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Sightings and news from January to June 2012

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This page contains sightings details of all the butterflies and moths reported to the  Sightings page between January and June 2012.

Note: These pages have been copied from the original sightings page and some links will no longer work. All images of butterflies or moths have been removed, but most can be found in the Photo House

Saturday 30th June 2012
Field Trip report: First part of the day's programme was at Cheshunt Park Golf Club elms to look for White-letter Hairstreak. At 9 o'clock it was raining and windy and no one came along to watch, however on the horizon was some blue sky and during about 10 minutes of good sun at 9.15, at least 5 active males were observed on the sheltered and sunny side of the trees. We then went onto Northaw Great Wood for the woodland butterflies walk where we were joined by four people. The weather was improving and there were several good spells of sunshine, no White Admiral or Silver-washed Fritillaries were observed as we half suspected would be the case....but good numbers of Ringlet and Meadow Brown, also 4 Red Admirals, several Speckled Wood and 3 Large Skipper. The Red Admirals particularly enjoying a sheltered corner where there a fair degree of dog poo! By the afternoon, the weather was considerably better and we watched the territorial area for Purple Emperor, until 3.15. The first report of PE this year was from Surrey the previous day at 2.55pm so we did try! Leaving Northaw we returned to Cheshunt Park and a walk around the meadows produced over 30 Small Heath, 2 Small Skipper, 1 Comma, 15 or so Meadow Brown, 8 Large Skippers and 2 Silver Y moths - Liz Goodyear and Andrew Middleton (Please email if you would like to see territorial activity and we will try and arrange another opportunity to visit the site)

Before we met up I went along path to right just past entrance to Northaw great wood and counted 12 x meadow brown & 3 x ringlet - David Gower

Visited Hexton Chalk Pit for approximately an hour during a sunny but blustery period late afternoon on 30th June. Decent number of Marbled Whites (20+) on the wing, particularly in the sheltered areas, several Meadow Browns and Small Heaths and at least 1 Dark Green Fritillary seen both in flight and sunning itself amongst vegetation. - Steve Austin and Gillian Marchant

News for today Saturday (30th June 2012) - 1 Comma, in Town Park, Enfield, 12:10 hrs - my first definite summer sighting this year - Robert Callf

On a quick late afternoon visit to Hexton Chalk Pit saw six Marbled Whites. - John Landels

Friday 29th June 2012
3 x Speckled Wood seen in 15 mins visit to Oxhey Wood today - David Gower

Thursday 28th June 2012
At Waterford Heath south saw first Marbled white of year, plus 2 holly blues on the goats rue, a comma and large skipper, 30 plus meadow brown and half a dozen small heath - Steve Kiln

News for Thursday (28th June 2012) in Trent Park: 5 Small Heath, at 'New Fields', 13:53 - 14:12 hrs, including three together; 3 Large Skipper, at 'New Fields', 14:00 - 14:28 hrs ( 1 at Sect 8 and 2 at Sect 4 ); 1 Speckled Wood, Sect 7, 14:05 hrs; 1 Small Copper, very worn & faded, 'New Fields', Sect 5, 14:19 hrs; 1 Ringlet, Sect 4, 'New Fields', 14:25 hrs - Robert Callf.

At Waterford Heath south saw first Marbled white of year, plus 2 holly blues on the goats rue, a comma and large skipper, 30 plus meadow brown and half a dozen small heath- Steve Kiln

When I went to the Southern Country Park for a 10.30 am start to the butterfly walk I was leading, although it was cloudy - and only recently stopped raining! - it was 23C. I wasn't hopeful of many people turning up, and when no one had by 10.45 I decided to set out on my own to look for some Marbled Whites to photograph in an area of the Park not covered by my usual transect walk. By 11.00am I had a clear blue sky which stayed with me for a couple of hours. I saw 30+ MBs, a ST, 2 LSk and 2 MWs - one of which I stayed on the tail of until I managed to get a picture of him. I'm still amazed that I saw so few LSk. Maybe this heat will hatch a few more out. This time of the year is traditionally low on butterflies, but I would have also expected to see at least one or two of the Whites. Mind you, it was around a force 4-5 Easterly wind in the exposed areas, and I was only searching in the known MW areas. I checked several of the darker male Meadow Browns out, expecting to find a Ringlet, but none seen yet. When I left the Park, the temperature was up to 27C. A shame there were no takers for the walk; I could think of many far worse places to be for a couple of hours on such a lovely morning - Bob Clift

27th June: Harmondsworth Moor It was six o'clock, overcast, but still very warm and muggy. I found good numbers of Meadow Browns of both sexes (over 20 in all), but the star of the evening was a fresh Marbled White, the first I've seen here this year. There were one or two Cinnabar moths, six or seven Burnet Companions, and a lot of smaller moths I could neither identify or photograph to try later!
http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/phpBB/download/file.php?id=22222&mode=view
28th June: Stanwell Moor Once again, a very late excursion, and only locally, at the glorious tail end of a hot day. There were numerous sparring Red Admirals again in various spots (mostly the shadier ones) and when I came to the Heathrow conservation area I was met with good numbers (over 30 again) of Small Heaths and more Meadow Browns than I've seen in previous years - I counted 15 in a smallish area. There were still a couple of Common Blues, including a blue female that deserved a photo, but wasn't prepared to sit for one. Six Large Skippers completed the roster here, mainly females now, but beautifully orange in the late sunshine. On the way back, I came across a summer Comma (f.hutchinsoni), perching and chasing anything that moved - Red Admirals, dragonflies, swallows - and even reacting to the aircraft taking off from Heathrow which were passing only a couple of hundred feet up. Lovely butterflies, and pleasing to see them out at last. Near to home, I watched a pair of Red Admirals that I took to be courting. They chased in and out of the treetops in close association (with none of the spiralling up and swooping down of their normal dogfights). A couple of times they landed close together 20 feet up, only to take off again after a second or two. I lost track of them when they landed together on the ivy surrounding an ash tree and as far as I could tell, disappeared into it. If this is what they do, it is unsurprising that finding a mating pair is pretty well unheard of. - Dave Miller

My usual elm in Ware, one White-letter Hairstreak immediately on arrival at 11.10 then back to work - Liz Goodyear

Had a quick walk round Bricket wood today, 2 x white admiral, 1 x red admiral, 4+ large skipper, 4+ ringlet 2 x speckled wood - Richard Geary

I did the transect this morning, finally some better numbers of butterflies! Highlights were 9 dark green fritillary throughout, with 2 groups of 3 seen together and one freshly emerged individual whose wings were still drying out. Totals for meadow brown were 106, marbled white 35, ringlet 19, small heath 34, large skipper 6 and a probable essex skipper. There were also single grizzled skipper (very fresh looking specimen) and small copper - Paul Thrush

Wednesday 27th June 2012
Had a single Red and White Admiral in same clearing on ride in Bricket Wood yesterday lunctime. - Clive Burrows

Here is my first ever report on sightings of butterflies, Monday 25th June at Aldbury Nowers: Half a dozen Large Skippers:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/81377128@N03/7456099094/in/photostream/
2 Brimstone, 1 Treble Bar?:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/81377128@N03/7456098134/in/photostream/
The field below Aldbury Nowers, next to the lay by: 1 Burnet Companion:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/81377128@N03/7456099746/in/photostream/
1 Dark Green Fritillary:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/81377128@N03/7456099442/in/photostream
1 Shaded Broad-bar
http://www.flickr.com/photos/81377128@N03/7456098628/in/photostream
also 2 Marbled White, many Meadow Browns and numerous Grass Moths and Light Brown Plume Moths - Sharon Monahan

Saw the following today (Wednesday 27th June 2012) - 1 Red Admiral, at Sidhil's Field, Vicarage Farm, 09:37 hrs; 1 Small Heath, at Vicarage Farm, 10:10 hrs; Ringlets, several, set-aside field N of Williams Wood, Trent Park, 10:30 hrs., onwards; 1 Small Skipper, set-aside field N of Williams Wood, Trent Park, 10:35 hrs; 1 female Large Skipper, at Parkside Farm, 10:57 hrs; 1 Red Admiral, at Park Farm, 11:34 hrs; 1 Red Admiral, vista between Rough Lot and Moat Wood, Trent Park, 12:00 hrs; 1 Red Admiral, edge of Icehouse Wood, Trent Park, 12:35 hrs; 1 Speckled Wood, along bridle-path near Shaws Wood, Trent Park, 12:57 hrs; 1 Red Admiral, along Merryhills Brook/South Lodge Farm, 13:00 hrs; 1 Red Admiral, along Merryhills Brook/Vicarage Farm, 13:24 hrs - Robert Callf & Robin White.

Despite the overcast sky did my regular walk of The Warren this afternoon. Results disappointing again. Although temperature was 22C & wind light saw only Small Heath (10), Meadow Brown (11), Common Blue (1) & 1x pristine Marbled White, the 1st this year. Hopefully better results next week. Vegetation even lusher with scrub growing steadily. Rabbits seem less active than past years - or perhaps they just can't keep up - John Moss

Tuesday 26th June 2012
Saw a female Large Skipper Tuesday 26th June 2012 settled on Bramble on the edge of Whitewebbs Wood, 16:35 hrs and a male Meadow Brown in long grass here, 16:52 hrs. - Robert Callf.

I was working up at Aldbury Nowers in the furthest northern enclosure, despite the warm weather butterflies were rather thin on the ground. Sightings were brimstone - male and female, common blue - female, meadow brown - (just one!) and dark green fritillary. - Paul Thrush

In Wash Lane today behind South Mymms Services I saw 2 Small Tortoiseshell and 2 Red Admiral - Terry Wood

A walk around my local Oughton Head today. Very few butterflies around, but did see 2x Brimstone, 2x Ringlet first for the year, and 1x Red admiral, 1x Meadow brown, 1x Speckled wood, and 1x Large skipper - Kevin Taylor

Monday 25th June 2012
1 White-letter Hairstreak in flight at Cheshunt Golf Club this morning after 10 minutes wait - Andrew Middleton

Seen today in garden at Upper Green, Tewin - 1 Small Heath, 2 Meadow Brown - Jim Farr

A few reports for you - I've been saving them up! 17th June - Stanwell Moor: An opportunity to have stroll around the local patch presented itself today and off I set: mostly sunny, breezy, but pleasantly warm for a change. The hghlight of the excusion was the explosion in Small Heath numbers to between 30 and 40, perhaps more. In the same area, I counted around a dozen Common Blues; in the brambles at the edge of the woodland I saw five or six Large Skippers. Overall, I also encountered a couple of Red Admirals, three Speckled Woods, a Meadow Brown, a Small White and a Holly Blue.
19th June - Harmondsworth Moor: A brief visit after work today, mostly to see if Marbled Whites had appeared (they hadn't). I did however see six fresh Meadow Browns and five Large Skippers, three Small Heaths, and a couple of care-worn Common Blues.
25th June - Stanwell Moor: A very brief opportunity after work to whisk round a small part of my local patch: I saw only one species, but nine Red Admirals isn't bad going in a small area. Six of these were attempting to occupy the same leafy glade next to the river - this does not work and there were constant dogfights and spiralling tussles up into the trees including a group of five at one point - Dave Miller

Seen today at Tyttenhanger Gravel Pits - 8 Meadow Browns, 1 Peacock, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Small White - Terry Wood

Saw a Speckled Wood settled on a cardboard box outside the 'Food Centre' in Chaseside, N14, next to the busy street, on Friday 22nd June 2012 at 16:47 hrs. - Robert Callf

Sunday 24th June 2012
Despite the mixed weather a decent haul at Heartwood today with 21 Large Skippers, Ringlet, Painted Lady, Meadow Brown and Silver Y moth.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/cookie_yum/skippers01.jpg
Andrew Steele

Saturday 23rd June 2012
David Howdon and me led the annual Horsenden Hill White-letter Hairstreak walk this morning, 23rd June. To be honest, we thought we were in danger of losing our 100% success rate in finding the species on the walk. We had not seen any this year and it was a bit windy and not too warm. However it was sunny from time-to-time and this was enough to entice 4+ rather fresh individuals to put on a decent show in a sheltered spot near Horsenden Farm. As usual, we used the telescope to good effect and all nine participants enjoyed excellent views. Once everyone was happy, we moved on to find other leps. Burnet Companion was the only species in abundance but we managed 3-4 Red Admiral, a similar number of Common Blues, a Large Skipper, a Large White, 4-5 Silver Y, a Cinnabar and our first local Meadow Browns of the year. We could not find any Marbled White, which would normally be pretty easy on this event. We ran several overnight moth traps and showed off some examples of the catch before and after the walk. Diversity and numbers were a bit low but there was something of interest for everyone. All in all, a very successful event! - Andrew Culshaw

