Glanville Fritillary - Compton Bay, IOW. A sunny but unseasonably windy Bank Holiday Monday, with a chilly breeze from the north-north east, so I journeyed over to the Isle of Wight by train, ferry, and cycle with no firm expectations of seeing much at all on this occasion. Upon arrival at Freshwater Bay, however, the wind did seem to decrease somewhat, and after pedalling up the infamous and at times precipitous Military Road, running eastwards along the cliff tops from Freshwater, I arrived at Compton shortly after noon. Glanvilles were in evidence immediately, their numbers not noticeably affected by the conditions, and a number were observed at rest, taking mineral salts from exposed gravel sections of the coastal path. However, their activity was noticeably suppressed later as the wind speed increased, leading to such gusty conditions that, having accidentally lost a contact lens, I decided to head back to the mainland by around 15:30. Well worth the effort though to see this species in action once again at this reliable location. [Posted by Michael Jameson]
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| Glanville Fritillary at Compton bay (1) Photo © Michael Jameson | Glanville Fritillary at Compton Bay (2) Photo © Michael Jameson | Glanville Fritillary at Compton bay (3) Photo © Michael Jameson |
Large Skipper at North Baddesley. First Large Skipper of the year seen on my reserve at North Baddesley today with amongst other butterflies several Marsh Fritillary. Did a quick search for Marsh Fritillary eggs and found a batch. [Posted by kevin ross]
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| Large skipper. Photo © kevin ross | Marsh Fritillary eggs. Photo © kevin ross |
Bedenham salvation. An escorted visit this morning around Defence Munitions Gosport gave an indication of its past glory. Almost a third of its 208 hectares remains a wilderness, mostly at the northern end, known as Bedenham. In belated recognition of its ecological value by the MoD, funding was approved last year for clearance of the bramble and oak sapling jungle (by Tilhill Forestry), not before time, as the original unimproved grassland remaining now boasts scarcely 200m2 of cinquefoil and trefoil. But, miraculously, there were still several Grizzled Skippers on the wing, along with a few Common Blues (all pristine males), and Small Heath. Elsewhere, along the rides, Speckled Woods and Holly Blues were almost abundant. Not a huge tally for a two hour search, but hope springs eternal! [Posted by Andrew Brookes]
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| DM Gosport scrub clearance 1 Photo © Andrew Brookes | DM Gosport scrub clearance 2 Photo © Andrew Brookes | DM Gosport scrub clearance 3 Photo © Andrew Brookes |
More photos of the Martin Down field trip. Despite it being a hotter day today at Martin Down the species count wasn’t as good, although the moths seemed to be better. With an excellent turn out today we beat a path towards the Rifle butts and we saw our first Marsh Fritillaries along with many other species. There were plenty of Skylarks in the meadows and Corn Buntings and Stonechats in the hedgerows. A Cuckoo was heard almost all of the time we were walking around but we never got a glimpse of him. In all 19 species of butterfly were seen along with at least 10 species of moth including Forester Moth and Wood Tiger Moth. Good Adonis Blues were battling with Small Heaths and Common Blues, but the Green Hairstreak didn’t seem to be as common as Fridays visit.
I would like to say a big thank you to all who came and made this a most enjoyable field trip. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Forester Moth Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Class of 2023 Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Martin Down Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Martin Down 26th /28th May Field Trip. Martin down Friday 26th May 2023
Visiting Martin Down on such a perfect day, well there was a stiff wind blowing at the start of the walk, and there was very little seen. However once we had changed direction many of the Small Blues and Grizzled Skippers and Brown Argus’s started to appear along Bockerley Ditch. A baby Adder was seen under a tin shelter near to the rifle butts, and there were lots of Skylarks flying high over the downs.
In the fields where the farmers were cutting the grasses for silage, and there were lots of Red Kites and Buzzards flying in very low in and around the ditch and fields looking for insects and other potential prey disturbed by the tractors. (17) Species of butterflies and a few moth species were seen, these being mostly along Bockerley Ditch. Every Hawthorn bush seemed to have a Green Hairstreak or two. Fresh Adonis Blues were just starting to fly and these looked very pristine... Small Blues were everywhere once I got my eye in, unfortunately I never saw a Duke of Burgundy but these are quite rare here, so you have to be very lucky to see one.
Martin down Field Trip Sunday 28th May 2023
Despite it being a hotter day today at Martin Down the species count wasn’t as good, although the moths seemed to be better. With an excellent turn out today we beat a path towards the Rifle butts and we saw our first Marsh Fritillaries along with many other species. There were plenty of Skylarks in the meadows and Corn Buntings and Stonechats in the hedgerows. A Cuckoo was heard almost all of the time we were walking around but we never got a glimpse of him. In all 19 species of butterfly were seen along with at least 10 species of moth including Forester Moth and Wood Tiger Moth. Good Adonis Blues were battling with Small Heaths and Common Blues, but the Green Hairstreak didn’t seem to be as common as Fridays visit.
