Hertfordshire & Middlesex Branch
Saving butterflies, moths and our environment
Let it Grow. For the last few years HMBC have been working with St Albans District Council to record butterfly numbers on Low Mow Plots and areas of Wildflower seeding on highway verges, parks and green spaces. This article in St Albans Times describes some the local initiatives Let it Grow [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. Male Brimstone at a private site near Trent Park, 2 Green-veined White [1 at a private site near Trent Park & 1 by lower lake/Trent Park], 2 male Orange-tip [1 at a private site near Trent Park & 1 edge of Rough Lot/Trent Park], 1 Peacock at a private site near Trent Park, 13 Small Heath at a private site near Trent Park, 3 Speckled Wood at private sites near Trent Park, 2 Mother Shipton at private sites near Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
White Letter Hairstreak larva. White Letter Hairstreak larva seen under UV light on Hampstead Heath. [Posted by Rohan Harris]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. On a grey day with a chilly northeasterly wind blowing, I didn't really expect to see much in the way of butterflies today. However, some sporadic sunshine appeared late in the afternoon, and a brisk local walk was rewarded by three Speckled Woods (3m), three Brown Argus (1f, 1m), two Common Blues (2m), two Orange Tips (1f, 1m) and a very tatty female Large White. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Small Heath at Enfield. 1 Small Heath at a private site near Trent Park this morning. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
A short journey along the River Colne and the Whippendell Woods Butterfly walk. I was in need of having my car cleaned so dropped the car off at the Tesco's car park cleaning services which gave me an hour to wander along the River Colne, 2 Green- Veined Whites, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Brimstone and another unidentified flying White. (Only photo I can post of a butterfly today is a Green-veined White from the River Colne.) As for the Spring branch Butterfly Walk in Whippendell Woods the butterfly count was disappointing, with a count of 1 White and although Rick and myself think it was a GV White it was not confirmed! However it was the best turn out for one of our walks ever! A real mixed age group as well. Rick followed up at the rear to make sure none of the attendees got lost and I was kept busy with questions at the front by the 3 youngest sisters who were amazing for their age at asking such questions about butterflies. Real young stars who made my day for what turned out to be a bad role of the dice with the weather after the recent warm spell. Although it was bad for butterflies this time all who came seemed to enjoy the walk. The bluebells were still in flower we stopped at all the butterfly hotspots to point out what is likely to be seen there and when and hopefully we will get to see more butterflies on the Summer Walk. All attendees seemed to enjoy the walk despite the lack of butterflies and those 3 young girls in the photo were keen to come along on our next walk and it would be a delight to have them there with their family too. [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Small Heath at Oakwood Park. 3 Small Heath at Oakwood Park this morning before Church & Spotted Flycatcher. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Cassiobury Park & Whippendell Woods. A preliminary walk around the Park and Woods before the Walk on Sunday (Hope to see some of you there), What I saw in the the Park was: Red admiral x 2, Holly blue x 3 Speckled wood x 3 approx 5 Unknown White and (highlight of the day) 1 x Small copper. Following that I then went into the Woods, where I saw a further:Speckled wood x 4, Holly blue x 2, Brimstone x 8, Orange tip x 7, Unknown whites x 6, Comma x 1, Peacock x 3, Large white x 1, Red admiral x 1, Peacock x 6, it began to get a little lively as it cooled down - and then it became butterfly bedtime and the walk back was a bit quiet. [Posted by Rick Vickers]
Small Blue. 14 Small Blues counted in a twenty minute walk around old Butterfly World perimeter at Chiswell Green in the late afternoon sun. [Posted by Clive Burrows]
