between 1 and 2 pm on Wednesday 12^th in glorious sunshine: “I was with friends so didn't do anything other than guess the numbers! The undoubted highlight was a Purple Emperor gliding across the ride and then sunning itself in full view at the top of an oak tree. My friends were impressed! Tomorrow I'm taking my telescope and camera! There was plenty of other activity with 10-15 White Admiral, 2 Red Admiral, 1 Comma, <10 Gatekeeper, >20 Meadow Brown, 2 Ringlet, <10 Whites - Large and Small identified, 3 Large Skipper, <10 Purple Hairstreak.”

Wednesday 12^th July 2006

Allen Beechey was out yesterday, 11^th, carrying out a survey of the Alderbourne, which runs between Fulmer & Uxbridge: “Whilst looking at the stretch that runs through Kingcup Farm SSSI near Denham I noticed a small brown butterfly skim the grass before landing nearby. On closer inspection it turned out to be a White-letter Hairstreak. It was a good 800 yards away from the nearest hedge but there is plenty of Wych Elm in the area. Unfortunately I had the wrong lens on my camera (wide angle) and so could only get a poor quality photo of it (see below). Meadow Browns dominated on the site with a good number of Essex Skipper (I gave up after identifying 10) and Small Skipper. There were also a good number of fresh Small Tortoiseshell and Comma.”

11^th July - Tim Watts reports from the Calvert BBOWT reserve: “4-6 Purple Hairstreak over Ash trees to the far left of the entrance gate this evening. This species has only been recorded on here over the last 2 years, with the odd sighting. Also the most Red Admirals I’ve ever seen at one moment - at one stage there were 7 tumbling together!”

Welcome to the website new contributor Chris Brown who sent the following report on his lunch-break visit to Crowsley Park wood on Tuesday 11^th July. Chris has been monitoring this site for a number of years: “The weather was perfect and there were too many butterflies to make a proper count in the short time available. My brief tally was: Small Skipper 1, Brimstone 1, Large White 1, Small White 1, Green-veined White 1, Red Admiral 1, Comma 14, Silver-Washed Fritillary 5 (including a mating pair – photo to follow), Marbled White 1, Meadow Brown 17, Ringlet 12. If it is too hot (over 30C) this site is best visited in the later afternoon I have found, particularly for the Silver-Washed Fritillaries which then tend to bask on the conifer tree trunks and are much harder to locate, sometimes up as high as 30ft off the ground. They also rest high up on the beech tree leaves and unless they move are impossible to spot. I usually visit this site once a week from June to August.”

[Photographs will be posted tomorrow along with another report from Chris about Kennylands Field/Millennium Green.]

Wendy & Mick Campbell met Chris Brown in Crowsley Park wood on 11^th July whilst they were surveying for Silver-washed Fritillary. During 3 hours they recorded very good numbers of Silver-Washed Fritillary including mating pairs. Chris’s records indicate that this is a well established and growing colony based on several years of his observations and this also lines up with their records from the last 3 years. They recorded 13 species of butterfly altogether. Late afternoon they moved on to Homefield Wood and were very pleased to record 5 Silver-Washed Fritillary as they normally only see one or two in the wood. Along with the usual species seen were 5 White-letter Hairstreaks in the tall Elms along the main ride, 4 Red Admirals, 3 Painted Lady, 34 Commas and a pristine Small Copper.

Dave Wilton had a day off and some decent sunshine on 11^th July: “First priority for me was to find Dark Green Fritillary so I went to the only place that I know where a sighting is virtually guaranteed in season - Swyncombe Downs. The climb to the footpath produced Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Painted Lady, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Ringlet and Small Heath, while my journey west from the footpath junction added Large Skipper, Brimstone, Brown Argus, Red Admiral and Dark Green Fritillary (9), so 18 species in the hour that I was there! Moths included Cistus Forester, Six-spot Burnet, Silver-Y & Pyrausta purpuralis. Then on to Piddington Wood where I saw White-letter Hairstreaks in the Elms. A White Admiral along the footpath started circling my legs and within seconds it was joined by what I thought was another one twice its size - but it was actually a Purple Emperor! It just lazily followed the White Admiral around me twice, about a foot behind it and about 18 inches above ground level, then shot off along the track. Up in the canopy there was also a male Purple Emperor active.”

