Friday 1st June 2007

Richard Soulsby sent the following report today: "I went to Lardon Chase this morning, 1st June, and found 6+ Adonis Blues (4M, 2F), 8 Common Blues, 7 Small Blues, 1 Brown Argus, 2 Brimstones (M & F), and one fresh Meadow Brown, plus one or two Yellow Shells."

In an hour-long sunny interlude between thunderstorms yesterday afternoon (Thursday 31st May), Dave Wilton went to Lapland Farm, Bucks to search for Forester Moth: "This time I was successful, with seven recorded in the eastern meadow. Other species active there in the sunshine comprised butterflies Grizzled Skipper (1), Large White (1), Green Hairstreak (1), Small Copper (1), Common Blue (62), Small Heath (13) and moths Grass Rivulet (4), Lime-speck Pug (1), Shoulder-striped Wainscot (1), Silver-Y (1), Mother Shipton (4), Burnet Companion (3), Hedya pruniana (2) and Opsibotys fuscalis (5)."

Tom Stevenson reports that during a very wet bird survey yesterday morning, 31st May, he was extremely surprised to find a Large Skipper resting on an Ox-Eye Daisy. In the 3.5 hour survey of Battle Farm, Preston Crowmarsh, Oxfordshire, the only other butterfly he saw was a Small White in a brief sunny period.

Wednesday 30th May 2007

30th May - David Redhead is pleased to be able to report that butterflies in the Oxford area have survived one of the wettest and coldest late May bank holidays on record! "In the fitful sunshine of yesterday I managed to see Speckled Wood (2), Holly Blue (1), Small Copper (1), Orange Tip (1) and Small White (1) along with a couple of Burnet Companion moths.
The Brown Hairstreak Caterpillar Count at the RSPB Otmoor Reserve proved extremely successful on what, fortunately, turned out to be a pleasant evening and our searching was done to the accompaniment of a Turtle Dove and a Grasshopper Warbler. A total of 15 caterpillars were found ranging in length from 7mm to 17mm. Below is a photograph of the largest named Eta. In spite of the mainly miserable May, caterpillar development seems to be very well advanced. The average length of the caterpillars found was 12.4mm but on a similar date in 2005 it was only 7.4mm and we had to wait until the 10th June that year for the average length to exceed 12mm."

Monday 28th May 2007

Welcome to the website new contributor Malcolm Brownsword who sent the following report and photos on 25th May: "I am a new member of Butterfly Conservation. Please see attachments, which may be of interest: The first photo was taken at Hartslock on 17 May - it's a Green Hairstreak perched on an Orchid. The other two photos are of a female Adonis Blue and were taken on 24 May, shortly after I spoke to Wendy Wilson, who saw the early Large Skipper shown on the website. Also at Hartslock I saw Adonis Blue (2 males), 2 Green Hairstreaks and many Small Heaths."

Saturday 26th May 2007

Thanks to Gerry Kendall for his report on the field trip to Aston Upthorpe today: "Twelve people took part in the field trip to Aston Upthorpe on 26th May. It was rather breezy and often overcast, but the party managed 15 species: Large Skipper, Dingy Skipper, Grizzled Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-tip, Green Hairstreak, Small Copper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Adonis Blue, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood and Small Heath. The lack of Duke of Burgundy was a disappointment, but not a surprise, but the Adonis Blue was a real treat and suggested that they may be colonising this area. Other sightings were a fine view of a very handsome fox and a Great Grey Slug."

Robin Dryden visited Lardon Chase on Tuesday morning 22nd May: "I was eventually successful in my quest for Adonis Blue, a new UTB species for me. I saw four males and was amazed at how different they looked in flight from the numerous male Common Blues (14 males seen, four females). I only found one Small Blue, a very tatty Grizzled Skipper, two Orange-tip and several 'cabbage' Whites. I went to Hartslock on Thursday morning (24th), not for the butterflies, but did spot a female Adonis Blue, three male Common Blues, a Small Heath and Small Copper. I also found a very fresh Meadow Brown, my first of the year!"

Wendy & Mick Campbell spent a couple of hours at Asham Meads on Thursday afternoon, 24th May, in slightly overcast but still and humid conditions. Nine butterfly species were recorded: Brimstone (2), Common Blue (10), Red Admiral (1), Speckled Wood (1), Large White (2), Orange-tip (3), Small White (1), Brown Argus (2), Peacock (1). Moths seen were: Small Yellow Underwing (6), Silver-Y (2), Forester (6), Mother Shipton (1 - worn) and dragonflies included Four-spotted Chaser (3), Broad-bodied Chaser (1 male).

Thursday 24th May 2007

Wendy Wilson photographed this Large Skipper when she paid a brief visit to the Hartslock Reserve today, 24th May:

Tom Stevenson went back to Lardon Chase this afternoon 24th May: "I managed to find Adonis Blue - probably between 6 and 10 including a couple of females. Also Small Blue, Common Blue, Small Copper and Small Heath but only single figures of each (needless to say the sun went behind a cloud as we parked the car!)."

Dennis Dell sent this interesting observation today, 24th May: "I watched a Holly Blue ovipositing on an unopened bud of the Ceanothus in my garden today. In South's British Butterflies, several foodplants are listed: Ivy, Holly, Dogwood, Berry bearing Alder, Spindle, Furze, Bramble, Pyracantha, and Rhododendron. I've netted the branch and hope to observe the progress of the larva when it hatches in about 1 week to 10 days."

Derek Brown reports that Cathy saw a Common Blue and also a Brown Argus at Coley Park Reading on 22nd.

Wednesday 23rd May 2007

Richard Soulsby went to Ivinghoe Beacon Wednesday afternoon, 23rd May, having been unable to make Robin Carr’s field trip on Sunday: "I’ve never been there before (it’s quite a long haul from Benson), but I phoned Robin last night and he kindly told me just where to look. I found 9 Dukes of Burgundy, which doesn’t seem too bad, considering I didn’t arrive until 3:15 pm. Also Dingy Skippers, Brown Argus, Common Blues, Burnet Companions, etc. Yesterday I tried Dancers End, but couldn’t find any Duke of Burgundy – only Dingy Skippers and Burnet Companions."

Dave Wilton and Mick & Wendy Campbell visited several Adonis Blue sites on 22nd May: They were successful at two of the sites, locating a total of 9 Adonis Blue (8 males, 1 female) altogether. One of the sites where they found Adonis Blue was the Hartslock Reserve where they also recorded Dingy Skipper (2), Grizzled Skipper (1), Large Skipper (1), Brimstone (1), Green Hairstreak (3), Brown Argus (4, incl one mating pair), Common Blue (9), Red Admiral (1), Small Heath (9), Yellow Shell (1), Treble-bar sp (1), Mother Shipton (1), Pyrausta nigrata (1).

Monday 21st May 2007

21st May - Dave Maunder recorded these butterflies around Fairford Leys, Aylesbury recently: Peacock (1), Brimstone (1, female), Orange-tips (2, male), Green-veined Whites (3), Small Whites (15), Large Whites (3) and Small Copper (1).