Friday 22nd June 2012
Slightly late but sighting from Tuesday. At Bricket Wood Common had 1 Holly Blue, 6 Large Skippers, 5 Speckled Wood, 8 Meadow Brown and 1 Brimstone
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/cookie_yum/bitternetc190.jpg
and one Green Oak Tortrix Moth. At Heartwood Forest had 19 Large Skippers, 38 Meadow Browns, 1 Brown Argus, 3 Common Blue, 2 Small Heath and a Painted Lady along with a Silver Y, 6 Mother shipton moths and 1 mystery moth
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/cookie_yum/Moth.jpg
Andrew Steele

Wednesday 20th June 2012
A few sightings for 19/06/12; quite pathetic for a sunny day in June: Broxbourne Wood: 1 Speckled Wood in the area to the west of the main ride and 4 more in the clearing to its east. Bencroft Wood: 2 Meadow Browns near Emanuel Pollards, and 1 Meadow Brown and 1 Large Skipper in the grassy field to the south. Balls Wood: 1 Comma at the south end of the main ride - Paul Why

Saw a common blue butterfly on the Chadwell bank at King's Meads on 20th June - beautiful condition... Andy Brown

One Holly Blue at Fir & Pond Woods NR Wednesday 20th June 2012 at 17:00 hrs. Saw a couple of Red Admiral at Potters Bar, near Deadman's Bottom (1 settled and 1 flying through at speed). Also a Speckled Wood at Oakmere Park, Potters Bar, 15:55 hrs. - Robert Callf

Visited the Aldbury Nowers NR (North section) in the morning. When the sun came out (about 20% of the time), we saw 1 Large Skipper, 1 Grizzled Skipper, 2+ Small White, 5+ Brimstone, 2+ Common Blue, 2 Red Admiral, 2 Speckled Wood, 2 Marbled White, 2+ Meadow Brown, 8+ Small Heath and 1 Ringlet. We looked hard for a Small Blue but none seen. In the afternoon went to Butterfly World when we were more lucky with the sun (perhaps 70%) we sighted 1 Large Skipper, 2+ Small Heath, 5+ Common Blue and the best news of all, a Small Blue on the ground and on a kidney vetch flower close to the track leading to the antennae paths. - Bob Clift and Peter Clarke

News from Diane Andrews, on the 19th June 91 Chimney Sweeper moths at Forty Hall but no butterflies. Aldbury Nowers today, 1 Small Blue egglaying, 1 Marbled White and 1 Ringlet. Also a faded Dingy Skipper, 3 Large Skipper, 4 Brimstone, 1 Common Blue, 13 Meadow Brown and 9 Small Heath.

Tuesday 19th June 2012
Trent Park Southern Edge of Ride Wood---2 x Red admiral, 1 x Common blue, 2 x speckled wood, 2 x Meadow brown, 1 x Large skipper. I was shocked to find that the butterfly and wildlife meadow bordering the East of Trent Park had been totally destroyed this Spring. Trees and shrubs have been grubbed out and the whole area sprayed with herbicide. Last year the farmer was asked not to damage the field as lesser whitethroat birds were nesting. The field also contained a colony of slow worms and grass snakes were fairly common. Twenty four species of butterflies had colonised this meadow including marbled white. It was a fantastic area for invertebrates - Kit Jones

A few sightings for Tuesday 19th June 2012 - 1 Holly Blue, at Chase Road, N14 at 14:30 hrs; 1 Speckled Wood, Sect 7, Trent Park, 16:30 hrs; 1 male Large Skipper, Sect 4, Trent Park, 16:42 hrs; 2 male Meadow Brown, (1 by Lower Lake, Trent Park, 17:25 hrss, 1 Parkside Farm, on Res banking, 18:45 hrs). Also a set-aside field N of Trent Park, Williams Wood was cut and sprayed earlier in the year and reduced to a lunar-landscape. This field has been productive for Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet Moths in the past (1000's), Common Blue, Brown Argus, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Ringlets, Small Copper, Marbled White amongst others. The actions of ignorant farmers can be bewildering at times! This field had been set-aside since at least 1988 and had developed into quite a haven for wildlife until now - Robert Callf

I saw two Small Heaths on Harpenden Common early this morning (Tuesday 19 June). The plant cover on the grassland to the north of Walkers Road is rich, diverse and floriferous this year this year, with some quite large areas of Bird's-foot Trefoil on the higher ground. It will be well worth keeping an eye on. - Alan Jackson

A remarkable sighting of a Swallowtail at Oak Avenue LNR, Hampton today at about 10.10am. Apart from one missing tail, it looked in excellent condition. Presumably this was an escape from somewhere - John Eborall

Did the Aldbury Nowers transect today, a few things about in the sun including my first meadow browns, ringlet and large skippers of the year. Quite a few small heaths about, 2 brimstones, holly blue and small white. that I also saw a red admiral and a worn dingy skipper in the northern enclosures (key butterfly area). - Paul Thrush

Did my Warren transect today hoping for better sightings in the finer weather. A bit disappointing, but promising - 10 Small Heath (mainly pairs), 5 Meadow Brown (very fresh & dusky), 2 Common Blue (m+f), 2 Large Skipper (very bright), 1 Small Copper (very worn). No Whites for once. Flora very lush, including areas usually dried up by now, with abundant food/nectar plants in flower. Other inverts include Cranefly, Common Blue (?) Damselles, various Bees, assorted Moths (5 Cinnabars), Grasshoppers, a Common Hawker (?) Dragonfly. Hopefully butterflies will be better next week - John Moss

Monday 18th June 2012
1 fresh looking Grizzled Skipper at Waterford Heath South Pit - Andrew Wood

Saw a Red Admiral at Wildwoods Lake, Enfield yesterday (Monday 18th June 2012) at 14:20 hrs and a Speckled Wood at Whitewebbs Wood, 14:23 hrs. - Robert Callf

Sunday 17th June 2012
1 Painted lady and 2 Common Blues south of Ware - Andrew Wood

Butterfly World - Three Small Blues (all in the dip between the two antennae) this morning. One aggressively chased a male Common Blue (twice the size) which strayed into its territory Also out on the site today - Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Six Spot Burnet Moth (adults, cocoons & caterpillars) Common Blues, Burnet Companion & Small White. Bricket Wood - Red Admiral taking salts on horse dung, Painted Lady migrating NE at high speed around tree canopy height, Tatty female Brimstone looking for egg laying sight, Early Meadow Brown, Fresh flush of Green-veined Whites and the usual smattering of Speckled Woods - Malcolm Hull

Old Rivers Nursery site and orchard, High wych, Sawbridgeworth, 2 Common blue, 1 Holly blue(first for me here), 1 Large skipper, 2 Speckled wood and 1 Meadow brown, no WLH around the Elms, and 1 Four spot chaser - Laurence Drummond

Went to Bricket Common today. Saw 4 red admiral and 4 brimstone as well as 2 meadow brown, a small white, some speckled woods and a large skipper. Saw Several orchids and may other wildflowers and a fox and a deer, quite muddy though - Steve Kiln

Thursday 14th June 2012
Some news for Thursday 14th June 2012 - 3 Small Heath, Sect. 6 and Sect. 4, at 'New Fields', Trent Park, 13:25 - 13:34 hrs; 1 male Meadow Brown, at 'Rookery Field', Trent Park, 13:57 hrs - my first of the year; 1 Speckled Wood, at Rough Lot, Trent Park, 14:50 hrs; 1 Cinnabar, near Ride Wood, Trent Park, 15:10 hrs; 1 Small White, near Dew Pond, Trent Park, 15:23 hrs; 1 Burnet Companion, near Dew Pond, Trent Park, 15:23 hrs. - Robert Callf

I visited Broxbourne Wood this afternoon - the sun was out and temperatures were higher than recently so I was quite hopeful. Lepidoptera seen during two hours of wandering in and around the newly-felled area are as follows: 1 Speckled Wood. That's it. Very depressing. I sincerely hope that the usual inhabitants turn up in a few weeks time - Paul Why

Wednesday 13th June 2012
Must do transects, last week hopeless weather did not get out, Sunday blown away on Waterford heath. Checked weather on XC weather, Wednesday looked good, after conservation task in morning set aside afternoon. 2pm at Bencroft pretty cloudy but at least temp 15 ok. not a butterfly at all not even a moth. headed for fields beside woods at least I saw 2 small heaths and a yellow moth. Talking to insect guy in field, he saw red admiral and specked wood over in Broxbourne woods. Put on i pod in car. Got Elton John thats why they call it the blues. Sounds like our summer. Optimistic and sun coming out. Not a butterfly in Broxbourne glade saw a holly blue in distance in ride. Put on ipod again headed to Waterford heath. Sad eyed lady of the lowlands - Bob Dylan another melancholic song, at Waterford heath the sun out but very damp underfoot. Transect pt 1 ,2,3,4 no butterflies just cinnabar moths 17 (Bar bar bar bar Barbara Ann). Part 5 blank, part 6 finally a butterfly a bedraggled holly blue probably spent the last 5 weeks looking for a mate. Poor thing. part 7, a speckled wood wonders never cease. What a miserly haul. Hey mister congressman what am I going to do ? ---------- Well there aint no cure for the summertime blues - Steve Kiln

Saw the following Wednesday 13th June 2012 - 1 Speckled Wood, at Fir & Pond Woods, 13:40 hrs and 1 Straw Dot, in the meadow enclosure here. 2 Red Admiral, at Northaw Great Wood, 15:00 hrs and 16:55 hrs., and 2 Speckled Wood, together, here, 15:00 hrs; 2 Speckled Yellow, at Northaw Great Wood, 16:07 and 16:48 hrs. 1 Red Admiral, at The Ridgeway, Cuffley, 17:10 hrs. - Robert Callf

Sunday 10th June 2012
Wheathampstead, Amwell Lane - saw a cinnabar moth - Linda Brooks

Meadow Brown disused allotments Rye Street Bishop's Stortford - Jim Fish

1 x mullein moth caterpillar on small buddleia in Bushey Garden today - David Gower

Butterfly World - 2 Small Blues, 3 Silver Y, 13 Mullein Moth caterpillars, 9 Burnet Companion, 2 Six spot Burnet Caterpillars, 3 Small White, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 9 Common Blues, 1 Large Skipper Bricket Wood Common - 1 Holly Blue, 4 Speckled Wood, 1 Silver Ground Carpet, 2 Brimstone - Malcolm Hull

A few sightings for Sunday 10th June 2012 at Grovelands Park, Southgate: 1 male Large Skipper, 12:00 hrs., in enclosed 'meadow' area - my first of the year; 1 female Small White, 12:32 hrs; 1 Burnet Companion, 12:44 hrs; 1 Red Admiral, 12:52 hrs., near Bowling Green; 1 Speckled Wood, at 14:12 hrs. - Robert Callf

A couple of sightings from today: A common blue (or possibly a holly blue, it didn't settle & I only saw it for a few seconds) near the Rhodes Arts Centre, Bishops Stortford. A small copper, Bushy Mead nature reserve (just of the River Stort path. Plus a few large whites. - Chris Gleeson

Saturday 9th June 2012
Saw the following on Saturday (9th June 2012) - 3 Chimney Sweeper, in usual field, 'New Fields', Trent Park, 14:00 hrs; 2 Burnet Companion, 'New Fields', Trent Park; 1 Speckled Wood, Sect. 7, near Cockfosters entrance, Trent Park, 14:30 hrs; 1 Green-veined White, at Slopers Pond Farm (TQ270989), at 17:00 hrs. - Robert Callf

A walk around Stockers Lake, Rickmansworth, Saturday 9th June I saw 1 small Tortoiseshell and 3 Red Admirals.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69131641@N04/7169740669/in/photostream/
Helen George

Wednesday 6th June 2012
After the showers today I was able to have a walk around locally (Stanwell Moor) late this afternoon. It was pretty windy, but the spells of sunshine brought a few hardy souls out. I came across a couple of Red Admirals, vigorously patrolling areas that ten days ago were overseen by Peacocks, a Speckled Wood, several Small Heaths, one Common Blue and my first Large Skipper of the year. Moths in evidence included a Burnet Companion, two Mother Shiptons and three Cinnabars. There were a couple of bright yellow individuals that I could not get close enough to to identify or photograph. - Dave Miller