David Redhead was carrying out some transects on 11^th July: “I have always wondered if we start our Field Meetings unnecessarily late. On Tuesday I saw my first butterflies just after 7.30 am whilst dog walking across Iffley Meadows - at least 30 Meadow Brown plus a Comma nectaring on a thistle. Returning home via Rose Hill Nature Reserve added several more Meadow Browns, a Gatekeeper or two, a couple more nectaring Commas, a Ringlet and a Small Skipper. So by 8.30 am I had seen about 40 butterflies and 5 species. After a hurried breakfast I arrived at Bernwood Forest at 9.30 am to do the M40 Compensation Area transect. In the next hour I did several bunny hops (by car) down the main ride to the Compensation Area. On the way I added Purple Emperor, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Hairstreak, Marbled White, Red Admiral, Large White, Small White and Green-veined White to my list. So by 10.30 am, the usual start time for our Field Meetings, my species list was 13 (a couple of them rather special) and I reckon I had seen something like 150 butterflies. I then did the transect which, with a total count of 529, was just higher than Mike Wilkins’ previous record for this transect set a week earlier (see below). Marbled Whites were still the most numerous (178) but had dropped by a third from when Mike did it. The increase in Ringlets (122) and Gatekeepers (60) enabled the record to be broken. Another Silver-washed Fritillary was seen on transect and this represented a first ever for this transect. Large Skipper and Essex Skipper were also added to my day list. Back at the entrance by the Oakley Wood car park a White Admiral became my 16th species of the day. In spite of spending the afternoon in Oxford my final species count rose to 17 when a Holly Blue was seen flying along the Botley Road.”

From the Herts/Bucks border in Tring, Nick Bowles recorded the following in his garden on 11^th July: “Tonight when I got home at 5pm my 25 x12 m garden held a minimum of: Small Skipper 1; Unidentified white (probably Large W) 1; Red Admiral 2; Painted Lady 1; Small Tortoiseshell 2; Meadow Brown 3; Ringlet 2 and Gatekeeper 1. Considering that most of June passed with literally nothing at all most days (though I am not home until about 5) this is a cheering development.“

Monday 10^th July 2006

Ched George sent this news today: “Sue and I paid a late evening visit to Yoesdon Bank on the 7^th, to see if we could see any Chalkhill Blues. No luck, but astonished to see easily 100+ Marbled White, a very large count for this site.”

Martin Raper sent this transect report: “On Saturday 8^th July, our transect in Moor Copse has also reached record counts for the 5 years we have been doing it. Small Skipper (42), Meadow Brown (56), Ringlet (62) and a record transect total of 199. Silver-washed Fritillaries both sexes seen during last 2 weeks, after last year's first single sighting record, imply we may have a colony now?”

Mike Wilkins sent the following report on 9^th July: “I had an amazing transect walk at the M40 Compensation Area (Bernwood) on 4th July on a hot (31°) hazy afternoon. There were clouds of Marbled Whites totalling 235 with 93 Small/ Essex Skippers (no ES identified yet), 83 Meadow Browns and 75 Ringlets. The total was 509 individuals of 10 species which is a record for the site. A good number of Banded Demoiselles in sections 1 & 2 as well as 5- and 6-spot Burnets, Silver Ys and Cinnabar. Single figures of a few other species making ten in total. To round it off I looked for White-letter Hairstreaks and quickly found 4 on the motorway side of the dividing hedge. I would like someone to confirm I/D as I forgot my binoculars but they were all behaving correctly at the tops of the elms so I am 90% certain.

Two days later, on 6^th July, I walked the Aston Upthorpe Downs transect at 'only' 24°. Here, the dominant species was Meadow Brown at 268 with only 107 Marbled Whites and 81 Ringlets. Small Heath at 31 is also a good count but the four Gatekeepers should increase considerably. This time the total was 516 of ten species but it is a longer walk than the Compensation Area. Added to that were 116 Six-spot Burnets, many nectaring on the abundant ragwort which was being devoured by masses of Cinnabar caterpillars.”

David Redhead confined his butterflying to the vicinity of his house on Sunday 9^th: “At one time there were three Commas flying in the garden and over a wider area they ran into double figures along with about half a dozen Red Admirals. Over a patch of brambles about 100m from my house at first sight they were three Commas flying together but one appeared larger than the others and when it settled it became a male Silver-washed Fritillary. This is my second Silver-washed Fritillary in 3 days in areas which I have visited regularly in the past but have never seen them. On both occasions my first instinct was to "dismiss" them as fresh Commas - so the moral of the story is:- check those Commas (which appear to have emerged recently in good numbers) very carefully. Also seen (in order of abundance) Ringlet, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper & Small White. Also a couple of Scarlet Tiger Moths seen.”

