Hertfordshire & Middlesex Branch
Saving butterflies, moths and our environment
Trip to Berkhamsted Common. On Cox’s Field, I clocked up 35 Burnet Companion, 11 Dingy Skipper, 1 Common Blue, 1 Small Copper, 1 Small Heath, 1 pyrausta aurata and 1 Green Hairstreak. This meadow is rich in Birds foot Trefoil The Dingy Skippers were mostly male, perching and jousting, sometimes in a group of 3 or 4. The Green Hairstreak flew past at head height and perched obligingly in an oak about 20 feet above ground, providing clear view through binoculars.Elsewhere on the Common I added Mother Shipton, Brown Silver line (4), and more Small Heath (4). Despite beating many more gorse bushes, no further Green Hairstreak were spotted. [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings at Enfield & Southgate. 5 Brimstone [3, male & 2 females, at private sites near Trent Park, male at Bay Farm & male at Rectory Farm], 1 Green-veined White at Flash Lane, EN2, 3 Holly Blue [1 at Chase Rd/Charter Way, N14, 1 at Flash Lane, EN2 & 1 at Gordon Hill Station], 5 Orange-tip [2 males at a private site near Trent Park, male at Bay Farm, male at Flash Lane, EN2 & male at Gordon Hill Station], 2 Peacock at private sites near Trent Park, 1 Small Copper at a private site near Trent Park & 5 Speckled Wood [3 at a private site near Trent Park, 1 at Strayfield Road, EN2 & 1 at Cedar Road, Enfield]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Fourteen species seen today on my local patch, with the new butterfly today being a Large Skipper. Aside from the early date (I don't think I've ever found one in April before), I was surprised that it was a female - the males usually appear first. One other highlight of the day was a dusky new female Common Blue. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Small Copper at Nomansland Common. 9 Small Copper, 3 Small Heath,Mother Shipton, Cinnabar, Speckled Wood, Holly Blue (all singles), 3 Large White, 8 Brimstone, 9 Orange Tip, 9 Peacock. Tapped a few gorse bushes with a stick to see if I could dislodge a Green Hairstreak. No luck with that, I only succeeded in annoying hundreds of Long horned moths [Posted by Malcolm Hulll]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 4 Brimstone [2, male & female, at Trent Park, male at Plumridge Farm & male at a private site near Trent Park], 1 Comma at a private site near Trent Park, 1 Holly Blue near Shaws Wd Cottages/Trent Park, 3 Orange-tip at private sites near Trent Park [2 males & 1 female], 7 Peacock [2 at Trent Park, 1 at Plumridge Farm & 4 at private sites near Trent Park], 15 Speckled Wood [9 at Trent Park, 3 at Ash Wd/Enfield Chase, 1 at Park Farm & 2 at a private site near Trent Park]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Increasingly warm sunshine today, and I counted 13 species on my local patch again. However, Brown Argus didn't appear this time, but the gap was filled by my first Common Blues of 2025. The other 12 species were the same selection, and included these two mating pairs - GVW and Large White. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Common Blue at Alexandra Park. My first of year. A lone male Common Blue this afternoon at Alexandra Park in the lower butterfly meadow. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 2 male Brimstone [1 near Nature Trail/Trent Park & 1 at a private site near Trent Park], 1 Green-veined White at a private site near Trent Park, 3 male Orange-tip at Trent Park [2 near Snakes Lane & 1 edge of Moat Wd], 5 Peacock [2 at Trent Park & 3 at a private sites near Trent Park], 1 Red Admiral by lower lake/Trent Park, 2 female Small Copper at Trent Park [1 near Triangular Wd & 1 by lower lake], 1 Small Heath near Church Wd/Trent Park - my first of the year [FOY], 3 Speckled Wood at private sites near Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Green Hairstreak on Hounslow Heath & Marshalling Yards. News from Pete Gore "On yesterday's walk in the sun I saw 5 Green Hairstreaks on the part of the marshalling yards where we saw them last year, the first I've seen there despite frequent walks in ideal conditions earlier. One more was seen above the culvert and one in the strongest area of the heath where I didn't get as lucky with the sun particularly on the afternoon return journey. This grand total of 7 would in some past years have been a whole season's worth so I'm assuming that we have a thriving butterfly species with probably emerging and active females, and that it should be well worth a visit to both sites on May 11th - weather currently looking good." Join Pete and I on Sunday May 11th to see Green Hairstreaks at their best site in the Branch area - details on Events page [Posted by Peter Gore & Malcolm Hull]
