Hertfordshire & Middlesex Branch
Saving butterflies, moths and our environment
Sightings at Enfield. At private sites near Trent Park - 2, male & female, Common Blue, 1 Brown Argus & 1 Jersey Tiger. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Lots of Chalk Hill Blues at Clothall Common. An estimated 200-250 Chalk Hill Blues were roosting or flying around when I visited Clothall Common this evening: quite a good showing this year. The vast majority were west of the A505 Baldock bypass, near the footbridge. Also seen were small numbers of Common Blues and Brown Argus. Surprisingly few Gatekeepers were seen here. A late Essex Skipper was present and at least three Painted Ladies were feeding voraciously on either side of the footbridge. [Posted by Martin Johnson]
Bishops Stortford. 7 Clouded Yellow over Lucerne fields north of Hadham road , west of Bishops Stortford at lunchtime. [Posted by Laurence Drummond]
Brown Hairstreak. Nice surprise at end of Minet Country Park transect, a faded Brown Hairstreak on Mayweed patch near Blackthorn hedgerow, first time recorded on this transect. After transect also saw a Purple Hairstreak low down on Oak and a Jersey Tiger. [Posted by Paul Busby]
Sightings at Trent Park. 2 Red Admiral [1 nectaring on white buddleia at Water Grdn & 1 near Shaws Wd Cottages] & 1 Comma edge of Williams Wd. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Second Brood Adonis on Therfield Heath. Today's work party on Church Hill found a second brood Adonis Blue Male. I broke off in the best of the weather to do the transects. Much better numbers than recently: over 50 Chalk Hill Blues, over 40 Gatekeepers and over 30 Meadow Brown. Many more Meadow Browns than recently and seemed slightly smaller and darker. Could this be a second brood or were they waiting for better weather somewhere? A few Common Blue, Brown Argus and Small White completed the tallies. The Adonis kept off the transect. To get regular news of work parties on Therfield Heath email volunteer@therfieldheath.org.uk [Posted by Nick Keep]
Jersey Tiger - both forms together. I saw the red and yellow (lutescens) forms of Jersey Tiger flying together today at the Harpenden Lane end of the Porridge Pot Lane footpath in Redbourn, Herts (TL 109128). [Posted by Rikki Harrington]
Sightings at Southgate, Trent Park & Enfield. At Dalrymple Close, N14 - 1 Red Admiral nectaring on buddleia. At Trent Park - female Large White near Shaws Wd, 1 Comma by lower lake & 1 Painted Lady [very fresh] nectaring on thistles, edge of Moat Wd. At private sites near Trent Park - 1 Jersey Tiger, 1 Comma, 2 Brown Argus, 2, male & female, Common Blue, 2 Small Heath, 1 Shaded Broad-bar & 1 White-point. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Enfield. At private sites near Trent Park - 1 Marbled White, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Small Heath & 2 male Common Blue. At Bay Farm, along 'London Loop/Jubilee Path' - female Clouded Yellow nectaring on thistles & 2 male Common Blue. At Rectory Farm - male Common Blue & 1 Red Admiral. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Dark Umber at Southgate. 1 Dark Umber caught & identified in my flat in Southgate early this morning [attracted to kitchen light] - my first record of this species & apparently new to the 10 km square. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Prestwick Road Meadows. Rick and myself arrived about 2.30pm but the promised sun didn't really happen until late afternoon apart from a few sunny intervals. Like many areas the heat of the past few month's means less flowers in bloom to nectar on and since our last visit there was much less in flower. The pond was bone dry also but there were butterflies to be seen. Gatekeepers as expected were the most abundant species seen with 75+ with 25+ taking nectar from the only good patch of creeping thistle still in flower. Meadow Brown about 10+ a few were also seen on the thistle flowers with the single Small Copper we also saw feeding up in the mix. We encountered our first Speckled Wood on entering and 9 seen overall. 2 Holly Blue seen, 5+ Common Blue, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Jersey Tiger moth, 1 Ringlet, 8+ Large White, 2+ Green-veined White with several unidentified. You might be wondering if we saw any Hairstreaks? Well yes we did, but they were not easy to spot let alone photograph today. Purple Hairstreak 3+ and 4 maybe 5 Brown Hairstreak at the tops of the ash trees there. Although not much nectar available there is an abundance of ripening blackberries! [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Sightings at Trent Park & Enfield. At Trent Park - 1 Purple Hairstreak settled on ground edge of Moat Wd. At private sites near Trent Park - 1 Red Admiral, 1 Small Heath, 1 Holly Blue settled on damp mud, 3 Common Blue & 2 Shaded Broad-bar. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Purple Emperor sightings in Heartwood Forest. A tattered male Purple Emperor was lured down to an overripe banana placed on the gate by the dog pond. It fed from 09:26 - 09.33, next to Andrew's fermented banana bait (although the latter has become rather dry, it is still attracting red admirals and commas to feed). This individual visited a second time from 09:43 - 09:51, but it just sat on the gate, apparently to thermoregulate as it kept changing which side of the gate it was on (sunny / shady). Andrew joined me around 10 am but left without seeing any Emperors. It seems the sap run on the oak above the dog pond has run dry, as not even hornets or wasps were visiting it. [Note added by Andrew: it's surprising that a male is still flying, and that no females were visiting today, given that the females mostly hatched many days later than the males. Given the presence of this male, and the fact that we saw relatively new females only a week or so ago, I am convinced females will still be flying this coming week at least. Anyone who spots Emperors is encouraged to please post the sightings here. The total Emperor numbers seen this year is now 22, including 7 females and 15 males; my previous total for males in my post of 12th July should have been 14, and not 15.] [Posted by Andrew Neild on behalf of Alex Penn]