I would like to say a big thank you to all who came and made this a most enjoyable field trip. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Freshly emerged Adonis Blue Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Male Marsh Fritillary Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Green Hairstreak on Hawthorn Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Havant Thicket. Today I visited Havant Thicket where the temperature was 22 degrees. Very few species on the wing, Brimstone 14M 4F, Small White 2. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Another visit to Martin Down. This afternoon, I finally had my first opportunity to visit Martin Down in 2023, where the weather conditions were ideal, with almost no wind, and unbroken blue skies. My quest today, as for many other observers who visit this site, was of course the Marsh Fritillary, which still maintains a reassuringly sizeable presence here in most seasons. This spring period, although late getting started, is certainly no exception, with good numbers of Marsh Fritillaries seen, mainly in the area to the west of the large ditch which crosses the reserve, and also within the ditch area itself. Also spotted here were numerous Green Hairstreaks (17 counted in just 2 hours!), and abundant Adonis and Common Blues. Meanwhile, Small Coppers were everywhere, but very flighty and I was unable to get a decent photographic angle on any of them today. Also Brimstones (interestingly almost as many females as males on the wing today), Small Heaths, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, and Red Admiral. This is not the most accessible site, requiring a long car journey to get there from my locality in N.Hampshire, but absolutely worth the effort. A fascinating afternoon! [Posted by Michael Jameson]
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| Marsh Fritillary - Martin Down Photo © Michael Jameson | Marsh Fritillary - Martin Down Photo © Michael Jameson | Marsh Fritillary - Martin Down Photo © Michael Jameson |
Martin Down. A four hour visit to this wonderful site this morning from 09.00 to 13.00 produced a great variety as usual, although if it were not for the rather stiff breeze it would have been even better I suspect. Species seen mostly in the sheltered spots and along Bokerley Dyke were Common Blue 15, Adonis Blue 3, Small Blue 50+, Holly Blue 4, Green Hairstreak 8, Marsh Fritillary 15, Brown Argus 26, Small Copper 1, Brimstone 12, Small Heath 5, Dingy Skipper 18, Grizzled Skipper 21, Peacock 2, [Posted by Mark Pike]
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| Adonis Blue Photo © Mark Pike | Common Blue (female) Photo © Mark Pike | Marsh Fritillary Photo © Mark Pike |
Orange-tip and Brimstone larvae. If you have Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) [aka Jack-by-the-hedge], in your garden, or see it whilst out for a walk, it's well worth checking the seed-pods over the coming weeks to see if you can find any Orange-tip larvae. The 2nd instar Orange-tip larva shown below was seen in our garden this afternoon, on a plant where an egg was laid on 9 May. The egg stage lasts about a week, so this caterpillar is little more than a week old. They're not easy to see at present because they're very small, but as they grow they become more and more obvious, as do the chewed seed-pods.
Having found the Orange-tip larva I thought I'd check our Buckthorn (Rhamnus catharticus) bush, to see if I could find any Brimstone larvae. Sure enough, after spotting the tell-tale signs of caterpillar frass and chewed leaves I found two 3rd instar larvae. [Posted by Andy Barker]
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| Orange-tip larva (2nd instar) Photo © Andy Barker | Brimstone larva (3rd instar) Photo © Andy Barker | Brimstone larva frass Photo © Andy Barker |
Glanvilles on Landslip at Compton. Desending wooden steps onto the Landslip and a bit of a search until comng across up to ten Glanville Fritillary. Not as many I would have expected at this time in May [Posted by Peter Hunt]
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| Photo © Peter Hunt | Photo © Peter Hunt | Photo © Peter Hunt |
Portsdown Hill (East) and Fort Widley. After visiting Paulsgrove Chalk Pits, I moved East along Portsdown Hill to the pathways and slopes opposite Fort Widley. Here I recorded Brimstone 2M 1F, Small White 4, Common Blue 1 M, Small Blue 1 and Speckled Wood 1.
Around Fort Widley I finally saw my first Green Hairstreak of the year. Others species seen were Brimstone 2F, Small White 1, Common Blue 4M and Speckled Wood 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Hermitage Stream, Havant. In the centre of Havant town alongside the Hermitage stream near Elm Lane I recorded a Holly Blue in flight. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Paulsgrove Chalk Pits. Today I returned to Paulsgrove Chalk Pits where the temperature was 17 degrees. I was successful this time in recorded my first Small Blues this year a total of 3 seen. Totals: Small White 1, Holly Blue 1, Common Blue 3M and Small Blue 3. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Stockbridge Down Field Trip. Probably the hottest day of the year with little or no cloud cover as we set off over the down, with rising temperatures it still took an hour or so before we were chalking up good numbers of invertebrates. Like most sites this year the Holly Blue seemed to be quite common and when we got our eye in the Green Hairstreak was extremely common, along with Grizzled Skipper. Other species of note were Brown Argus, more Common Blues certainly living up to their name, Orange Tips were in evidence after a short absence. Moths of note were the Yellow Shell, Common Carpet, Silver-Y and the 5 Spotted Burnet Moth.