Sightings at Southgate & Oakwood Park. 1 Holly Blue & 1 Speckled Wood at Dalrymple Close, N14 this morning. At Oakwood Park [1035 to 1110 BST] - 2 male Brimstone, male Orange-tip, 1 Peacock & 1 Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
UKBMS Summary of Changes 2024. As most people know, 2024 was a poor year for butterflies in the UK. To find out how each species fared in 2024 since 1976 and the recent past look at the UKBMS Summary of changes 2024 report [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Thirteen species seen during a lengthy local walk today (Sunday). These included the first Small Heath of the year here. The overall tally: GVW 21, Peacock 20, Orange Tip 17, Speckled Wood 11, Large White 9, Small White 9, Small Copper 7, Red Admiral 4, Holly Blue 4, Comma 4, Brimstone 3, Brown Argus 2, Small Heath 1. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield Town & Town Park, Enfield. 1 Speckled Wood at Chase Green Gardens, Enfield Town. 1 Comma & 1 Speckled Wood at Town Park, Enfield this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Bentley Priory nature reserve. A warm but mostly overcast afternoon kept the butterfly sightings down. With 3 Peacock, 2 Orange-tip, 1 Green-veined White and 6+ unidentified flying whites. [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Sightings from Staines Moor. I popped down to Staines Moor this afternoon to see if any Small Coppers had emerged there, following my sightings of the species earlier in the day near Stanwell Moor a couple of km to the north. I drew a blank with this, but I did find a nest of around 100 Small Tortoiseshell caterpillars - a heartening sight considering the scarcity of the species these days. There was also a single Red Admiral caterpillar tucked into a nettle leaf in amongst the Tortoiseshells. On the adult butterfly front, there were a few Peacocks, GVW and Orange Tips, plus a Red Admiral. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. I had a walk out on my local patch after a few days away, and found my first Small Coppers (4) and Brown Argus (1) of 2025. I saw another ten species as well: Red Admiral (4), Peacock (18), Comma (2), Brimstone (2), Orange Tip (12), Small White (8), Green-veined White (15), Large White (5), Speckled Wood (7) and Holly Blue (14). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield. 3 male Brimstone [1 at a private site near Trent Park, 1 at Rectory Farm & 1 at Flash Lane, EN2], 1 Holly Blue along The Ridgeway, Enfield near Brooke Wd, 4 male Orange-tip [2 at private sites near Trent Park, 1 at Rectory Farm & 1 at Hilly Fields Park] & 1 Peacock at a private site near Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Mating Orange Tips. A mating pair on garlic mustard in the back garden in Bengeo today. [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Waterford Heath. A lunchtime walk around Waterford Heath with the family, was warm but not hot with gentle sun and partial cloud. Dotted around I saw 5 Grizzled Skippers in the North Heath and 4 in the South including a mating pair, 1 pristine Brown Argus (first seen by the missus, sadly flew away as I was getting my phone out to photograph) seen on the path between the central bench and gate to the silt pit in the South Heath. Also seen Cinnabar moth and one UFM, possibly a Mother Shipton which also gave me the slip. Regrettably the amount of dog poo around is an absolute disgrace, some people have no shame or respect. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Orange Tip Nectaring on Hedge Garlic. A rather fine Orange Tip male nectaring on Hedge Garlic on Harpenden Common [Posted by David Hunt]