Sightings at Oakwood Park & Southgate. 2 Brimstone [male at Dalrymple Close, N14 & female at Oakwood Park], male Common Blue seen settled at Oakwood Park - my first of the year [FOY], 3 Holly Blue [2 at Dalrymple Close, N14 & 1 at Oakwood Park], 1 Small Heath at Oakwood Park, 1 Mother Shipton at Oakwood Park - my first of the year [FOY] & fem/imm Broad-bodied Chaser seen in flight & settled in tree at Oakwood Park [TQ303953] at 1305 BST - my first of the year [FOY]. All sightings in Oakwood Park were E of the 10 km line. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Enfield. Male Brimstone, 1 Green-veined White, male Large White, 2 male Orange-tip, 2 Peacock, 1 Small Copper & 10 Small Heath at private sites near Trent Park. 1 Blood-vein along Salmons Brook at Parkside Farm/Res, Enfield [TQ300983] - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A early start for a local walk today ahead of the forecast hot afternoon. 14 species seen today, including another new one for the year (making 17 for my local patch so far in 2025). No.17 was the Green Hairstreak. One popped up out of nowhere in a new location, but the second (the pic attached) turned up precisely where I saw one last year. The behaviour was the same as well - chasing Holly Blues. Overall, numbers were subdued in the heat, with only Orange Tips and Holly Blues making it to double figures. One other highlight of the morning was a very new female Brown Argus nectaring on the caterpillar foodplant. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Trip to Aldbury Nowers. Hot & sunny this afternoon with butterflies flying at top speed and moths hiding in the shade. Pleased to see 2 Green Hairstreaks. Others I managed to ID included 7 Dingy Skippers, 2 Grizzled Skippers, 3 Brown Argus, 1 Common Blue, 1 Holly Blue, 17 Small Heaths, 1 Yellow Underwing moth. Brimstones were by far the most common species. We are still looking for help walking the transect at this brilliant site, please contact Andrew Wood if you are interested [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings at Trent Park. A few sightings at Trent Park 'New Fields' or 'Butterfly Meadows' from 1210 to 1300 BST this afternoon - Male Brimstone near Triangular Wd, 1 Comma near Church Wd, 1 Green-veined White at Church Wd, 2 male Orange-tip, 2 Peacock, 1 Small Copper near Triangular Wd & 1 Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
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]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. Male Brimstone at a private site near Trent Park. At Trent Park - 3 male Brimstone, 2 Comma & 2 Peacock. Male Brimstone, 3 Comma & 4 Peacock along the 'London Loop' at Park Farm. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Another glorious day on my local patch, and I managed to find just over 100 butterflies for the first time this year, with 10 species represented. These included the first Orange Tips of 2025 (none of which was prepared to stop, so in flight blurs were all I managed) and that increasingly rare sight, a Small Tortoiseshell. The overall tally was: Peacock 26, Brimstone 22 (18m, 4f), Comma 17, Small White 13, GVW 8, Orange Tip 5, Speckled Wood 5, Red Admiral 4, Large White 1, Small Tortoiseshell 1. A splendid day again. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Brimstone at Southgate. Male Brimstone at Chase Road/Charter Way, N14 bus-stop [TQ295951] at 1300 BST [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings Tunnel Gardens Bounds Green. Excited to see my first butterflies of the year today, 3 comma 3 brimstones and 1 pristine peacock in Tunnel Gardens TQ293914 [Posted by Miles Attenborough]
Plenty on the wing at Totteridge. On a walk along Folly Brook to Finchley Nurseries this afternoon I saw the following : 4 Peacocks, 1 Brimstone, 1 Comma, 1 Red Admiral. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Butterflies from wareside. Hi some sightings from wareside in rhe garden. Saturday 29th march Large white 1 Green veined white 1 Brimstone 5 Peacock 3 Small tortoiseshell 1 Comma 2 Red admiral 1 Hopefully a sign of things to come. [Posted by Phil macmurdie]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor (and Staines Moor). Lots of sunshine, but a cool breeze again today. There were good numbers of Peacocks, though, including several seen on the northern edge of Staines Moor as well as a selection on my usual wanderings. Overall, I counted 20, along with 4 Red Admirals, 3 Commas and 3 Brimstones. I also saw the male Large White spotted on two previous days, plus a female of the same species some way away. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 1 Comma near Shaws Wd Cottages & male Brimstone near lower lake/Trent Park. 1 Comma & 4 Peacock at private sites near Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Small Tortoiseshell. A second Small Tortoiseshell sighting for me today at Ickleford. Have IRecorded. [Posted by Phil Barron]