At Woolbury Hill the Duke of Burgundy was in evidence but the Cowslip count there is rather thin on the ground, but it was nice to chalk up another site for the species. In all we had 16 species of butterfly and 5 or 6 species of moth.
We didn’t see the Adonis Blue today but I suspect it won’t be long before they have emerged here, and the Pearl Bordered Fritillary has now gone, but there is a faint hope it will return with management of the site. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Yellow Shell Moth Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Brown Argus mating Photo © Ashley Whitlock | 5 spot Burnet Moth Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Reserve Volunteers' Grand Day Out. Glorious day for a trip to the Isle of Wight for members of the volunteer group whose time and dedication help to keep our reserves in such good shape. We were welcomed at Wheeler's Bay by a contingent of Isle of Wight members led by Jim Baldwin who was to be our guide for the day. After making sure we had seen our first Glanville Fritillary on the undercliff, Andy Butler, Glanville species champion, gave us a short talk on his and other branch members' contributions to creation of the excellent habitat at the site (sadly now under threat from an invasive heliotrope), where we also saw Grizzled Skipper, Dingy Skipper, Small White, Large White, Small Blue, Peacock and many Common Blue.
Next it was off to a small area of Compton Down for a picnic lunch where we recorded Orange-tip, Green Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Small Copper and Red Admiral, as well as further Glanvilles and others. Our final destination was the wonderful south facing sweep of chalk grassland at Mottistone Down, full of butterflies, where we added Adonis Blue, Small Heath and Speckled Wood to the day's list, as well as Silver-Y and one of the carpet moths; and after much diligent searching a solitary Wall, giving us just enough time for an ice cream stop before the return ferry.
Many thanks to our hosts, particularly Jim for his time and his local knowledge and Andy for his informative talk on Glanvilles. Finally a huge thank you to our intrepid leader, Fiona Scully, for organising such a successful day out for the group. [Posted by Rupert Broadway]
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| Glanville Fritillary at Wheeler's Bay Photo © Rupert Broadway | Glanville Fritillary at Mottistone Down Photo © Rupert Broadway | Adonis Blue at Mottistone Down Photo © Rupert Broadway |
White Admiral at Pamber. A few White Admiral larvae are now in their final instar ... surely the most exotic-looking caterpillar of all our butterflies! Pamber Forest, Hampshire, today. [Posted by Pete Eeles]
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| White Admiral 5th instar larva Photo © Pete Eeles |
Chalton Down. Made a return trip to Chalton Down today where the temperature was 17 degrees. Here I saw a total of 5 different species including my first Small Heath and Common Blue this year. Totals: Brimstone 2M 1F, Common Blue 4M, Small Heath 5, Dingy Skipper 4 and Grizzled Skipper 2. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
West Wood / Crab Wood meeting. It was a pleasure to meet up with a group focused on Duke of Burgundy habitat management in West Wood and Crab Wood. The recent management works look very promising, with a vision to link up different parts of the wood complex to create a large Primula-rich area for the Duke of Burgundy to move into. [Posted by Pete Eeles]
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| Christina Draper (Assistant Ranger, HCC), Mike Hardy (Ranger, HCC), Andy Barker (BC), Paul Tinsley-Marshall (BC) Photo © Pete Eeles |
Marsh Fritillary at North Baddesley. Marsh Fritillary seen today (and last friday) on my reserve at North Baddesley. [Posted by kevin ross]
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| Photo © kevin ross |
West Wood & Pitt Down Field Trip 21st May 2023. A chance to see the Woodland Duke, which is such a rare event these days. A small copse in West Wood has a medium number of these delightful insects, in in a plantation amongst small and medium sized Oak, Beech and other natural woodland trees. The trees are starting to get quite tall in places and it won’t be long, maybe five or more years that the undergrowth and especially the Primroses will be shaded out, and the Duke colony may be lost.
However The Forestry Commission have started to cut a ride through the plantation and over to the eastern side of the wood, and here in amongst the shrubbery of Bramble, Wood Spurge, and other plants it was good to see about four males interacting with each other. It is hopefully planned that this will continue into Crab Wood and the Duke should have a safe corridor from West Wood into Crab Wood.
Pitt down Sunday 21st May 2023
There wasn’t a lot to see on Pitt Down it is getting quite overgrown in places with Dogwood and other shrubby plants, even though there are Ponies grazing on the site. We saw many Holly Blues, which the butterfly of the year at the moment with several seen in and around the Dogwood plantations laying eggs. Several Green Hairstreaks were seen, along with Grizzled Skipper, and Small Copper. There were many moths to be seen like, Treble Bar Moth, Mint Moth, Burnet Companion, Cinnabar Moth, and Mother Shipton [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Woodland Duke male Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Burnet Companion Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Ponies on Pitt Down Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Stephens Castle Down. After an inauspicious start under grey leaden skies and the relentless northerly breeze,that seems to have dominated the last few weeks, I ventured to one of the smaller Duke of Burgundy colonies at Stephens Castle Down to see how they are doing. By this time the sun was doing its best to break through which encouraged a Small Copper and a few Dingy Skippers to show themselves. After much searching I found two small areas that appealed to the Dukes and counted five in total, fewer than I had hoped. As seems to be the way with these low density populations they favour very small areas for their leks and are very easily overlooked. Common Blues continued their emergence and I encountered my first female. [Posted by Mark Tutton]
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| Female Common Blue Photo © Mark Tutton | Duke enjoying the weak sun Photo © Mark Tutton |
A long day out visiting Yew Hill, Pitt Down and Magdalen Hill. An 08:30 start at Yew Hill yielded my first Small Heath of the year with other species seen including: Green Hairstreak (1), Brimstone (3), Common Blue (10+), Dingy Skipper (10+), Grizzled Skipper (2), Green-veined White (1) and my first Mother Shipton of the year.
