| Date |
Description |
Recorder |
| 19 Oct |
1 Comma and 1 Red Admiral nectaring on michaelmas daisies at Vicarage Farm, Enfield near Shaws Wood (TQ 2997) at 1430 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 19 Oct |
I saw a Clouded Yellow butterfly on Halsey Field (TL042088) this morning nectaring on a small yellow flower - probably a Hawkweed or Cat's Ear |
Chris Ridley |
| 19 Oct |
Painted Lady seen feeding on last few flowers of buddleia in my garden in South Harrow |
Michael Robinson |
| 18 Oct |
1 Red Admiral - Hitchin Rail Station (TL194297) |
David Inward |
| 17 Oct |
Clouded Yellow by the footpath over Widbury Hill in Ware (TL372 137) |
Ian Edwards |
| 16 Oct |
2 Small Copper and 1 Small White south of Watery Grove |
Peter Clarke |
| 15 Oct |
A Speckled Wood was seen by the River Pinn, main line Ivy covered railway bridge in Ickenham (TQ073 871), whilst river sampling. It was
seen basking on the dark bricks during a welcome sunny interval |
Paul Busby |
| 15 Oct |
1 Red Admiral flew W at Vicarage Farm (TQ 3097) at 1255 hrs and another possible flew S, 1 Comma at Water Garden, Trent Park at
1448 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 13 Oct |
Weedy field, Batford - 1 Painted Lady on 7 October |
Darin Stanley |
| 10 Oct |
1 Red Admiral at Chase Rd/Charter Way, N14 at 1147 hrs. 1 Red Admiral at Hilly Field Park near Strayfield Rd at 1252 hrs and 1
Speckled Wood at Flash Lane, EN2 at 1254 hrs. 1 Brimstone Moth at Gordon Hill Station this afternoon |
Robert Callf |
| 10 Oct |
Hounslow. A pleasant sunny autumn day with a surprising 7 species flying although I failed to identify the solitary white one. These are what
I did identify, with no other "misses": Small Copper: 2, Speckled Wood: 2, Red Admiral: 1, Comma: 1, Common Blue: 1,
Holly Blue: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 8 Oct |
Seen at Wilstone Reservoir, Tring - 2 fresh looking Painted Lady plus 4 Small White |
Bob Harris |
| 8 Oct |
1 Red Admiral edge of Moat Wood, Trent Park at 1402 hrs and 3 near Shaws Wood at Vicarage Farm (TQ 2997), 1 Vapourer at Park
Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998). 1 Double-striped Pug at bus-stop shelter at Chase Rd/Charter Way, N14 |
Robert Callf |
| 8 Oct |
Hounslow. Just one Red Admiral, seen on the path on the Pevensey loop |
Peter Gore |
| 7 Oct |
1 Painted Lady seen at 12:15 outside my flat in North Watford |
Bob Harris |
| 7 Oct |
1 Small White at Vicarage Farm (TQ 3097), 1 Red Admiral at Parkside Farm near Pump House (TQ 3098), 1 Vapourer at Park
Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998). 1 Large Ranunculus at Oakwood Station |
Robert Callf |
| 6 Oct |
3 Small White at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998), 1 Speckled Wood nectaring on ivy blossom along Hadley Rd at Parkside Farm
(TQ 3098) at 1355 hrs, 1 Red Admiral nectaring on ivy blossom at Oakwood Station at 1436 hrs, 1 Small White nectaring on dandelion at Southgate
Chase Allotments at 1458 hrs. 1 Common Marbled Carpet at bus-stop shelter at Chase Rd/Charter Way, N14 |
Robert Callf |
| 6 Oct |
Hummingbird Hawk-moth seen again at buddleia in garden in South Harrow. It was out early at 7.20am |
Michael Robinson |
| 4 Oct |
Folly Lane St Albans - widespread frost in St Albans area on Wednesday night seems to have impacted on butterfly numbers. Small White
numbers were down with just 4 seen. But I also saw 2 very fresh Large Whites and a pristine Painted Lady which looked as if they could be new