Sunday 9^th July 2006

Dennis Dell sent this unusual photo of a Purple Emperor. “It was seen yesterday in the Oakley Wood car park. This specimen arrived at 10.20 and stayed there until 10.50, landing mainly on car bonnets and tyres, all the time with its proboscis out, feeding from the hot surfaces. Here, it crawled over the top of the tyre and down into the area behind the wheel, in complete darkness! I pointed my camera in and pressed, and, because the flash worked, I got this picture.”

David Redhead sent this report on 9^th July: “This is the fifth year I have been running the Shabbington Wood transect and on Friday afternoon, 7^th, I nearly broke the record count during this period with 481 butterflies recorded (record 484 in third week of July 2005). Two-thirds of the butterflies were Ringlets and at 311 this was a five year record. Large Skippers (44), Marbled White (37), Gatekeeper (36), Meadow Brown (23) and Small/Essex Skipper (21) all made good contributions to the total. The Marbled White count was also a five year record and actually exceeded the total count for this species in 2002 & 2003. Large White (3), White Admiral (2), Red Admiral (2) and Comma (1) brought the total to 480. In York's Wood what I thought was another fresh and bright Comma rapidly flew out of the birch saplings and settled in the bramble patch ahead of me. On checking with the binoculars it turned into a gorgeously fresh male Silver-washed Fritillary. It has only been recorded on this transect (walked since 1984) four times before - twice in 1997 and twice in 1985. I managed to definitely identify six of the Small/Essex Skippers and one of them proved to be an Essex Skipper making the final species count 12. Back home I recorded 3 Commas, a Scarlet Tiger Moth and two fresh Red Admirals. Up on the rough grassland Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Marbled White and Small Skippers all reached double figures. An Essex Skipper and a couple of Large skippers were also about. From my observations at Bernwood and nearer home I think Marbled Whites must be having a good year.”

Tim Watts forwarded the following news: “Michael Hunt doing a survey for BBOWT at the Calvert reserve today, 8^th July, recorded 1 White Admiral, the first he's seen here in 30 years of recording. Also 40 Red Admiral which was very unusual.”

Paul Bowyer and Mick & Wendy Campbell visited Sydlings Copse on 8^th July. This site has an unusual mix of habitats, with a flower meadow, woodland, a fen area and heathland. 19 species of butterfly were recorded: Small Tortoiseshell 7, Large White 4, Meadow Brown 17, Small White 14, Gatekeeper 8, Large Skipper 1, Small Skipper 7, Green-veined White 13, Red Admiral 6, Essex Skipper 2, Painted Lady 1, Comma 3, Ringlet 8, Marbled White 47, Speckled Wood 1, Purple Emperor 2, White-letter Hairstreak 3, White Admiral 3, Purple Hairstreak 2. Moths included: Yellow Shell 1, Silver-Y 7, N.B. 5-spot Burnet 2, Scarlet Tiger 7.

Dennis Dell has posed the following question: “Do any other members share my view that Small Tortoiseshell is having a better season than of late? On Friday 7^th July, on a small patch of thistles just outside Finemere Wood I counted 12 - something I have not seen for some years.”

[A number of fresh Small Tortoiseshells have been reported recently – in order to try and answer Dennis’ question, please send in your sightings to me.]

Tony Croft did his survey at Buttler's Hangings this morning, 8^th: “I was hoping for Chalkhill Blue but without success. I did see 16 Small Skipper, 1 Large Skipper, 2 Large White, 1 Common Blue, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Comma, 2 Dark Green Fritillary, a startling 186 Marbled White, 37 Gatekeeper, 98 Meadow Brown, 21 Ringlet and back at home a lovely fresh Small Tortoiseshell.”

Thursday 6^th July 2006

6^th July - Jackie Tuckey reports seeing her first Comma for this year down the drive at Murcott: “It was immaculate. Also a Marbled White and loads of Browns.”

Robin Dryden had a pleasant stroll around Langley Park today, 6^th July: “Insects were interesting with two firsts for the park for me. Butterflies were very much to the fore with innumerable Meadow Brown, 7 Gatekeeper, 4 Speckled Wood, 6 Red Admiral, 17 Comma, 2 Large White, 6 Small Skipper including a mating pair and the two firsts were a Marbled White and a female Purple Hairstreak that I rescued from the middle of the path and put on some bramble. She was very sluggish and the first I have held in the palm of my hand! Dragonflies included a couple of Emperor Dragonflies including an egg laying female, several Broad-bodied Chasers and Black-tailed Skimmers, some newly emerged Hawkers which I think were Migrant and a newly emerged female Common Darter. The bird news is that the pair of Common Terns have successfully raised two young to flying, there are three surviving cygnets with one surviving parent and the lonely Egyptian Goose is still mourning the loss of its mate. Young Jackdaws, Parakeets and Tits abound. The paths were teeming with froglets!”