Cassiobury Park. Another day, another walk, this time to Cassiobury Park. Starting from Rickmansworth Road and taking the right hand path down where I saw: Holly blue x 4, Peacock x 3, Speckled wood x 2 and 5 x unknown whites. I then went into the Nature Reserve where I saw, Orange tip x 5+, and 6 unknown whites, Red admiral x 1, and Brimstone x 3. crossing the river I went along the other side (where the Small tortoiseshells used to be), Peacock x 2, Brimstone x 1, Orange tip x 1, and another two unknown whites. Heading back up the other side of the Park, a Peacock and Green-veined white on the way, to the Green Gym/Peace Garden where I saw another Peacock, Speckled wood and another two whites (wish they'd stay still for an ID). One Comma by the Croquet Club, and then home to a Holly blue in the garden. [Posted by Rick Vickers]
Sightings at Enfield. Male Brimstone, 1 Large White, 1 Peacock & 1 Speckled Wood at private sites near Trent Park this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Aldbury Nowers. I decided to follow the currently un-walked Aldbury Nowers and Aldbury Nowers North Transects today. Please let me know if you are interested in taking one or other of them. Not huge numbers but found Small Copper, Small Heath, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange Tip, Grizzled and Dingy Skipper. (All of these were also present over on the Bucks border at Incombe Hole along with Duke of Burgundy and Green Hairstreak.) [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 2 Green-veined White at Trent Park [1 near Obelisk & 1 along Leeging Beech Gutter near Water Grdn], 6 male Orange-tip [4 at Trent Park, 1 at Lakeside, EN2 & 1 at South Lodge Cres, EN2], 2 Peacock at Trent Park [1 edge of Moat Wd & 1 at North Lawn], 1 Red Admiral by lower lake/Trent Park, 1 Small White near Obelisk/Trent Park, 2 Speckled Wood [1 at a private site near Trent Park & 1 near Equestrian Centre/Trent Park]. 50 Green Longhorn [moth] counted on Oak, edge of Moat Wd/Trent Park & 1 at Water Grdn/Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
First Brown argus. Searching for grizzled skippers on Waterford heath south ,I saw my first Brown Argus, sunning itself on the east bank. [Posted by steve kiln]
Grizzled Skippers at Waterford Heath. This afternoon, 2 roosting on the east bank of the south Heath, later in more sun 1 flying on each Heath. [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Merry Hill. A fine sunny day, so a trip to Merry Hill was in order, I got there about the same time as the clouds came over. But despite that and the light breeze I did manage to see Green-veined white x 1, Speckled wood x 8+, Peacock x 4, Orange tip x 4, Large white x 2, Holly blue x 3, and another three unknown whites. I also noticed that the double Brown Hairstreak eggs we (myself and Pete Fewell) found earlier in the year had hatched. On the way back along the Foot path by the Railway lines towards Watford Heath I saw another Brimstone x 1, Orange tip x 2, Large white x 1, and another 2 unknown whites. The finally through Oxhey Park another Orange tip and unknown white, [Posted by Rick Vickers]
Sightings at Enfield. 3 Brimstone [female at a private site near Trent Park & 2, male & female, at Rectory Farm], 1 Green-veined White along the 'London Loop' at Bay Farm, male Holly Blue settled on track at Flash Lane, EN2 - my first of the year [FOY], 1 Large White at a private site near Trent Park, 4 Orange-tip [2, male & female, at private sites near Trent Park, male at Brooke Wood & male at Hilly Fields Park], 1 Peacock at a private site near Trent Park, 9 Speckled Wood [4 at private sites near Trent Park, 4 at Brooke Wood & 1 at Flash Lane, EN2]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
more grizzleds. at rickneys quarry near bengeo had 6 Grizzled Skippers along by the sapling wood in sun. about 2pm At waterford heath North at about 3pm 3 Grizzled Skippers on right of pond in the sun. Did not have long would have been more. None on south Heath. [Posted by steve kiln]
Small Copper in Alexandra Park. My first of year Small Copper on my Alexandra Park Transect. It was in a spot where I invariably see one each year. Right in the middle of a grass path. It faintly has the ab. caeruleopunctata -the small blue dots-on the upper hindwings. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Maiden's Blush at Trent Park. 1 Maiden's Blush settled on grass at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park - my first of the year [FOY]. Male Orange-tip & 1 Green-veined White by lower lake/Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Stevenage area website. I have updated the Stevenage butterflies website to add 2024 data for our branch area and nationally via the UKBMS. New charts also added for each species account [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Sightings at Enfield. 1 Green-veined White, 3 male Orange-tip, 1 Peacock & 3 Speckled Wood at private sites near Trent Park late morning/early afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Holly Blue. I was amazed to see my first Holly Blue of the year in Bentley Priory Open Space, Stanmore, whilst out on a Botany Survey with the London Natural History Society. But it didn't stay very long as one of the group plunged into the bush to ID a leaf! [Posted by Nicholas Barnett]