Merry Hill, Bushey. I had a walk around for a couple of hours with my daughter who is six, she wanted to tick off Brown Hairstreak from her butterfly book; having got all the others. Fortunately we did spot 2 Brown Hairstreaks (one photographed) right in the SE corner of the fruit field. Also seen at least 6 Purple Hairstreaks, 3 Holly Blues and 1 Small Copper plus the usual browns. No great pictures but we had a great time and enjoyed a lovely picnic. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Sightings at Enfield, Oakwood & Trent Park. At a private site near Trent Park - 2 Jersey Tiger. At Trent Park - 3 Red Admiral, 2 male Clouded Yellow [1 at 'Old Golf Course' 0959 to 1002 BST & 1 near Water Grdn at 1028 BST] - my first of the year [FOY], 2 Jersey Tiger, 2 male Common Blue by lower lake, 2 Purple Hairstreak near Ride Wd & 1 Comma nectaring on buddleia near Shaws Wd Cottages. At Bramley Road, N14 - 1 Red Admiral. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Branch Walk Therfield Heath. The weather for the branch walk on Therfield Heath to see Chalk Hill Blues was poor. Not something we can control for when we pick the dates in the early Spring. It was overcast and 18°C when fourteen of us set off just after 10.30. The drizzle held off until 11.15, so we headed back to the car park/cafe by 11.30. Several dozen male Chalk Hill Blues were seen by everyone and a few Gatekeepers. Many were obligingly resting with wings open to try and get warm enough so photographers were able to take shots easily, One female Chalkhill Blue was seen but was not so obliging. Both Gatekeeper and Chalk Hill Blue are currently present in 100s if not 1000s on the Heath. [Posted by Nick Keep]
Sightings at Enfield & Southgate. 1 Shaded Broad-bar at a private site near Trent Park. At ASDA Southgate - 1 Lime-speck Pug - my first of the year [FOY] & still 1 Red Underwing. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Hayes - Brown Hairstreak. A male seen at TQ 12260 81086 fluttering around blackthorn by the canal near to Hayes Marina and Yeading Brook. Plenty of blackthorn and mature ash trees. I was in a group on the move so just a fleeting but unmistakable glance. My 1st BrHk sighting outside the Ickenham/Ruislip area. [Posted by Nick Furtek]
Clouded Yellow. Saw Clouded Yellow at Waterford Heath south this afternoon. [Posted by steve kiln]
Jersey Tiger Moth. Thought people might be interested in this sighting of a Jersey Tiger Moth resting on a yellow flag iris in my small pond in my garden in West Harrow. [Posted by JEREMY CLIVAZ]
Jersey Tiger moth. 2 Jersey Tiger moths seen in my garden in Enfield today. I have seen a number of these over the last few years. Quite spectacular! [Posted by Stuart Cooke]
Sightings at Trent Park & Enfield. At Trent Park - 2 male Common Blue [1 field near Dew Pond & 1 at 'Old Golf Course'], 2 Comma & 1 Red Admiral by lower lake. At private sites near Trent Park - 2 Red Admiral, 1 Small Heath, 3 Jersey Tiger, 1 Shaded Broad-bar - my first of the year [FOY] & 1 Rose Chafer on thistle-head - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Small Copper. Great to see a Small Copper in my back garden in St Albans for the first time since we moved in over 20 years ago! It was feeding on the self seeded Verbena along with Gatekeepers, Small and Large Whites and a Comma. All recorded to the Big Butterfly Count. [Posted by Carl Slater]
Sightings at Enfield. At private sites near Trent Park - 8 Common Blue, 2 Brown Argus, 1 Small Copper & 1 Yellow-tail coaxed onto my finger for a close inspection - my first of the year [FOY]. At Bay Farm along 'London Loop' - 1 Red Admiral, 4 Common Blue & 1 Small Copper. At a private site in North Enfield - 1 Red Admiral. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Big Butterfly Count. Yes, the Big Butterfly Count is back for another year. Please take 15 mins on a sunny day to record butterflies in your garden, local park, or anywhere you like, all results help! All the information gathered is important Last years results were so bad they led to the declaration of a Butterfly Emergency and a ban on using neonicotinoid pesticides. We hope this years results will be better. I carried out my first count today on my allotment at Folly Lane St Albans - Over 40 butterflies, with Gatekeepers by far the most numerous (they love my Marjoram), also Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Comma, Peacock, Large White & Small White. You can access details of the Big Butterfly Count here [Posted by Malcolm Hull,]
Butterfly walks in the rain showers. Kinsbourn Green, Harpenden - 9 people turned up for this afternoons branch walk with the Friends of Kinsbourn Green. This acid grassland site is being restored, following acquisition by the Friends last year. We saw 13 species in total including Brown Argus, Common Blues(5), Small Heaths(7), Small Copper and Purple Hairstreaks(2). Gatekeepers and Meadow Browns were in the biggest numbers. We walked round the site, discussing how it is managed at present and how it might be improved for butterflies. At the end a Comma was feeding avidly on an overipe blackberry. This morning in Verulamium Park, St Albans, another guided walk for the new Friends group for that park. Overcast and not much in the way of butterflies. We admired how well the fairly new meadows in the park are developing and the extent of plant species they now support. We also looked at the areas of elm which support WLH and talked about how best these might be managed. The highlight was discovering a roost of Common Blues, seven butterflies, some of which opened their wings and displayed nicely. Their docile state allowed close examination of the spots on their underwings, which determined that two were infact Brown Argus [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
JERSEY TIGER MOTH. A Jersey Tiger Moth landed on our courtyard wall today at 5pm. I have never seen one before and, I have lived at my present home for 40 years. I attach a photo. We also have seen Cinnabar Moths this year and, last year Hummingbird Hawk Moths. [Posted by Vanessa Gates]
Red Underwing at Southgate. 2 Red Underwing & 1 Yellow Shell at ASDA Southgate this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Jersey Tiger - Letchworth. Seen in our kitchen today. Jersey Tiger moth. SG6 Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire. Released out of window!! [Posted by Mike adams]
Merry Hill Bushey. After getting out of work unexpectedly early on Friday I met up with Rick at Merry Hill. Unfortunately we drew a blank this time for Brown Hairstreak but did get to see 7+ Purple Hairstreak 3 of which were photographed. I was expecting to see the last of the Marbled Whites and some Skippers but never got a confirmed sighting of either. It was a good day for Common Blue with 20+ seen, Brown Argus 2, Holly Blue 3+, Small Heath 3, Red Admiral 1, Comma 1, Large White in good numbers with other whites seen. Meadow Brown still in good numbers with Gatekeeper now in full swing. A few Six-Spot Burnett moth pupa were seen but was surprised not to see any on the wing as they were out in their hundreds along the coast of Cardigan Bay when I was away. [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Purple Emperor sightings in Heartwood Forest. A tattered female Purple Emperor was seen on the gate by the dog pond at 09:30 feeding on Andrew's bait (fermented banana mixed with red wine, honey, and brown sugar!). Sadly she only stayed for 30 seconds. Another female, in better condition, was seen at 12:15 and stayed on the bait for over a minute, went away then returned at 12:36 till 12:39. As a matter of interest, a Speckled Wood also visited the bait (at 12:44). Later in the day at least 4 individual Small Blues, and a single Purple Hairstreak, were seen puddling at the edge of the dog pond just after 4pm. [Posted by Andrew Neild on behalf of Alex Penn!]