brood individuals. A single Red Admiral was the only other butterfly seen |
Malcolm Hull |
| 4 Oct |
4 Small White (1 at Parkside Farm, 2 at Park Farm, 1 at Trent Park), 1 female Green-veined White (pristine condition) settled by
lower lake, Trent Park at 1436 hrs, 2 Small Copper courting couple at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 1430 hrs, 3 Red Admiral (2 at Trent Park
- 1 near Water Garden, 1 nectaring on ivy flowers at Water Garden; 1 nectaring on michaelmas daisies near Shaws Wood at Vicarage Farm - TQ 2997) |
Robert Callf |
| 2 Oct |
Hounslow. On the walk a Small Copper on the heath alongside the railway and a Red Admiral near the path on the Marshalling
Yards |
Peter Gore |
| 2 Oct |
7 Small White (4 at Parkside Farm, 1 near Duncan's Wood and 2 at Park Farm), 1 Green-veined White nectaring on thistle along
Leeging Beech Gutter N of Williams Wood (TQ 2997) at 1320 hrs, 1 Speckled Wood at Park Farm, Enfield, 2 Comma at Trent Park (1 nectaring on
michaelmas daisies 'Old Golf Course' at 1242 hrs and 1 basking at Water Garden at 1308 hrs), 2 Red Admiral (1 near Water Garden, Trent Park and 1 at
Vicarage Farm - TQ 3097), 1 female Small Copper (pristine condition) nectaring on michaelmas daisies at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 1243 hrs. 1
Comma nectaring on ivy blossom at Oakwood Station at 1538 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 1 Oct |
One Red Admiral in my Hounslow garden |
Peter Gore |
| 1 Oct |
1 Box-tree Moth at Vicarage Farm (TQ 3097), 5+ Small White (4+ at Parkside Farm - TQ 2998, 1 at Trent Park), 1 Red
Admiral flew S at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) at 1306 hrs, 1 Red Admiral settled on hawthorn at Trent Park at 1412 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| Date |
Description |
Recorder |
| 30 Sep |
4 Small White, 1 female Green-veined White and 1 Painted Lady nectaring on thistles at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998).
1 Red Admiral flew S at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) at 1048 hrs. 1 Vapourer at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) |
Robert Callf |
| 29 Sep |
A late Brimstone encountered at Nicholls Fm, Redbourn. There were a lot of Small Whites too and the odd Speckled Wood, but
it was the Brimstone that caught my attention as I'm used to seeing them earlier in the year |
Peter Tallantire |
| 29 Sep |
2 Small White together at Southgate Chase Allotments at 1342 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 29 Sep |
Branch Event
Nomansland Common, near Sandridge, St Albans - Torrential rain this
morning and a poor weather forecast did not bode well for our last butterfly walk of the season. But by 1.30 the sun was out and a Small White was
laying on Nasturtiums outside my kitchen window. Six people turned up for the walk and we set off across the common in light drizzle. Reaching the heathland
area we soon saw a female Small Copper, crawling around on the carpet of Sheep's Sorrel, the caterpillar food plant. Moving across the heather dell we found
several more Small Coppers, mostly perched on heather or exploring for egg laying sights. Colin spotted a pair mating, perched on top of a grass seed head. I
photographed one of the Coppers with blue spots, see photo to the right. Two passing cyclists stopped to join our hunt and we reached a total of 26 Small
Coppers on the western heather patch, along with 6 whites, 3 of which were nectaring on heather, allowing them to be positively identified as Small
Whites.