It was then up the road to West Wood/Pitt Down for the day's field trip. My highlights were the large number of Brimstones about, the Duke of Burgundy (13) and my first Burnet Companion of the year.
And finally over to Magdalen Hill (entering from the A31) where the first butterflies I saw were a mating pair of Brown Argus, closely followed by Common Blues, Dingy Skippers, more Brimstones and a Grizzled Skipper. Then on to the Extension where there were numerous Small Heath, the odd Common Blue and Dingy Skippers before coming to a first-for-the-year with an Adonis Blue. I was getting tired by now but felt I had to complete the circuit by going down to the far south-western corner of the reserve where I saw a lovely Small Copper. Back to the car at 16:50 - phew what a long but rewarding day! [Posted by Nic Burns]
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| Small Heath Photo © Nic Burns | Adonis Blue Photo © Nic Burns |
Bentley Wood Eastern Clearing. After failing to see Marsh Fritillary at Martin Down, a trip to Bentley Wood in the afternoon was more successful. Only one seen but it was in immaculate condition. Plenty of Pearl-bordered Fritillaries also in attendance.
https://awayfromfourmarks.blogspot.com/ [Posted by Chris Rose]
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| Marsh Fritillary Photo © Chris Rose | Pearl-bordered Fritillary Photo © Chris Rose | Brimstone Photo © Chris Rose |
Martin Down. A walk along Bokerley Ditch in search of Marsh Fritillaries turned up with nothing, but there was a good selection of butterflies on the wing.Adonis Blue 1; Common Blue 5; Grizzled Skipper 13; Brown Argus 22; Dingy Skipper 11; Small Copper 6; SmallBlue 5; Holly Blue 2; Brimstone many; Green Hairstreak 5; Small Heath 3; Orange Tip 1; Small White 1; Painted Lady 1.
https://awayfromfourmarks.blogspot.com/ [Posted by Chris Rose]
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| Small Blue Photo © Chris Rose | Brown Argus Photo © Chris Rose | Green Hairstreak Photo © Chris Rose |
Breezy Butser. A mid morning visit to Butser Hill in bright sunshine was muted by a very cool gusty easterly breeze. However the butterflies were flying in reasonable numbers and over the course of two hours I counted 45 Duke of Burgundy, which is a very modest count here for the peak of the flight season. It seemed to be D day for Brown Argus and Common Blue as I saw my first of the year for both species which had emerged in some numbers. Dingy Skippers and Green Hairstreak are doing well here as are Brimstone.
Other butterflies spotted included Painted Lady, Orange Tip, Red Admiral and a few Peacock.
A very strenuous visit on the slopes of the lovely South Downs as always. [Posted by Mark Tutton]
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| Green Hairstreak enjoying the sun Photo © Mark Tutton | Duke on patrol Photo © Mark Tutton | Photo bombed by Green Hairstreak Photo © Mark Tutton |
Portsdown Hill (East). A visit today to Portsdown Hill near Fort Widley where I saw Brimstonev4M 1F, Small White 1 and Holly Blue 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Painted Ladies near Basingstoke. Not just one but three Painted Ladies seen together in the countryside north of Basingstoke yesterday, very actively battling for supremacy on a chalky track. [Posted by Andy Bolton]
New Copse Inclosure/PigBush Field Trip. A warm day in a new part of the New Forest, although not a million miles away from Pignal Inclosure, where I normally I go for the Pearl-bordered Fritillary. The Pearl-bordered Fritillary was out in good numbers once we all got our eye in, there were several females seen egg-laying in the scrubby leaf litter, and the slopes of the rides were covered in Common-Dog Violets. The woods at the moment I think look their best with the leaves still not turned a dark green colour, which signals summers arrived.
Many of the male Pearl-bordered Fritillaries were in excellent condition, but they were very active only feeding on Bugle plants momentarily, before flying off and seeking out any unmated females, which seemed to be quite common in the undergrowth. In the Hawthorn bushes dotted around the rides the magnificent Rose Chafer beetles were busy feeding on nectar and mating. A new generation of Speckled Woods were dancing amongst the sunlight rides as we walked along and the bird song was tremendous, with one Cuckoo heard before the field trip started. In the end the Pearl-bordered ruled the rides, and we all went away happy.