5th June 2012 - Kings Meads, Mother Shipton & Mullein Moth caterpillars. 6th June 2012 - Kings Meads, Silver Y and Bengeo (between St Leonard's Church & River Rib) 2 Small Heath - Simon Knott

During my weekly transect walk this morning at Bishop's Stortford Southern Country Park, although I only recorded 2 Common Blues and an Orange Tip, a large browny/orange low, fast-flying butterfly went past me (travelling south to north) and was soon out of sight. I was very much reminded of the Painted Ladies I saw when they first arrived in their mass migration 3 years ago. I didn't record it, but might if other sightings start to come in! - Bob Clift

Monday 4th June 2012
I spent a couple of hours on the Stort navigation path between Bishops Stortford and Sawbridgeworth this afternoon, but only saw one large white. Conditions were not bad - it was mostly sunny, reasonably warm, the wind was rarely more than a stiff breeze and frequently dropped altogther. Plenty of other insect life was on the wing - several species of bumblebee, two species of damsel fly and some lacewings, among others. - Chris Gleeson

Friday 1st June 2012
1st June - Harmondsworth Moor Despite the cloud, it was warm and bright, so after work I had a walk around Harmondsworth Moor near Heathrow. It proved bright enough for four male and two female Common Blues to be active - including a mating pair. There were a few Small Heath (four at most) and one fairly new male Brown Argus, whose underside spotting was faint enough for the distinctive colon mark to be difficult to see - but no other butterflies. There were, however, hundreds of damselflies, mostly of the type that are blue with black "thumbprints" on the wings. One of these had come to an unfortunate end in the embrace of a yellow crab spider - at least they do not dine solely off butterflies. There were also quite a few moths, clearly not being so insistent on the sunshine as their butterfly relatives. I could identify Cinnabar, and Burnet Companion, but not the others. Shameful, I know! An interesting wander, for a cloudy afternoon.
30th May - Stanwell Moor With a bare hour free to have a quick look around my local patch, I set off with thunder rumbling ominously and the odd large raindrop falling. Luckily the storm passed to the southeast but even before the sun re-emerged, I encountered four Red Admirals and a couple of Speckled Woods flying and perching, being disturbed from their vantage points by those raindrops. Out in the open space of the "Heathrow Conservation Site" I found the Small Heath colony in fine fettle, with 14 counted within about 100 metres, but still no Common Blue or Brown Argus. Walking back alongside the River Colne, several (Small/GV) Whites appeared, and a Peacock, plus a single male Orange Tip patrolling and investigating every white flower and butterfly. It seems to have been a long season for them overall. Further Speckled Woods (five in all) appeared, and in a patch where I've not seen one before, a single male Common Blue. Finally - not something I've previously noted here as far as I can remember - a Mother Shipton moth. - Dave Miller

I thought you might be interested to see Bob's photos which are on www.flickr.com/photos/bobclift-butterflies/ website - Peter Clarke

May 2012

Thursday 31st May 2012
News from Diane Andrews, visited Trent Park, it was cloudy with long wet grass, but saw 12 Chimney Sweeper moths. Diane had previously visited on the 23rd May but not seen any.

Saw a Red Admiral in the Vicarage garden, 2 Sheringham Ave., at St Thomas's Church Thursday 31st May 2012 - Robert Callf

Wednesday 30th May 2012
I did the transect today at Aldbury Nowers, will update you with the sightings tomorrow (busy today!) but I just wanted to let you know I saw a small blue in the furthest northern enclosure. - Paul Thrush

Just 2 speckled wood in Water Lane, Watford today - David Gower

Saw the following butterflies yesterday (Tuesday 29th May 2012) - 1 Small Heath, near Cockfosters entrance, Trent Park, 12:57 hrs; 2 Speckled Wood, at Monken Hadley Common, 13:11 and 15:08 hrs; 1 female Holly Blue, at Monken Hadley Common, 14:43 hrs; 1 Maiden's Blush, at Monken Hadley Common, 15:20 hrs - the first that I have seen during the day for a long while! 1 Small Copper, very faded, Sect. 3, 'New Fields', Trent Park, 16:40 hrs. Today (Wednesday 30th May 2012) - 1 male Orange Tip and 1 Speckled Wood, at Gobions Wood NR near Brookmans Park. - Robert Callf

Tuesday 29th May 2012
Broxbourne Wood valley between west and east car park paths today - 5 Speckled yellow moths, 6 Orange Tips, 2 Peacocks. 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Green-veined White. 1 Small heath in the woodland glade south of the cleared area - Andrew Wood

A few sightings to report for yesterday (Monday 28th May 2012) - 3 Small Heath, at 'Old Golf Course', Trent Park, 12:45 - 12:48 hrs; 2 Speckled Wood (1 Rough Lot, 13:03 hrs, 1 Moat Wood, 13:26 hrs); 1 male Orange Tip, along Hadley Rd/Park Farm, Enfield, 13:40 hrs; 1 Mother Shipton, at Parkside Farm, 13:44 hrs; 1 Cinnabar, at Parkside Farm on Res banking, 13:47 hrs; 2 male Orange Tip, together, near Firing Range, at Vicarage Farm, 14:40 hrs. - Robert Callf

Late on at Rickneys 2 grizzleds, 2 common blue, 4 small heath and 6 brown argus. At Waterford Heath south on bank had 5 grizzleds, 2 brown argus and 2 common blue first of year there - Steve Kiln

Monday 28th May 2012
I had a walk around Aldbury on Friday 25th, totals were 15 grizzled skipper, dingy skipper - 6, small heath - 9, orange tip - 3, brimstone - 5, green hairstreak - 3 and an s/gv white. - Paul Thrush

Visited Aldbury Nowers Nature Reserve (south section) today in almost perfect weather but the breeze picked up a bit later on. Saw the following: 20+ Brimstones, 10+ Orange Tips, 2 Small Whites, 1 G-V White, 1 Large White, 10+ Grizzled Skippers, 5+ Dingy Skippers, 5+ Small Coppers, 5+ Brown Argus, 3+ Common Blues, 2+ Holly Blues, 20+ Small Heaths. We looked hard for the Green Hairstreak but none seen. In addition, we saw a few Burnet Companion and Latticed Heath moths as well as a Cinnibar - Bob Clift and Peter Clarke

Waterford Heath south, starting at 4 o'clock we walked the bank to the Sacombe Road entrance and got there about 4.35. In total we saw 6 Grizzled Skipper, most flying low and some possibly egg laying. Also seen was a Brimstone, 2 Burnet Companion, Silver Y, 2 Small Heath, 1 Common Blue, 1 Small Copper, 1 Brown Argus, Cinnabar and a Mother Shipton. We then walked back straight down the pit but taking the pond to the left and found 2 more Grizzleds in the middle before the pond plus 2 Small Heath and 1 Brown Argus and I forgot to note the end time but no later than 5 o'clock - Liz Goodyear and Andrew Middleton

Kings Meads, Speckled Wood, 3 Small Copper, Brown Argus - Simon Knott

Highdown area, first brown argus there today only a few dingy skippers, common blue, brimstone +five orange tips and two mother shipton moths. No green hairstreak though - Stuart Pittman

Sunday May 27th at Aldbury Nowers in evening. One slightly deformed Cinnabar moth flying well,several Treble Bar moths of which one was resting on a twig in sunshine, one Orange Tip and one fast flying small orange butterfly, possibly a Small Copper. Monday 28th in Kings Langley; Holly Blue flying over twice, one Small White, seen from a distance, so 100% Id not certain,nectaring on Herb Robert - Elizabeth Debenham

A few sightings for yesterday (Sunday 27th May 2012) - Oakwood Park, N14 - 1 Holly Blue, 10:10 hrs; 2 Burnet Companion, 13:00 hrs - my first of the year! Grovelands Park, Southgate - 1 Holly Blue, 14:06 hrs; 2 Speckled Wood, 13:48 and 14:02 hrs; 1 Mother Shipton, near Bowling Green, 13:13 hrs. Also saw a Peacock along the track at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ305975) on Friday (25th May 2012) at 16:34 hrs. - Robert Callf

Sunday 27th May 2012
Aldbury Nowers – Field below the reserve – Small Copper 2, Burnet Companion 1, Grizzled Skipper 3, Dingy Skipper 7 Mother Shipton (nectaring on Hawthorn) 1, Green Hairstreak 1, Small Tortoiseshell 1 HMWT Reserve - Dingy Skipper 7, Common Blue 4, Treble Bar 1, Brimstone 10, Orange Tip 2, Small Heath 19, Grizzled Skipper 11, Pyrausta moth 2, Green Hairstreak 1, Ruby Tiger 1, Speckled Wood 1, Holly Blue 1, Small Tortoiseshell 1, Small Copper 4. The Kidney Vetch has reappeared in the northern section of the site. I saw no Small Blue at Aldbury Nowers, although they were out in good numbers this afternoon at nearby Pitstone, Bucks – Malcolm Hull

After a bad run on my transects at Heartwood Forest a good numbers of species with Small Heath, Brown Argus, Orange Tip (7),Green veined, Large White(8) and Small White along with Mother shipton Moth(2) and Cinnabar moth - Andrew Steele

Recent news.......Thursday 24th May Weston Hills, much Kidney Vetch, flowering by the Icknield Way, but not in flower at the top of the cuttings east of the Tunnel but no Small Blues or much of anything apart from a Brimstones and Orange Tips.
Friday 25th May Telegraph Hill Large White 1, Green Hairstreak 2, Dingy Skipper 5, Small Heath 1, Common Blue 1, brimstone 1
Saturday 26th May Ridgeway path east of Aldbury Nowers 1 each of Orange Tip, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Dingy Skipper, Holly Blue, Aldbury Nowers south section Grizzled Skipper 15, Small Copper 5, Small Heath 11, Common Blue 2, Green Hairstreak 1, Brimstone 10, Orange Tip 1, Brown Argus 2, Dingy Skipper 1. Aldbury Nowers north section Common Blue 1, Small heath 4, Orange Tip2, Grizzled Skipper 2, Brimstone 4, Small Blue 1, Brown Argus 2, Dingy Skipper 2, Green Hairstreak 1
Andrew Wood

Saturday 26th May 2012
Saw the following butterflies yesterday (Saturday 26th May 2012) at Fir & Pond Woods, Potters Bar - 1 Holly Blue, 12:40 hrs; 2 male Orange Tips, 13:06 hrs; 1 Green-veined White, 13:08 hrs; 1 Peacock, 13:08 hrs; 1 Small Copper, in Meadow, 13:12 hrs. At Northaw Great Wood saw one Speckled Yellow and several Brown Silver-lines yesterday (Saturday 26th May 2012). - Robert Callf

Tring Park, recorded a female Green Hairstreak, egg laying in compartment 2 of my old transect walk. First one I have seen there for 3 or 4 years, so they are still around. - Brian Jessop

Butterfly World, Chiswell Green - 11 Common Blue (all male), 4 Burnet Companion, 1 Cinnabar moth, 1 female orange tip (egg laying on Kale), 1 Small White & several 6-spot Burnet Caterpillars & cocoons. There are absolute masses of Kidney Vetch on site - join me at 10.30 am next Sunday 3 June on the branch field trip to hunt for Small Blue (entry £5).
Bury Dell, Park Street - Small Copper 6 (including 1 nectaring on forget-me-not), Small Heath 5, Brown Argus 1, Common Blue 1, Small White 1. The site looks in great shape with masses of Sheeps Sorrell, Birdsfoot Trefoil & a varied rabbit grazed sward. The governments decision on whether to allow redevelopment as warehousing is due in early July
Bricket Wood Common - Brimstone 18, Brown Silver lines 2, Holly Blue 1, Orange Tip 2, Speckled Wood 2. The big news from this site is that most of the fencing for the conservation grazing has been put up this week - Malcolm Hull

1 x small white & 1 x holly blue in Bushey garden ( on rose) this morning -- David Gower

Took my life in my hands today 26th May visiting Aldbury Nowers for the first time ( desperately in need of a car park there). Sighted numerous butterflies including 4 Brimstone, 2 Holly blues, 2 Small Whites, 2 Large Whites, 1 Green Veined, 2 Orange-tips, 1 Red Admiral, a fleeting glimpse of 3 Green Hairstreaks and 3 Small Heaths. http://www.flickr.com/photos/69131641@N04/7274501852/in/photostream
- Helen George

Friday 25th May 2012
Hexton Chalkpit, scoured the site on 23rd May but only 15 dingy skippers one green hairstreak and my 1st common blue of the year - Stuart Pittman