Sightings at Trent Park & Enfield. 1 Red Admiral along bridle-path near Merryhills Brook at Trent Park. 1 Red Admiral at a private site near Trent Park, 3 male Common Blue & 1 Peacock along 'London Loop' at Bay Farm, Enfield. 1 Red Admiral at Rectory Farm, Enfield, 1 Jersey Tiger at Strayfield Road, EN2. 1 Comma & 1 Peacock at a private site at North Enfield. 1 Toadflax Brocade & 1 Yellow Shell at Gordon Hill Station. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Rivers Orchard and fields Sawbridgeworth. Mid Morning, 3 Small Skipper, 1 Essex Skipper, 2 Brimstone (m), 4 Brown Argus (first here this year), 36 Common Blue (just 2 females but also 2 very small males), 2 Red Admiral, 4 Peacock, 1 Comma (not regular here), c100 Gatekeeper, 50+ Meadow Brown , no Marbled White or Ringlet seen, 8 Small Heath. [Posted by Laurence Drummond]
Stafford Road Open Space - West Ruislip. Stafford Road Open Space - West Ruislip [Posted by Jed Corbett]
Small Blue at Redbourn. With butterfly numbers in the local woods now declining, it’s a good time to head for chalky areas. Today I explored some of the smaller chalky sites north of St Albans. At Redbourn (Redbourn Lane) I had 4 Small Blues, 28 Common Blues and 20 Brown Argus. All super active, so took some time to identify, also a few Small Heath, Brimstones and Shaded Broad-bar. At Watery Lane Flamsted, the Kidney Vetch had all gone over and no Small Blues, but did get 2 Common Blues and 3 Six-spot Burnet. Finally at Butterfield, Wheathampstead, there was no sign of either Kidney Vetch or Small Blues, tho I did see 15 species including 12 Common Blues and 1 Purple Hairstreak [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Jersey Tiger Chorleywood. I think I’ve just seen a Jersey Tiger on a wall in our garden in Chorleywood’s Hertfordshire. Photo enclosed. [Posted by Emma Parsons]
What are all those brown butterflies?. Whizzing around up and down the street, very erratic flight and disappearing into bushes where they can’t be seen? Yes they’re back and out in numbers in suburban St Albans this afternoon. It’s the Gypsy Moth, which has become a very common regular summer spectacle in the last six years. Though not long before that was classed as extinct in Herts & Middx [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Brown Hairstreak. Despite a very cloudy but humid day, a late morning visit to Stafford Road Copse produced a number of butterflies, amongst the myriad of Gatekeepers, a Brown Hairstreak was seen resting on a bramble patch, followed by Purple Hairstreak around small Oak. Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, Green-veined White, Common Blue, Brown Argus made up the numbers as well as a Magpie and Shaded Broad-Bar moths. At Stafford Road Open Space despite drizzle saw more Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Common Blue, Brown Argus, Green-veined White plus a Small Copper and a Large White. [Posted by Paul Busby]
Red Underwing at Southgate. 1 Red Underwing at ASDA Southgate this afternoon - my first of the year [FOY] & my first for this site! [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Enfield & Southgate. At private sites near Trent Park - male Brown Argus, 3 Common Blue [2 males & 1 female], 1 Comma, 2 Large White & 1 Dusky Sallow nectaring on thistle head. At Grovebury Crt, N14 - 2 Large White nectaring on buddleia this morning. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Jersey Tiger moth rescued again. Jersey Tiger moth in Royston, rescued again [Posted by John Keith Gypps]
Peacocks in Hibernation, St Albans. Todays Shed Transect walk revealed five Peacocks are now in hibernation. One objected to my torch, flashed its eyespots and hissed at me. There are still a few Peacocks on the Buddleia in my garden, so I'm expecting more hibernators next week. Sadly no Small Tortoiseshells again this year so far [Posted by Malcolm Hull,]
Hairstreaks at Merry Hill, Bushey. Having never been before I went today to get my bearings and make sure there was enough there before bringing the family to look for Brown Hairstreaks on the following weeks. The bramble is mostly heavy with fermenting fruit but on the last dregs of bramble blossom there was a single Brown Hairstreak with a large tail cut out. Also seen was several Purple Hairstreak including a female busy laying eggs, 2 Small Coppers (1 on Fleabane, 1 on Ragwort), 4 Holly Blues, 20+ Common Blue males. I look forward to revisiting. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. At Trent Park -1 Painted Lady nectaring on ragwort near Water Grdn, male Common Blue near Shaws Wd Cottages & 1 Jersey Tiger near Dew Pond. 2 male Common Blue at a private sites near Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Website update. Species accounts updated based on the latest branch annual report (2024 records) including new distribution maps and phenology charts. Now, while a news item is being submitted the description text is scanned for an UK butterfly species. If a species is detected, spelt correctly and capitalised then the species text is set up with a link to the species account. The substitution also occurs when the news item is 'previewed' before submission. For example: Brown Hairstreak common blue Meadow brown GV White Chalkhill Blue Chalk Hill Blue Jersey Tiger [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Warren Farm Nature Reserve Butterfly Walk. The booking link for this walk is now available https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/warrenfarmnr-butterfly-walk-tickets-1364623970029 [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Batford. 1 Jersey Tiger moth in SW corner of weedy/scrubby field by KW school and the B653 in Batford at lunchtime. [Posted by Darin Stanley]
Silver-washed Fritillary at Therfield Heath (Fox Covert). A very tatty male Silver-washed Fritillary in Fox Covert, west of the Therfield Road, was the first I've seen on Therfield Heath since 2023, indicating that this species is still (just) clinging on here. Also seen in the woods were Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Large, Small and Green-veined Whites, Peacock, Red Admiral, Comma, a Brimstone and lots of Speckled Woods. A Hummingbird Hawkmoth was also seen. On Church Hill, second generation Brown Argus and Common Blue have emerged in decent numbers and around 20 Chalkhill Blues were seen, mainly sheltering from the strong wind at the bottom of the hill. Gatekeeper was by far the commonest butterfly seen here. A single male Marbled White was also seen. [Posted by Martin Johnson]
Sightings at North Enfield. 1 Comma, 3 Large White & 1 Peacock at Gough Park, Forty Hill. At Guy Lodge Farm, Enfield - 1 Holly Blue & 1 Jersey Tiger. At a private site at North Enfield - 10 Common Blue, 4 Brown Argus & 1 Small Heath. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
A good year for Chalk Hill Blues. A nice fresh breezy day at Therfield Heath the sun maintained nicely and I easily saw nealy 50 chalk hill blues they seem to be having a better year than last . A very good year for Gatekeepers too - lots around the bramble bushes . [Posted by James Somerville]
Whitewebbs Butterfly walk 28th June 2025. Seven people joined Butterfly Conservation and the Friends of Whitewebbs Park for a walk around the former municipal golf course at Whitewebbs on Saturday 28th June 2025 to look for Small Heaths and Skippers. Over the last five years, the closure of the golf course has seen the numbers of Small Heath, Large, Small and Essex Skipper butterflies increase dramatically, these London Priority Species can now be found across the newly created grasslands since management ceased. The weather was warm, but overcast, and the Skippers were co-operative and found in good numbers. This allowed for examination of the underside of the antennae, supported by mobile phone photographs, which promoted discussion around this distinguishing feature, along with the differences in life cycle and host grasses. Desire line paths criss-cross the site, allowing for comfortable walking through the tall grasses, with buttercups, brambles and Creeping Thistle providing feeding areas for Marbled Whites, Gatekeepers and the large numbers of Meadow Browns. The Small Heath window seemed to have closed early with the warm dry Spring this year. Cinnabar caterpillars, Sea Spurrey, Sheep’s Sorrel and Small Coppers added variety and conversation along the walk. Also included are photos of Silver-washed Fritillary and White-letter Hairstreak recently seen in the Park! [Posted by Mark Saunders]
Heartwood Forest. A first time visit to this site, hoping - without success - to see Purple Emperors. However, c. 5 Purple Hairstreak around the oak tree adjacent to the so-called Dog Pond (presumably named after the dogs whose owners believe are immune to enterococcus infection?). Also small numbers of Small Skipper, Red Admiral, Comma, Peacock, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large White, Small White. [Posted by Bob Theaker]
Culpepper Community Garden (Islington) key sightings. Brown Argus, Common Blue, Hummingbird Hawkmoth, Jersey Tiger [Posted by Ian Ellis]
Silver-washed Fritillary in Woodside Park N12. Worn individual visited garden. First record. [Posted by Ian Ellis]