In the afternoon it was decided to go and look for some more Emperor Moths of which we did at Pig Bush in an area of excellent heathland habitat. Once on a small hill the pheromone lures got to work and it was about five minutes before we were ‘buzzed’ by at least half a dozen of these magnificent moths. An excellent way to end the field trip, and I want to thank everyone who came. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Pearl-Bordered Fritillary Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Longhorn Moth Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Male Emperor Moth at rest Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Chalton Down. With the continuing good weather I visited Chalton Down, where despite the temperature reaching 17 degrees, only 2 species were recorded 2 male Brimstones and a single Grizzled Skipper. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Paulsgrove Chalk Pits. With the temperature reaching 17 degrees, today I visited Paulsgrove Chalk Pits to search for any Small Blues or Green Hairstreak. Although I did not record any, I did see 5 different species - Brimstone 3M 1F, Small White 1, Orange-tip 1M, Holly Blue 5 and Speckled Wood 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Martin Down. I made an earlier than expected trip to Martin Down today - as much for the birds as the butterflies. Too early I suspect in this cold spring to expect Adonis Blue or Marsh Fritillary at one of their strongholds but I still managed to see Brown Argus, Dingy Skipper, Grizzled Skipper, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Small Blue, Green Hairstreak and Small Copper. (I'm not the best at differentiating Brown Argus and female blues so please don't hesitate to correct me if necessary). I'm also hopeless at keeping track of numbers but overall I'm sure that only Grizzled Skipper got into double figures during a near 4 hour walk - it seemed much less than in previous years but this has been such a difficult start to the season. The highlight if you'll forgive me on a butterfly site was a bird - Turtle Dove. For various reasons I haven't seen or heard one here for probably 4 to 5 years so it was an absolute joy to catch up with what I think was a pair 'purring' away today! [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]
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| Grizzled Skipper - Martin Down Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Brown Argus - Martin Down Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Dingy Skipper - Martin Down Photo © Mark Wagstaff |
Stoke Common Hayling Cycle Path. Later I walked from Stoke Common opposite Victoria Road to the remains of the railway bridge on the Hayling Island Cycle path. The temperature was 15 degrees. Here I recorded Large White 1, Orange-tip 2M and Speckled Wood 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Hayling Cycle Path. Today I walked the Hayling Island Cycle Path from Furniss Way, West Town to Saltmarsh Lane. Recorded Large White 1 and Speckled Wood 2. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
White Admiral larvae in Pamber Forest. Some White Admiral larvae are now in their 4th instar. At Pamber Forest, Hampshire ... today. What magnificent beasts! [Posted by Pete Eeles]
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| Photo © Pete Eeles | Photo © Pete Eeles |
Wall Brown - Brownwich Cliffs. My 'normal' circular walk takes in Brownwich cliffs, the Posbrook area and then home via the Titchfield Canal. Today with the tide well in I had to forego my usual start along the beach at Brownwich and take the (still muddy) cliff top path. It was definitely to my advantage. After just climbing the start I spotted an 'orange' butterfly that wouldn't settle and I took it to be a Comma. Fortunately I waited a while and when it eventually settled (all too briefly) it turned out to be a Wall Brown. I can only think it must have got here from the IOW - although the northerly winds are not in its favour. It wasn't very obliging for photos but a couple included which I hope are enough to confirm it's ID. Apart from this surprise - the other was the distinct lack of butterflies in a 2.5 hour walk in lovely sunshine. Just a handful of Whites, Peacocks, Red Admirals and some male Brimstone. Probably less than 20 in total in lovely conditions [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]
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| Wall Brown - Brownwich Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Wall Brown - Brownwich Photo © Mark Wagstaff |
Portsdown Hill (East). Today I walked the East end of Portsdown Hill immediately in front of Fort Widley. Here I saw a total of 4 species in the sunshine, the temperature reaching 16 degrees. Brimstone 6M, Small White 1, Orange-tip 1M and Holly Blue 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Pearl Bordered Fritillaries at Bentley Wood. My first visit of the year to Bentley Wood, having been tipped off by a fellow observer that Pearl-bordered Fritillary were in flight at this familiar location. A number were sighted during the course of an hour spent investigating the Eastern Clearing, a scrubby and damp area close to the main car park. The majority were males, all clearly on a mission, and very reluctant to settle for photos. Several females were also spotted, but again, these proved flighty and elusive camera subjects. It seems likely that the majority of PBFs here have yet to emerge, as is also the case in the New Forest, and it is as yet hard to predict how this species will fare this year numerically. [Posted by Michael Jameson]
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| PBF - Eastern Clearing, Bentley Wood Photo © Michael Jameson | PBF - Eastern Clearing, Bentley Wood Photo © Michael Jameson |
Striped Hawk Moth (I think) in Burridge. Tonight our neighbours in Botley Road Burridge asked for an ID of a hawkmoth on their windowsill. I think it is a striped hawkmoth but would like confirmation.