Walked from Drop lane to Munden estate and found 6 x orange tip(2 female), 1 x speckled wood & 1 x holly blue. Around Bricket Wood Common 13 x brimstone(6 female), 6 x orange tip, 1 x small white, 1 x speckled yellow moth,1 x silver y moth. By bridge under M1 north watford near train station 2 x peacock, 1 x holly blue, 8 x orange tip(2 female), 1 x garden carpet, 1 x common blue. In Bushey at chalk hill 1 X holly blue - David Gower

Hertfordshire Way, Thorley Street, verge of oilseed rape field, 7 small white and 4 orange tips at 8.50 a.m this sunny morning--Len Crouch

Thursday 24th May 2012
Today in Bushey garden 1 x holly blue(yet again), 2 x orange tip & 1 x brimstone (female) - David Gower

Went to Hexton Chalk Pit this afternoon (1220-1255pm) - saw 2 G V Whites, 1 Small White, 1 Holly Blue, 1 Orange Tip and about 5 Dingy Skippers. Near the gate, a Speckled Wood was also seen. Later from the layby on the Hexton and Lilley road which crosses the Icknield Way I walked along the Icknield Way east towards Telegraph Hill. On the Icknield Way, I counted 4 Brimstones, 2 Small Whites, 1 G-V White, 1 Small Tortoiseshell (probably 2nd generation), 1 Peacock and an Orange Tip. On Telegraph Hill, noted 5+ Brimstones, 5+ Orange Tips, 2 Common Blues, 5+ Dingy Skippers, 1 G-V White and a Green Hairstreak. All the Common Blues and Dingy Skippers, and the Green Hairstreak were found on the chalk cutting between the hill and Icknield Way near Hoo Bit - Peter Clarke

Have just returned from a walk in Cheshunt Park this afternoon lasting about 45 minutes. Weather warm and sunny. Saw 12 small heaths, 1 speckled wood, 1 male orange tip and 3 unidentified whites - Roger Newbold

News for yesterday (Wednesday 23rd May 2012) - 1 Holly Blue, Bramley Road, N14, 11:43 hrs; 2 Peacock, 'New Fields', Trent Park(1 Sect., 4, edge of Church Wood, 12:12 hrs and 1, Sect., 8, 12:45 hrs); 2 male Orange Tip, 'New Fields', Trent Park (1, Sect., 4, edge of Church Wood, 12:13 hrs and 1, Sect., 8, 12:43 hrs); 2 Small Copper, 'New Fields', Trent Park (Sect., 6, 12:30 hrs and 12:36 hrs); 3 Small Heath, Trent Park, 'New Fields' ( 2, Sect., 6, 12:34 and 12:36 hrs, 1, Sect., 8, 12:45 hrs); 1 Holly Blue, Trent Park, Sect., 8, 12:50 hrs; 1 Speckled Wood, Trent Park, Sect., 7, 13:00 hrs; 2 Holly Blue, at Monken Hadley Common, including a female settling on Holly flowers, 13:55 hrs and one, 15:30 hrs; 1 male Orange Tip, at Monken Hadley Common, 14:00 hrs; 1 female Orange Tip, at Covert Way LNR, 13:15 hrs; 1 Small White, at Covert Way LNR, 14:10 hrs; 2 Speckled Wood, at Monken Hadley Common, 14:01 and 15:17 hrs; 1 Large White, at Monken Hadley Common, 15:50 hrs. Today (Thursday 24th May 2012) - 2 Holly Blue, at Oakwood Park, N14 and 1 male Orange Tip, at Grovelands Park, N14, 12:48 hrs; 1 Holly Blue and 1 Speckled Wood, at Brookside, N21. - Robert Callf

Wednesday 23rd May 2012
Saw our first Cinnabar of the year on Monday (21st May 2012) by the Lower Lake in Trent Park at 12:30 hrs - Robert Callf & Robin White. - Robert Callf

Small Heath day. 20 plus at Cheshunt Park, 18 in field by Bencroft Wood, 3 at Rickneys and 1 at Waterford Heath south. 8 Common Blue at Rickneys of note - Steve Kiln

1 Holly Blue in Bushey garden today - David Gower

Hummingbird Hawkmoth buzzing along a hedgerow south of Tewin today in a field that also had several Small Heath in it - Andrew Wood

Female Brimstone egg laying on alder buckthorn in my Ware garden, four eggs found - Liz Goodyear

Tuesday 22nd May 2012
Frogmore quarry - lunchtime 21C sunny 8 Grizzled skippers focussing on the strawberry patches, Orange-tip 2, Small copper 4, Small Heath 1, Small White 1, Brimstone 1, newly hatched Brown Argus 1 - Trevor Chapman

Quite a good day in the garden today as the temperatures reached 24 degrees. Male and female Brimstones, Small/G-V White, Holly Blue, male Orange Tip and a Speckled Wood. - Robin Pearson

At field adjacent to Tring stn car park, 1 x orange tip & 1 x brimstone( male). In field opposite were 5 x small heath, 1 x orange tip, 1 x burnet companion, 2 x mother shipton. On bridleway heading onto Aldbury Nowers were 1 x green veined white, 1 x small white, 2 x orange tip, 3 x brimstone(1 female). In southern enclosure at Aldbury Nowers 1 x brimstone (male). In northern section 2 x brimstone(male), 6 x orange tip, 2 x small yellow underwing, 2 x grizzled skipper, 2 x small heath, 1 x green hairstreak & 1 x dingy skipper. Took quite a few photos, will have to get started in flickr! - David Gower

Whilst recording today, day flying moths seen were Latticed Heath, Burnet Companion and a Cinnabar - Liz Goodyear

2 Grizzled Skipper at Rickneys with a few Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Heath and Small Copper. Nothing on south pit at Waterford Heath apart from orange tips. On north pit grass snake, 2 commas and 4 grizzleds and large white. At broxbourne woods 8 orange tip, holly blue and speckled wood. In Bencroft small copper and comma - Steve Kiln

I just did a walk around Waterford and Rickneys - saw 5+ small heath, 2 holly blue and 1 orange-tip at Rickneys. Very sunny, but quite breezy. I am still on the look out for Grizzled skippers! - Jenny Sherwen

A few sightings for today (Tuesday 22nd May 2012) - 1 Holly Blue, at Gordon Hill, EN2, 11:40 hrs; 1 Speckled Wood, at Lavender Hill Cemetery, Enfield, 11:52 hrs; 1 Holly Blue, at Lavender Hill Cemy, 12:06 hrs; 1 male Orange Tip, at Lavender Hill Cemy, 12:06 hrs; 1 female Large White, at Hilly Fields Park, 12;12 hrs; 3 male Orange Tip, at Hilly Fields Park ( 2 at 12:12 hrs and 1 at 12:30 hrs); 1 Small White, at Hilly Fields Park, 12:12 hrs; 1 Peacock, at Strayfield Road, Clay Hill, Enfield, 12:37 hrs; 1 male Brimstone, at Hilly Fields Park, 12:39 hrs; 1 Holly Blue, at Hilly Fields Park, 12:40 hrs; 1 female Orange Tip, at Whitewebbs Wood, 13:06 hrs; 1 Mother Shipton, at Whitewebbs Park, 15:10 hrs; 1 male Orange Tip, at Forty Hall, Enfield, 16:00 hrs; 1 Peacock, at Forty Hall, Enfield, 16:00 hrs; 1 Holly Blue, at Gough Park, Forty Hill, Enfield. - Robert Callf

Stanwell Moor update, internet problems have meant I haven't been able to send stuff in as I wanted. I'll try and play catch-up now!
10th May, Grey skies, a stiff breeze, drizzle in the air - but at least it was warmer than recently, and around midday, you could feel warmth from the sun through thin bits in the cloud cover. Enough to provoke something into flight? I walked around my local patch and found that a couple of Small Whites had been tempted out along with a Peacock making a brave attempt to bask (I nearly trod on it, so unexpected was its appearance). And once again, fast becoming the abiding memory of this soggy spring, the inevitable roosting Orange Tip. An interesting sign has appeared along my usual route. The area to the North East of J14 of the M25, between the motorway and the River Colne, has always been the richest area on my patch for butterflies in terms of variety. Over the last four years, I have seen 23 species here (and a 24th within 100 metres, as the Purple Hairstreaks live in oak trees just away from this area). There has been in past years a particularly strong Small Heath colony. I knew it was owned by BAA and is basically landscaped from spoil that came from the building of Terminal Five - I think it was one of the conditions of that construction. However, it has now acquired a name: the Heathrow Conservation Site Colne Valley. Quite what this means in reality remains to be seen, but at least BAA seem committed to maintaining it as is. I feel encouraged!
13th May, Another walk locally: Holly Blues were out - I counted 10 before becoming unsure whether duplication was setting in. There were also numerous Orange Tips and Whites both Small and Green-veined. I also encountered my first Large White of the season. Peacocks were back out in force (I saw six), showing how they seem to be able to endure repeated bouts of inactivity in poor weather between short bursts of warmth. A check of the Small Heath colony revealed the first of the year, but just the one. I spotted only one Speckled Wood, too. 21st May, A brief foray into the local environs late this afternoon after work turned up several Orange Tips, all three of the common Whites, both male and female Brimstones, a Holly Blue and a Peacock. It was warm, and everything had suddenly speeded up. I think I've become used to lethargic butterflies!
22nd May, Mid-afternoon I went and had a first look at Harmondsworth Moor for 2012. There was not a great deal to see, despite very warm sunshine: two Small Heaths, a selection of whites, two or three Brimstones and Orange Tips. However, as I was on the point of leaving, I came across a Brown Argus - and then two more. However, no Common Blues were around yet. I moved back a mile or two down the road to my home patch near Stanwell Moor. This proved more fruitful, with four Small Heaths (one with an extra spot), a dozen or more male Orange Tips and several females, male and female Brimstones and all three Whites in reasonable numbers. A three-way tussle of whites resolved itself into a female Large White and males of the other two species. With respectable numbers of female Orange Tips around too, it really does become hard to distinguish them all without close scrutiny. One Speckled Wood was active in the woodland, along with numerous Holly Blues and half a dozen Peacocks carving the area up into distinct territories. Ten months old and still game for anything. Finally, I spotted a silvery shape darting amongst the wildflowers on a bit of disturbed ground that last year had been a major gas main excavation: a male Brown Argus.
I think that's everything. - Dave Miller

Monday 21st May 2012
Only two Green-veined Whites to report today (Monday 21st May 2012) along Merryhills Brook at Vicarage Farm, Enfield, at 14:21 hrs and a couple of Silver Y's here also (Robert Callf & Robin White). - Robert Callf

At 4 pm spent an hour at Water Lane, Watford (same walk as previously) and noted 12 x orange tip ( 4 females), 2 x small white, 3 x green veined white, 1 x holly blue and what appeared to be 2 x garden carpet moths. David Gower

Saturday 19th May 2012
A few butterflies to report today Saturday (19th May 2012) - 1 female Orange Tip, Barracks, at Vicarage Farm, 10:30 hrs; 2 Silver-Y, at Vicarage Farm, 10:35 and 11:06 hrs; 1 Green-veined White, Barracks, at Vicarage Farm, 10:44 hrs; 1 Speckled Wood, near Hadley Road/Vicarage Farm, 11:20 hrs; 1 Green-veined White, Hadley Road/ Parkside Farm, 11:20 hrs; 1 male Common Blue, at Parkside Farm on Res banking, 11:53 hrs - First for the year! 1 Peacock, by Lower Lake, Trent Park, 13:10 hrs. Also saw a Holly Blue in Oakwood Park on Sunday (13th May 2012) at 14:30 hrs (Robert Callf only). Robert Callf & Robin White

Wednesday 16th May 2012
News from Diane Andrews on a visit to Aldbury Nowers on Wednesday. Despite sunshine when she left home, it was quite cloudy during the visit. Seen throughout the day were 2 Dingy Skipper, 5 Grizzled Skipper, 2 Brimstone, 1 Green-veined White, 5 Orange Tip, 1 Small Copper and 4 Small Heath, no Green Hairstreak seen. She was very disappointed that the 'safe route' she would take from the station, has in places been blocked and the excellent habitat, either mown or grubbed up!