Moving onto the eastern side we found a Small Copper nectaring on one of the few Ragwort plants which have been allowed to remain. We soon
counted 5 more Coppers, but the heavens opened and we beat a hasty retreat to the car park. So our total for the day was 32 Small Coppers - less than other
years, but not covering the whole site. Based on past distributions, I'd estimate we would have seen about 60 if the rain hadn't intervened. A very
satisfactory end to our butterfly walks for this season. Many thanks to all our walk leaders, everyone who attended and particularly to Liz Goodyear who
organised the event programme |
Malcolm Hull |
| 28 Sep |
Hounslow. Despite cloudy conditions and minor showers a few more butterflies around today: Red Admiral: 3,
Green-veined White: 1, Painted Lady: 1, Common Blue: 1, Small White: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 28 Sep |
1 female Green-veined White settled at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) at 1252 hrs - quite late and 1 Small
Heath (worn) near Hadley Rd/Vicarage Farm (TQ 3097) |
Robert Callf |
| 28 Sep |
Hummingbird Hawk-moth visited buddleia in my garden in South Harrow |
Michael Robinson |
| 27 Sep |
2 Small White at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) and 1 at Trent Park. 1 Small Heath along Leeging Beech Gutter N
of Williams Wood (TQ 298 978) at 1317 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 26 Sep |
2 Small White, a female Green-veined White and 1 Speckled Wood at Vicarage Farm (TQ 3097), and 4
Small White at Parkside Farm (TQ 2998) this afternoon |
Robert Callf |
| 26 Sep |
Hounslow. Just four butterflies identified today. A Small Heath looked golden and fresh on a part of the Pevensey
loop where I haven't seen one recently. A male Common Blue seemed harassed by something I didn't quite see as I headed back across
the Marshalling Yards to the tunnel. Finally just as I'd left the heath there was a burst of sunshine and I met two Speckled Woods
heading towards it. Other butterflies were around-two mating white butterflies high up on somebody's Russian Vine were probably Small
Whites whilst a nymphalid down by the railway was almost certainly another late Peacock, only the lateness of the season and my inability
to get a closer look making me doubt |
Peter Gore |
| 25 Sep |
1 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) at 1530 hrs - fresh and in good condition |
Robert Callf |
| 23 Sep |
2 Speckled Wood and 1 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) and 1 Small Heath at Parkside
Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998). 1 Common Marbled Carpet at ASDA Southgate |
Robert Callf |
| 22 Sep |
Hummingbird Hawk-moth still visiting buddleia in my Berkamsted garden |
Mike Spittles |
| 21 Sep |
Clouded Yellow at Perivale Wood this afternoon. My first of the year |
David Howdon |
| 21 Sep |
Hounslow. The unfortunate Red Admiral included in today's count was effectively only half of one; having lost both the wings
on its left side it was reduced to hopelessly flapping the remaining two, grounded on the path alongside the river: Speckled Wood:
12, Small White: 1, Common Blue: 2, Small Copper: 3, Holly Blue: 2, Brown Argus: 1, Red Admiral:
1, Small Heath: 2, Meadow Brown: 2 |
Peter Gore |
| 21 Sep |
1 Small Heath 'faded' at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 1310 hrs, 2 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (1
near Williams Wood - TQ 2997 and 1 'fresh' and in good condition near 'Barracks' - TQ 3097) |
Robert Callf |
| 20 Sep |
A half-hour lunch-time walk in field south of Watery Grove yielded 4 Brown Argus (3 tatty and 1 fresh), 5 Small
Heath, 1 Small Copper, 4 Small White and 2 Green-veined White. Excluding the whites, most were seen in patches
of sparse vegetation sheltered from the wind. The Brown Argus sightings the latest ever for me locally |
Peter Clarke |
| 20 Sep |
Nomansland Common, Sandridge - Small Copper 19, Small Heath 2, Meadow Brown 1, Green-veined White
3, Small White 1 |
Malcolm Hull |
| 20 Sep |
Hounslow. Another sunny day and slightly more butterflies: Speckled Wood: 7 Small Heath: 4, Small Copper:
3, Red Admiral: 1, Holly Blue: 1, Comma: 2, Green-veined White: 1, Common Blue: 1, Small White: 3,
Brown Argus: 3 |
Peter Gore |
| 20 Sep |
1 female Green-veined White at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097), 1 Red Admiral nectaring on michaelmas daisies
at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 1416 hrs, 1 male Green-veined White nectaring on buddleia at Water Garden, Trent Park at 1429 hrs,
3 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 2996) - 1 near Shaws Wood, 2 together near Merryhills Brook, 2 Small Copper
together at Vicarage Farm near Merryhills Brook |
Robert Callf |
| 19 Sep |
Hummingbird Hawk-moth and Painted Lady on buddleia bush in my Berkamsted garden |
Mike Spittles |
| 19 Sep |
Hounslow. A beautiful warm sunny afternoon but few butterflies around to appreciate it: Speckled Wood: 4, Small
Heath: 8, Holly Blue: 1, Small Copper: 3, Common Blue: 2, Meadow Brown: 1, Brown Argus: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 19 Sep |
1 Red Admiral flew SW at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) at 1052 hrs and 1 Vapourer at Enfield Rd, EN2. 1
Red Admiral at Enfield Chase Station at 1444 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 18 Sep |
1 Comma at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) at 1144 hrs, also here 1 Red Admiral flew S at 1147 hrs. 2 Small
Heath, 1 Small Copper and 1 Comma at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park - the latter feeding on blackberries 1226 - 1230 hrs,
1 Red Admiral over lower lake, Trent Park and 1 Comma along Leeging Beech Gutter near 'Three-bridges' at 1320 hrs, 1 Small
Copper along Leeging Beech Gutter at Vicarage Farm (TQ 3097) and 1 Small Heath at Hog Hill, Vicarage Farm (TQ 3097). 4 Red
Admiral nectaring on buddleia at Southgate Chase Allotments at 1735 and still present at 1753 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 17 Sep |
A two hour walk on the heathland section of Nomansland Common, Wheathampstead, west of Down Green Lane and north of Ferrers
Lane (TL166125), produced 10+ white sp, 1-2 Meadow Browns, 1 Small Heath, 2 Comma, and 5 Small Copper, mostly
nectaring on heather.