Second attempt to post as first attempt had too big an image [Posted by Ashley Ailes]
Old Winchester Hill NNR Field Trip. A good turn out today and it always seems to happen when the species don’t seem to want to come out to play. The mist cleared just as we started off at 10:30 but the weather didn’t seem to have any influence on the species count especially in the morning as the temperature played a part. We really did struggle to see anything in the first hour or so, a couple of Small Coppers and a Dingy Skipper or two.
In the afternoon the weather was a lot warmer, and the species count had gone up, we had encountered our one and only Duke of Burgundy, Small Heath, Common Blue, Grizzled Skipper, and Green Hairstreak were all out by now and several species their the numbers were getting higher. By the time we had got close to car-park where we rested after climbing up the slope, here we counted several other species like Orange-tip, Holly Blue, and Speckled Wood.
We also had several Kestrels on the hunt, Red Kites and Buzzards, Chiffchaffs were chiffchaffing in the hedgerows, Yellowhammers, and Dunnock sang a decent melody in the thickets. Sadly there were no Cuckoos heard or seen, which is very worrying. On the moth front I saw several Silver Y Moths, Mint Moths, but the Emperor was not to be seen, so my bait may be wearing off a bit by now. I would like to thank all who came, especially the new faces may it continue, and look forward to seeing you all in the New Forest on Wednesday. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Green Hairstreak Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Herdwick Sheep Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Female Small Copper Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Chalton Down. Today I visited Chalton Down where the temperature reached 17 degrees. Like most locations numbers of butterflies were very low due to the poor early season weather. I did manage to record my first Dingy Skipper and Speckled Wood this year. Totals: Brimstone 3M 1F, Orange-tip 2M, Small White 1, Speckled Wood 1, Comma 1 and Dingy Skipper 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
IOW Walks - 13 species + 2 moths. A morning dog walk along the footpaths around Nettlestone gave me my first sightings of the year for Green-veined Whites other species seen: Red Admirals, Peacocks, Small Whites, Orange-tips (m+f), a Brimstone and a Hummingbird Hawkmoth.
In the afternoon I joined the IOW branch walk at Ventnor Revetment hoping to see Glanvilles unfortunately none were seen. However I did see 11 other species including 4 more "first of years" taking me up to 21.
My FOYs were a couple of Clouded Yellows seen patrolling up and down, Common Blues (incl a mating pair), a Brown Argus and a Large White. The other species seen were: Dingy Skippers, Peacocks, Red Admirals, a Brimstone, a Holly Blue, Small Whites and a Wall.
There was also a Hummingbird Hawk moth and a first ever for me a Cream-spot Tiger moth. [Posted by Nic Burns]
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| Green-veined White Photo © Nic Burns | Common Blues - mating pair Photo © Nic Burns | Cream-spot Tiger Photo © Nic Burns |
Pearls appear in numbers - Pignal Inclosure. Up to 15 Pearl-bordered Fritillary were showing well at Pignal Inclosure in the New Forest today. However they were very localised and not spread throughout the forest rides. I'm pretty sure most had emerged today. [Posted by Mike Gibbons]
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| Pearl-bordered Fritillary Photo © Mike Gibbons |
Pearl Bordered Fritillary - New Forest/Brockenhurst. Returning to the Ramnor, Pignal, and Parkhill Inclosures (just north east of Brockenhurst) today, following a disappointing first visit of 2023 just a week ago, I had every expectation of finding recently emerged Pearl-bordered Fritillary in small but growing numbers, given the slightly better weather conditions. But it would seem that full emergence here is still probably a week away, and that, too, is contingent upon continued warm and sunny weather. During almost three hours of intensive searching this afternoon, only two individuals were sighted, and one, a superb and clearly newly emerged individual, provided the subject for the photographs below. Although numbers here are very small at present, but will doubtless increase, another visitor today had visited Bentley Wood en route to the New Forest, where he had found significant numbers of PBF already on the wing in the eastern section of this location, where emergence seems to have taken place at least a week before these first New Forest specimens of 2023. [Posted by Michael Jameson]
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| Photo © Michael Jameson | Photo © Michael Jameson | Photo © Michael Jameson |
Sholing Valley Study Centre Spring Fair. Good to see many visitors supporting the annual Sholing Valley Study Centre & Nature Reserve Spring Fair today! Visitors enjoyed a range of activities and engagements from some of Hampshire’s Wildlife & Conservation Charities including the Hampshire and IOW branch of Butterfly Conservation. ‘Insectlore’ was mentioned by several parents that provide for purchase a Painted Lady ‘Vanessa Cardui’ egg to adult kit - not one I had heard of before and the repetition of this source surprised me. It was good to chat Butterfly and Moth species, any sightings, caterpillar food plants, habitat development at home or school and identification through sightings, drawings and growing plants - a local plant nursery was providing sunflower planting - the pollen plus the seed heads of any plant successes help a range of wildlife. The branch and field trip programme of walks was mentioned and the Butterfly Walk Book that also provides public transport services, was approved by visitors.