Allen Beechey sent this news today, 21st May: "Having had quite a run of inclement days, which were as bad for butterflies as they were good for my chalk streams, I paid a visit to Yoesden Bank yesterday, in the hope of getting some photos of Adonis Blues. I wasn’t disappointed. The site was alive with butterflies, all, no doubt, making up for lost time. In the course of my two hour visit I saw: 1 very tired looking Green Hairstreak; 1 very fresh Grizzled Skipper; 5 Dingy Skipper; 8 Small Heath; 30+ Small Blue; 6 Common Blue; 40+ Adonis Blue; 1 Small White; 1 Large White and 2 Peacock."

Posting of Märsh Fritillary sightings have been delayed to provide some protection to this fragile colony. The following reports were received:

On 5th May Jim Asher recorded 20+ Märsh Fritillaries at a site in Berkshire, lots of Dingy Skippers, one Small Copper and 2 Small Heath.

Gerry Kendall went to a site in Berkshire on 6th May: "It was warm, with a bit of sun, but quite windy. I found a Peacock sheltering in a hollow and was just berating myself for wasting my time when I saw a couple of Märsh Fritillaries. I eventually had half a dozen sightings (not sure how many individuals). Also my first Small Heath of the year."

Lloyd Garvey sent the following report on 6th May: "There are large numbers of Märsh Fritillaries at a site in Berkshire all along roadside edge of reserve seen yesterday (5th May 2007) along with Dingy Skipper, Red Admiral and a Brimstone."

Sunday 20th May 2007

Ched George visited College Lake today 20th May: "I had my first Large Skipper, 2 Green Hairstreak, a Brimstone, a Small Heath, a Large White and 2 Common Blue males."

Jim Asher revisited some sites along the disused Newbury-Didcot railway line on Sunday morning, 20th May: "I confirmed Small Blue present in 4 1km squares and found one mating pair and several eggs. Apart from some Orange-tips, Common Blues, Brimstones - including a female laying on buckthorn - a Small Heath, a Mother Shipton and some Common Heaths, I did not see as many butterflies as I expected. It may be the turn in the weather, plus the residual breeze that kept them down."

Martin & Dee Raper went to Aston Upthorpe Sunday 20th May and saw: Grizzled Skipper (2), Dingy Skipper (7), Green Hairstreak (1), Small Heath (1), Orange-tip (9), Brimstone (10), Peacock (2) and 8 Cinnabar moths. No Duke of Burgundy counted.

Spurred on by John Ward-Smith's report (18th May) of large numbers of Small Blues at Swyncombe, Richard Soulsby went there again today, 20th: "However, despite warm, calm but muggy and rather overcast weather, I only managed to see 30 Small Blues. Either their peak is over, or they were having a nap after their Sunday lunch. There always seems to be one day when the Small Blue are out in huge numbers at Swyncombe, then very rapidly they subside to more reasonable numbers, but the peak must be a lot earlier this year than usual. In fact, there were not many butterflies flying at all up there today, and nothing out of the ordinary."

Dave Ferguson tried the Calvert drain this morning: "No sign of Wall Brown. What I did get was: Brown Argus (3), Grizzled Skipper (4), Dingy Skipper (6), Peacock (2), Common Blue (11), Small Heath (3), Large White (3), Green-veined White (5), Small White (11), Orange Tip (1), Red Admiral (1), Cinnabar moth (1)."

Derek Brown finally managed to get back on the butterfly trail today (20th): "I saw 8 Common Blues, (1 female), 6 Adonis Blues, (1 female), and 5 Small Blues at Lardon Chase in 45mins."

Wendy & Mick Campbell visited BBOWT's Calvert Jubilee Reserve (permit required) Sunday afternoon, 20th, and recorded the following 15 species of butterfly: Red Admiral (2), Grizzled Skipper (9), Peacock (5), Small Tortoiseshell (2 - one rescued from a web), Common Blue (36 - mostly male, but 3 female and one mating pair), Small Heath (8), Green-veined White (3), Dingy Skipper (3), Large White (1), Small White (1), Comma (1), Brimstone (2 male), Small Copper (1), Orange-tip (1 male) and Speckled Wood (1). Also seen were Burnet Companion, Cinnabar, Lackey Moth Caterpillar, a Wasp Beetle and the striking micro moth Commophila aeneana.

Saturday 19th May 2007

Dave Ferguson spent an hour at Yoesden Bank yesterday (18th May): "It produced Adonis Blue (3), Common Blue (1), Small Blue (2), Dingy Skipper (1), Small Heath (5), Small White (1), Green-veined White (1) and moths: Mother Shipton (4), Burnet Companion (7). Then today (19th May) 30 minutes at Hedgerley spoil heap produced: Brown Argus (3), Common Blue (10), Brimstone (1), Small White (1) and Cinnabar moth (2)."

On Friday 18th May Dave Wilton spent another couple of hours in the disused railway cutting west of Westcott, sheltered from the strong south-westerly wind: "There was plenty of activity there and I saw the following: Dingy Skipper (29), Grizzled Skipper (25), Large White (1), Small White (3), Green-veined White (5), Orange-tip (3), Green Hairstreak (2), Brown Argus (6), Common Blue (27, including two mating pairs), Small Copper (7), Peacock (2) and Small Heath (26, mostly in the fields leading down from the A41). Moths included Green Carpet (1), Lesser Treble-bar (2), Common Heath (2), Cinnabar (4), Small Yellow Underwing (2), Silver-Y (1), Burnet Companion (1) and Pyrausta purpuralis (5, two of them potted and confirmed). While hunting unsuccessfully for signs of Brown Hairstreak caterpillars from a couple of eggs which I'd tagged, both of which had hatched, I did manage to find a Figure of Eight caterpillar about 2cm in length."

Friday 18th May 2007

John Ward-Smith made an excursion from Berkshire into Oxfordshire today, 18 May, in the company of David White, David Lloyd and Chris Rush which produced the following records: "At Bernwood Meadows: Common Blue, Small Copper, Green-veined White, Brown Argus. At Swyncombe Downs the winds were very strong and there were few butterflies over the main part of the downs. But to the north, between the hedgerow and the field of oil seed rape, where it was sheltered, there were spectacular numbers of Small Blue, estimated at between three hundred to four hundred. Also numerous Brimstone. Other species included Dingy Skipper, Large White, Small Copper, Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Peacock and Orange-tip."

Tom Stevenson sent this report today, 18th May: "At last I caught up with Common Blue at Lardon Chase this morning but, apart from 4 or 5 of these and a few Large Whites and Small Whites the strong cold wind was keeping everything else under cover."

17th May - David Redhead says that Orange-tips are definitely still laying (over 6 weeks after he saw his first male): "I found a white Orange-tip egg at Gavray Drive Meadows, near Bicester, on 16th May. Also two Small Heath, a male Orange-tip, a Small White and a Green-veined White - all put into flight by my presence (14C and overcast). I also came across a roosting female Orange-tip and a Brown Hairstreak caterpillar (9mm long). Photos below - an orange Orange-tip egg can be seen beneath the butterfly."

David also did his M40 Compensation Area and Shabbington Wood transects on 17th May in conditions which just qualified: "The M40 produced 5 species - Brown Argus 3, Orange-tip 3, Common Blue 2, Green-veined White 1 and Peacock 1. Whilst Shabbington Wood produced just a single Green-veined White - a record low for this transect but some early instar Emperor Moth caterpillars on ride edge bramble added interest. A Common Wave was also seen."