Branch Walk at Gillespie Park, Islington. 30 people attended our Branch butterfly walk in Islington this morning. We spotted over 50 butterflies from12 different species. Gatekeepers were the most common, flitting along the shrubs and nectaring on the Marjoram. Common Blues were the next most numerous, flourishing in the swathes of Birds-foot Trefoil. Particularly noteworthy species included Ringlet, Purple Hairstreak, Jersey Tiger and Brown Argus, none of which would have been found in this location a few years ago. We searched the well endowed buddleia bushes along Drayton Park, which were yielded Red Admiral and Large White, but were otherwise disappointing Peacocks were seen i the park last week, but not today, suggesting that in this area Peacocks have already entered hibernation Green-veined White, Meadow Brown, Small White and Speckled Wood completed the days list. Many thanks to Elena and the Islington Ecology Centre who hosted the event and provided delicious Pizza, Chocolate cake and musical entertainment afterwards [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Female Emperor at Heartwood. At around 11am a pristine female Purple Emperor flew around us as we walked up the main ride from the car park past Langley Wood. It settled for a second before flying on down the ride. [Posted by John Yates]
Heartwood Forest Purple Emperor Update. I arrived earlier than usual at 09.00 at the dog pond at the SW edge of Well Wood ( TL 15751 11346 ). Here I met Paul, who had been around for at least an hour by this stage. A little disappointingly he had only seen a single individual, feeding on the sap run, and it was not present upon my arrival. A few minutes later a fresh and relatively intact female flew into view, settling high but positioned conveniently on a leaf edge and allowing some decent shots. Over the course of the next 90 minutes we additonally spotted at least two males flying around and visiting the sap run, distinguishable by the distinctive and significant damage to their wings. One of these males came down to the ground at 09.40 and also kindly flattered me with a visit to my butterfly bait feeding station, the first Emperor to do so, despite many commas, red admirals, wasps, bees and flies enjoying my tasty offerings over the previous few days (the bait consists of fermenting chopped bananas with red wine, honey, and brown sugar). My conclusion is that this bait is undoubtedly attractive to fruit-feeding butterflies, but much less so for Emperors - in fact even less than bare ground!!! A short time later a couple of dog walkers took great interest and asked what we were looking at. When I described a Purple Emperor, they said they'd just seen one in the north of the forest (approximately TL163118) near the descent to West End Barns, and showed me on their phone a photo of a fresh female on the ground (female groundings are very rare at Heartwood - I've seen only one since starting to look for this butterfly over the past 5 years - this shows the great opportunities afforded by citizen science, if we can harness it!). After 11 am there were few sightings and long periods of absence, so I called it a day at 11.40. However, I stopped off on the way to check out the NW ride along edge of Langley Forest and at midday I had great views at TL 16054 11042 of an individual which looked like it was planning to ground, although it never did so, flying from between 5 and 15 feet, and circling back and forth, but sadly it eventually flew off. Today's grounded male and the female I photographed in the oak are new to me (compared with photos). The female in the mobile phone shot by the dog walkers was impossible to check, the angle of view and resolution are unfortunately too poor. The total numbers of confirmed individuals this year has therefore now hit the milestone of 20 (15 males, 5 females). I have yet to check some additional phtoos sent in to me, so this number may still rise. Some observations from the past days: every male is in a very poor state, battered and worn, and males are probably on their last legs. Females have been more visible compared to previous years, and are still in decent condition, and even grounding, so we may yet see them for the next week or two. In the hot weather both sexes dramatically reduce their flying from around 11 am, so an early start is recommended for those wanting to spot Emperors around the dog pond and on the oak tree's sap run. [Posted by Andrew Neild]
White-letter Hairstreak near Chipperfield. White-letter Hairstreak persistently on bracken and on the ground on a ride in Woodman's Wood near Chipperfield, along with four Commas in a square metre of ground, suggesting an increasing desperation for moisture and/or minerals. This is a previously unrecorded tetrad for the hairstreak. There was at least one Clouded Magpie at the same spot, which is an uncommon moth in the county and like W-l H is an elm-dependent species, plus the now-expected Box-tree Moth. Also a strong emergence of Holly Blue, which was very common today - one was feeding on a raspberry (fruit not flower) at Chipperfield Common. [Posted by Colin Everett]
Sightings at Grovelands Park & Southgate. At Grovelands Park, Southgate [1130 to 1345 BST] - 3 Comma, 3 Common Blue, 3 Peacock & 1 Red Admiral. At Wynchgate, N14 - 1 Common Blue nectaring on lavender in garden. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Purple Emperor near Wigginton. On the edge of a field near Wigginton with mature oaks and sallows saw a purple emperor gliding over the trees and then coming down to settle on a sallow where I was able to get close up to identify. The farmer has left one side of his field to grow as grassland for about 10 metres so great to see numerous common blues, small coppers. Gatekeepers and Meadow browns feeding on thistles on one side and then on the other the possibility of seeing Purple Emperors and Purple Hairstreaks which I saw here last week. [Posted by Philip Woodward]
Jersey tiger moth. Rescued this beautiful moth from my garden room this morning. in Royston North Herts [Posted by John Keith Gypps]
White Admiral, Purple Emperor and Silver-washed Fritillary at Bricket Wood Common. A successful branch walk this morning across Bricket Wood Common. There were good numbers of whites and brown across the site. Purple Hairstreak was seen high in the oak and a pair on Brown Argus along the ride. Alongside Bricket Wood we had good views of Silver-washed Fritillaries and. White Admiral. A Purple Emperor was seen in flight along the canopy and perched obligingly high up in the oak. We then headed for the electric cable ride at the southern end of the wood, which has been the hot spot for SWF this year. In total we saw at least 7 of this species. On the way back Chris Newman showed us a Buddleia which had Peacock and Red Admiral. We then divided and some of us headed back, with good views of a second White Admiral. [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Purple Emperor at Bramfield. Purple Emperor spotted flying out of Bramfield Park Wood and around a single oak tree (about 10m from the edge of the wood) and back into the wood. Saw several purple hairstreaks in the oak trees along one of the rides together with a couple of silver washed fritillaries. [Posted by Carl Slater]
Northaw Wood count. I did my July Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey at Northaw Wood today. Ladybirds were flying in huge numbers throughout, it was very strange, I’ve never seen the like. In the heat I saw good numbers of Gatekeepers, only moderate numbers of Ringlets and Meadow Browns. All the whites were present in moderate numbers, a handful of Speckled Woods. I was surprised not to see many Purple Hairstreaks but maybe later in the day I’d have seen more. On the last section which is at the Northern edge of the wood, I saw some Commas and a half a dozen Silver Washed Fritillaries. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Sightings at Southgate & Town Park, Enfield. Male Brimstone at Dalrymple Close, N14 this afternoon. At Town Park, Enfield [1400 to 1430 BST] - 1 Comma, 1 Holly Blue, 1 Red Admiral & 1 Mother of Pearl. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Rivers Orchard and fields Sawbridgeworth. Mid morning before the heat became unbearable... 2 Essex Skipper, 1 tatty Large Skipper,1 Small Copper (not regular here), 20 Common Blue, 8 Peacock, 2 Speckled Wood, 8 Marbled White, 67 Gatekeeper, 40+ Meadow Brown, 3 Ringlet. [Posted by Laurence Drummond]
Ruislip Gardens & Ickenham Marsh. Stafford Road Open Space. Hard work as the paths through the 'jungle zone' have not been cut back for a year. The closing up of the clearings, lack/loss of knapweed and thistle along with all the big meadows/fields having recently been cut made for a somewhat baron journey apart from dozens of gatekeepers, a few ringlet a single purple hairstreak and eventually 3 brown hairstreaks all making brief flights a few feet above the blackthorn thicket. Things perked up at the very southern end of ICKENHAM MARSH LWT Reserve along the brook with 6 or 7 brown hairstreaks making occasional short hops high up in the ash trees and my first sighting in this location of a small copper. Over the bridge across the brook on the east side plenty of thistle with a comma, red admiral, holly blue, 2 peacock, 2 common blue, 5 speckled wood, 15 ish small skipper and 1 purple hairstreak. This area will certainly be worth another visit for possible low level hairstreak activity. 2 weeks ago 2 white letter hairstreaks were seen atop the elms in the fields along Austins lane 'extension' towards the LWT Marsh reserve so lots of hairstreak activity albeit all well above ground level so far. [Posted by Nick Furtek]