Brimstone sighting. Brimstone on canal towpath at Harefield, close to the Coy Carp pub - TQ04044 [Posted by Paul Field]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. After the briefest spell of rain first thing this morning, the sunshine returned on my local patch - though there was a chilly breeze with it. Nevertheless, I found 19 butterflies today: 8 Peacocks, 4 Red Admirals, 4 Commas, 1 Small White, 1 Brimstone and 1 Large White (probably the one I'd seen on 26th, as it was in exactly the same spot). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Butterflies out in the Ayots. On a walk around the Ayots, near Welwyn Garden City, I recorded Comma, Peacock, Brimstone and Holly Blue. [Posted by John Yates]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. It was a gloriously warm and sunny afternoon on my local patch near Heathrow today and I found 45 butterflies also enjoying the weather. Peacocks have at last started to appear in decent numbers, and overall I found eight species including four new ones for 2025. The tally was: 21 Peacocks, 10 Commas, 5 Red Admirals, 5 Brimstones, and the newcomers were (one of each) Green-veined White, Large White, Speckled Wood and (a particular favourite of mine) a Holly Blue. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Trent Park. Male Brimstone, 2 Comma together & 2 Peacock at Trent Park this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Small Tortoiseshell. Delighted to see a Small Tortoiseshell this morning in Hitchin, TL184283. I'm not sure I saw one at all last year. [Posted by Phil Barron]
'What's happened since the book? - 10 years of change' - with Andrew Wood. Our last Zoom presentation will be this Wed 26th. Details and zoom link here [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. The sun emerged at lunchtime today as forecast and I had a look around my local patch near Heathrow. The butterflies were quick to respond as well, and I came across my first Small Whites of 2025. Overall, I counted 6 Peacocks, 4 Red Admirals, 4 Commas and 3 Small Whites. I think the sun arrived just too late in the day to rouse any Brimstones. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 1 Comma at a private site near Trent Park & 2 Comma & 1 Peacock at Trent Park this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Comma, Peacock & Red Admiral at Enfield & Trent Park. 1 Comma & 1 Red Admiral at a private site near Enfield this afternoon & 1 Peacock at Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Hummingbird hawk moth. ...on daffodils in our Tring garden! [Posted by Colin Sturges]
Comma Muswell Hill. I saw a Comma twice today in my garden, it may have been the same individual. It stayed for around 20 minutes on the fence which gets late afternoon sun. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 2 male Brimstone, 3 Comma & 2 Peacock at private sites near Trent Park. 7 male Brimstone, 4 Comma, 2 Peacock, 1 Small White or Green-veined White & female Large White nectaring on Sallow by lower lake - my first of the year. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Comma at Oakwood Station. 1 Comma at Oakwood Station at 1429 GMT. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Small Whites in Fairlands Valley Park. Afternoon walk in the park yielded my first Small Whites (x3) of the year including one feeding on blackthorn blossom but did not stay still long enough for a photo. Also seen were 5 Comma, 4 male Brimstone and only one Peacock (expected far more). [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Comma & Red Admiral at Trent Park. 2 Comma together & 1 Red Admiral near Oakwood entrance/Trent Park this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Orange Underwing at Trent Park. 1 Orange Underwing seen in flight & settled at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 0956 GMT, photographed by Eugene Dillon-Hopper - our first for the year. Male Brimstone along the 'London Loop' path at Park Farm, Enfield. 1 Comma at a private site near Trent Park. Male Brimstone at Bramley Road, N14 at 1236 GMT. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. After a series of cold and mostly cloudy days, there was more sunshine today (though it was actually no warmer). I set out hopefully around my local patch and managed to locate a Comma hunkered down low on the ground out of the chilly breeze. I also spotted two different Red Admirals, one by the River Colne and the other near the path down to Staines Moor. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Butterfly sightings Wareside. some sightings from wareside (TL396156) Monday 10th March 2025 Brimstone 4 (3 males and 1 female) Comma 2 hopefully the signs of a successful season. [Posted by Phil MacMurdie]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. I counted 30 butterflies today on my local patch, making the most of the last of the warm sunny spell: 12 Brimstones, 10 Commas, 5 Peacocks and 3 Red Admirals. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield Town. Male Brimstone at River View, Enfield Town [TQ324968] at 1221 GMT & 1 Peacock at Carr's Basin, Town Park, Enfield [TQ323962] at 1231 GMT. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