Prestwick Road Meadows South Oxhey. Returning to Prestwick Meadows to check on the rescued Brown Hairstreak eggs we relocated 18 of the 23 eggs rescued and found that 16 had hatched for Easter with 2 remaining unhatched. 3 of the attached twigs with eggs on appeared to be missing along with some of the markers for the eggs that were not removed. Although no caterpillars seen yet the results look promising. Butterflies seen Speckled Wood 16+, Large White 2, Orange-tip 3, Peacock 2, Comma 1 with a further 3 whites seen. [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Lunar Marbled Brown at Oakwood & Southgate. 2 Lunar Marbled Brown [1 at Bramley Road, N14 & 1 at ASDA Southgate] - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 24 Green Longhorn Moth [5 at a private site near Trent Park, 19 at Trent Park] - my first of the year [FOY], 2 Comma [1 at a private site near Trent Park & 1 at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park], 5 Green-veined White [4 at a private site near Trent Park & at least one, by lower lake, Trent Park], 4 male Orange-tip [2 at private sites near Trent Park & 2 at Trent Park], 2 Peacock at Trent Park, 1 Red Admiral at a private site near Trent Park, 3 Speckled Wood at private sites near Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Enfield. Male Brimstone, 1 Peacock & 1 Speckled Wood at a private site near Trent Park. 2 Orange-tip [male & female] at another private site near Trent Park - my first female of the year. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
more grizzled skippers. I went to North Heath and found 4 Grizzled Skippers quite widespread. 1 near the wood by the steep bank on the right sheltering. one by railway line on path ,1 nearby amongst thick hawthorn and final one other side of fence in area they were very common before hawthorn came. on south heath no Grizzled Skippers but a Cinnabar Moth. [Posted by steve kiln]
Early Morning Grizzlies. I had an Easter egg errand to run this morning so afterwards I popped into Waterford Heath to beat the rain and catch the Grizzlies before they got too energetic. In the North Heath I found 3 Grizzled Skippers around the pond between 8.30-9am, they were trying hard to warm up in the early sun and just a little flutter of grey gave away their locations. I tried the South Heath quickly but no success, far better there in the afternoon in my view. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 3 Speckled Wood at a private site near Trent Park. 4 Speckled Wood at Trent Park [1 at Moat Wd & 3 near Shaws Wd]. 1 Large White near Obelisk at Trent Park. 2 male Brimstone at Trent Park [1 near Shaws Wd Cottages & 1 nectaring on dandelion near Merryhills Brook]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
grizzled skippers. 2 grizzled skippers in Rickneys quarry near Hertford this afternoon ,however I could find none at Waterford heath. [Posted by steve kiln]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 2 Speckled Wood [1 at a private site near Trent Park & 1 at Rough Lot/Trent Park] & 1 Peacock near Shaws Wd Cottages/Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Speckled Wood at Oakwood Park & Town Park, Enfield. 4 Speckled Wood at Oakwood Park this morning [0935 to 1010 BST] including two together & 1 Speckled Wood at Town Park, Enfield along the New River at Carr's Basin this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Chiswell Green members day. It was a delight to attend the members open day at Greenwood Hall Chiswell Green as you would expect the butterfly count was low due to members being indoors most of the time. However there are a few to report. It was nice to get my first confirmed sighting of a Small White the only butterfly photo I did capture. Otherwise 1 Peacock, 1+ Orange-tip Probable Brimstone and a several unidentified whites, Large White probable among them. After we left we took a quick look over Bricket Wood Common, 2 Peacock and 1 unidentified white. The best left until last! After returning to Ricks garden it was my first opportunity to see a few comma eggs and laid on their traditional old food plant the hop too! A great end to the day. [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Small Copper at Bay Farm, Enfield [TQ301985]. 