Wednesday 16th May 2007

Dave Ferguson says he finally found his first Common Blue of the season - a single male at Grangelands this morning, Wednesday 16th, during the 5 minutes of sunshine.

Dave Wilton sent this news today, 16th May: "Just like the rest of us, this male Common Blue was waiting patiently for some May sunshine when seen in private, open-access, wildflower meadows to the west of Quainton, Bucks. In a few weeks time these meadows, in SP 7220, will rival the BBOWT sites at Lapland Farm and Bernwood. At the moment only Buttercups, Lady's Smock and Bugle are in flower but copious amounts of Bird's-foot Trefoil, Knapweed and Yellow Rattle, to name but a few, will be joining them shortly. A Peacock, three Small Heaths and a Silver-Y were the only other butterflies and moths seen in this afternoon's drizzle."

David Redhead sent the following reports today, 16th May: "Thursday 10th. Inspection of a couple of patches of garlic mustard on the early morning dog walk produced the following Orange-tip haul. One roosting male adult, two caterpillars (3/4 mm long and my first of season), four orange and one white unhatched eggs. Also an orange hatched egg - as the Orange-tip caterpillar eats its egg presumably this one had been predated just as it hatched. By Sunday 13th the same patches sported three caterpillars - one 7/8mm long the other two 3/4mm - so presumably this represented two new hatchers and one of the original two had been predated. Two orange unhatched eggs were also still to be found which, if my maths is correct, means another caterpillar has disappeared.
On Friday 11th Wendy & I made an abortive attempt to complete the Swyncombe Down Transect. Started in sunshine at 15C but ended in rain at 11C. In spite of this, and wind, we did manage 7 species and 15 butterflies - Small Heath 5, Small Blue 3, Brown Argus 3, Orange-tip 1, Brimstone 1, Peacock 1 and Green Hairstreak 1."

Tuesday 8th May 2007

Maureen Cross sent the following today, Tuesday 8th May: "Success, we managed to see just one male Adonis Blue on Lardon Chase today before the weather turned very cloudy."

Dave Maunder hasn't been able to get around any of the local reserves recently, but sent this update today, 8th May: "I've only seen the usual common spring species on my travels around Aylesbury, but Sunday 6th I cycled around Fairford Leys and managed to find 9 species, which included a new one for me this year - two Brown Argus (male & female). Also seen were Peacock (1), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Brimstone (1), Orange-tips (4), Green-veined Whites (8), Small Whites (16), Large Whites (3 - male) and Holly Blues (2)."

Mick Jones spent most of the day checking things over at Dancersend on Monday 7th May: "It was very windy most of the time, but after the cloud lifted at midday there were frequent sunny periods. I found 7 Dukes of Burgundy, one holding territory in a path mown last winter through chest-high scrub. The rest were in familiar spots. Also saw 17 Dingy Skippers, Green-veined White, Large White, 3 Brimstones, 2 Red Admirals, 2 Small Coppers, Holly Blue, 7 Common Blues, 2 Brown Argus, Speckled Wood. No Green Hairstreaks - a bit of a puzzle."

David Redhead sent reports of two recent outings today: "On 5th May Wendy & I went to Chilswell Valley, west Oxford, where we recorded: Common Blue, Brown Argus (5), Holly Blue, Speckled Wood, Small Copper, Peacock and Large White. Moths were: Lesser Treble-bar, Burnet Companion, Blood-vein and Common Heath. Then on 6th May I revisited Aston Upthorpe. Still no Duke of Burgundy, but Grizzled Skipper (7), Orange-tip, Small White, Peacock, Speckled Wood, Comma, Red Admiral and Small Copper were all present, while moths seen were Cinnabar and Green Carpet."

Sunday 6th May 2007

Dave Wilton went back yet again to the disused railway cutting west of Westcott this afternoon, 6th May: "I found six Common Blues (five males and one female), a solitary Green Hairstreak and five Small Heaths, all of which are new records for the site this year. Other species active before the sun disappeared were Dingy Skipper, Grizzled Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Small Copper, Red Admiral, Peacock & Comma."

Nick Bowles was walking his transect in the Grendon area today, 6th May: "I added Speckled Wood and Green-veined White to my species list for this year. In fact Green-veined White was the most numerous species. Not so in Chilterns!"

Saturday 5th May 2007

John Parsons had a great afternoon at Greenham common on Saturday 5th May: "Many species including these four: Green Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Speckled Yellow and Lesser Treble-bar."

Nick Bowles sent the following report today, 5th May: "I saw Dingy Skipper in reasonable numbers last Sunday 29th April (reasonable given the poor weather) at Dancersend, Bucks. Today I saw more in the Pitsone area (5-despite cloud) and at Ivinghoe Beacon. Only at the latter did the sun finally arrive (about 4.30pm) and here I saw about 12 Dingy Skipper. At Ivinghoe there were also Green Hairstreak (1) and Dukes of Burgundy (2), Small Copper and some other common bits. There were 9 Small Blue roosting at Pitstone."

When the sun came out, about 3pm this afternoon (5th May), Richard Soulsby thought he’d try his luck at Lardon Chase for an early Adonis: "First, as I got out of the car I was greeted by a Small Blue in the car park – a long way from the usual spot. Working my way down the hill, I encountered a plethora of Common Blues (18+, including 2 females), and in among them I was rewarded with a single male Adonis Blue. It was quite cooperative photographically (see below). Also seen were 2 more Small Blues, Dingy Skipper (4), Small Heath, Small White, Small Copper (4), Green Hairstreak and Yellow Shell. I hunted around until 4:30, but didn’t see any more Adonis, or indeed the same one again."

Dennis Dell and Dave Wilton went to Ivinghoe Beacon, Bucks on Friday afternoon, 4th May, when the cloud cover broke up and the sun finally came out. They managed to find 12 Dukes of Burgundy in sheltered areas away from the chilly easterly breeze. This would have been viewed as a respectable total had there not been a survey by Matthew Oates and colleagues two days earlier which produced 35 examples! A further 12 species were seen at Ivinghoe today, comprising Dingy Skipper (30+), Grizzled Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Orange-tip, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Green Hairstreak, Peacock & Small Heath. Day-flying moths comprised Cinnabar, Burnet Companion and - the best sighting of the afternoon - a rather tired and battered male Emperor Moth.

Dave Ferguson went to Salden Wood disused railway line just as the sun was breaking through yesterday, 4th May: "I managed a solitary Wood White on the north bank. It flew down the bank across the lines and disappeared."

03/05/07 - Dave Wilton checked back through his records for April and noticed that he had logged 61 Small Tortoiseshell sightings: "This is quite a healthy total for a species which has seemed to be in some trouble over the last couple of years. Today, 3rd May, I went out to check a couple of nettle patches close to my house where some of these adult sightings were made and was pleased to be able to count well in excess of 700 Small Tortoiseshell caterpillars in seven batches, ranging in size from 3mm (just hatched) to more than 30mm (fully grown). Let's hope the parasites and birds leave them alone!"