I did the Aldbury Nowers transect and in between cloud cover saw a few butterflies. Totals were dingy skipper – 7, Grizzled skipper – 6, orange tip – 4, small copper – 1 and small heath – 5. In addition there were 2 more orange tips and single grizzled skipper and dingy skipper on the reserve. - Paul Thrush

Hexton Chalk Pit just after 8.30, 14 Dingy Skipper mostly roosting on seed heads. Telegraph Hill in four minutes at least 10 Dingy Skipper with three chases observed. 2 Green Hairstreak seen later. Hoo Bit, 7 Dingy Skipper and a Green-veined White. Unfortunately cloud and cold wind predominated - Liz Goodyear and Andrew Middleton

On May 13th a female holly blue on bluebell in Kings Langley.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7392841@N04/7188304742/in/photostream
I went to Sarratt and Belsize also on May 13th looking for orange tips where I had seen them last year. None visible, but I did find an orange tip EGG on garlic mustard. May 16th a holly blue, possibly male, but in flight, same place as before; also one male and a female orange tip twice at different times during the early afternoon in Kings Langley. Life cycle images on Flickr.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7392841@N04/7210460776/
Elizabeth Debenham

This afternoon I saw a grand total of three butterflies: A Peacock at Tewin Orchard, a 'white' (probably Green-veined) on Nomansland Common and a male Orange-tip near the car park at Heartwood Forest. Even though the weather was iffy I'm still disappointed not to have seen more. - Paul Why

Had a look around Water Lane, Watford and noted 12 x orange tip (3 females), 1 x small tortoiseshell, 1 x green veined white(male). At Fishers field nature reserve, Bushey were 2 x orange tip females and 1 x holly blue. - David Gower

Some news for today (Wednesday 16th May 2012) - 1 Small White, along track at Vicarage Farm, 10:45 hrs; 1 Speckled Wood, along Jubilee Path/Park Farm, Enfield, 12:20 hrs; 1 male Orange Tip, at Park Farm, Enfield, 12:20 hrs; 1 Holly Blue, along Jubilee Path/Park Farm, 12:40 hrs; 2, male and female, Orange Tip, along Merryhills Brook/Vicarage Farm, 14:20 and 14:26 hrs; 1 Small White, along Merryhills Brook/Vicarage Farm, 14:20 hrs. - Robert Callf.

At last the sun arrived in my Hayes garden today 16th May bringing in an Orange Tip, Holly blue and a very pristine Green-veined White.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69131641@N04/7209021028/in/photostream
Helen George

Sunday 13th May 2012
First Holly Blue of the year seen in Tewin Garden - Jim Farr

News for Sunday (13th May 2012) - Oakwood Park: 1 Speckled Wood, 14:23 hrs; 2 male Orange Tip, 14:23 and 14:45 hrs; 1 Small Heath, 14:38 hrs - my first of the year! 1 Small Copper, 14:43 hrs. - Robert Callf

Just back from a stroll round Aldbury Nowers, 3x brimstone 5+ orange tip 3x dingy skipper 2x green hairstreak - Richard Geary

1 x holly blue in Bushey garden today - David Gower

First Holly Blue of the year in my Harpenden garden this morning; obliging settling on a bluebell.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7395917@N02/7187069148/
Robin Pearson

Bricket Wood Common - At last, a sunny day when I'm not working. The butterflies seemed full of the joys of Spring. Orange Tips (5) - Courting couple in clump of Cuckoo Flower, two males patrolling, one female nectaring on bluebell; Comma (1); Green-veined White (2); Peacock; Brimstone (14), Courting couple, 1 male nectaring on bluebell, 1 female searching for egg-laying sites, 2 other females & 8 males just cruising around - Malcolm Hull

Saturday 12th May 2012
News for Saturday (12th May 2012) - 1 Holly Blue, settling on damp mud, Sidhil's Field, 10:04 hrs; 1 Peacock, hedgerow off Barracks, Vicarage Farm, Enfield, 10:30 hrs; 1 Peacock, at Parkside Farm, Enfield, 11:10 hrs; 1 Speckled Wood, at Park Farm, Enfield, 11:44 hrs; 3 Peacock, at Park Farm, Enfield, along Jubilee Path, 11:53, 12:07 and 12:21 hrs; 7(5 males, 2 females) Orange Tip, at Park Farm, Enfield, along Jubilee Path, 12:07 - 12:26 hrs; 1 Holly Blue, along bridle-path near Shaws Wood, Trent Park, 14:13 hrs; 1 Small Copper, along Merryhills Brook at South Lodge Farm, 14:20 hrs - our first of the year! 1 Small Tortoiseshell, along Merryhills Brook at South Lodge Farm, 14:28 hrs - very scarce this spring, first for about a month! 2 Peacock, along Merryhills Brook at Vicarage Farm, Enfield, 14:42 hrs. - Robert Callf & Robin White. - Robert Callf and Robin White

Spent just over half an hour at Norton Green on Saturday afternoon at around 1:30pm when the weather conditions were not ideal: breezy, about 50% sun and fairly cool. Therefore unsurprisingly only 2 butterflies were spotted: a female Brimstone and a female Orange Tip - Peter Clarke

Highdown area, 6 dingy skippers/ a solitary green hairstreak / 7 brimstones and 3 orange tips+ - Stuart Pittman

A better day today at Tyttenhanger, with 6 Orange Tips, 1 Peacock, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Small White. Also a Holly Blue in my South Mimms garden - Terry Wood

At Finch lane, Bushey 3 x orange tip ( 1 female) & 3 x Holly blue. Aldenham road 1 x Orange tip. On walk from Finch lane to Patchetts green (via jewish cemetary) 4 x orange tip( 1 female), 1 x Holly blue, 1 x speckled wood, 1 x Small Tortoiseshell. At Patchetts Green 1 x Small White & 1 x Orange tip. 1 X Orange tip in Bushey garden - David Gower

Friday 11th May 2012
Some news for Friday 11th May 2012 - 2 Peacock, at Park Farm, Enfield, at 13:30 and 13:35 hrs; 1 female Brimstone, at Park Farm, Enfield, 13:35 hrs; 2(male and female) Orange Tip, at Bay Farm, Enfield, 13:45 - 13:47 hrs; 1 Peacock, at Bay Farm, Enfield, 13:47 hrs; 2 female Orange Tip, at Brooke Wood, The Ridgeway, Enfield, 13:58 - 14:00 hrs; 2 male Orange Tip, at Rectory Farm, Enfield, 14:17 and 14:35 hrs; 1 male Orange Tip, at Whitewebbs Wood, 15:42 hrs; 1 male Orange Tip, at Hilly Fields Park, Enfield, 16:40 hrs. - Robert Callf

Aldbury Nowers, I finally got to do the transect today! Was very pleased to finally see a dingy skipper (in the middle southern enclosure). Totals were small copper- 2, grizzled skipper - 8 on the transect with another 3 off route, small heath - 2, peacock, large white and brimstone. Elsewhere, in the furthest northern enclosure there was an orange tip, small heath, unidentified white species and a female brimstone. It made up for the lack of butterflies last Saturday! - Paul Thrush

At Rickneys today 2pm two grizzled skippers, 1 small copper, 1 brown argus, 2 orange tip and green veined white. Later at 3.30 on Waterford Heath south 5 grizzleds - Steve Kiln

At Merryhill fields, Bushey 1 x orange tip(male). Onto Finch Lane, Bushey where spotted 4 x orange tip( 1 was female), 1 x holly blue, 1 x peacock and 1 x muslin moth(female) - David Gower

On May 8th a female holly blue settled on a raspberry leaf and displayed her wings briefly in sunshine. On May 9th and 10th it rained and was cool. A female orange tip stayed on the same cowslip flower for well over 24hrs and only opened her wings a chink when the sun appeared for a moment today,May 10th. I shall look again in the morning. Both seen in Kings Langley
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7392841@N04/7173136722/
Elizabeth Debenham

Tuesday 8th May 2012
Had a Painted Lady on oil seed rape fields in Bedmond on Tuesday afternoon. - Clive Burrows

Today I went to Broxbourne Wood as it had been over a month since my last visit. The drizzle started as I arrived, but didn't last long. When the sun finally broke through I saw just two male Orange-tips. After Broxbourne Wood I moved on to Hexton Chalk Pit, hoping to find a Green Hairstreak. No luck there, but I did spot a Dingy Skipper, and failed to photograph it. Is this really the first Herts record for 2012? After the sun appeared I spotted a second Dingy feeding on Horseshoe Vetch on the slope of the upper pit - Paul Why

I was at Purwell this afternoon and there was a brief period of sunshine and out came the butterflies! I saw a peacock, 4 speckled wood and 3 unidentified whites plus a green veined white and holly blue on the edge of the reserve - Paul Thrush

News for Tuesday 8th May 2012 - 1 male Orange Tip, at Park Farm, Enfield at 14:07 hrs; 2 Peacock, at Rectory Farm, Enfield, 14:45 and 15:02 hrs; 2 male Orange Tip, together, at Rectory Farm, Enfield, 14:50 hrs; 1 male Brimstone, at Rectory Farm, Enfield, 15:02 hrs; 1 Green-veined White, at Hilly Fields Park, Enfield, 17:40 hrs. - Robert Callf

Monday 7th May 2012
Despite the poor weather again had a Brown Argus fly across my car along Beachwood Avenue, St. Albans - Andy Steele

Two butterflies to report for Monday 7th May 2012 - 1 Peacock, at Barracks, Vicarage Farm, Enfield and a male Orange Tip at Parkside Farm, Enfield - Robert Callf

Tuesday 1st May 2012
A couple of butterfly sightings for Tuesday 1st May 2012 - 1 male Orange Tip, near Duncan's Wood, Enfield Chase, 13:20 hrs; 1 Peacock, edge of Williams Wood, Trent Park, 14:35 hrs. - Robert Callf

A brief walk when the rain finally relented Wareside - 16 orange tips, (only one female) 1 brimstone 1 large white The most butterflies I've seen in a day all year so far all in 40 mins. - Phil MacMurdie

Late in day 3pm in Broxbourne Woods in ride saw 14 orange tips and two green veined white. In Rickneys one grizzled, 1 orange tip and green veined white. Then onto Waterford south heath on bank after 4pm before rain, 5 grizzled, 2 peacocks, 2 orange tips and two green veined whites - Steve Kiln

April 2012

Monday 30th April 2012
A lovely day today (30th April), apart from a strongish wind and the fact I was stuck on the inside of the office looking out. I managed a bit of a walk locally after work (Stanwell Moor), and spotted a couple of Orange Tips, a male Small White, and two male and one female Green-veined Whites. The last of these was small and rather dusky, and I initially mistook it in flight for a female Orange Tip. - Dave Miller

I saw my first Holly blue on 30 April in my Watford Garden - Joan Thompson

I finally managed to do my 3rd transect walk of the year yesterday! It was actually quite warm at times! Totals were 3 peacock, 5 orange tip, 2 brimstone, and 4 grizzled skipper. Not on the transect were 2 more brimstone, 5 orange tip, a comma, speckled wood and 3 grizzled skipper - Paul Thrush

Things are looking up. In my Hatfield garden today, 30 April, 3+ Orange Tip (all active m.), Brimstone (f), Small White, GV White, Peacock, all nectaring on Honesty/Forget-me-not/Periwinkle or sun-bathing. Curiously no sign of f. Orange Tip, as we also have a few large Garlic Mustard (in the wrong place, but will have to stay now!). My Warren transect disappointing, only 2 Peacock, 1 Comma, all very active in the sun, ground very water-logged in places - should be good for Cuckoo-flower - John Moss

Returned home to find an Orange Tip roosting on my lawn in Ware. Elsewhere 2 Small Coppers seen and lots of very active Peacocks - Liz Goodyear

This morning in the Harpenden garden: 1 Small White, 1 Large White, 1 male Brimstone, 1 male Orange Tip and the day is still young! You can add Peacock and Comma to the list - Robin Pearson

1 x holly blue in Bushey garden today - David Gower

Sunday 29th April 2012
Finally got out of the house Wareside - Sunday 29th April at 4pm, 6 orange tips in total. 3 in the garden, one came out of its roost in a hebe bush, can only assume it must have been waiting for days....3 on the railway line - Phil MacMurdie

Stanwell Moor, when the rain finally stopped today around three o'clock, I made a brief foray out along the bank of the distinctly swollen River Colne. In the usual place in the middle of the J14 roundabout, I found two Orange Tips roosting together, one of either sex. The sun appeared sporadically, but only enough to stir the male into life a little. He made a half-hearted attempt to accost the female, but more cloud caused them both to settle back down tightly. Tomorrow's promised sunshine may give them a better day - Dave Miller

Friday 27th April 2012
Saw the following on Friday 27th April 2012 - 1 male Orange Tip, at Hilly Fields Park, Enfield, 13:50 hrs; 1 Speckled Wood, at Flash Lane, Clay Hill, Enfield, 13:53 hrs; 1 Peacock, was seen to hide in a pile of logs at Brayside Farm, Enfield, at 13:58 hrs., before a shower. - Robert Callf