2024: 'A Year of Surprises in Provence'. Did you miss our latest Zoom talk - with Roger Gibbons? It is now available to view on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5joNvy0Puw [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Fishers Field/ Bushey Hall golf course and a power station Letchmore Heath. Rick and myself took another look at Fishers Field on Saturday partly to take a look at pond activity as the frogs although late this year were just getting going favouring one of the ponds on the Bushey Hall golf course. As the weather was good it was reasonable to expect to see a few butterflies. The first Brimstone was seen towards the River Colne with a further 4 seen at Fishers Field and a further 2+ on the golf course. It was lovely to see my first Comma of the year also at Fishers Field and a further 5+ over the golf course. After we went over to Letchmore Heath in search of blackthorn. We trecked up the side of the Hare- Krishna temple towards the power station. We found a good patch of blackthorn there near the power station but only 2 BB Carpet moth eggs found no B Hairstreak eggs this year. The site has good potential for other species though as the sign indicates that a wildflower meadow is planned there! [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. More warm sunshine and more butterflies on my local patch, including my first Small Tortoiseshell of the year which gave me the runaround close to the River Colne near to the M25 spur to T5. Also seen were 12 males Brimstones (all except one were found before 1300), two Peacocks, two Red Admirals and three Commas. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Grovelands Park, Southgate. 2 male Brimstone & 3 Comma at Grovelands Park this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Major new study of butterfly declines. Brian Cassie has recently published a major new study on the decline of butterflies in north america. The major causes are pesticides, climate change and habitat loss. Many of you will know Brian is a regular attendee at our branch Zoom meetings. Read a summary of his findings on this link butterflies decline by 22% [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Small Tortoiseshell. Very gladdened to see my first Small Tort of the year in Lea Valley Country Park in the bramble down the railway track close to Cheshunt train station. 1 x Brimstone too. [Posted by Nicholas Barnett]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor and Staines Moor. With more sunshine and warmth, as well as a quick tour of my local patch I braved the mud and trekked down to Staines Moor. The weather of the last twelve months has made the path impassable without hefty wellies, but the recent sunshine has dried things up just enough to make it possible to get through with care in my walking boots.. I had hoped to see Small Tortoiseshells, but was out of luck and had to make do with just a couple of Brimstones. There were one or two on the way down as well, and I counted another five on my usual walk, along with two Commas. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Brimstone at Edmonton. Male Brimstone reported by Dobrina Dobreva at Cedars Court, Edmonton, N9 during the afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Brimstone at Forty Hall CP, Enfield. Helen Shore reports a sighting of a Brimstone at Forty Hall CP. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A warmer day with no frost overnight: the Brimstones in particular responded, and I recorded nine today around my local patch, including an obliging female. Also seen: two Commas, two Peacocks and a Red Admiral. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Comma at Broomfield Park, Palmers Green, N13. 1 Comma flew around & settled on Conservatory roof at Broomfield Park, Palmers Green, N13 [TQ304927] this afternoon at 1446 GMT. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Balls Wood and Hertford. A Comma and Brimstone in Balls Wood and 2 male Brimstones clashing on Hartham Common, Hertford. [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Brimstone & comma. Further to my previous report, the male brimstone in my Harpenden garden has now been joined by a very fresh-looking comma. [Posted by Robin Pearson]