4^th July - Nick Bowles recorded a single fresh Essex Skipper female in his garden, just over the border in Tring. “I don’t think it was newly emerged but a very fresh specimen which posed quite nicely for a few antennae end shots. For the first time in weeks I have now seen 3 species in as many days in my garden: Meadow brown, Ringlet, Essex Skipper. Also a Hummingbird Hawk-moth which has been around for a couple of days”.

On 4^th July, Dave Ferguson saw a male Purple Emperor in Wendover Woods on the track behind Picket Piece. Also 2 male Silver-washed Fritillaries nearby.

Tony & Hazel Hall were walking their dog in Rushbeds Wood on 3^rd July. At around 11.00am they came upon a butterfly sunning itself on the ground. They initially thought it was a White Admiral but, on studying the photo when they arrived home, realised it was a Purple Emperor. (See photo at the top of this page.)

Andy Reynolds sent the following sightings for 3^rd July: “White Admiral (1) at Waterperry Wood. One male Purple Emperor working the ride at 11am in the southern end of Bernwood Forest.”

Allen Beechey sent the following report on 4th July: “I had this sighting sent to me by our education officer [at Chilterns AONB]. A White Admiral seen on privet at the top edge of a glade in Toothill, Bottom Wood end, on Friday 30^th June. Bottom Wood is near Studley Green.”

Ade Parker reported a male Purple Emperor at Black Park on 3^rd July along with White Admirals.

Dave Wilton had a single confirmed Essex Skipper along the track leading to Finemere Wood on the afternoon of 3^rd July.

Monday 3^rd July 2006

Dick Lister sent this significant sighting today: “I felt you would be interested in a sighting today 3^rd July of a Purple Emperor particularly as in the Jim Asher book it does not appear to be recorded in this grid square. It was at the Field Studies Council Field Centre at Amersham. It paid particular attention to our dustbins and most particularly to a plastic bag containing something a dog had left behind!”

Tim Watts sent this report on 3^rd July: “On Calvert BBOWT reserve I spent some time watching the tops of trees next to the car park. Mick Campbell from the local butterfly conservation branch had spotted a Purple Hairstreak here last year around the small Ash. I had seen one low down the year before. These were the first records for the reserve. At 2:30pm I spotted 2 dark butterflies duelling around the tops of the small Elms to left of car park. They were White-letter Hairstreak, 2 or 3 very active, sticking to tree tops, scrapping and not staying in the same spot long enough to get a digi-scoped photo. I rang Michael Hunt who has been surveying butterflies on the reserve for 30 years and he says it’s the first record. Would be good if someone can have a look at the Elms to confirm. Underwing darker than Purple and line of orange below the white W. Unbelievably I think I had another first with a superb White Admiral which came through the road line of trees and into oak by the hide. We don't have a big wood on the reserve but there are oaks, honeysuckle and brambles. I have seen them on the railway line on the landfill as close as 500 metres from the reserve boundary so it probably came from here. There are loads of them in the adjacent Sheephouse Wood. Also seen: Banded Demoiselle along track to 2nd hide, Marbled Whites, Small Heath. Gatekeeper, Common Blue, Small Skipper, Meadow Browns, Burnet moth, Red Admiral, Large White, Ringlets and the water is covered in the most small blue damsel flies I’ve ever seen!”

Dennis Dell reports seeing three Silver-washed Fritillary at Wendover Woods (high up near the top car park) on 2^nd July and one in Finemere Wood on 3^rd July.

Dave Wilton spent a couple of hours at Finemere after work today, 3^rd July: “After walking through the gate at the entrance to the wood the first butterfly I saw was a Purple Emperor. It was orbiting the ride cross-roads by the sign board and then landed on the sallow on the SW corner of the junction, at about 10ft up, and proceeded to sun itself for about five minutes. I believe it was a male as there was a hint of purple occasionally. When it took off it headed north up the main ride and I lost it from sight. I checked the oaks south of the turning circle and the high points at the two corners up the top end of the wood but had no further sightings. I also walked down to Greatsea, checking the cow-pats in the field by the entrance as well as the high-point there, then continued down the ride as far as the spot where the clay shoot was obviously going to be constructed. Three White Admirals but not a lot else. Attached is a photo of a White-letter Hairstreak (see below). Pity it had been pecked, but this is the only half-decent picture I've ever managed to get of this species! One of six seen around the elms along the track leading to the wood.”