What weather, blown off Rickneys. In Waterford North pit in a bit of sun at 12.30 by steep bank saw Peacock and one grizzled skipper, had to run to avoid dark looking cloud - Steve Kiln

Thursday 26th April 2012
Saw a Speckled Wood at Alexandra Park this morning (Thursday 26th April 2012) at 11:48 hrs. - Robert Callf

Tuesday 24th April 2012
We also went to Waterford Heath on Sunday, after a rain shower, we went to the North Pit at 12.45pm, it was sunny but windy and cool, saw 2 Grizzled Skippers to the right of the picnic table. Also saw a Angle Shades Moth. photo link
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sas999/7108779577/
We then went to the South pit at 1.20pm and saw a single Grizzled Skipper on the usual slope - Kevin and Sandra Standbridge

Sunday 22nd April 2012
Saw the following butterflies Sunday 22nd April 2012 - 1 Speckled Wood, Sidhil's Field, at Vicarage Farm, Enfield, 09:58 hrs; 1 male Orange Tip, near Dew Pond, Trent Park, 13:03 hrs; 1 Speckled Wood, at Dew Pond, Trent Park, 13:06 hrs; 1 Peacock, edge of Williams Wood, Trent Park, 13:15 hrs; 1 female Large White, edge of Williams Wood, Trent Park, 13:17 hrs and a couple of White sp., probably Small, along Merryhills Brook, at Vicarage Farm, Enfield - Robert Callf & Robin White. Robert Callf

I spent the morning at Aldbury Nowers and saw one peacock, one very tatty small tortoiseshell, one male brimstone, two grizzled skippers and 4 male orange tips. Photos of orange tips:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64663114@N03/7107347645/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64663114@N03/6961281422/in/photostream
- Miles Attenborough

On 22nd April a pristine male holly blue displayed his wings in the sun in a Kings Langley garden.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7392841@N04/6957446220/
- Elizabeth Debenham

1 Grizzled Skipper seen on the north pit near the railway line at Waterford Heath - Liz Goodyear

Stanwell Moor, I did a quick tour of my local patch this afternoon before it rained (again!). Right outside my front door, nectaring on a dandelion on the grass verge was a female Orange Tip. I saw another five altogether: one more female, three males patrolling and a further male roosting on a head of Garlic Mustard. There were singletons of Small White, Speckled Wood and Holly Blue, the last of these still flying even though the cloud had moved across and it had turned dark and cold. Added to these, I came across five Peacocks, something I hadn't seen for three weeks. They were very worn - do they return to hibernation if the weather turns foul, I wonder? - Dave Miller

Bricket Wood Common - First butterflies of the year on my transect walk this morning 6 male Orange Tips, 5 Speckled Woods & a Holly Blue. Not a single hibernator in sight - Malcolm Hull

Friday 20th April 2012
On Friday just before the rain I saw 2 orange tips + a Brimstone in my garden in Stocking Pelham - Andy Brown

Had a walk around my local Oughtonhead today and not a lot about but did see one Orange tip, and a white - Kevin Taylor

Tuesday 17th April 2012
Saw the following butterflies on Tuesday 17th April 2012 - 1 Speckled Wood, Ride Wood, Trent Park, 13:18 hrs; 1 male Orange Tip, at Parkside Farm, Enfield, 13:26 hrs; 2 male Orange Tip, at Whitewebbs Wood, 14:37 and 14:54 hrs; 1 Small White, at Whitewebbs Wood, 14:37 hrs; 1 Comma, at Whitewebbs Wood, 14:51 hrs. - Robert Callf

Went to Rickneys this afternoon 17th at 3pm, in sunny spot sheltered from the west wind, there were two grizzled skippers. Plenty of strawberry plants around whereas at Waterford Heath few strawberry plants and no grizzleds and more exposed - Steve Kiln

Monday 16th April 2012
I did the transect today at Aldbury, throughout the reserve I had 2 pristine grizzled skipper (both in the south) and 2 male orange tip. - Paul Thrush

Saw a Speckled Wood today (Monday 16th April 2012) at Park Farm, Enfield at 11:00 hrs - Robert Callf & Robin White

Finally some action, although not a lot. Saturday 14th April North Enfield CC - Hillyfields park Enfield 2 orange tips - Sunday 15th April Wareside, 2 orange tips. That's was the sum total for the weekend, despite the bright sunshine. There just doesn't appear to be many flying insects about at all. Bees few and far between. Havent seen a honey bee yet, only a few bumblebees and some solitary bees. - Phil MacMurdie

Saturday 14th April 2012
On 13th April I had a speckled wood and a male orange tip in Kings Langley within seconds of each other. Then a second speckled wood which was paler than the first had a dog fight with it and disappeared over the fence.I had seen a small white a day earlier which could have been a female orange tip going by size, but unconfirmed. - Elizabeth Debenham

Today at Tyttenhanger Gp had 1 Peacock, 1 Comma and 1 Specked Wood which was in Garden Wood - Andrew Steele

Folly Lane, St Albans - Small White (3), Orange Tip (male) and Speckled Wood on my allotment this morning. However, no butterflies at all on the Bricket Wood transect this afternoon, despite sun most of the way round. On the plus side, I counted well over a thousand violets through the wood, far more than in any previous year, which must be a good sign for the Silver-washed Fritillary population. Garlic Mustard & Cuckoo Flower also seem to be having a good year, which should help the Orange Tips - Malcolm Hull

Saw the following butterflies today (Saturday 14th April 2012) - 1 Comma, edge of Water Grdn, Trent Park, 13:00 hrs; 1 Speckled Wood, along Leeging Beech Gutter near Water Grdn., Trent Park, 13:08 hrs; 1 Peacock, along Leeging Beech Gutter near 'Three-bridges', Trent Park, 13:10 hrs - Robert Callf & Robin White. - Robert Callf

Friday 13th April 2012
Saw my first Holly Blue today in my Hatfield garden + 1x White sp (possibly f. Orange tip or GV White). Also a single Peacock on my Warren transect - John Moss

Thursday 12th April 2012
Saw a Speckled Wood today (Thursday 12th April 2012) at Boxer's Lake, Enfield, at 13:47 hrs. - Robert Callf

Two Holly Blues in my garden today in Hemel Hempstead (Wednesday 11th April 2012) - Ian Burley

Sightings Stanwell Moor, 11th April: Working according to the old adage that if you go out, you may see something, but if you stay indoors you definitely won't, I set off round my patch near Heathrow at around 1715 today, with the sun disappearing behind an ominous dark pile of cumulonimbus that the pilots out of the airport were giving a wide berth to. I headed for the area within the J14 M25 roundabout, where there is garlic mustard in abundance. It was just coming into flower, and providing ideal camouflage for roosting Orange Tips. I found just two, but as is so often the case, they shared the same flower head. Dave Miller

Pleased to see my 1st Speckled Wood of the year in my Hatfield garden at 10.00am (11th April), flitting round flowers then sunning on garage roof, although temp only 12C - John Moss

Saw a Peacock on the edge of an Oilseed Rape field at Vicarage Farm, Enfield on Tuesday 10th April 2012 at 12:27 hrs. - Robert Callf

Saw a male Orange Tip at Anglo Aquarium Plant, Clay Hill, Enfield (Friday 6th April 2012) at 12:52 hrs., also a white butterfly here not positively identified. - Robert Callf

Friday 6th April 2012
Late news: Stockley Park mid afternoon of Saturday 31st March, Small White, Orange Tip and Peacock - Ann Cater

Delighted to report a Peacock sunbathing in my St Albans garden this morning. Walked the Bricket Wood transect route this afternoon. Too cold for butterflies, but I did see two Orange Underwing moths. Winter management has included another acre of coppicing, scub removal and two new scallops on the main ride and clearance work around the main pond. None of the significant Sallows have been removed - Malcolm Hull

Wednesday 4th April 2012
North of Hertford, 1 Grizzled Skipper seen flying at 11.50 this morning (earliest known date for Hertfordshire previous 9th April in 1893 and 2011). Also seen several pyrausta moths (species unknown!) - Liz Goodyear

I saw a small white today at Chapel Green, Sandon, near Blagrove Common - Paul Thrush

Robin White and myself saw a male Orange Tip at Shaws Wood, Trent Park this afternoon (Wednesday 4th April 2012) at 12:50 hrs. - Robert Callf

1st April 2012 Transect - Wood Lane, Pirton - 12.00 to 13.00 only 13 degrees. Sightings : 1 female Small White nectaring on Blackthorn blossom, 1 Small Tortoiseshell nestling at ground level in the growing wheat, 1 Speckled Wood in the usual section 5 wooded path - Val Fullforth

Tuesday 3rd April 2012
Today I saw 3 speckled wood butterflies in Balls Wood - just before the rain came! - Andy Brown

Monday 2nd April 2012
Only saw two butterflies in my Hemel Hempstead garden today, my first Holly Blue of the year followed by a Speckled Wood which beat my earliest record by no less than three weeks! Malcolm Newland

Batford, Weedy field - 2 HOLLY BLUE, 1 Speckled Wood and on 28.03.12, 2f Orange Tips - Darin Stanley

This morning (10:45ish) I saw the Male Orange Tip in Woodcock Park (that was spotted yesterday by family) on the way back from a shop. This afternoon around the 2pm mark in the Welsh Harp during a half hour walk I spotted the following in much sunnier and warmer than expected conditions: 2x Unknown White 1x Peacock 1x Small Tortoiseshell (a very small one) 2x Male Orange Tip 1x Comma 1x Speckled Wood - Mike Rubin

A few butterflies to report - Yesterday (Sunday 1st April 2012) - 2 Small Tortoiseshell, together, along ditch between Nature Trail and Seedfield Spinney, Trent Park, 13:07 hrs; 1 Peacock, edge of Shaws Wood, Trent Park, 13:45 hrs; 1 Comma, edge of Shaws Wood, Trent Park, 13:45 hrs; 1 Small Tortoiseshell, along Merryhills Brook, Vicarage Farm, Enfield, 14:10 hrs. Today (Monday 2nd April 2012) - 2 Speckled Wood, at Fir & Pond Woods, near Potters Bar, 11:07 and 11:25 hrs; 1 Speckled Wood, at bridge over M25 near Fir & Pond Woods, 12:40 hrs; 1 Green-veined White, at Holly Hill Farm, Enfield, 12:47 hrs; 1 female Orange Tip, at Park Farm, Enfield, 13:26 hrs; 1 Speckled Wood, at Parkside Farm, Enfield, 13:33 hrs. - Robert Callf

I did the transect this morning, totals were comma - 3, orange tip - 4 male and 1 female and individual peacock and small tortoiseshell. - Paul Thrush

My first Small Tortoiseshell today, one mid afternoon at Norton Green Stevenage, whilst watching a Ring ouzel - Kevin Taylor

Sunday 1st April 2012
I heard from a member of family that they spotted a male orange tip around the 4:45pm mark in Woodcock Park, Kenton - Mike Rubin

1 X ORANGE TIP seen at Finch Lane, Bushey during quick visit - David Gower

March 2012

Friday 30th March 2012
OAKHILL WOODS LNR 8x Speckled wood---2x GV white----1x Tshell male patroling nettle patch---- 2x Peacock on Sallow catkins and cherry laurel blossom. Kit Jones

A fine m. Orange Tip in my Hatfield garden 11.00am today, testing spring flowers for nectar, but didn't stay long - John Moss

Thursday 29th March 2012
I went for a lunchtime stroll to a green space near Brunel University today and was pleased to see a number of butterflies - 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Peacock, 3 Small White, 2 Brimstone (males) and 1 Comma. On returning home I spotted my first Holly Blue of the year in my Uxbridge garden. - Nigel Parsons

Another m. Brimstone in my Hatfield garden today @ 12.45. Keep looking hopefully round Ivy etc for 1st Holly Blues - John Moss

Just had my first female Orange Tip of the year in the garden (west side of Bishop's Stortford). Andrew Palmer

Two more sightings to report, both at the Stockley Park. Sighted yesterday (28th March) afternoon, 1 Small Tortoiseshell and 1 Peacock. I had several sightings of the Tortoiseshell, but sadly never where I could say there was more than one. Then this morning I sighted in our Uxbridge garden, 1 small white - Ann Cater