An appearance by Dave Paine who I understand was the contractor on Magdalen Hill Down Reserve in the 90’s was also a surprise! Dave is now retired but lending a hand to the Bursledon Brickworks Project on Swanick Lane, Southampton and seemed please to be able to take away a copy of the Branch Butterfly report. Thank you to all our visitors! [Posted by Suzie Brown]
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| Photo © Suzie Brown | Photo © Suzie Brown | Photo © Suzie Brown |
West Wood Dukes. Having walked a rather depressing Pitt Down transect, where the habitat has degraded to the point where butterflies are few and far between, we popped into West Wood on the way home to cheer ourselves up.
Despite being late in the day, there were still three or four Duke of Burgundy on the wing, along with plenty of Brimstone and singles each of Green-veined White, Large White, Peacock and Comma. [Posted by Rupert & Sharron Broadway]
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| Duke of Burgundy at West Wood Photo © Rupert & Sharron Broadway |
Noar Hill. Yesterday I got caught out in a rainstorm at Noar Hill and got drenched - but luckily this afternoon it stayed dry, sunny and fairly warm, although butterfly activity was reduced by the cool breeze. Species seen included 15 Duke of Burgundy, 15-20 Holly Blue, 1 Green Hairstreak, 7 Orange-tips, 6 Brimstones, 5 Red Admirals, 1 Speckled Wood and 2 Dingy Skippers. [Posted by Adrian Hoskins]
West Wood. At a well know clearing in the wood 2 Duke of Burgundy seen one very fresh. Back along the gravel track on the barrow in woods 2 more seen. Only the odd Brimstone and Red Admiral and one Peacock seen. [Posted by chris piatkiewicz]
Glanville Fritillary caterpillar - Culver Down, IOW. Yesterday's walk took in Bembridge Down, Culver Down, the Coastal Path and the Bembridge Trail.
On Bembridge Down and Culver Down there were frequent sightings of Red Admirals and Small Whites and a single Green Hairstreak and then my wife pointed out a caterpillar. I didn't recognise it but have since been told it was a Glanville Fritillary. How wonderful! If I get lucky and see an Imago on the IOW branch walk at Ventnor Revetment tomorrow that will be a life first.
Along the Coastal Path towards Bembridge there were several Holly Blues, a few Speckled Wood, a Comma and a Wall. And then on our return route along the Bembridge Trail we saw a Painted Lady (FOY), an Orange-tip and a few more Speckled Woods. [Posted by Nic Burns]
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| Glanville Fritillary caterillar Photo © Nic Burns | Wall Photo © Nic Burns | Painted Lady Photo © Nic Burns |
Hawk-moth in Axmansford. A Humming-bird Hawk-moth was a nice surprise in the garden at Axmansford this morning, taking nectar from azalea blooms. [Posted by Andy Bolton]
Emperor Moth in the rain on Oxenbourne Down. Despite cancelling the field trip and the gloom and showery conditions I decided to risk a visit to Oxenbourne Down today. There was mostly black clouds and a few gaps where the the sun shone through keeping the temperatures up to a reasonable level. When the showers started it was just a very light shower, and I was surprised what I did see, Red Admiral (2) Peacock (1) Duke of Burgundy (15) including two females amongst the Cowslips. (8) Brimstones, (1) Small White, (1) Holly Blue (1) Dingy Skipper (4) Grizzled Skippers, and last but not least an Emperor Moth buzzing around me attracted to my Lure which is still attached to my Camera Bag. It landed on my trousers, an my Lure itself, but it still flew away unable to ascertain where the pheromone was. So I've seen this beast now at Broxhead Common, Oakhanger, Butser Hill, and Oxenbourne Down. [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Grizzled Skipper Photo © Ashley Whitlock | 5 of the 6 legs of the female Duke of Burgundy Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Black clouds over Oxenbourne Down Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Butser Hill Field Trip. The field trip was nearly cancelled, the weather was going to be cloudy up to about 2:00 pm, and with a field trip starting at 10:30 am were we going to find anything? I needn’t have worried the immense vista that greeted us as we walked around the rim of Butser Hill admiring the ‘millions’ of Cowslip plants all stood to attention in a still atmosphere, along with many Early Purple Orchids, and finding many caterpillars of the 6-spotted Burnet Moths crawling along the lush green chalk downland, looking for somewhere to pupate no doubt. We got to the bottom of the slope and there wasn’t much to see, except one Duke of Burgundy had managed to emerge from the gloom of the cloudy skies, and it was warming up by the time we took lunch, and then the skies parted forcing the Sun to do its duty and away we went on a counting spree. With the ever present twitter of Skylarks and the Yellowhammer singing in the distance we were disappointed by no singing Cuckoo, which is normally a presence here in the bowl of the site.