The whole area looking very parched, with very few flowering plants available apart from heather, young gorse and
harebells, and the blackberries shrivelling |
Pete Waldron |
| 17 Sep |
2 Painted Lady and 1 Small White - St Faiths Close, Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 17 Sep |
Hounslow. Rare indeed to have Small Copper reaching double figures and topping the list of admittedly low sightings here but
very welcome especially for their colourful display nectaring on sundry yellow flowers: Speckled Wood: 6, Small White: 2,
Small Copper: 10, Red Admiral: 4, Small Heath: 6, Comma: 1, Brown Argus: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 17 Sep |
A lunchtime stroll in Regents Park London NW1 resulted in the following Sightings: Small Copper 1, Red Admiral
2, Comma 2, Speckled Wood 2, Small White 10, Large White 1 |
Malcolm Hull |
| 17 Sep |
At 'New Fields' Trent Park (1100 - 1200 hrs) - 7 Small Copper, 3 Small Heath and 1 male Green-veined
White. 6 Speckled Wood including a female observed egg-laying (actually saw an egg 'pop out' through close focusing binoculars)
S edge of Nature Trail, Trent Park after midday. 1 Red Admiral edge of Ride Wood, Trent Park at 1217 hrs, 1 Peacock and 1
Small Copper edge of Moat Wood, Trent Park at 1224 hrs. 1 male Green-veined White and 5 Small White together at Park
Farm near Ferny Hill. 1 Speckled Wood at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998). 1 Small Heath at Hog Hill, Vicarage Farm and 1
Comma at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) at 1416 hrs. 3 Red Admiral nectaring on buddleia at Southgate Chase Allotments at
1647 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 16 Sep |
Thorley Park Garden. Rescued a Painted Lady from spiders web, overcast and cool weather conditions |
Len Crouch |
| 16 Sep |
1 Small Heath and 1 Speckled Wood along Leeging Beech Gutter at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) |
Robert Callf |
| 15 Sep |
Hounslow. Another Peacock sighting was close enough to where I saw Friday's to be the same one but if so it had lost more
than a few scales since last seen. This individual was basking in the sun and as I passed it rose and flew strongly over the Willows and
Ash across the Crane. Although there were large stretches where I saw no butterflies, overall better than yesterday: Small Copper:
4, Comma: 2, Speckled Wood: 9, Brown Argus: 5, Meadow Brown: 3, Peacock: 1, Red Admiral: 2,
Common Blue: 1, Painted Lady: 1, Green-veined White: 1, Small Heath: 3 |
Peter Gore |
| 15 Sep |
The Warren, Colney Heath - Small Heath 13, Small Copper 4, Meadow Brown 1, Large White 1,
Small White 1.
In my St Albans garden, Holly Blue, first one I've seen for several weeks, Comma, Red
Admiral, Large and Small Whites |
Malcolm Hull |
| 15 Sep |
1 female Large White and 2 Small White at Hog Hill, Vicarage Farm (TQ 3097), 1 Small Heath at Parkside
Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998), also here 1 Comma nectaring on ragwort, 1 Green-veined White and 1 female Common Blue. 1
Comma along Leeging Beech Gutter near 'Three-bridges' at Trent Park at 1244 hrs. 2 Comma at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097)
and 'several' Small Heath here. 1 Red Admiral at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998). 2 Red Admiral at Enfield Chase Station
at 1510 hrs and another 2 nectaring on buddleia at Southgate Chase Allotments at 1553 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 14 Sep |
In Bishop's Stortford garden, Holly Blue larvae on ivy at varying sizes plus an empty egg shell |
Bob Clift |
| 14 Sep |
In Mead Way, Bushey: 2 Red Admiral and 2 Small White. On the Finch Lane allotments: 1 Red Admiral, 1
Painted Lady, 6 Red Admiral, 1 Large White and 1 Painted Lady. In Park Avenue, Bushey: 1 Red Admiral |
Rebecca Palmer |
| 14 Sep |
Hounslow. Everything felt identical to yesterday except for far fewer butterflies: Speckled Wood: 6, Meadow
Brown: 4, Red Admiral: 2, Small White: 1, Small Heath: 10, Green-veined White: 2, Common Blue: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 14 Sep |
1 Box-tree Moth at Dalrymple Close, N14 and 1 Small Dusty Wave at bus-stop shelter at Chase Rd/Charter Way,
N14.