Yesterday I optimistically spent the afternoon at Waterford Heath, having seen the reports of Grizzled Skipper sightings in Sussex. No luck with the Grizzlies I'm afraid, despite the high temperatures, though I did see 2 Peacocks on the northern part of the heath followed by another 2 peacocks (one sparring with either a Comma or Small Tortoiseshell) on the patch of grassland near the end of Barley Croft. On the southern part of the heath I saw one Peacock followed by the afternoon's highlight: my first Orange Tip of the year, a male, flying west from the newly-cleared willows at the south-west corner of the heath towards Waterford Marsh. Also, one day last week I was inspired by the Cambridgeshire sighting of a Green Hairstreak to check out Wood Lane, Telegraph Hill and Hexton Chalk Pit. No success there either. Paul Why

Peacock, Brimstone Hitchin garden yesterday. Small Tortoishell, Small White and Brimstone at Old Hale Way allotment site also yesterday - Nigel Agar

Wednesday 28th March 2012
I made my first sightings of 2012 today on a walk between Bishops Stortford and Sawbridgeworth along the Stort navigation path: Several peacocks (including one pair) - near Spellbrook Lock Two brimstones - also in the vicinity of Spellbrook Lock A large white - at Sawbridgeworth station Lots of other insect life on the wing, including plenty of queen bumblebees. - Chris Gleeson

Stanwell Moor area, I spent four hours spanning lunchtime around my local area today, in glorious sunshine and warmth. I eventually lost count of the butterflies, but Peacocks, Commas and Brimstones were around in double figures. Peacocks were particularly numerous, both defending territories and cruising the paths. Two of the Commas exhibited different behaviour, fluttering low in dappled shade in and amongst new nettle growth - I assume these were females looking to lay eggs. In the middle of the roundabout at J14 of the M25, there is a wooded area, with a break cut through along the path of a gas main. This gap and the woodland edges are home to a variety of species, and today I saw my first Orange Tip of the year here, along with Green-veined Whites and many of the Brimstones. Every white butterfly I checked today was a GVW - but Small Whites are more difficult to approach, so some of the unconfirmed ones may have been Small. In all, five Orange Tips were seen in various spots. Finally, high up in the ivy around a fallen willow, I spotted a male Holly Blue - another first for the year. Six species for a March day, possibly seven. Not bad. No Small Tortoiseshells though, and no Speckled Woods yet either. Dave Miller

I saw at least 4 Orange Underwing around midday in Bramfield Woods today - Terry Wood

News from Diane Andrews, male orange tip in Alexandra Palace, earliest ever!

Woodcock Park (TQ18)- A short walk mid afternoon close to home in Kenton / Harrow revealed: 1x Holly Blue (my first of the year) 1x Unknown White 2x Speckled Wood (having a scrap) - Mike Rubin

Two members of Harrow NHS reported seeing Orange Tips in their back gardens in the last few days - John Hollingdale

Tuesday 27th March 2012
The male Orange Tip which I saw in the Hemel Hempstead garden today beat my previous early record by eleven days, while a Green Veined White was earlier by two days.A male and female Brimstone almost had a close encounter, while I have not seen a Comma yet. Malcolm Newland

Anna Marett and I had a Small Tortoiseshell butterfly in the garden of the house near Mill Farm, Chenies Bottom - Joan Thompson

Stanwell Moor, I did my usual walk today, but quite late (around 1630). I disturbed a Small White on an ornamental plum tree within sight of the house - a good start - and clocked up five Peacocks and three Commas altogether. Checking photos, none looked like any seen last Friday. No Orange Tips or Speckled Woods yet - or precocious Small Heaths! - Dave Miller

I observed a humming bird hawk moth today feeding on a clump of aubretia in a garden I was working in at Cholesbury near Tring today - actually in Bucks (info passed to Upper Thames Branch) Earliest I have ever seen one. On an adjacent bergenia was a peacock butterfly - Alan Strawn

OAKHILL WOODS LNR East Barnet-----Brimstone male on periwinckle flower-------- Small and -GV white on wall flowers----Peacock on Goat willow catkins==KIT JONES

At last I can report the first sighting this year in my Hayes garden. Tuesday 27th March, 2 Holly Blue, 1 Large White and 1 Small White - Helen George

A walk down the main ride from West Car Park in Broxbourne Woods today produced a single Peacock and 10+ Orange Underwing moths. After I had left, two were later confirmed at Orange Underwing - Alan Reynolds

First Orange Tip this year in garden adjacent to Sherrards Park Wood. Welwyn Garden City. It flew across tops of flower border but did not stop to take sustenance. Hyacinth and wild primrose in bloom. Gwynneth Pearman

Monday 26th March 2012
Just had brimstone in my St Albans garden today first of the year - Andrew Steele

At Rose & Crown garden in Church street spotted 1 x comma my first sighting this year.............David Gower

2 Holly Blues in warm lunchtime sunshine in Twyford Crescent Gardens, Acton, today - Lee Hurrell

Barnhill, a lunchtime stroll over the hill revealed: 1x Speckled Wood (my first of the year) 1x Suspected Orange Underwing (on the wing and not stopping) 2x Peacock. Pretty quiet given the weather. I guess the peacocks had a bad year last year. Not a single Brimstone seen so far, in an area where I have photographed them in the past too. Another note is how dry the ground is for the time of year. Barnhill is usually still a quagmire in March but it is almost bone dry! Lovely though the weather is I hope the vegetation isn't going to get stunted and affected things adversely... - Mike Rubin

A single Green-veined White seen at Fishers Green, Stevenage, just before 3pm - Stefan Hunt

I live in the middle of Berkhamsted town centre yet whilst sitting on my small patio garden on Saturday, March 24 I was visited by a vivid, Brimstone, which swooped about my assembly of potted plants, decided there was nothing of immediate interest and headed off at speed. It was a joyous harbinger of Spring and very uplifting for the soul!! - Mervyn Edgecombe

I saw a comma yesterday near my St Albans house and saw a red admiral this morning at Tewin Orchard. I also saw a comma at Tewin Orchard last Tuesday (20/3) - Paul Thrush

Sunday 25th March 2012
A few sightings for Sunday 25th March 2012 - 1 Comma, at Whitewebbs Park, 13:58 hrs; 1 Small White, at Strayfield Road, Clay Hill, Enfield, 14:45 hrs and 1 Speckled Wood, at Rectory Farm, Enfield, 14:50 hrs. - Robert Callf

One Small White in Bengeo today, our first garden record of any butterfly this year, also an Orange Underwing Moth near Chapmore End, another new location for it - Andrew Wood

Countryside between Almshoebury and Stevenage yielded one Peacock, one Comma and two Small Tortoiseshell. Wasteground at Norton Green gave five Small Tortoiseshell and one Comma. Near the bylaws sign at Watery Grove were two Peacock, two Small Tortoiseshell, two Comma - Stefan Hunt

Horsenden Hill, near hole 6 of the golf course I saw 1 Comma and 1 unknown nymphalid (Peacock or Red Admiral) on the wing mid morning. Later, an unexpected brief return to the hill around 3:30pm revealed more in the meadows below the hill and on the grazing fields on the slope: 4x Peacock, 1x Small Tortoiseshell, 1x Female Orange Tip (90% sure when it settled briefly on a dandelion). - Mike Rubin

A walk around my local patch at Stanwell Moor near Heathrow on Friday 23rd produced seven Peacocks, five Brimstones, three Commas and a Small White. The Brimstone behaviour was interesting: I decided they must be freshly awakened, as instead of their customary patrolling of the hedgerows with hardly a pause for breath, they were all nectaring avidly on low-level flowers and barely taking to the air at all. The Peacock numbers seem to reflect those seen in July, rather than September - supporting the early hibernation theory. - Dave Miller

Saturday 24th March 2012
A male Orange Tip at Two Bridges Farm, just south of Heathrow T4, and a probable female Orange Tip at Hounslow Heath - John Eborall

Two first sightings to report. On Friday 23rd, a beautiful bright m.Brimstone in my garden in Hatfield at 10.30. On Saturday at 11.00 two Orange Tip fluttering north along the hedge/verge opposite - John Moss

While having lunch, outside Welwyn Civic Centre, I spotted a Peacock butterfly, my 4th species for the year, flying over the roofs of the houses opposite - Martin Honey

Forty people joined the Sherrardspark Wood Wardens for our walk this morning, butterflies seen were 2 Comma and 1 Brimstone. The AGM and Members's Day was attended by just under sixty people. Many thanks to everyone for attending and our speakers Martin Honey from the Natural History Museum and Paul Thrush of the HMWT. An excellent day! - Liz Goodyear

Had a Brimstone in my front garden midday today in South Mimms - Terry Wood

Spring is here in Kings Langley! This morning over gardens I saw a holly blue and a small tortoiseshell both flying high - Elizabeth Debenham

I saw a fresh Holly blue at Bedfont Lakes country park at around 11:30 on Saturday 24th March. - Rob Solomon

I have just seen a male Brimstone fly through the garden here at Rusling End Cottage - Julie Wise

Friday 23rd March 2012
We had a Ver Action Group work party this afternoon along the Ver Riverside walk near Moor Mill Drop lane. I had seen Brimstone and a Red Admiral earlier this week (not at Riverside) but the speckled wood flying amongst the riverside trees was a bit of a surprise to me. - John Fisher

At Norton Green, I saw a Small White flying as well as about 10 Commas between 1330 and 1400 hours today. Peter Clarke

A few butterflies to report this morning (Friday 23rd March 2012) Boxer's Lake, Enfield - 1 Red Admiral, 10:57 hrs, 1 Comma, nectaring on Willow, 11:00 hrs and 1 Peacock, 11:03 hrs. Lakeside, Oakwood, N14: 1 Speckled Wood, at 11:20 hrs - my first sighting of the year! - Robert Callf

OAKHILL WOODS LNR East Barnet-------Ix female Peacock, 1x male Comma nectaring on Goat willow /Salix Caprea -----KIT JONES

Lovely spring day. At Waterford Heath 5 peacocks and a comma, in Great Molewood 2 brimstone and two commas plus two buzzards - Steve Kiln

Thursday 22nd March 2012
In my Hitchin garden my first butterflies of the season, 1 Comma and 1 Brimstone lovely sunny day. - Val Fullforth

Floodplain Knebworth, 10.00-11.30am 1 Comma, 1 Peacock, 1 Brimstone (male) - Lee Browne

Some sightings for today (Thursday 22nd March 2012) - 1 Small Tortoiseshell, at Parkside Farm, Enfield, 10:58 hrs; 1 Red Admiral, at Park Farm, Enfield, 11:30 hrs; 1 Peacock, settled on Blackthorn, Duncan's Wood, 11:44 hrs and two Orange Underwing flying and settling on Birch in Moat Wood, Trent Park, 12:20 hrs - our first of the year! - Robert Callf & Robin White.