Wednesday 2nd May 2007

Welcome to the website new contributor Ian Kelloway who sent this news today: "Although I have been a UTB member for just over a year this is my first report. I went for a walk this afternoon at Grangelands, just outside Princes Risborough and saw the following:- Common Blue, Brown Argus, Small Copper, Dingy Skipper, Grizzled Skipper, Small Heath, Holly Blue, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-tip and Peacock."

On Wednesday 2nd May Wendy Redhead reported nine species flying in her Littlemore, Oxford garden today: Brimstone - butterfly and moth - Comma, Green-veined White, Holly Blue, Large White, Orange-tip, Peacock and Small White.

John Parsons managed to get a couple of hours on Greenham Common today (02/05/07): "Two species I managed to photograph were Grizzled Skipper and the Yellow Belle."

Wendy Wilson sent the following report today, 2nd May: "Here is some news from the eastern fringes of UTB area. I have seen 11 species in April: Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Orange-tip are abundant. There are good numbers of Green-veined White, Holly Blue, Speckled Wood. I have seen more Small Tortoiseshell than I did the whole of last year indicating that last summer's dearth was but a blip. There are a few Comma, Large White, Red Admiral about too. No Skippers or Dukes yet though. My favourite hotspots in south-east Bucks have been: the footpath along the southern edge of Latimer House going west towards Chesham, especially around the badger sett at SU 997 990 and at Denham village, the footpath from the church to the railway station, especially the sunny hollow at TQ 044 871 between the churchyard and the golf course (watch out for golf balls!)."

Tom Stevenson chased down a Small Blue at Swyncombe this afternoon, 2nd May. "There must have been at least 30 on the wing, also loads of Brown Argus, Small Coppers, Small Heaths and several Green Hairstreak, Grizzled and Dingy Skippers together with the usual Peacock, Brimstone, Large and Small Whites, Orange-tips and Speckled Wood."

Wendy & Mick Campbell decided to try and locate a Duke of Burgundy at Aston Upthorpe today, 2nd May, as none has been recorded there so far this year. In three and a half hours of searching, including the "right to roam" scrub area and walking up the track towards the Ridgeway path, they found no sign of the Duke. They did, however, record 14 species of butterfly, including 17 Grizzled Skipper, 13 Small Copper and a pristine Brown Argus and Red Admiral. The highlight was watching the Green Hairstreaks (19) which were very active on Hawthorn bushes. Two scarce Club-tailed Dragonflies were also identified. Moths seen were Cinnabar, Burnet Companion and Muslin. Later on at Lardon Chase they found that Small Blue (3) and Common Blue (21+) were on the wing.

Dennis Dell went around a small area of private, managed, scrubland low down in the Chilterns on Tuesday afternoon, 1st May: "The owners have a DEFRA grant, which unfortunately expires next year. They accompanied me. Vast numbers of Cowslips; I've never seen so many concentrated in such a small area. Dukes of Burgundy [5], Brimstone [6], Small White [1], Speckled Wood [4], Small Copper [1], Dingy Skipper [9], Grizzled Skipper [3], Holly Blue [4], Orange-tip [1]. The management involves mainly cutting back the various bushes at regular intervals to maintain small, open and sunny sheltered areas where the butterflies and various larval foodplants can flourish. It has worked very well, because this small Duke population has remained stable for about 10 years here."

Richard Soulsby reported yesterday, 1st May, that the number of Small Blues seen on the Swyncombe Downs transect increased from one on Saturday to 14 today, plus more off-transect, so it seems that it is the start of the main emergence come early, and not just an isolated confused individual. Trouble is, there is no sign of the Kidney Vetch appearing yet, so they might be stuck for egg-laying opportunities. Other species on transect: Small Heath (6), Dingy Skipper (3), Brown Argus (5), Small Copper (5), Small Whites, Large White, Brimstones, Peacocks, Small Tortoiseshell and Speckled Wood. Moths seen were Common Carpet, Pyrausta nigrata, Pyrausta aurata and Adela reaumurella. Plus off-transect, Green-veined White and a lot more Brown Argus and Small Coppers. I didn’t see any Green Hairstreaks today, but Tom and Ian Stevenson, who were there at the same time, did."

Tom Stevenson visited Swyncombe Downs on Tuesday afternoon, 1st May, and recorded his first Brown Argus of the year.

David Fuller had a good butterfly day on 1st May with 14 species and nearly 100 insects: At Watlington Hill : Brown Argus 33, Brimstone 19, Small Heath 1, Grizzled Skipper 5, Common Blue 4, Small Copper 6, Dingy Skipper 2, Holly Blue female 1, Small White 1, Green Hairstreak 1. Moths were Burnet Companion 1, Lesser Treble Bar 10+, Pyrausta purpuralis 1. At Dancers End : Small White 2, Orange-tip 2 males, Speckled Wood 1, Dingy Skipper 2, Brimstone 6, Duke of Burgundy 3, Peacock 1. At Aston Ragpits : Brimstone 3, Peacock 1, Common Blue 1. Moths were Burnet Companion 1, Green Carpet 1."

Mike Wilkins carried out his M40 Compensation Area transect on 30th April: "It yielded 8 butterflies of 4 species, namely Small White (1), Orange-tip (2), Peacock (4) and Comma (1). The temperature was 20C with 100% sun. This compares with week 5 in 2006 which recorded 9 individuals of 5 species. One Brimstone and 3 Green-veined White were extra but no Comma (recorded in the previous 2 weeks). To be realistic, numbers do not really get going until week 12 (41 in 2006), half way through the season, while week 26 still produced 31. The only redeeming feature was a count of 221 Green-winged Orchids in flower."

David Redhead's Shabbington Wood transect on Monday afternoon, 30th April, produced just the usual suspects: "In order of abundance: Speckled Wood, Green-veined White, Large White, Peacock, Brimstone, Orange-tip and Small White, although 7 species and 24 individual butterflies is above average for April for this transect. The best ever in the last five years was wk1 2002 = 8 Species and 40 individuals. Ironically 2002 ended up giving the lowest final total in the last five years - so perhaps we should not get too excited about this amazing April. A detour round Bernwood Meadows did add three species: a Comma, Holly Blue and two Small Coppers. So the final scores were Aston Upthorpe 16, Swyncome Down 12, Bernwood Forest/Meadows 10. There was a single Pyrausta aurata moth in Bernwood Meadows as well. My Holly Blue in Bernwood Meadows was my ninth of the day. In the morning I dropped my car into the garage for its service and walked back home along the River Thames and through Iffley and saw 8 Holly Blues on the way. The hundreds of Green-winged Orchids, lots of Adder-tongue Fern, a pair of Great Crested Grebe with two young on the back of one and a swimming Grass Snake all added to the enjoyment of the day."

On April 28th Paul Bowyer went to the disused railway cutting near Salden Wood: "I saw Large White, Wood White, Green-veined White, Small White, Orange-tip, Brimstone, Peacock, Speckled Wood, Grizzled Skipper, Comma and Holly Blue."

Monday 30th April 2007

Dave Ferguson spent a couple of hours wandering around Yoesden Bank today, 30th April: "I didn't find anything new until I was on my way back when I saw a single male Small Blue! The count was: Small Blue (1), Dingy Skipper (21), Small Heath (12), Peacock (2), Comma (2), Brimstone (7), Small White (3), Green-veined White (5), Large White (2), Orange-tip (3), Burnet Companion (1).