1 Small Copper seen in flight & settled at Bay Farm, Enfield along the 'London Loop' [TQ301985] from 1140 to 1142 BST - my earliest record by a week [the previous earliest record was on 19th April over 20 years ago]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Garden sightings. At least six species in my Harpenden garden today: Holly blue, brimstone, small white, orange tip, comma, peacock and probable speckled woods. [Posted by Robin Pearson]
Branch Members' Day - non-members welcome. This will be held on Saturday 12th April at Greenwood Hall, Chiswell Green. Doors open at 10.30. We have four guest speakers, the opportunity to show off your best photos and plenty of time to chat to like-minded people. The sales stand will selling a selection of butterfly and moth related items including ID guides and guest speakers will also be bringing copies of their books to sell. Full details can be found at this link. Full details https://hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk/Programme%20for%20Members%20Day%202025.pdf and our Annual Review can be read here https://hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk/Annual%20Review%20for%202025%20Members'%20Day.pdf [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Sightings at Enfield. 4 Brimstone [2 males & 2 females], male Green-veined White, 2 male Orange-tip, 5 Peacock & 2 Speckled Wood at private sites near Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 1 Speckled Wood at a private site near Trent Park. Male Orange-tip near Shaws Wd Cottages/Trent Park & 2 Green-veined White [1 near Merryhills Brook at Trent Park & 1 at Lakeside, EN2]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Emperor Moth at Waterford Heath. I went up to Waterford Heath to see if I could see a Grizzled Skipper, no luck. But I did find this female Emperor Moth sitting low down in a recently cleared area. No sign of any males being attracted to her. [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Grizzled Skipper at Waterford Heath. With the recent run of sunshine I suspected the Grizzlies could be seen early this year but today the car said 12°C and cloud was looming so I was clutching at straws. The early afternoon sun arrived on cue and aided my search as did the lovely peace and quiet that you get there. Between 2-3.30pm I had 4 photographic sightings all on the SW facing bank in the South Heath, never needing to leave the main path. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Sightings at Enfield, Southgate & Trent Park. Female Brimstone, 2 Comma, male Green-veined White, 2 male Orange-tip, 4 Peacock, 1 Small Tortoiseshell - my first for the year [FOY] & 2 Speckled Wood at private sites near Trent Park. 1 Comma at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park. Male Large White at Dalrymple Close, N14. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
My Watford Garden. Warm and sunny again, a nice day to sit and watch the Garden buzzing. Large white x 1, peacock x 1, comma x 1 - egg laying on hops. Four eggs found later [Posted by Rick Vickers]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 1 Peacock at a private site near Trent Park & another one near Ash Wd/Enfield Chase. Male Orange-tip near Obelisk at Trent Park at 1231 BST. 1 Light Orange/Orange Underwing settled on ground along 'vista' between Moat Wood & Rough Lot/Trent Park. 5 Peacock at Trent Park. 1 Small White settled at Water Grdn/Trent Park. Male Brimstone & 1 Speckled Wood at Williams Wd/Trent Park. 1 Large White at Trent Park Equestrian Centre. 1 Comma at Boxer's Lake, Enfield at 1615 BST. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Small Tortoiseshell at last!. Returned to finish my walk Ayot Greenway at the Wheathampstead end, including a detour through the Ayot Estate. Best butterfly totals for the year so far with 38 Peacock, 3 Comma, 13 Green-veined White, 4 Large White, 1 Brimstone, 3 Orange Tip, 1 Speckled Wood and last but by no means least 2 Small Tortoiseshell. This last being my tenth Herts butterfly species of the season [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