Butterfly World - its bad news. Butterfly World was created as a haven for butterflies, its chalk rich meadows drawing in a huge range of species, including the Small Blue. Since it shut to the public ten years ago we have been monitoring its fate, as well as tracking the Small blues, which frequently stray onto adjoining land. Last year we received the good news that St Albans Council was taking steps to ensure the cessation of undesirable uses on the land. But their attempts have failed and the government have now decided that existing uses can remain. This is bad news for the butterflies and we are investigating if anything can be done to help retain their habitat. More in this weeks St Albans Times Butterfly World [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Batford. 1 Purple Emperor seen in flight in NW corner of weedy field flying along then hedgerow, going north. It turned around at second Oak tree and started heading south again until lost to view it weedy field. Great views seeing in flight, even over my head. [Posted by Darin Stanley]
Sightings at Oakwood. At Bramley Rd, N14 - 1 Comma, 1 Large White & 1 Red Admiral nectaring on buddleia. At Oakwood Station - 2 Comma, 2 Peacock & 2 Small White nectaring on buddleia. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Heartwood Forest Purple Emperor Update.. I arrived later than intended at 10.30 and was told that Purple Emperor activity was already winding down, undoubtedly due to the soaring temperatures. Earlier, from around 9am to 10am, there had been regular flights and 2 to 3 individuals feeding on the sap run in the oak above the dog pond at Well Wood ( TL 15751 11346 ). Others in the group had spotted Emperors in flight nearby, one along the ride by Pudler's Wood, the other a rare sighting on the west side of Well Wood. My primary excitement of the day, however, was a rare sighting in Heartwood Forest - a Silver Washed Fritillary, spotted around 11am by one of our group. I have seen this species once in five years in Heartwood, and never had the chance to take photos, but there have already been several reports this year so my luck was in! We also spotted 3 Small Blues puddling at the dog pond. From 11 am onwards there were few sightings, and always solitary, either in flight or on the sap run, and it became obvious at midday that butterflies were taking shelter from the 28 degree heat, even the abundant commas were sitting listlessly on leaves. My advice to those wanting to spot Emperors during this heat wave is to arrive as early as possible, perhaps even from 8.30 may be productive, but certainly 9am is a good time to aim for. [Posted by Andrew Neild]
Heartwood Forest. Purple Emperors very active around the oak beside dog pond and upon their favoured sap run between 9.15 and 10.15 this morning but only sporadically thereafter as the heat set in. Three individuals for sure maybe four. Amazing creatures, all seen in fantastic company as usual. [Posted by Ashley Cox]
Fir and Pond Woods. Adjacent field had 2 Brown Argus, Common Blue and Small Copper. [Posted by Paul Driver]
Small Blues at Heartwood. Searched round the west side of Heartwood and found 20 Small Blues this afternoon. Seven were on the damp margin of the dog pond, with five crowded together on a dead branch. Other butterflies joining in this summers craze for taking care moisture/salts included 2 Commas, 1 Peacock, 1 Large White, 1 Ringlet and 1 Small Skipper. With 12 large dragonflies patrolling round the pond, this is a life-risking activity for the butterflies, showing the importance they place on this fashionable activity. 12 Small Blues in Valley Field where the Kidney Vetch sown by the Branch ten years ago has spread across large swathes of the hillside. Finally just a single Small Blue on the airfield, last years hotspot. Other notable sightings, an Oak Eggar at the NE corner of Puddlers Wood and a sole Purple Emperor circling the high Ash tree in Langley Wood [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. At a private site near Trent Park - male Common Blue & 1 Red Admiral. At Trent Park - 1 Peacock edge of Ride Wd & 4 Red Admiral. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Four Spotted moths - 2nd brood. Together we found 7 Four Spotted moths in the Barley area this morning including 3 on a new farm margin. Several other species present in very large numbers including at least 12 Marbled White, several Sitochroa palealis (Sulphur Pearl), single Pyrausta despicata and Six-spot Burnet. [Posted by Liz Goodyear & Sharon Hearle]
Broxbourne Woods. White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, 2 Purple Hairstreak, on oak, 8 Peacock on Buddleia. Gatekeeper in large numbers. [Posted by Paul Driver]
Sightings at Oakwood. At Oakwood Station - 1 Jersey Tiger, 2 Comma, 3 Large White, 2 Peacock & 4 Red Admiral all attracted to the flowering buddleia here this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Heartwood Forest Purple Emperor Update. Once again Heartwood didn't disappoint! From 10 am through to 1.30 when I left, we enjoyed regular flights of both sexes, and up to 3 individuals at a time feeding on the sap run above the dog pond at Well Wood ( TL 15751 11346 ). It is possible that there were 4 or 5 individuals, but 3 was the most seen at a single moment, including a very fresh female. These sightings were less frequent during the sometimes long periods of cloudy conditions, but nevertheless they continued, probably due to disturbance at the sap run by ants, hornets, and wasps, all of which have been noted through the spotting scope kindly brought along and shared by Peter over the past few days. This hypothesis was reinforced at 10.40 when a male tumbled out of the sky onto the path next to us, desperately flapping and twisting and rubbing itself deliberately on the bare earth, giving the distinct impression it was trying to brush something off. Reviewing my photos I am astonished to see that I managed to catch the perpetrator (sadly slightly out of focus) - a wasp can clearly be seen, thrown off in one shot, and latched onto the abdomen in another. Luckily our butterfly appeared to be none the worse for wear after its encounter, not showing any signs of discomfort, but remained grounded and rested to recuperate for a few minutes, allowing excellent photo opportunities. At 12.35 Annie called out an Emperor that she spotted puddling at the far side of the dog pond, and once again we were given the chance to take a good sequence of photos of what turned out to be another male. It's of interest that although I left the dog pond area for nearly an hour between about 11 and midday, visiting my usual emperor hot spots, I saw no sign of them anywhere. In addition to the Emperors we spotted 2 Small Blues puddling at the dog pond, and I found a third on horse manure half way down the main ride to Langley Wood. After reviewing my photos, it is clear these are the 13th and 14th Purple Emperor males I have seen this season, in addition to 4 confirmed females (I still need to check some other individuals reported on this blog by others, and hope also to receive photos of the probably new female, and other individuals on the sap run today). [Posted by Andrew Neild]
Purple Emperor near Wigginton. Walking around the edge of a field near Wigginton saw a Purple Emperor gliding around the top of the trees at about 1.45pm and also fortunate enough for a Purple Hairstreak to come down from the oaks landing on the bracken in front of me for a photograph opportunity. [Posted by Philip Woodward]
Sightings at Southgate & Trent Park. 1 Comma & 2 Peacock nectaring on buddleia at Grovebury Crt, N14 this morning. At Trent Park [1100 to 1215 BST] - 1 Jersey Tiger nectaring on buddleia near Oakwood entrance - my first of the year [FOY] & 1 Purple Hairstreak. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