Wendy & Mick Campbell thought they would look for a Small Blue at Yoesden Bank on Monday 30th and met Dave Ferguson who arrived just as they were leaving the site. There were plenty of butterflies on both the main bank and the smaller bank with the following 14 species being recorded: Brimstone (6), Grizzled Skipper (10), Dingy Skipper (32 including a mating pair), Orange-tip (3), Green Hairstreak (9), Green-veined White (mating pair), Peacock (3), Small Heath (9), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Holly Blue (4), Large White (1), Red Admiral (1 - fresh), Small Copper (1) and a Speckled Wood. No Small Blue though. Moths seen were: Lesser Treble-bar, Pyrausta sp., Common Carpet, Burnet Companion (2), Adela Reaumurella (lots), Mother Shipton (2).

Robin Carr reports seeing 2 Duke of Burgundy at Dancersend today, 30th.

Mary Payne of Stoke Mandeville, Bucks, went to the World's End nursery today, 30th April: "I spotted a Holly Blue laying eggs on a holly bush in the car park. At the BBOWT reserve at Western Turville reservoir, I saw a Speckled Wood, Brimstones and Small Whites."

Robin Dryden visited Aston Upthorpe Downs for the first time this morning, 30th April: No Duke of Burgundy were seen, however, it was a good morning for other species: "Grizzled Skipper were too numerous to count, 3 Dingy Skipper, 14 Small Copper and 15 Green Hairstreak. The only others were a Large White and a male Orange-tip near the grain store. I went for a walk at Witney Lake, Oxon, at lunchtime and had a White Out! Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Brimstone and Orange-tip all about in small numbers with single Red Admiral and Comma as well."

Sunday 29th April 2007

Jim Asher went to Aston Upthorpe today, Sunday 29th: "Including Oven Bottom, I had a species count of 16 - I think that is somewhat high for April: Grizzled Skipper, Dingy Skipper, Brimstone, Small White, Green-veined White, Orange-tip, Green Hairstreak, Small Copper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Speckled Wood and Small Heath. Common Blue, Brown Argus and Small Heath all looked newly emerged."

Dennis Dell visited Ivinghoe Beacon again on Sunday 29th April: "I waited and waited until the sun broke through, which happened at about 3 pm and went off to Ivinghoe Beacon/Steps Hill. Fresh Dukes of Burgundy [6] seen in four different places on the west-facing slopes. Others: Dingy Skipper [9], Brimstone [6], Peacock [5], Small Copper [1], Small White [1], Green Hairstreak [1]. Maybe the peak for the Duke will be reached during the next seven days, weather permitting. Obviously, as we have all noted, an early season; I wonder if we'll see any of our normal single-brooded species producing a second generation later on in the summer?"

Nick Bowles sent the following report today: "A really early start at Dancersend for David Dennis and myself today, 29th April, proved a waste of time. After 4.5 hours and no butterflies I retired to the warmth of my house, only to return, alone, at about 3pm and then I added these species to my year list: Dingy Skipper, Large White, Duke of Burgundy (only one seen and that briefly), Brown Argus, Small Copper, also Red Admiral, Peacock and unidentified White."

Welcome to the website, new contributor Martin Kincaid, a Butterfly Conservation UTB member from Milton Keynes: "I wondered if you would be interested in these records from yesterday (28th April). I visited Dancersend with my friend Paul Manchester in search of Duke of Burgundy and others. Arrived at Dancersend at 11.30 where we bumped into Robin Carr at the anthill. Spotted our first Duke of Burgundy of the season (first at Dancersend?) almost immediately and patient searching was rewarded with two more (both male) which allowed us close views as they basked on pathways. From the Anthill we moved down to the meadow plots where we found no more Dukes but did see a dozen or more Dingy Skippers. We also watched two female Brimstones egg-laying on young buckthorn suckers and refusing the advances of amorous males. Other species seen were Orange-tip (9), Small White (3), Large White (2), Peacock (15) and Holly Blue (1).
We then stopped off at Aston Clinton Ragpits to look for Green Hairstreak. No luck but we were surprised to see a single male Common Blue here and less surprised to add Red Admiral to our list. A young slow worm was also spotted.
We finished our day at Ivinghoe/Steps Hill where, in strenghtening winds, we found one more Duke, 1 Holly Blue, 2 Dingy Skippers and 3 Grizzled Skippers. Small Tortoiseshells were fairly active (we saw 4 - fingers crossed for a good season). Our only disappointment was not seeing any Green Hairstreak at all. Maybe I was looking in the wrong places!"

Saturday 28th April 2007

Richard Soulsby had a productive transect at Swyncombe Downs this afternoon 28th April in warm, sunny weather, 21C: "In addition to the usual suspects - Brimstones, Peacocks, Green-veined White (including a mating pair), Orange-tips, Large White, Small White, Speckled Wood and Small Tortoiseshell - I saw 3 Grizzled Skippers, 4 Green Hairstreaks and a Small Copper. But the most interesting and surprising was a single Small Blue which stayed in the same small area very obligingly settling on flowers and leaves so that I could be positive in my identification (but didn’t have my camera, unfortunately). This is easily the earliest I have seen a Small Blue at Swyncombe (or indeed anywhere). We normally get the first ones some time between mid-May and late-May here. It is also intriguing that this individual was found in the same spot (within a few yards) of the place where I found Small Blue eggs on Kidney Vetch flower buds last September, followed by evidence of larval eating of the flower buds (though I didn’t find larvae). Not that I am suggesting that this early individual is a result of this, but it could be something to watch out for in the future. After completing the transect, I searched a warm suntrap and had a bonus of a second Small Copper and two Brown Argus, which, like the Small Blue, kindly settled repeatedly to give a positive i.d. These also are earlier than normal for Swyncombe. Moths seen included a Common Carpet, a Cinnabar and a “flock” of Adela reaumurella, all first of the year for me, and Pyrausta nigrata and P. aurata."

Dave Ferguson paid a visit to an area of scrub near Saunderton, Bucks, on Saturday 28th: "It produced Duke of Burgundy (3), Dingy Skipper (11), Grizzled Skipper (4), Brimstone (8), Large White(1), Small White (2) and Speckled Wood (1). There was a fresh Red Admiral in our garden in Beaconsfield."

Dave Wilton checked the disused railway line west of Westcott again today, 28th April: "It produced 12 active species, including my first Small Copper and Brown Argus of the year (see photo below) which was mobbed by a couple of Grizzled Skippers every time it tried to settle. Other species seen were Dingy Skipper (23, a very good number for this colony), Brimstone, Orange-tip, Large White, Green-veined White, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma and Speckled Wood."

Tom Stevenson sent this news today, 28th April: "My first ever Duke of Burgundy seen this afternoon (28 April) at the Dancersend Reserve."

Thursday 26th April 2007

Gerry Kendall sent this news today, Thursday 26th April: "I went to Ivinghoe Beacon today and saw a nice Duke of Burgundy. Also at least 4 Green Hairstreaks and a Dingy Skipper.