Tony Croft did his survey at Buttler's Hangings this afternoon, 3^rd July, and had 4 sightings of Dark Green Fritillary along with 17 Small Skippers, 5 Large Skippers, 1 Large White, 1 Common Blue, 111 Marbled Whites, 4 Gatekeepers, 76 Meadow Browns and 31 Ringlets.

Graham Taylor sent the following report on 3^rd July: “Just to let you know I saw good numbers of White-letter Hairstreak and two Purple Emperor in Wytham Woods on 1^st July (the latter in two widely separated locations), with both species coming down to the ground at times.”

Allen Beechey had a short walk around Oakley Wood (Bernwood) on Saturday 1^st July: “I saw, amongst the usual suspects, 15 White Admiral, including one which was completely black (Matthew Oates did tell me what this aberration was called but I can’t remember – caused by high temperatures during the pupal stage, I believe). No Purple Emperors, but I did see my first Essex Skipper of the year.”

David Gantzel visited Watlington Hill on Friday 30^th June and again on Saturday July 1^st with South Bucks BNA: “Both visits were disappointing. On both days Small Heath were most numerous followed by Meadow Brown - neither in large numbers. Also Speckled Wood, single Common Blue, single Ringlet. On July 1^st single male Brimstone, single Marbled White, single Cream Wave moth and Six-spot Burnet.”

News from Debbie Lewis that a White letter Hairstreak was seen in the Warburg car park during the week commencing 26^th June.

Sunday 2^nd July 2006

Phil Coles went to Starveall Farm (Stone – Bucks) today, July 2^nd and recorded the following: Large Skipper 3, Large White 1, Small Tortoiseshell 1, Comma 2, Speckled Wood 1, Gatekeeper 1, Meadow Brown 100+, Ringlet 4, Small Heath 1.

Dennis Dell went to Wendover woods today, 2^nd July: “No Purple Emperor yet, but three Silver-Washed Fritillaries (not around the buddleia, as it’s not flowering yet).”

Paul Bowyer and Wendy & Mick Campbell visited Penley Wood today. No luck with Purple Emperors, but a single Silver-washed Fritillary was a nice compensation. Also seen were Painted Lady, 4 Purple Hairstreaks in the Ash trees, 2 Small Skipper, one Small Heath, 4 Speckled Wood, 3 Red Admiral, 4 Comma and good numbers of Ringlet. Meadow Brown, Marbled White and Large Skipper, but surprisingly no Gatekeepers. Moths included Yellow Shell, Cinnabar and Straw Dot. A fresh Small Tortoiseshell was also in their garden later in the afternoon.

Dave Wilton spent 1hr 45mins at Rushbeds Wood this afternoon, 2^nd July: “33C, so said my car thermometer, and wall-to-wall sunshine. Purple Emperor was found flying around a small gap in the ash canopy above the track just inside the wood from the Lapland Farm Meadows entrance (exactly the same place as last year). When I got there at 3.55pm a single male was patrolling the spot. He chased off another similar-sized butterfly - possibly a Red Admiral but I couldn't get binoculars on it in time - then carried on patrolling and perching for as long as I stood there (he was constantly in view for 20 minutes, after which neck-ache got the better of me!). Most of the perching was done with wings closed, but then for the last three or four minutes he started sunning himself. There was no sign of activity at the railway bridge, along the other tracks or at the central "cross-roads".  The heat didn't seem to put off other species either and I recorded Large Skipper (6), Small Skipper (1), Brimstone (1), unidentified Whites (2), Purple Hairstreak (1), Red Admiral (1), Comma (6), White Admiral (2), Marbled White (1), Speckled Wood (4), Meadow Brown (30) & Ringlet (34) along the various rides.”

Sunday 2^nd July Martin Raper sent this news: “Just a short note to say that today's work party saw two Silver-washed Fritillaries in Moor Copse over bramble. This complements our first ever sighting for Moor Copse last June.”

Robin Carr saw two male Silver-washed Fritillaries on his transect yesterday Saturday 1^st July.

David & Wendy Redhead went to Brasenose Woods on Saturday morning and saw 7 White Admirals along with Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Comma, Large Skipper and a fresh Small Tortoiseshell.

Phil Coles went to Rushbeds Wood and Lapland Farm on July 1^st: Small Skipper 1, Small/Essex Skipper 7, Large Skipper 27, White Admiral 3, Painted Lady 1, Comma 1, Speckled Wood 11, Marbled White 97, Meadow Brown 100+, Ringlet 100+, Small Heath 7, S/GV White 1.

~~ ooOoo ~~

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