White-letter Hairstreaks near Brickendon. Sunny start again today so checked on the bramble blossom for hairstreaks and Gatekeeper abs. No abs seen but the Gatekeepers done their best to make it easy for me. There were three White-letter Hairstreaks all on the bramble at the same time. First had a prominent blue spot, second had no blue spot and the third was just very worn. Close up comparisons mean there is at least five individuals so I wonder how many are there actually around elsewhere. Is it too early to call it a good year for WLH? [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Heartwood Forest Purple Emperor Update. After a three day absence, I returned to Heartwood Forest this morning in stunning weather, with blue skies, relatively cool temperatures (max. 24 degrees), and light winds (the dog pond at Well Wood, the ride to Pudler's wood, and the ride along NE Langley Wood were protected from the prevailing wind). All Purple Emperor activity took place above us, but despite an early start at 09.20, and the perfect weather conditions, no activity was observed around Langley Wood, and none subsequently at the dog pond until it all kicked off just before 10.00, when an Emperor landed on the sap run in the top of the oak. Up to three Emperors were seen flying on multiple occasions over the next hour at this site, and it was fun to share our experience with curious bystanders, all of whom got excellent views. Who would have thought a dog walk could provide quite so much excitement!? At 10.45 I decided to check out the ride to the NE corner of Pudler's Wood, with a short detour into the Magical Wood, where I spotted an individual sallow searching in the low canopy at 11.05. A few minutes later, and only about 100 metres away, I spotted another (or the same individual?) when it landed some 4 metres above the ride, and remained for several minutes. On the way back to the dog pond I then spotted another individual which was flying high over the canopy. Back at the dog pond at 11.30 all activity in the oak had stopped except for a solitary and quick visit at 11.45, so I checked out the edge of the dog pond and spotted two very fresh Small Blues puddling on the mud. At Langley Wood there was no Emperor activity, and so I set off back to the car park, but was pleasantly suprised to spot another fresh Small Blue on horse manure about 50 metres down the path from the scout hut entrance to the main car park. And so to summarise, this was a perplexing day, with all flight, albeit in good numbers, more-or-less limited to between 10.00 and 11.15 (with the exception of one sap-feeding sighting). As for individuals, we saw 3 at the same time at the dog pond, plus I took photos of a 4th individual at Pudler's Wood, but I have not had time to check wing markings against previous sightings. I will do so and update the tally in my next report. [Posted by Andrew Neild]
Butterfly Numbers Booming. Strolling round local meadows in St Albans this afternoon, I was struck by the sheer numbers of butterflies. Gatekeeper, Peacock, Common Blue, Purple Hairstreak and Small Copper all seem to be doing particularly well. For example at William Bird Open Space, my Wilder St Albans patch, I counted 290 butterflies of 15 species in just 20 minutes. Nothing unusual today, tho I did see my first Small Heath for a few weeks, probably the start of a new brood. One other point of note - within the last week 2 Peacocks have gone into hibernation in my shed, the first of the summer. In the 12 years I've been monitoring hibernators, this beats the earliest entry date for this species by 9 days [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings at Enfield, Oakwood & Trent Park. At Bramley Rd, N14 at bus-stop shelter - 1 Least Carpet & 1 Riband Wave. At Trent Park - 10 Comma, 2 male Common Blue, 1 Purple Emperor gliding around edge of Rough Lot, near Obelisk [TQ285979] at 1354 BST, 1 Purple Hairstreak edge of Moat Wd, 3 Red Admiral & 4 Six-spot Burnet by lower lake. At private sites near Trent Park - 1 Comma, 2 Peacock, 1 Purple Hairstreak, 1 Red Admiral, 2 Brown Argus, 2 Mother of Pearl & 1 Dusky Sallow - my first of the year [FOY]. Eugene Dillon-Hooper found a Elephant Hawkmoth on the wall just outside the entrance to Cockfosters station [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
One Bramble Two Hairstreaks near Brickendon. This morning was sunny and calm so I checked the brambles - specifically the ones where I recently saw a WLH. I immediately saw two Purple Hairstreaks resting on the bramble. Whilst taking the record shot on my phone I spotted a White-letter Hairstreak necturing close by. At one point they were on the same sprig of bramble but unfortunately edge on and too far away so no double Hairstreak photo opportunity but very close. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Sightings at Enfield & Southgate. 1 Small Copper at a private site near Trent Park. At Bay Farm, along 'London Loop' - female Common Blue nectaring on thistle head & 1 Painted Lady. 1 Red Admiral at Rectory Farm near 'The Red House'. 1 Comma at Hilly Fields Park. 3 Least Carpet [1 at bus-stop shelter at Charter Way/Chase Rd, N14 & 2 at Gordon Hill Station]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Purple Emperor at Tring Park. I saw a male Purple Emperor gliding around a sallow in the natural play area of Tring Park at about 2.15 pm. It settled for a short time at just above head height amongst the leaves before flying off. [Posted by Philip Woodward]
SW Fritillaries in Northaw Great Wood. 5 in various locations on bramble, mainly down by stream. Purple Hairstreak in Oak by visitor centre [Posted by Sam fuller]
Branch Event - Gladstone Park, Dollis Hill, Brent. Despite the predicted heavy rain, an enjoyable walk with the Friends Group and Brent transect walkers. Clouds of Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper around Thistle and Knapweed patches, also a few Common Blue, which are a bit of rarity in this park. Small Skippers and Small White amongst these. In a slightly damper patch Ringlet, Gatekeeper were predominate along with more Meadow Brown, Green-veined and Small White and a Speckled Wood. Then to an area with a great mixture of fine grasses where more Common Blue were seen and some Marbled Whites made an appearance. Finally to the lovely well maintained Walled Garden where Comma, Large White and Holly Blue added to the list alongside more Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Small White seen. Ten minutes after walk finished the heavy rain storm arrived. [Posted by Paul Busby]
Sightings at Oakwood Park & Southgate. Male Common Blue at Oakwood Park this morning at 0910 BST. 1 Black Arches at ASDA Southgate this afternoon - my first of the year [FOY]. 1 Green-veined White & female Large White at Southgate Chase Allotments this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Christine Bessant's photos from Saturday's walk at Bishops Wood. Photos from Saturday [Posted by Christina Bessant]
Branch Event - Bishop's Wood. Photograph of the Alder Moth caterpillar found by Paul Busby. [Posted by Richard Middleton]
Purple Emperor and Small Blue. Saturdays branch butterfly walk to Heartwood got off to a poor start with no sign of sun, cool temperatures and prolonged drizzle on my way to the meeting point. Over 30 people turned up and we split into two groups. Butterflies were thin on the ground, but as the morning progressed both groups saw a good range of species including Small Skippers, Marbled Whites and Commas. Andrews group also saw Jersey Tiger. Both groups met by the dog pond and spent sometime examining the oak tree with sap runs. Purple Hairstreaks and a Red Admiral were much in evidence.At 1pm half of the party left for home. Immediately afterwards the sun came out for just two minutes, but that was enough to spark some action from Purple Emperors, with several flights noted around the canopy. Although we located the sap run which had been so attractive earlier in the week, there were no Emperors on it today. Suddenly an Emperor appeared on the ground and stayed for several minutes, walking around and getting buffeted by the wind, giving everyone a good chance to see it. On the way back Andrews group found a Small Blue at the roost by the Scout Hut, the first time we’ve found both of this sites special species on a single walk [Posted by Malcolm Hull and Andrew Steele]
Mother of Pearl at Enfield. 7 Mother of Pearl at two private sites near Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Branch Event - Bishop's Wood. Lovely walk through Bishop's Wood and despite the cloudy conditions, at least 11 Species were seen including Speckled Wood, Green-veined and Small White, probably Large White, plenty of Ringlet, Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown. Target woodland species were a bit elusive in the cloudy conditions but a Silver Washed Fritillary was seen around a bramble patch at end of ride the record daily total at this site has been 26 this year. Some probable Purple Hairstreaks around Oak. A highlight was seeing a White Admiral glide past on a newly cleared area and finally a bright yellow and black Alder Moth caterpillar. [Posted by Paul Busby]