Brimstone. Male brimstone in my garden today, first sighting of anything this year! [Posted by Robin Pearson]
Comma. There was a Comma this morning on the back wall of my South Mimms house. [Posted by Terence Wood]
Sighting from Stanwell Moor. Just one butterfly on my local patch today: a Red Admiral, the same individual as seen on 1st of the month in the same spot. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Butterflies in Hertford. A male Brimstone on Hartham Common, Hertford and a Peacock sitting on a sunny fence in our garden in Bengeo. My first butterflies bar one in Wiltshire last month. [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Small Tortoiseshell. We had a Small Tortoiseshell yesterday (4/3/25) in our South Mimms back garden. [Posted by Terence Wood]
Woodberry Wetlands LWT - Brimstone. Pleasantly surprised to see my first Brimstone of the year. As well as 1 x Red Admiral. [Posted by Nicholas Barnett]
Batford Springs Nature Reserve, Harpenden. One Comma flying somewhat lethargically in the sunshine - my first sighting of 2025 [Posted by David Hunt]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. The sunshine continues! A Comma and a Red Admiral seen on my local patch today, the latter butterfly being a different individual from those seen so far this year as it had the white spots of the bialbata variation (therefore likely to be female I believe?). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Fairlands Valley Park, Stevenage. Early afternoon stroll in the park yielded my first butterflies of the year. Although only 10c there was brilliant sunshine and light winds prompting a male Brimstone to fly and a Comma to bask on the ground [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Brimstone braves the cold. Only 9? and the ice from the bird bath still frozen on the lawn: but the first male Brimstone of the year flew into our Harpenden garden this morning. Good numbers of honey and bumble bees - and a bee fly. [Posted by Alan Jackson]
Brimstone in my garden. Male Brimstone in my garden in St Albans at lunchtime for the second day running. On both occasions it carefully searched round the evergreen bushes near to the Purging Buckthorn, even flying into them, presumably searching for females. In contrast I walked 5 miles through countryside and didn't see any others. It would make sense for the overwintering sites to be fairly close to suitable foodplants. Also I have up loaded the video of last weeks hissing Peacock to the Herts & Middx BC YouTube channel [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Following what was possibly an even colder night, the temperature rose to close to 14 degrees by the afternoon on my local patch. I found four butterflies on my usual walk, including an immaculate Brimstone, a Red Admiral that may well have been the one seen two days earlier, plus two Commas - my first of the season. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Peacock and Red Admiral. Sightings from Wareside Sunday 2nd March 2025 Peacock - 1 Red Admiral - 1 Disturbed from hibernation in ivy whilst clearing up a fallen tree. [Posted by Philip MacMurdie]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Another glorious day following another frosty night in the Heathrow area. I found a Peacock close to where the M25 spur road crosses the River Colne (the first butterfly I've seen in this particular area this year) and then back nearer home I found a Red Admiral circling a sheltered spot that the species often frequents in the summer. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Brimstone. Wareside - TL396156 Brimstone - 2 [Posted by Philip MacMurdie]