Mick & Wendy Campbell paid another visit to the disused railway line near Salden Wood, Bucks this morning 26th April, hoping to find an early Wood White had emerged after all the warm weather: It wasn't particularly warm, about 18C and breezy, so they were quite surprised to count 12 Wood Whites along the embankment. Other species seen were Grizzled Skippers (2), Speckled Woods (5), Brimstones (4), Peacocks (4), Orange-tips (5), Small White and a Large White. Also, their first Silver-Y moth of the season.

Wednesday 25th April 2007

Relying on the weather forecast, which said it would get nicer as the day progressed, Dennis Dell went to Ivinghoe Beacon / Steps Hill this afternoon, 25th April: "Unfortunately, the weather girl got it wrong again, but since there are reports of the Duke of Burgundy being on the wing in Wilts, Dorset and Hants already, I thought I'd look in some of the sheltered hollows the Duke of Burgundy frequents here. No luck I'm afraid. All the usual suspects, Brimstones, Speckled Woods, Peacocks, Green-veined Whites, Small Whites, Orange-tips, with the small consolation of a single nice fresh-looking Green Hairstreak."

UTB's first Field Meeting of the year was led by Paul Bowyer who sent this report: "On a sunny warm Easter Monday, 15 Upper Thames members met at the BBOWT reserve at Homefield Wood near Marlow Common. There were good numbers of butterflies which hibernate as adults: 16 Peacocks, 12 Brimstones and 4 Commas. There were understandably fewer of those emerging, but Small White, Green-veined White and Speckled Wood were all seen. Ched George gave us an insight into the variety of bumble bees which exist in this area. He captured and showed us 6 species. These were the Buff Tailed, Common Carder, Red Tailed, White Tailed, Garden and Vestal Cuckoo. Among other creatures found were a large family of field mice and a pink frog. The only thing missing was a sighting of the Orange Underwing day flying moth."
Thank you to Paul for leading a very enjoyable event.

Monday 23rd April 2007

Derek Brown reported the following today: "Just to let you know that finally I had a couple of Green-veined Whites in the garden (Beenham) yesterday, 22nd."

On Saturday 21st April Paul Bowyer went to Sands Bank, High Wycombe: "I counted 20+ Dingy Skippers, 6 Green Hairstreaks, 8 Brimstones, a Comma, 3 Peacocks and a Small White. At home at Flackwell Heath I saw a Holly Blue, a Small White and a Peacock. At Wilks Park, Flackwell Heath, I saw 2 Peacocks."

Saturday 21st April 2007

Dave Wilton paid another visit to the disused railway cutting west of Westcott airfield Saturday afternoon (21st): "I found that Dingy Skipper has at last begun to emerge away from the Chilterns! Four were seen there, along with six Grizzled Skippers. Other species flying were Brimstone, Orange-tip, Small White, Green-veined White, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma and Speckled Wood. There is a small Green Hairstreak colony here but I've seen no sign of them yet."

David & Wendy Redhead went for a walk round Bald Hill (Aston Rowant NNR South) and then through Cowleaze Wood Saturday 21st: "The bluebells were making a glorious sight and scent. On the way our butterfly sightings were : 14 Brimstone (including two egg laying females), 6 Dingy Skipper, 5 Speckled Wood, 4 Green-veined White, 3 Grizzled Skipper, 1 Large White, 1 Small White, 1 Small Copper and 1 Peacock. Back home in the garden a Holly Blue and some Orange-tips put our species count up to 11 for the day."

Richard Soulsby says he has, at last, been able to get a positive identification of a Green-veined White, after one settled in his garden in Benson at lunchtime today, 21st April.

Pete Eeles sent this report today, 21st April: “I took a lunchtime walk near Sheffield Bottom Lock, near Theale, and saw 8 Orange-tip (all male), 4 Holly Blue, 2 Green-veined White, 1 Peacock, 1 Red Admiral and 7 Brimstone. In addition, I found 3 Orange-tip eggs, all laid on Garlic Mustard (none being found on Cuckooflower).”

On Saturday 21st April Mick & Wendy Campbell had 6 species of butterfly in their garden: Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-tip (male & female), Peacock, Speckled Wood and Holly Blue.

Tony Croft went to Wytham Woods on Friday afternoon, 20th April: "I was trying to rectify my Green Hairstreak duck and was pleased to see three of them in the small areas managed for this species. Also there were lots of Orange-tips visiting the cuckoo flower and Jack-by-the-hedge; 20+ Speckled Wood and a few Peacock, Brimstones and Small Tortoiseshell. I took this photo of a Holly Blue in my garden in Bucks on Sunday."
[A permit is required to visit Wytham Woods - click here for their website]

Derek & Cathy Brown went to Hartslock on Friday morning (20th): "We saw Green Hairstreak (9); Grizzled Skipper (5); Small Heath (2); Dingy Skipper (30+); Peacock (2); Brimstone (6): Orange-tip (1) and Small Copper (2). We also tried Snelsmore Common for the Emperor Moth but with no luck."

David Redhead sent the following observations on 19th April: "Today I identified my third female Orange-tip of 2007. My count for the much easier to recognise male has almost reached the half century. My second Orange-tip female was somewhat amazing being literally half the normal size. In fact I have never seen a butterfly so far removed from its normal size but otherwise she was perfect. So far I have found 19 Orange-tip eggs on three foodplants : Garlic Mustard (12), Honesty (4) & Cuckoo Flower (3). Most years the Honesty in our garden goes unused. Four of the eggs laid on Garlic Mustard were on the edges of leaves rather than the normal place, the flower stem. Each year I find one or two, at most, "misdirected" eggs like these but a third is a very high proportion. I wonder if this is because the butterflies are a bit ahead of the flowers and they have been trying to lay on flowerheads not yet fully open. Is this a minor example of what many ecologists worry will be one of the downsides of climate change - the insects getting out of synch with their foodplants. Also one of the eggs on the Honesty has been laid on a flower petal which I have never seen before."

Thursday 19th April 2007

Richard Soulsby went to Hartslock this afternoon, 19th, in superb weather (19C, 100% sun): "I saw much the same species as Tom Stevenson - Green Hairstreak 4, Small Heath 5, Grizzled Skipper 4, but by far the commonest species was Dingy Skipper. Tom’s estimate of 50+ was no exaggeration – I counted to 44 then gave up counting. In addition, Brimstone 9, Peacock 3, Small Tortoiseshell 1, 2 flying Blues (probably Holly), and several distant Whites, plus Orange-tip on the roadside verge. Moths: several Pyrausta nigrata and one very fresh Mother Shipton. A very pleasant afternoon!"

Tom Stevenson sent this update today, 19th April: "After spending several days chasing Whites around hoping they might settle for a positive ID, I eventually pinned down (not literally) a Green-veined White this morning at Ewelme Watercress Beds LNR."

Dave Ferguson visited Yoesden Bank yesterday (18th): "It produced only 3 butterflies: a Small Heath, an Orange-tip and a Peacock. Today was better. Lodge Hill produced Brimstone (18), Peacock (2), Speckled Wood (1), Small White (1), Small Copper (1), Green Hairstreak (1), Grizzled Skipper (1). The scrub by the nearby railway lines produced Brimstone (6), Speckled Wood (2), Holly Blue (1), Orange-tip (1), Peacock (1)."

Judith Barnard was in Willen, Milton Keynes on Wednesday 18th April and saw 2 Speckled Wood and 1 male Orange-tip.