Sightings at Oakwood. 1 Large White, 3 Peacock & 1 Red Admiral on buddleia at Oakwood Station at 1815 BST [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Heartwood Forest Purple Emperor Update. Another fun day at Heartwood Forest, but with almost all Purple Emperor activity taking place above us. Emperors were seen flying on multiple occasions above all the usual rides along Pudler's, Well, and Langley Woods, by various members of the Emperor appreciation group that were in attendance - Ashley Cox (see report below) in particular had walked all the rides earlier before I arrived, reporting several overhead sightings, and a grounded female at around 10am some 200 m northwest of the NE corner of Pudler's Wood, at TL 15972 11756; unfortunately Ashley didn't have time to back off and get a shot (it landed too close, at his feet!). I personally spotted purple emperors twice on the ride along the east side of Well and Pudler's Wood, and twice on the ride along the NE edge of Langley Wood. Back at the dog pond (TL 15751 11346) at Well Wood, Peter, Angela and David had been waiting patiently for an Emperor to visit the sap runs in the large oak. They were rewarded for their perseverance at 12.30 by a fresh female which visited repeatedly. She was attacked within a short time on every occasion she landed by an aggressive hornet. Not great for the Empress but this gave us a lot of flight activity to admire. One further Emperor was spotted while the female was on sap, but it never landed. It seems that today they were focused more on patroling and sallow-searching than sapping. Finally at 1 pm Ken and Billy left, but returned shortly after, having taken photos of a very worn grounded male which then joined us all at the dog pond, where it landed on the ground and then the mud at the pond's edge (TL 15765 11328), allowing close approaches (in close proximity to a second generation Small Blue). I have checked today's male, and also Peter's photos of today's female, and his fabulous photos from the sap run taken on the 3rd (see post below), and compared them to photos taken of previous individuals. The first thing to point out, and a very pleasant surprise, is that Peter's sap run photos are of 4 different individuals(!), comprising a fresh intact male, a male with a large chunk out of its hindwing and damaged forewing apices, an old male with chunks missing from its rear hindwing, and a fresh female. This is by far the greatest concentration of individuals I have seen in one place at Heartwood. In summary, the running tally for this year is 12 males and 4 females, which is exceptional. I am also totally convinced that several of the other individuals seen flying today are likely also to be previously unrecorded. I'll be back on Monday or Tuesday, when the forecast is better, in the hope of spotting some more! It is also worth reporting, as it's a rare occurrence, that in addition to the male Silver Washed Fritillary spotted by Ashley (see report below), Peter and Billy saw 2 others near the West End Barns entrance, at about TL162121, I think at around 9.30 (it was relatively early). According to Malcom Hull, he thinks it's been a few years since the last sightings of this butterfly at Heartwood, and encourages us all to publish any future sightings. [Posted by Andrew Neild]
Batford. 1 Purple Emperor flying south and north of hedgerow containing footpath between KW school and grass field at 13.10 onward then at 15.00 decided to remain around its favourite oak in NW corner of weedy/scrubby field where I left it at 16.00. 4+ Purple Hairstreaks in usual single oak tree between KW school and grass field at grid ref: TL153151. [Posted by Darin Stanley]
Heartwood Forest. 1 Silver Washed Fritillary at Langley wood. Multiple Purple Emperor sightings all over the place including this battered old warhorse puddling at dog pond, Huge thanks to Andrew and all the guys who were so generous with their local knowledge of these amazing creatures. Healthy numbers of all species on the wing at the mo. 1 second brood Small Blue puddling alongside the PE worthy of mention and huge numbers of Purple Hairstreak, wonderful day. [Posted by Ashley Cox]
Aldbury Golf course. I saw a Purple Emperor gliding high up in the trees for about 30 seconds about Midday on the edge of Aldbury Golf course near Tring. I thought it was a bird at first but on closer scrutiny an unmistakable swooping flight which I'm familiar with told me it was definitely an Emperor!!! [Posted by Philip Woodward]
Ruislip Woods. Summary of todays sunny but breezy 6 mile walk through Copse and Mad Bess Woods. 1 male Purple Emperor seen a few times on Poors field on the edge of copse wood by the Hillingdon trail which then made a dash across open space where it shrugged off a dramatic almost successful grab from a Brown Darter. Later another almost certain PE sighting whilst scanning many tree tops on the high point close to Ducks Hill Road. Purple Hairstreaks seem to be doing well this year with about 50 sightings which were generally at a lower height than usual with a good number flitting about in unusual locations like sallow and bramble with 3 making brief touch downs. 1 White Admiral seen in Mad Bess but sadly none in Copse but no surprise due to the continuing closing up of the older wide rides. Many whites, Commas, Meadow Brown, quite a few Ringlet, Speckled Wood and Small Skipper, 3 Peacock, 2 Holly blue, 2 Red Admiral and last but least 2 Marbled White on Poors field. Disappointed no Silver Washed showed but so pleased to have seen at least 1 PE in Copse Wood where they are more illusive than over the pond (Lido) in Park Wood at St. Vincents. [Posted by NICK FURTEK]
Sightings at Trent Park & Enfield. At Trent Park - 6 Peacock [5 on buddleia at Shaws Wd & 1 by lower lake], male Common Blue by lower lake, 4 Comma [1 by lower lake, 2 together at Water Grdn & 1 at 'Old Golf Course'], 1 Red Admiral at Water Grdn, 1 Purple Hairstreak edge of Moat Wd. At private sites near Trent Park - 7 Purple Hairstreak, 1 Comma, 1 Red Admiral, male Oak Eggar - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Clouded Yellow. Single clouded yellow butterfly in our Barley garden couple of feet away. Seen 2.30 July 4th, Landed briefly on pink campion. [Posted by Sarah and Ed Tibbitts]
White-letter Hairstreak at Brickendon. All the surrounding meadows were mown last week which makes any remaining Bramble blossom, Creeping thistles, Burdock and Ragwort on the perimeter are highly subscribed with flying insects all searching for breakfast. So I gave the woodland butterflies a rest this morning and decided on a hedge survey around the cut meadows and tracks, I had nearly finished the loop when I clapped eyes on this lovely WLH still with tails. After many unsuccessful searches for necturing WLH, this is a rare victory for me and find feels like a pat on the back for effort. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Heartwood Forest Purple Emperor Update. Purple Emperors in "Dog Pond" oak feeding on sap. Initially seen by Andrew Neild around 11:00am. Three PE were present. Still around at 2:00pm when we left. [Posted by Peter Ewer]
Batford. 1 White-letter Hairstreak in Elm tree by footpath adjacent the KW School in SW corner of weedy/ scrubby field by the B653. 2 Purple Emperors!!!! in NW corner of weedy/ scrubby field. 1 showed signs of wear, 1 remained on site from 13.15 to 15.00 showing on and off. 2 Purple Hairstreaks seen in single oak along the footpath by KW School and the grassy field. All 3 species seen in one hedgerow!! [Posted by Darin Stanley]
Hunsdon. Just one male Purple Emperor at Queens Wood in the old airfield site and not in the usual territorial space either. [Posted by Laurence Drummond]
Heartwood Forest Purple Emperor update. The weather was fantastic this morning, and yet deliciously cool after the recent mini heatwave. I arrived later than usual at the NE corner of Puddler's Wood, where very little of interest was flying, so I pottered down the shaded ride to the dog pond on the southern edge of Well Wood ( TL 15751 11346 ). Shortly after arriving, at 10.45, I spotted a Purple Emperor flitting high around the upper branches, and it immediately became apparent it was attracted to a sap run (fermenting sap) in the legendary oak tree which overlooks the pond. A few minutes later I was joined by Peter and Angela, and within a short time we watched a male descend (at around 11.00) and land about 3 metres up on some leaves, allowing for some decent shots, detailed enough for me to confirm this is the 8th male from Heartwood Forest that I have seen in photos this year, bringing the confirmed number of Heartwood individuals to a total of 10 (counting in 2 females). Over the course of the next hour we watched 2 individuals in the oak canopy repeatedly land on two sap runs, and while watching two we sometimes spotted a third in flight. I don't believe I have ever witnessed three individuals together in Heartwood Forest, so this is something of an exciting first. The sex of these individuals could not be determined as they were very high up in the tree, although one is very likely the male that came down at the start of our session. I left for home at midday via the ride to Puddler's Wood corner, but no further sightings were made. I have attached a couple of photos which I hope will not duplicate the much more detailed ones taken by Peter using his 500 mm lens of two individuals on the sap run. As a side note, but an important one: while watching a puddling group of whites at the edge of the dog pond, I spotted a tiny grey disk, and realised it was a Small Blue taking salts. It was fresh as a daisy and therefore likely a second brood individual (thanks to Malcolm Hull for this info). [Posted by Andrew Neild]
Field trip to Norton Green. Liz Goodyear (first aider and invaluable support), Bob and myself were joined by 5 others on our field trip in ideal weather conditions. Several butterflies were seen down both sides of the track consisting mostly of Meadow Browns, Small and Large Skippers, some Gatekeepers, Ringlets and 'whites'. At the bottom end of the track we saw 1 or 2 Purple Hairstreaks high up on the tall oaks. On passing the metal gate into Pigeonswick Wood there were big healthy buddleia bushes on the southern side of the 'hardcourt' attracting several Silver-washed Fritillaries, Peacocks and a White Admiral seen by Liz.