Prestwick Meadows Brown Hairsteak egg return. We were hoping that we could turn the egg rescue return into an official branch event at Prestwick Meadows but it wasn't to be. Rick and myself went out this sunny afternoon and tied in those stems with eggs on. Each stems were either left with the original markers and tied in but with the ones marked with plastic and a couple of the wool ones we decided to remove and remark. The plastic was removed to save removing later and environmental reasons. The yellow wool was also removed on a couple of the eggs returned. The reason for this was possible restrictions for a hairy caterpillar to cross. All eggs are marked and have GPS locations recorded. We shall look forward to relocating the returned eggs at Prestwick Meadows to find out how many hatched and hopefully discover if any actually make it to a bud. All the GPS locations will be sent to Liz Goodyear to log into the survey. A special thanks to Rohan Harris who located a good number of these rescued eggs in the first sweep at Prestwick Meadows. [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Another Brimstone today on my local patch, flying strongly in the midday sunshine after another chilly night. A little later, a Red Admiral made an appearance in a sheltered spot close to the River Colne. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Another male Brimstone seen today in the sunshine, despite lowish temperatures. [Posted by Dave Miller]
My first sighting this year. St Albans - Red Admiral on the Gorhambury Estate at lunchtime. Four Peacocks still hibernating in my shed. One waking up today, opening it’s wings and hissing at me [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
First Red Admiral of the year in Northaw. On cherry blossom [Posted by Sam fuller]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. After the overnight rain, the sun shone strongly around lunchtime and on a walk around my local patch near to Stanwell Moor and the M25 I managed to find three Brimstones, a Red Admiral and a Peacock. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Peacock at Park Farm, Enfield. 1 Peacock at Park Farm near Duncan's Wd/Enfield Chase [TQ286984] - seen in flight & settled from 1157 to 1200 GMT - my first butterfly of the year. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Brown Hairstreak egg search South Oxhey. Following last years egg rescue at Prestwick Road Meadows, we (Pete Fewell and myself) went back yesterday to see what had been done and where we could return the eggs, there were plenty of viable places, and the ones we had left were still in place. Now we're just waiting for the go-ahead to put them back. After slopping through the mud there, we went to slop through some different mud at South Oxhey Playing Fields. After a while, as the light was getting worse Pete managed to find one egg at TQ10270 93844. Today we carried on, this time a look at Fishers Field, but we had no luck there. Next to it is a former Golf Course that has a good border of blackthorn, so we set to work searching. After a few moth eggs, I finally spotted one that we had missed last year, as It had a hole and had hatched. Then I came upon one that hadn't, after a couple of rubbish photos and looking through Petes extra magnifying lens, we concluded that it was actually a Brown hairstreak egg, though a little smoother than usual at TQ12654 97292. At least we found another at a new location, we carried on till we got fed up with the cold. Roll on Spring! [Posted by Rick vickers]
My moth journey - Liz Goodyear. Maybe a better description is 'My Moth Adventure' but our next free Zoom presentation is this Wednesday evening (5th) at 7.30 - Full details can be found here: https://www.hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk/winter-zoom.php. [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Merry Hill Brown Hairstreak survey. It was fantastic to have a good crew to join us for the Brown Hairstreak egg hunt. Our egg search today started with a mini egg rescue. It is unheard of for Rick and myself to arrive as early as we did but for once there were no traffic issues to pick Rick up. We took a look at stems of Blackthorn that were snipped out but laid near by the area where I photographed the last seen adult on 1st September 2024. A single egg was found on these snipped out stems which was returned by Rick to living blackthorn. A few more eggs were found in this area not far from the entrance and meeting point. We then had a quick check on the grazed blackthorn where I was fortunate to see a female egg laying last year. We came to the conclusion that without any eggs found there that any were far from fortunate. We then moved into the area where we had sighted the males last summer and looked for the double egg found and marked Saturday. From there we managed to find the majority of the eggs. Curiously this area of Merry Hill's hedge boundaries has an uncanny resemblance to Prestwick Meadows if viewed on google maps in shape and direction? In total 22 Brown Hairstreak eggs were found including those originally located on Saturday and 8 Blue-bordered Carpet moth eggs.