River Cole by Radlet Road Playing Fields and Fishers Field, Watford. Another lovely sunny day. Time for a walk along the Colne by Radlet Road Playing Fields - It was getting a bit windy and I nearly lost my hat! Unknown white x 2, peacock x 4, orange tip x 2, comma x 1. Over Link Road to the Lake. Large white x 2, unknown white x 5, peacock x 6, comma x 1, orange tip x 2. Then on to Fishers Field, Unknown white x 3, peacock x 2, speckled wood x 1 Brief stop in the Golf Course for a picnic, peacock x 1, brimstone x 1, orange tip x 1 [Posted by Rick Vickers]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A similar day on my local patch today, with the same ten species seen as yesterday. I noted a succession of Green-veined Whites egg-laying close to the bank of the River Colne, and managed to find one of the eggs that was laid. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Ayot Greenway. Lunchtime stroll along this disused railway line to inform the Branch input into a new management plan. Two Speckled Woods twirling round each other in a courtship dance, at Sparrowhall Bridge, my 9th Herts butterfly species of this year. Also 8 Peacocks, 1 Comma, 1 Green-veined White. Back home in my hibernation shed, the last Peacock left yesterday, quite a late emergence compared to recent years [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Northaw Butterflies. 2x holly Blue, Orange Tip, Large White, Female Brimstone, Peacock and Red Admiral in the garden today [Posted by Sam fuller]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Another glorious day - they seem endless at the moment - and I counted over 100 butterflies on my local patch again: Peacock 31, Small/Green-veined White 27 (approx half-and-half), Brimstone 12, Comma 11, Orange Tip 9, Large White 9, Speckled Wood 3, Red Admiral 2, Holly Blue 1. [Posted by Dave Miller]
First Orange Tip. My first Orange Tip of the year, a male along the path up to Hardmead lake HMWT viewpoint 12.30. [Posted by Laurence Drummond]
Rick's garden/ Whippendell Woods and Cassiobury Park. It was a delight to start the day's butterfly observations with a home grown male Orange-tip in Ricks garden emergence date the 5th April. I got there just in time before he took to the wing. Venturing into Whippendell Woods after another 12+ Orange-tip were seen. The most abundant species seen were Peacock 33 in total including 3 the brief later part in the afternoon in Cassiobury Park. Brimstone 4, Holly Blue 1, Comma 8 in total with the 2 basking late in Cassiobury Park. A further 4 unidentified flying whites and a few unidentified flying butterflies high above the trees. [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Sightings at Enfield. 3 male Brimstone [1 at Hilly Fields Park & 2 together at Gordon Hill Station], 2 Comma [1 at Rectory Farm & 1 at Flash Lane, EN2], 4 Peacock [1 at a private site near Trent Park, 1 along the 'London Loop' at Bay Farm, 1 at Rectory Farm & 1 at Strayfield Road, EN2] & 4 Speckled Wood [3 together at Brooke Wd & 1 at Flash Lane, EN2]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Waterford Heath. After a quick wonder around Waterford Heath (North and South) around midday in the strong sunshine I saw - Brimstone 2, Red Admiral 1, Peacock 12, GVW 2, Orange Tip 2, Small White 1, Large White 1, Comma 2 and happy to see Small Tortoiseshell 1 which was on the path and welcomed change from all the peacocks. The wild Strawberry is in flower in a few small isolated patches. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Sightings at Enfield. 4 Brimstone [3 males & 1 female], 3 Peacock & 2 Small White [male & female] at private sites near Trent Park this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Eighth butterfly species of the year. Green-veined White became the 8th butterfly species I’ve seen in Herts this year. 20 degrees and sunny this afternoon in St Albans. Also spotted during my walk over Batchwood and Gorhambury - Brimstone (3), Comma (1), Peacock (6) and Orange Tip (2) [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