By the time we had started to ascend the slope to go home we had notched up (25) or more Duke of Burgundies, many Brimstones, dancing in pairs in the warm sunshine, Grizzled and Dingy Skippers, Green Hairstreaks, Red Admirals, Peacocks, lovely Orange Tips zipping through not stopping, several Small Coppers, in all 11 species of butterfly. On the moth front we saw several Silver ‘Y’ moths, several Mint Moths, and to crown it all two Emperor Moths, these had been alerted by my ever present ‘lure’ still attached to my camera bag. We had one at Grandfathers bottom, and I had one in the car-park just as I was preparing to go home. In all it didn’t turn out too bad I thank everyone who came, and Butser Hill is still just as unforgiving, but we all made it, and we have to be thankful for that! [Posted by Ashley Whitlock]
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| Male Duke of Burgundy Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Silver Y Moth and raindrops Photo © Ashley Whitlock | Six-Spotted Burnet Moth caterpiller Photo © Ashley Whitlock |
Clouded Yellows at Pignal Inclosure, Brockenhurst. Exactly one year ago today, I made the journey from Fleet down to the New Forest, specifically to the Pignal, Ranmor, and Parkhill Inclosures, in a rewarding excursion aimed at photographing Pearl Bordered Fritillaries, which were then present in reasonable numbers. After the rain and indifferent weather conditions we've been experiencing of late, though, I didn't know quite what to expect yesterday. Only one Pearl was spotted, and it proved impossible to photograph, and no others were seen during the two-hour search, by now in bright sunshine, and with no wind. I concluded, as did another observer who had travelled down from Swindon, that we were probably a week too early for the species to emerge in any numbers. But I was very surprised indeed to see a number of Clouded Yellows, a species which I had not seen before at this location. The male didn't want his picture taken, but these females were more co-operative however! Weather permitting, a repeat visit to Brockenhurst is certainly on the cards in the next few weeks, and hopefully will prove more productive. [Posted by Michael Jameson]
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| Clued Yellow (f) Photo © Michael Jameson | Clouded Yellow (f) Photo © Michael Jameson | Clouded Yellow (f) Photo © Michael Jameson |
Painted Lady. Fairly fresh (no wing damage) Painted Lady seen in our garden in Poulner, Ringwood. Sorry not around long enough to photograph. [Posted by Robert Beale]
Small Copper - Hum Hole, Southampton. Hum Hole is an area I regularly pass through on various dog walks. It is a small wooded area in Bitterne and a place I see quite a few different species. But this was not only a first Hampshire Small Copper of the year for me but also the first time I have seen a Small Copper at this site. [Posted by Nic Burns]
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| Small Copper Photo © Nic Burns | Small Copper - closed wing Photo © Nic Burns |
Noar Hill. Today I paid my first visit of the year to Noar Hill where the temperature was 16 degrees. After a long search and some guidance from a fellow lepidopterist, I recorded 3 Duke of Burgundys. Very little was in flight, although I also recorded my first Holly Blue this year. Totals: Brimstone 3M 1F, Orange-tip 4M, Holly Blue 1 and Duke of Burgundy 3. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Noar Hill, near Alton. We added to the throng of visitors to the Cowslip-bedecked slopes and dells of Noar Hill today. The Duke of Burgundy was our quarry and we were delighted to record twelve very fresh specimens widely spread across the site wherever there was Cowslip. The temperature rose from 15 degrees Celsius at 1140 to a balmy eighteen degrees when we shut the gate at 2 o'clock. Beautiful Purple Orchids, Wild Violets and carpets of Cowslips to enjoy here. Total: Peacock (3); Orange-tip (M)(4); Brimstone (M)(4)(F)(6); Small White (1); Duke of Burgundy (M)(11)(F)(1); Holly Blue (M)(7); Comma (1); Green Hairstreak (1); Green-veined White (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Duke of Burgundy male on Cowslip Photo © Francis Plowman | Side detail Photo © Francis Plowman | Duke of Burgundy female Photo © Francis Plowman |
Hayling Cycle Path. Today I walked from the former railway station in West Town, Hayling Island following the Hayling Billy Cycle trail as far as Saltmarsh Lane. Recorded my first sighting of a Large White this year. Totals: Large White 1, Small White 2, Orange-tip 1M and Red Admiral 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
At last some butterflies at Butser. Over the past couple of weeks have paid several visits to Butser Hill in less than ideal weather for virtually a zero return but today the spring butterflies finally put in an appearance. Although at first the cloud cover was nearly 100% I sat on the south facing slope and bided my time. Around lunchtime weak sunshine finally broke through and it warmed up enough for a few Grizzled Skippers and a solitary Duke of Burgundy and Dingy Skipper. If the weather improves things should definitely speed up now. [Posted by Mark Tutton]
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| Grizzled Skipper Photo © Mark Tutton | Dingy Skipper Photo © Mark Tutton | Duke of Burgundy Photo © Mark Tutton |
CLOUDED YELLOW at North Baddesley. First Clouded Yellow of the year seen here today on my reserve at North Baddesley. Going from north to south (not wind direction), too fast for photos. [Posted by kevin ross]
Marsh Fritillary at north Baddesley. Seen today on my reserve at North baddesley a Marsh Fritillary. [Posted by kevin ross]
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| Photo © kevin ross |
Small Copper at North Baddesley. First Small Copper of the season seen on my reserve at North Baddesley today and another first as I have never seen one nectar on Bluebell. [Posted by kevin ross]
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| Photo © kevin ross |