After the event finished Rick and myself searched the path from our starting point down to Oxhey Lane we had no success in the grazed area. Just outside the grazed area we found some promising looking blackthorn. However despite our efforts only 1 more egg was found on the bottom field nearest Oxhey Lane [Posted by Peter Fewell & Rick Vickers]
Grove Farm Nature Reserve - London Borough of Ealing. I met with Anna and Mike, Trustees of Grove Farm Nature Reserve today to have look at the site and see whether we could find any Brown Hairstreak eggs! An adult was seen there last summer and I wanted to follow this up with a site visit. The site is lovely, and well worth a visit (just a short walk from Sudbury Hill Underground (Piccadilly line). There is not a vast quantity of blackthorn/prunus but every bush had eggs on - in total 42 (corrected) eggs were found in less than an hour (three of us were looking although this was Mike's first time) There were multiple eggs on single stems and at least one double. We started off in rain, which was hard work but then the sun came out and it was even harder so a very satisfactory result! [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Brown Hairstreak. One Brown Hairstreak egg found at Leavesden Country Park. [Posted by Rohan Harris]
First Butterfly of the year for me.. Red Admiral through my High Wych garden lunchtime today. [Posted by Laurence Drummond]
Brown Hairstreak at Leavesden Country Park. One Brown Hairstreak egg found at The Horse Field Leavesden country park. [Posted by Rohan Harris]
Brown Hairstreak. One Brown Hairstreak egg found at Warners Brothers studios Leavesden. [Posted by Rohan Harris]
Brown Hairstreak egg hunt and training morning at Horsenden Hill. A brilliant recording effort this morning at Horsenden Hill despite the cold, dull weather! Weather conditions were however perfect for seeing eggs though! Ten people joined us and over a 2 hour period we found 74 eggs, with 3 eggs being found within a short distance of the carpark - a great start! The site is vast and there is plenty more blackthorn to be searched! [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Brown Hairstreak at Fryent country park. With permission granted, 64 Brown Hairstreak eggs rescued from areas due for cutting back at Fryent country park. [Posted by Rohan Harris]
Red Admiral in Dorset. Seen on 2 January in Broadstone . Warming up a bit this week with some probable sunshine so maybe worthwhile searching for it [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Further observations from today's Brown Hairstreak egg survey. There were several double egg finds - see photos. Malcolm checked the hedge trimming around the field systems and they were all carried out following the agreed rotation with the land managers! [Posted by Chris Hankinson & Malcolm Hull]
Branch Winter Event at Stafford Road Open Space.. 10 of us assembled in sub zero frosty conditions, including 6 rookies for training in the delicate art of Brown Hairstreak egg hunting. The forecasted sun that we had banked on failed to appear but thankfully the temperature rose sufficiently to thaw the frosty foliage to make the task in hand possible with a total number of 28 eggs found with all the newcomers finding at least 1 egg so mission accomplished on that front. The event included a walk about the area highlighting the various 'hot spot' clearings and the location of master ash trees where adults roost and assemble enabling folk to return on their own come the flight season. It turned in to quite a social event as there were people from different local groups exchanging plenty of useful local butterfly and conservation chit chat. No one left early despite the gloomy cold weather and everyone said they had an enjoyable time. See you same place in August for the flight season walk. PS There will be another training/survey event next Sunday 19th at Horsenden Hill if you missed today [Posted by Nick Furtek]
Columbia...Home to 20% of the World's Butterfly Species by Ian Small. Did you miss our Zoom presentation last night? Well we recorded it so you can now watch it or watch it again to see the amazing photographs of Colombian butterflies - it will definitely brighten up your day ! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7cfzGco8GM. [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Brown Hairstreak eggs. Over the last couple of weeks Brown Hairstreak eggs found at Roxbourne Park (17). Moat mount open space (1). Arrandene open space (10). [Posted by Rohan Harris]
Beat the Winter blues!. With our programme of free Zoom talks. Starting this Wednesday 8th January with 'Colombia - home to 20% of the world's butterfly species' - Ian Small. Full details are here & note earlier start time: https://www.hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk/winter-zoom.php. Alternatively you can join us on one of our Brown Hairstreak survey mornings starting on Sunday 12th January . Anyone can come but please book (in case we have to postpone), remember to wrap up warm, wear wellies (everywhere is muddy!) & bring a hand lens. Full details are here: https://www.hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk/winter-events.php [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Happy New Year. Hopefully better weather in 2025 for more butterflies than last year. Changes forthcoming on website for year change [Posted by Peter Clarke]