We next ventured into the meadow which was unfortunately left uncut over the previous autumn/winter. A few Marbled Whites were flying around or nectaring on thistles and one encounter of a female Marbled White rebuffing the advances of a ravenous male. Towards the southern end of the common on the western side Liz pointed out a sallow, potentially a good tree for egg-laying female Purple Emperors. We waited for several minutes scouring this sallow until Liz spotted a large black and white butterfly skimming through the branches about 10 feet up. We all had good views of the female (we think female because of its probing behaviour when in the tree) Purple Emperor flying in and out of this tree for at least 5 minutes. We couldn't get close enough to the sallow for good photo opportunities because of the encroaching brambles. A White Admiral was also seen at the sallow tree.
Lastly, we visited the field beyond the common but stuck mostly to the edge of the wood lined mostly by tall oaks where we found several Purple Hairstreaks low down to about eye-level. In addition to finding a mating pair of Silver-washed Fritillaries on the brambles, a Purple Emperor was seen high on an oak tree, possibly the same individual observed in the common. Bob spotted Small Coppers in the field with one eventually landing on a ragwort flower for photos. The best field trip day here ever so thanks to all those who came and contributed. [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Purple Emperor at Balls Wood. A Purple Emperor grounded at Ball Wood today at just gone 1pm. and couple of White Admirals in Bramfield Wood. These woodland butterflies are beginning to look a bit ragged now. A few years ago they would have only just begun flying! Many other species at these woods today, including Common Blue, which has been virtually absent from Balls Wood in recent years. [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. At private sites near Trent Park - 1 Six-spot Burnet - my first of the year [FOY], 1 Painted Lady & 1 Purple Hairstreak. At Trent Park - 4 Large White, 1 Red Admiral, 4 Peacock, male Purple Emperor settled edge of Water Grdn/lower lake 1005 to 1008 BST at least - my first of the year [FOY], 1 Small Copper near Water Grdn. At Trent Park Equestrian Centre - 1 Red Admiral. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Batford. 3 Purple Hairstreaks in single oak along the footpath by KW School, Batford at grid ref: TL15301515. [Posted by Darin Stanley]
Sherrardspark Wood, Welwyn Garden City. A first for me in the wood. Two White Admiral sunning themselves in Oak canopy with a number of Purple Hairstreak around too. Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Large White, Small White and Red Admiral around too. [Posted by John Yates]
Bike for Butterflies 2025 - Sponsorship Request. Simon Savile is riding his bike across Wales to raise funds for Butterfly Conservation. Please sponsor him via his Just Giving page if you can. Simon is a BC Trustee who has been very supportive of our Big City Butterflies project, so a very worthy cause Sponsor Simon [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Mother of Pearl at Enfield. 4 Mother of Pearl disturbed from stinging nettles at a private site near Trent Park this morning. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Very early Brown Hairstreak. A record came throuh from iRecord from Paul Taylor who saw and photographed this Brown Hairstreak in the Hounslow area [Posted by Andrew Wood on behalf of Paul Taylor]
Heartwood Forrest. I braved the heat and headed for Heartwood Forest to look for Purple Emperor this time on my own. Unfortunately I wasn't that successful but I did get 2 sightings and a possible fly by but there were Peacock and Red Admiral present and my briefest glimpse I can only say it looked larger!The first sighting was around the top of an oak at end corner of Puddlers Wood sometime into the afternoon. On my way back to the car park I had my second sighting. I stuck to the path that passed magical wood that was more likely to have horse poo on ! I did get a sighting of probably a female pass me before climbing above the hedge-line. I didn't manage to get a photo of a P Emperor today but did get to see a number of other species as below Peacock 6+, Speckled Wood 10+ with most seen along from puddlers wood to the pond. Silver-Washed Fritillary 3, Brimstone 3, Comma 10+, Red Admiral 3, large Skipper 8+, Small Skipper 10+, Gatekeeper 5+, Purple Hairstreak 4, Brown Argus 1, Common Blue 1, Small Heath 1, Good numbers of Meadow Brown, Ringlet and Marbled-Whites. Also good numbers of Large, Small and Green-Veined White. [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Bishops Stortford. After my third effort this year I got male Purple Emperor patrolling the territory at Thorley lane east TL4719 just after 2pm. [Posted by Laurence Drummond]
Therfield Heath. Dark Green Fritillaries and Chalkhill Blues were out in force this afternoon. [Posted by John Yates]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. At private sites near Trent Park - male Common Blue, 2 Small Copper nectaring on ragwort, 7 male Gatekeeper & 1 Blood-vein. At Trent Park - 1 Comma by lower lake, 2 Painted Lady [1 by lower lake & 1 edge of Icehouse Wd], 1 Purple Hairstreak near Ride Wd, 3 Peacock [1 edge of Rough Lot & 2 together on buddleia at Shaws Wd], 1 Red Admiral edge of Icehouse Wd, 1 Silver-washed Fritillary on buddleia at Shaws Wd - my first of the year [FOY], 1 Small Tortoiseshell edge of Icehouse Wd - very 'fresh', 2 Small White pr mating edge of Icehouse Wd. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
East of St Albans. An early start at Jersey Lane, where I was rewarded by a Small Tortoiseshell and two White-letter Hairstreaks, the first time I’ve succeeded in finding the latter species at this site. Later in Symonshyde Great Wood 18 Silver-washed Fritillaries, concentrated along the electric ride. A female was egg laying on a gnarled pine, starting at 7ft off the ground, then 8ft and finally 10ft, presenting the prospect of a very long journey for the tiny caterpillar next year. Two sightings of Purple Emperor on the southern side of the wood. New generation of Brown Argus (9) and Common Blue (1) also on the wing [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Large Tortoiseshell at Wareside. Phil MacMurdie saw a Large Tortoiseshell on 29 June - for more details see below [Posted by Peter Clarke]