Dane End today, 3 male Brimstone and 1 Peacock, Whempsted 1 Peacock - Laurence Drummond

Wednesday 21st March 2012
Just seen a bright yellow male Brimstone¦ Spring must be here ! Harpenden¦- Ken Brown

3 Red Admirals and 1 Peacock seen today at Tyttenhanger Gravel Pits - Terry Wood

Whilst delivering Round-the Houses this morning (Wednesday 21st March 2012) saw a Small White in Rushey Hill, EN2 at 11:18 hrs. - Robert Callf

Sat 10 March: Small Tortoiseshell on Parkway, Welwyn Garden City, Tue 20 March: Small Tortoiseshell in field near the Dawley Plantation, west of Tewin. Wed 21 March: Brimstones at Nomansland, Amwell and Wheathampstead; Red admiral at Marshalls Heath; Small Tortoiseshell at Gustard Wood - Ian Flack

Ware area today, 1, male Brimstone at Standon AM, 1 Comma at The Pastures Ware and 1 Small Tortoiseshell in The Blanes - Laurence Drummond

Brimstones at Hexton Chalk Pits today - Nigel Agar

Tuesday 20th March 2012
Park Wood, Ruislip, a wander round the wood in the morning before it clouded over yielded 2 commas and 1 green veined white along the main east-west ride. (The gvw I had a good look at when it briefly settled). 1 suspected Orange Underwing (but not very clearly - small with orange patches - it shot off into the trees) - Mike Rubin

Walking Stockley Park this afternoon I sighted a single (very beautiful) Comma - Ann Cater

News for today (Tuesday 20th March 2012) - Robin White reports having seen a Red Admiral this morning at Hog Hill, Vicarage Farm at 11:40 hrs and a Peacock on the Uni-lawns, Trent Park this afternoon at 12:45 hrs. I saw a Comma at Hilly Fields Park, Enfield at 10:30 hrs. - Robert Callf

Just to report coming back home from Oughton Head today saw one male Brimstone, along Lucas Lane in Hitchin - Kev Taylor

Monday 19th March 2012
9.30-11am, North Stevenage Transect, 4 Small Tortoiseshell. 11-11.10am, St Nicks Churchyard, 2 Comma - Lee Browne

Saturday 17th March 2012
News from 15th March - A Small White was present in our Cowley, Uxbridge garden on March 15th, our first record for the year, also on that day a Small Tortoiseshell was seen at the Brunel University Bicentenary Gardens. - Roger and Sylvia Morton

Friday 16th March 2012
News via Robert Callf, Robin White saw a Speckled Wood at Trent Park on the edge of Shaws Wood today

Thursday 15th March 2012
News from 9th March, Holly Blue seen in Colin Plant's Bishop Stortford garden

Terry Lyle had a Green-veined White today at Tower Hamlets Cemetery, his first March record on site, and we both had the year's first Brimstone, surprisingly late. - Bob Watts

Brimstone flying in Hitchin on 7 March both in our garden and on Old Hale Way allotments. Reported again today - Nigel Agar

A walk in the Norton Green area earlier this afternoon yielded 8 Commas (including 2 in a courtship flight) and a Peacock. Most of the sightings including the Peacock were seen towards the northern tip of the field south of Watery Grove. Quite warm, unbroken sunshine and light winds. Peter Clarke

Made an effort today to see what, if any, butterflies would be out in the Ruislip Common/Lido/Woods area. In three hours managed 3 Comma and 2 Peacock. At least it's a start! - Dick Middleton

I saw a male brimstone today at Aldbury, it was in the coppice area in the southern part of the reserve. - Paul Thrush

Robin White and myself saw three Commas today (Thursday 15th March 2012) - 1 at Park Farm, along the Jubilee Path, 12:52 hrs., another in Rough Lot, Trent Park, 13:30 hrs and a third by the Lower lake, Trent Park, 14:12 hrs. - Robert Callf

2 Small Tortoiseshells and a Brimstone at Cromwell Road Allotments, Hertford. 2 Brimstones, 1 Comma and 1 unidentified, though probably Small White at Chadwell bank 1 Peacock on Broadmeads, Ware. 1 Orange Underwing moth in Ware Park, the first I have seen in 17 years there, on ground at 12.30 - Andrew Wood

This lunchtime I was driving up Mangrove Lane past Freedom Farm (west of Balls Wood) and saw my first white sp of the year flying over the crop - Alan Reynold

Wednesday 14th March 2012
First Red Admiral seen at Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living in the Annaxe Garden on 14th March 14.30-15.30. Resting on the underside of the windowsill, took off and flew around the garden, rested awhile on the ground and flew again and rested, then finally disappearing into the woods - Jacqueline George

Monday 12th March 2012
I had a Speckled Wood in Monument Glade, Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park today sunning itself. My earliest here and strangely no Brimstones yet! - Bob Watts

Out for a walk on Sunday 11 March on Minsbury Hill. Beautiful Brimstone butterfly fluttered furiously around us. Did not settle so could not get a photo - Barry & Cherie

News from Diane Andrews, Sunday at Brunswick Park, 2 Comma, 1 Small Tortoiseshell and 1 Red Admiral. Oakhill Woods, 2 Comma. Today, Tottenham Cemetary, no butterflies but Ally Pally 1 Comma

One hatched White-letter Hairstreak egg on roadside elm near Theobalds Park - Liz Goodyear and Andrew Middleton

Sunday 11th March 2012
Two Comma were nectaring on Sallows in Sidhil's Field, Vicarage Farm at 10:00 hrs., yesterday (Sunday 11th March 2012) and another one was seen on the edge of Williams Wood, Trent Park at 13:25 hrs. A Red Admiral was along Leeging Beech Gutter at Vicarage Farm yesterday (Sunday 11th March 2012) at 10:35 hrs. - Robert Callf

Thu 8 March: Small Tortoiseshell from my office window in Welwyn Garden City at lunchtime - fluttering against the window. Sun 11 March: Male Brimstone in my garden in Letchworth Garden City - Ian Small

Just a note to say I had a Brimstone in my Tring garden on Sunday - and very nice it was too. - Jez Perkins

I counted a minimum of 4 Brimstone (all male) and 6 Small Torts with a single Comma in the field behind my house (Tring Herts.), There were at least double the numbers of Brimstone seen locally on my family's bike ride plus a couple more Small Torts and another Comma. On return to my daughter's house (also Tring) there were single Brim and Small Tort in her back garden and then on my cycle home across Tring at 3.40 p.m. there were still at least 4 Small Torts chasing each other about the sunnier edge of the field behind my house. All in all it was odd that I saw no Peacock - Nick Bowles

Saturday 10th Red Admiral at Police Pit, Cheshunt. Sunday 11th - Brimstone in our garden in Harpenden - Tim Hill

2 Commas and a Small Tortoiseshell on the edge of Great Stock Wood near Hertford heath and one Comma in Balls Wood
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25883987@N03/6972932505/in/set-7215762882340822
5 - Small Tortoiseshell
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25883987@N03/6826817588/in/set-7215762882340822
5 - Comma - Andrew Wood

In Great Molewood near Waterford Heath saw 2 brimstones no commas but they won't be long - Steve Kiln

Hobby Horse wood nr Hertford Heath 1 Comma @ 13.32 in new glade - Laurence Drummond

My 1st ones of the year 2 Brimstones at Hexton Chalk Pit today - Stuart Pittman

One Comma seen in Trent Park near Cockfosters at about 1:40pm. It was seen at the north eastern end of the field to the southeast of the north gate/car park - Mike Rubin

Prediction - today will be a butterfly day! Just!

Saturday 10th March 2012
Broxbourne main ride today, 2 Comma @12.30 when the sun came out - Laurence Drummond

Thursday 8th March 2012
Red Admiral seen in the field east of the Pinetum at Bayfordbury today at around 11am - Shaun Dowman

My first butterfly I saw was 1 Brimstone, male, flying from trees across the road to the other side, WYCH ELM LANE KNEBWORTH 1st March at 11.56 -11.58 am. Second one, another male Brimstone, flew out of ivy on the top of the fence and onto the ground, GIRSY LANE KNEBWORTH 1st March at 12.00 - 12.02 - Jacqueline George

Thursday 1st March 2012
I saw my first butterfly of the year today - a Peacock in my garden in Letchworth - Ian Small

1 Small Tortoiseshell at private farm site between Royston & Therfield today - Vince Lea

Stanwell Moor, one Red Admiral seen around two o'clock this afternoon high up in a tree close to J14 of the M25... This one had certainly seen better days, and lacked a large piece of the inner edge of one hindwing. The damage didn't appear to hinder its flight in any way, however - Dave Miller

Saw my first Hemel Hempstead garden butterfly of the year this morning. It was a Small Tortoiseshell which visited a clump of purple crocuses and stayed long enough for me to take several photographs of it - Malcolm Newland

1 Red Admiral seen in the woods near the summit (Northwest Side) of Barnhill at about 2pm - Mike Rubin

A male Brimstone flew through the garden at 1:45 pm today, doubling my 2012 species count! - Robin Pearson

February 2012

Wednesday 29th February 2012
A late note to let you know that a Comma was in our Cowley, Uxbridge garden on Sunday, February 26th, our first of the year - Roger and Sylvia Morton

Tuesday 28th February 2012
Had my first butterfly of the year with 1 Red Admiral seen flying in my St Albans garden today - Andrew Steele

1 Red Admiral fluttering around a flowering ornamental prunus in the road just after lunch (Ware) - Liz Goodyear

Sunday 26th February 2012
Today, I repeated my walk of yesterday in similar weather. This time I saw a Red Admiral along a different stretch of the river, in the open area between the Colne and the M25. Again, it was flying strongly with no intention of staying still. However, in the same area, I disturbed my second species of the year. A Peacock flew up and obligingly rested again a little way ahead, long enough for a quick snap from a distance. Then it was up and off into the sunshine
http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/phpBB/download/file.php?id=18018&mode=view
- Dave Miller

Saturday 25th February 2012
Robin White reported having seen a Red Admiral in Trent Park on Saturday 25th February 2012 settled on a Scots Pine on the South edge of Williams Wood at 10:15 hrs. I'm still waiting for my first sighting of a butterfly this year - Robert Callf

My first butterfly of the year today 25th - a Red Admiral flying strongly along the bank of the River Colne at Stanwell Moor. Beautiful sunshine, though nothing like as warm as the last couple of days. I also saw a Lesser-spotted Woodpecker flash by and quickly scuttle round to the far side of the tree on landing. Similar colours to a Red Admiral, funnily enough... - Dave Miller

Friday 24th February 2012
1 Small Tortoiseshell in decent condition spotted at Sunny Hill Park, Hendon, Middx on the hill at about 2:15pm today - Mike Rubin

Thursday 23rd February 2012
Red Admiral sighting today 1pm Charles Square London N1 6HT - Matthew Thomson

I saw a male brimstone today at Aldbury Nowers in the northern section, it got fairly warm there this afternoon, Regards Paul Thrush

A Red Admiral in Sawbridgeworth churchyard and a Brimstone between Sawbridgeworth and High Wych today 23rd February - Andrew Wood

Whilst working in a garden in Standon I was lucky enough to observe my first Brimstone (male) of the year. Average temp in the garden was 13C. - Jonathan Forgham

Just seen my first Brimstone of the year at approx 10.30 am 23-02-12 in back garden Panshanger estate Welwyn Garden City - Trevor Brownsell

As expected, a Red Admiral in my Harpenden garden today, hopefully a Brimstone will come along soon.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/6776903588_195052032e_z.jpg
Robin Pearson

9.30am St Nicks Church Yard, 1 Red Admiral. 9.30-11.30am North Stevenage Transect 2 Brimstone (male) - Lee Browne Lee Browne

Saturday 18th February 2012
One Red Admiral flying vigorously around the canopy at Hertford North station this morning (Saturday 18th) - Andrew Wood

Thursday 16th February 2012
My Sue has just phoned to say that a Red Admiral is flying on the Brunel Campus in Uxbridge today - Ched George

Wednesday 15th February 2012
Red Admiral Primrose Hill, Kings Langley - Ashley Cox

January 2012

Friday 27th January 2012
09.30-11.30, had my first record of the year 1 Red Admiral on my new North Stevenage Transect route - Lee Browne

Tuesday 17th January 2012
Remarkably my fiancee has just reported seeing a white butterfly outside her office, in Westbourne Grove, London W2. From her phone photo I think it is a Small White. I have no way of knowing but given the recent dip in temperatures I can only assume it had pupated inside somewhere and the warmth sped up emergence. I suppose it could have emerged in the recent double digit warm spell and have survived until today, with London being a few degrees warmer and maybe the chrysalis was in full sun. Or as a long shot, seeing as my fiancee works for an organic food supermarket chain, maybe the chrysalis was brought in from the field and hatched indoors. Who knows! - Lee Hurrell (The expert opinion is that it probably emerged indoors and for that reason it can't be added to the national 'first sightings' list, as they try as far as possible to limit this to entirely natural occurrences)

Wednesday 11th January 2012
Small Tortoiseshell seen on Monday the 9th January at Lakeside Nature reserve in Tring at 12-05. Did see another one earlier, but didnt record it as it was one that was hibernating in my home and was flying about when the weather warmed up !! Saw a Red Admiral today 11th Jan. on the Duckmore Lane Allottments at 11.40 - Brian Jessop

A Red Admiral flew across the sunlit patio of my back garden in Harpenden at 11.15 this morning (11 January 2012). - Alan Jackson

Today 11th January, saw one Red Admiral along Gresley Way, Stevenage near Box Wood and one in the Great Ashby Park Car Park.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25883987@N03/6678854393/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25883987@N03/6678857559/in/photostream
Andrew Wood

Thursday 5th January 2012
On New Year's Day, I heard the very sad news that Steve Pash had died suddenly on 31st December. His love was all wildlife including butterflies and will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him, as will his regular contributions throughout the year to the Herts & Middx BC Branch website. Steve was also 100% Purple and his 'patch' was Ruislip Woods - his love and fascination of Purple Emperors was apparent every summer having discovered one of the territories at Ruislip. He was a really nice guy! - Liz Goodyear

Monday 2nd January 2012
We had a Red Admiral butterfly land on our patio door glass today 2nd Jan at 12:50 which was in full sunlight in Chorleywood - Dennis Layzell