David Redhead spent Wednesday 18th checking Brown Hairstreak eggs (70% now hatched) at the Otmoor RSPB Reserve and doing transects at the M40 Compensation Area & Shabbington Wood and saw just three species: Peacock (10), Speckled Wood (9) and Orange-tip (3). Back home he was told by Wendy that their garden had been more productive with Brimstone, Comma, Holly Blue, Orange-tip, Large White, Peacock & Small White recorded. The bonus for David was seeing his first Brown Hairstreak caterpillar of the year - a 2mm long third instar which had re-emerged from the leaf buds. It was christened Gamma. Alpha and Beta were seen previously by Shelagh Harlow as first instars emerging from their eggs. Shelagh is currently studying Greek!

Tuesday 17th April 2007

Nick Bowles passed on this news today, 17th April: "Tony Rayner phoned me today with a report of Small Copper in his garden in Cholsey, Oxon, this lunchtime."

Tom Stevenson spent a successful hour at Hartslock this afternoon, Tuesday 17th April adding three new species to his list for this season: Green Hairstreak (c6), Dingy Skipper (50+) and Small Heath (3).

Monday 16th April 2007

Dave Ferguson recorded his first Large White of the season in his Beaconsfield garden this morning, 16th April, but says that two visits to the Ivinghoe Hills has produced nothing.

Tom Stevenson visited Swyncombe this afternoon, 16th April, and saw several Small Coppers and a Grizzled Skipper. "Also, my son reports about 30 Dingy Skippers at Hartslock Reserve this afternoon."

Allen Beechey sent some sightings that he had at Yoesden Bank today, Monday 16th: "During my lunch break today I went to Yoesden Bank to look for some early emergers. As is normal with this sort of thing, I didn’t see the two species I was aiming for (Grizzled Skipper and Green Hairstreak) but I did see two new species for me this year (and possibly the Upper Thames area??), Small Heath and Dingy Skipper. Other species on the wing were Brimstone (male & female), Peacock, Large White and Green-veined White."

Wendy & Mick Campbell visited Aston Upthorpe in the hope of seeing an early Duke of Burgundy on 16th April. No luck with the Duke of Burgundy (which are on the wing further south, see the Hants & IoW website), however they did record 25 butterflies of 6 species. Late afternoon they moved on to the BBOWT Hartslock Reserve and were very pleased to record 10 very active Green Hairstreak, mostly flying around the sheltered hawthorn at the top of the site, and 2 Dingy Skippers. Other species seen were Holly Blue, Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell, Small White and Orange-tip. Moths seen were Small Purple-barred and Adela reaumurella.

Francis Gomme sent this update today: "Good numbers of Grizzled Skipper and Green Hairstreak at Grangelands on Saturday 14th plus two Dingy Skipper, the first I have seen this year. Also Green-veined White, Orange-tip, Small Whites, Large Whites, Brimstones, Peacocks and Commas. On Sunday 15th, 12+ Dingy at Grangelands and Rifle Range, obviously emerging in some numbers across this site. Other species seen as per Saturday. 14 species now flying in hills above Princes Risborough!"

Welcome to the website, Mary Payne from Stoke Mandeville, Bucks, who reported the following today: "Seen in our garden yesterday, 15th April, Brimstone; Peacock; Orange-tip."

On April 15th, Phil Coles' Shirburn Hill (Open Access Land) Transect recorded: Brimstone 19, Orange-tip 4, Green Hairstreak 1, Red Admiral 1, Small Tortoiseshell 1 and Peacock 5.

Sunday 15th April 2007

Dave Wilton went to the disused railway line to the west of Westcott village again today, Sunday 15th: "I managed to see four Grizzled Skippers (they started to emerge there yesterday, I'm told). They were difficult to get photos of today, being very flighty, so the quality of the attached picture (see below) is not as good as I would have liked. Other species on the wing comprised Orange-tip, Small White, Large White, Brimstone & Peacock. If anything, there was more interest amongst the day-flying moths there. I saw Common Heath (2, both male), Ruby Tiger (1), Pyrausta aurata (1) and Semioscopis steinkellneriana (2) flying in the brilliant sunshine."

John Parsons, Newbury, went to Greenham Common on 15/04/07 and recorded a Small Copper and a day-flying moth - the Common Heath (see photo below).

Derek Brown sent the following report today: "Cathy saw a Green-veined White and a Large White at Coley Park in Reading on Thursday 12th and we had a record 8 Holly Blues in our garden in Beenham on Saturday 14th along with Orange-tips, (3), Small Whites, (6), Brimstones, (3) and a Peacock but no new species. Today, (15th), we tried Greenham Common and along with several Brimstones and Peacocks saw a single Comma and a single Small Copper."

Richard Soulsby sent this news today, 15th April: "I had an Orange-tip in my garden in Benson this morning, 15th. Then I did the Swyncombe transect this afternoon in glorious weather. There were surprisingly few butterflies around, but a good selection of species: Brimstone, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood, Large White, Holly Blue, Green Hairstreak and Small Copper."

Mick & Wendy Campbell visited two sites in the Chilterns today, 15th April: The first site was Bradenham Bank where, despite being warm and sunny, there were very few species on the wing with just Peacock (8), Brimstone (10) and Orange-tip (1) present and a single longhorn moth - Adela reaumurella. They had more success at Lodge Hill with 6 species of butterfly, including two new ones for them this season - Small Copper (1) and Grizzled Skipper (6). Also their first Cinnabar moth of the year.

Saturday 14th April 2007

Alastair Driver, who looks after a local nature reserve called Ali's Pond in Sonning, Berks, sent this report today, 14th April: "I've been working at Ali's Pond LNR, Sonning, on and off this last week and have seen a good variety of butterflies, including my first Large White, Holly Blue and Small Copper of the year, all on 12th April."

David Redhead visited Aston Upthorpe this afternoon, Saturday 14th April: "I saw two definite and possibly three Grizzled Skippers. The first was seen with the help of Jenny & Michael Kelsey immediately outside the entrance to Juniper Valley. Between us we did quite well for species. As well as the Grizzled Skippers we recorded: Peacock, Brimstone, Orange-tip, Holly Blue, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White. Then when I got back to the grain dryer I added a Small Tortoiseshell - my first of the year! Back home in Littlemore I found a couple of Orange-tip eggs (still white) on a Cuckoo Flower although I have still not seen a female Orange-tip."

Dave Ferguson reports seeing a male Orange-tip in his garden in Beaconsfield this morning, Saturday 14th and another on Steps Hill, Bucks, this afternoon. Also a Green-veined White at Aston Clinton Ragpits this afternoon.

Pete Eeles visited Greenham Common and Midgham Lakes today, both in Berkshire: "At Greenham Common I saw 2 Brimstone (1 male, 1 female), 1 male Orange-tip, 1 Holly Blue, 3 Peacock, 1 Small Tortoiseshell and 1 Comma. At Midgham Lakes, I saw 8 Orange-tip (6 male, 2 female) and witnessed a pair mating. In addition, there were 7 Peacock, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Red Admiral, 1 Comma and 2 Speckled Wood."