A trio of Emperor Moths. A trio of Emperor moths to lure in just over two hours this afternoon in my Ware garden. Lure put out at 2.40; first buzzed at 2.50; first capture 3.37, then 4.15 and finally 4.43 and the lure came in at 5.15. All happily gone on their way! [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Hibernating Peacock emergence. St Albans shed - 4 Pecocks hibernated in my shed this winter All of them survived through to the Spring. The first emergence was recorded on 26th March. In the last week two more have flown the shed, leaving just one in hibernation In the last few days I’ve seen Orange Tip, Holly Blue, Small &Large Whites on the wing locally, Interesting that the hibernators are emerging at the same time as this years butterflies are hatching out [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings at Enfield. 1 Peacock & 2 Comma at private sites near Trent Park. 2 Speckled Wood together & male Brimstone at Brooke Wd. 2 male Brimstone together & 1 Peacock at Rectory Farm Road. Female Brimstone at St John The Baptist Church, Clay Hill. 1 Peacock & 1 Speckled Wood at Flash Lane, EN2. Male Brimstone & 2 Peacock at Hilly Field Park. Male Small White settled at Cook's Hole Road. 2 male Brimstone & male Orange-tip at Gordon Hill Station. Several Whites were left unidentified. The Orange-tip & Speckled Wood were both new for the year. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Wareside butterflies. Lovely day lots of butterflies inckuding my first orange tip Large white 3 Peacock 3 Comma 2 Small white 1 Brimstone 4 Orang tip male 1 Green veined white 1 [Posted by Phil macmurdie]
Ellenbrooke Fields. Probably double figure Peacocks out to day in the heat with Commas and a White sps [Posted by John Yates]
5 Species at Myddleton House Garden Enfield. The garden was full of flowers and there were many Green Veined Whites, Small Whites, Brimstones and Peacocks. I saw a lone Holly Blue also. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 1 Peacock at a private site near Trent Park. 2 Comma together at another private site near Trent Park. Female Brimstone nectaring on Dandelion near Duncan's Wd/Enfield Chase at 1247 BST [My first female of the year]. Male Brimstone at Ferny Hill Farm, Enfield. Male Brimstone & 1 Peacock at Rough Lot/Trent Park. 1 Peacock at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park. 1 probable Small White seen in flight along Leeging Beech Gutter near 'Three Bridges' Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Therfield Heath-Church Hill. I started the Church Hill transects today. The site is well protected from the current unusual strong ENE wind so most of it was less windy than it often is. A couple of Peacocks and a Brimstone recorded, with a few more of each on the walk in and out. Perhaps more interesting was a Small Tortoiseshell in my garden in Royston just before setting out. The Pasque Flowers (County flower of Hertfordshire) are about at their peak for this year on Church Hill, perhaps showing signs of the dry March, [Posted by Nick Keep]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Just as sunny as yesterday, but a chilly breeze kept the temperature down a bit, and also restricted the number of butterflies on my local patch. However, I still managed to find nine species, including one that I hadn't seen the day before: a female Holly Blue. The others were: Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Brimstone, Red Admiral, Peacock, Comma and Speckled Wood. It was obviously too chilly for Orange Tips! [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 2 male Brimstone at Trent Park. 4 Comma [1 at Trent Park & 3 at private sites near Trent Park], 9 Peacock [3 at Trent Park & 6 at private sites near Trent Park], male Small White settled on the ground by lower lake/Trent Park & male Green-veined White nectaring on Blackthorn blossom [a few inches from my nose] at a private site near Trent Park - both new for the year. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Small Tortoiseshell outside Brickendon village. In this glorious spring sunshine I have seen the other hibernators in good numbers, so I had been keeping a special eye out for Small Tortoiseshell. Pleased to have spotted one holding territory amongst the cut maize stalks in the cover crop between Celtic Harmony camp car park and Monks Green Farm. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