David Fuller saw these butterflies in his Maidenhead garden today, 14th: Male Orange-tip, male Holly Blue, Comma and Small White.

Friday 13th April 2007

Francis Gomme sent the following update today, 13th April: "Grizzled Skippers (2) again at Grangelands this morning plus another on nearby Rifle Range. Green Hairstreak numbers appear to be building after first sighting on 6th. During brief visit (3) seen again today in scrub on slopes below Pulpit Hill and another on Grangelands itself. Also Peacocks, Commas, Brimstones, Speckled Woods and Orange-tips."

David Gantzel went for a short walk around Widmer farm, Hazlemere, Bucks today, Friday 13th April and saw: one female Brimstone, two Commas, three Small Tortoiseshells, a few Peacocks and, surprisingly, a close up view of a lovely male Common Blue! One male Orange-tip in his garden in Hazlemere.

Tom Stevenson saw his first Holly Blue of the year down at his Benson allotment yesterday morning (12th) then another together with his first Orange-tip at Ewelme Watercress Beds LNR yesterday afternoon.

Thursday 12th April 2007

Dave Maunder sent the following news today, 12th April: "I finally saw my first Orange-tips (2) up at Grangelands reserve today. We also saw Peacocks (10), Brimstones (5 male, 6 female) - I watched most of the females egg-laying in the midday sun! Also one Green-veined White up here; meanwhile back in Aylesbury I saw my third Orange-tip, also Holly Blue (1) and two more Brimstones."

Francis Gomme sent this first sighting report in today: "My first Grizzled Skipper this morning (12th) at Grangelands in Bucks. Will need to check but probably the earliest I have recorded the species on this site! Rather hazy sun and fresh breeze but also had Comma (4), Peacock (12+), Orange-tip (2), Brimstone (4), Small White (1), plus a Small Tortoiseshell across the road at Cadsden. At least ten species now on the wing in and around Princes Risborough!"

Mick & Wendy Campbell went for a walk on the Newbury Downs today, Thursday 12th. No new species seen: Brimstones, Peacocks, Comma and 2 probable Small Tortoiseshells, one chasing the other and flying far too quickly for a positive identification!

Wednesday 11th April 2007

Dave Wilton had a pleasant amble around Finemere Wood on Wednesday afternoon, 11th, in the company of David Dennis: "We managed to see six species - Orange-tip (male and female), Green-veined White, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma and Speckled Wood. No Brimstones were recorded, but the sun was behind clouds for much of the time we were there."

Yesterday, 10th April, in fine weather Dennis Dell went to Westend Hill and Southend Hills, on the southern edge of Cheddington in Bucks: "Nice chalk hills with scrub, surrounded by short sward, worth looking at again in July by someone. Peacock [28], Small Tortoiseshell [7], Brimstone and Small White."

On Tuesday 10th April Dave Ferguson saw a single Speckled Wood at Little Marlow Gravel Pit, along with a Small White and a Peacock. "Butterflies were very scarce over the holiday in this area, only a few Peacocks and Brimstones, much fewer than a few weeks ago."

At a site near Bicester yesterday, 10th April David Redhead recorded 20+ Peacock, 3 male Orange-tip, 1 Comma and 1 Speckled Wood. "Some Cuckoo Flowers already in evidence but no Orange-tip eggs found - although Orange-tip males have been on the wing since the beginning of the month I have not yet seen a female (but others have in the last couple of days) so the lack of eggs isn't surprising."

Tom Stevenson found an hour to visit Swyncombe on 10th April: "Not a great deal to show for it, 3 Speckled Woods, several Brimstones, a Large White and about half a dozen Peacocks."

On Monday 9th April, Pete Eeles visited the same patch of nettles where he found the fully-grown Red Admiral larva (on 2nd April): "I found 3 Red Admiral pupae, and 3 larvae in different stages. Not bad considering that this nettle patch is 4 foot by 2 foot! It’s south-facing in a sheltered spot – as predicted in a message from Nick Bowles, who tells me that several other sightings of immature stages, and ovipositing females, have been seen this year."

Frank Banyard reported the following on 9th April: "Sunday 8th in my garden in Beaconsfield: Holly Blue 2, Orange-tip 3, Green-veined White 1, Speckled Wood 1, Brimstone 1 female. At Holtspur Bottom on 6th April Orange-tip 2."

Monday 9th April 2007

News just received from David Redhead that he and Wendy visited Swyncombe Down, Oxon at midday today, Monday 9th, to do the transect: "Not a great deal about in spite of the sunshine. Nine Peacock, two Brimstone and a Speckled Wood, but the real bonus was a Green Hairstreak."

Only two butterflies were seen in Dave Wilton's garden at Westcott today, 9th: "However, as they were Large White and Holly Blue, both new for me this year, I'm not complaining! A three-hour local walk yesterday afternoon was noteworthy only for the number of Small Tortoiseshells recorded (eleven) and the sighting of a 4ft long Grass Snake. Worth mentioning from a visit to BBOWT's River Ray Reserves on the Bucks/Oxon border this afternoon were four more Small Tortoiseshells and a pair of Curlew."

Phil Coles went to Shirburn Hill (Open Access Land) today, April 9th and recorded: Brimstone (2) and Peacock (5).

Richard Soulsby saw a Large White in Blewbury, Oxon today Monday 9th April.

At Moor Copse on Sunday, 8th, Derek Brown recorded a Speckled Wood, then saw a Holly Blue in his garden in Beenham, Berks. Derek and Cathy also tried Aston Upthorpe where they saw lots of Peacocks, Small Whites, Brimstones, and a couple of Small Tortoiseshells.

Yesterday afternoon, 8th April, the Speckled Wood hotspot between Wendy & David Redhead's house and the River Thames produced their first Speckled Wood of the year plus two Red Admirals. During the day they saw another seven species in their garden: Brimstone (male only), Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Orange-tip (male only), Comma & Peacock. Nine species in a day is their best effort to date.

Dave Maunder reported these sightings for 8th April: "I saw my first Speckled Wood here in Aylesbury today, 8th, taking me to ten species. I also saw Peacocks (2), Comma (1), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Large White (1), and Small Whites (6) at my allotment and Peacocks (2) and Small Whites (2) in my garden. Still not seen an Orange tip yet, though!"

Tom Stevenson saw a Large White pass rapidly through his Benson garden on Sunday, 8th April.

Dennis Dell reported the following on 8th April: "This Peacock (see photo below) was found on Menmarsh Road by Hell Coppice, Bernwood, today. My wife rescued it and we placed it in the undergrowth. The image is blurred because its wings were vibrating very rapidly. The specimen was in perfect condition, so this is strange behaviour. The other photo is on a Cherry Tree in our garden; this is the first time I've seen a butterfly nectaring on Cherry blossom."

Phil Coles sent these sightings for April 8th: "1 km square SP7402 (Emmington, Oxon) – Brimstone 4, Small Tortoiseshell 9 and Peacock 21."

Mick & Wendy Campbell made their first visit of the season to the disused railway line near Salden Wood, Bucks, on Sunday 8th April. They recorded 7 species of butterfly, as follows: Comma (8), Brimstone (9), Peacock (24), Small Tortoiseshell (2 - both in pristine condition), Orange-tip (2 male), Speckled Wood (3) and a single Small White.