1 Red Admiral at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) at 1049 hrs, 3 Comma at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) and another
three at Trent Park. 1 Speckled Wood at Park Farm, Enfield and 1 female Large White here also. 2 Red Admiral at Trent
Park and 3+ Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097). 2 Red Admiral and 1 Painted Lady at Oakwood Station at
1605 - 1608 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 14 Sep |
At Great Ashby, Large White x1, Painted Lady x1, Red Admiral x1 and first visit of
Hummingbird hawk-moth at 11 15 am to buddelia this morning, Hummingbird hawk-moth has visited the last 3 evenings (multiple visits)
1 Red Admiral with slight pale colour to hindwings also yesterday 13 Sep.
Decided to check
lucerne fields south of Clapgate / Albury area, at TL444238 from footpath sign 011, 2 fields of lucerne either side of footpath yielded
3 x Clouded Yellows, 50 plus white species, 2 x Brimstone (1 male 1 female), 10 x Common Blue 5 x Latticed
Heath moth. Clouded Yellows were mainly on the wing and stopping briefly on flowers but were crossing path so got close flight views,
many thanks to Pete Waldron for initial news |
Colin Alderman |
| 13 Sep |
While birdwatching in the Hay Street to Little Hadham area today I picked up my first Herts Clouded Yellow of the
year over the Lucerne field opposite Ninno Wood south of Clapgate at TL444244. The field was being harvested as I watched and examination
of further 3 uncut Lucerne fields in the area produced no more Clouded Yellows - only Small, Green-veined and Large White,
Red Admiral and 1 Common Blue |
Pete Waldron |
| 13 Sep |
Was pleased to see Small Copper and Common Blue at Alexandra Park. There have been fewer of either around this
year in this area |
Dee Cullen |
| 13 Sep |
1 Red Admiral - Station Way, Letchworth (TL21173248) |
David Inward |
| 13 Sep |
Nomansland Common, Sandridge - Numbers of Small Coppers are starting to build up, 22 seen. Join me at this site for
the grand finale to the local butterfly season on Sunday 29th September. Details on the
events page.
Also on
the wing at this site, Small Heath - 5, Meadow Brown - 7, Small White - 6, Red Admiral - 4, Silver Y -
1, Comma - 1, Large White - 1, Brown Argus - 1. Similar species on the wing elsewhere in St Albans area, plus
Common Blue & Green-veined White |
Malcolm Hull |
| 13 Sep |
Hounslow. A sunny autumn day, sightings likely to be fully representative of what's still around here in any numbers. A
Peacock was a pleasant surprise, despite having wings firmly closed it was very conspicuous, its blackness contrasting with the mown grassy
path on which it rested. It showed no inclination to fly or even open its wings so in the end I succumbed to the temptation to give it the
gentlest possible touch; it responded by giving me an immediate flash of its intimidatory 'eyes' and a brief impression of a very fresh
butterfly in perfect condition. I allowed myself to be suitably intimidated and left it in peace. As I trundle around my assorted loops
there are inevitably times when I pass near spots visited earlier in the day. This was one such occasion, so approximately half an hour
later, from a mound some 30 feet away, I was able to see the Peacock again, still where I left it, wings tightly closed. Here's the full
sightings: Small White: 1, Small Copper: 2, Common Blue: 1, Small Heath: 10, Speckled Wood: 7, Red
Admiral: 5, Comma: 3, Painted Lady: 1, Green-veined White: 5, Meadow Brown: 5, Peacock: 1, Holly
Blue: 2, Brown Argus: 2 |
Peter Gore |
| 13 Sep |
1 Red Admiral at Mead Way, Bushey |
Rebecca Palmer |
| 13 Sep |
10+ Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) including three together, 2 Speckled Wood together at Park
Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) at 1153 hrs, also here 1 Red Admiral. 4 Comma, 2 Red Admiral and 2 Small Heath in Trent
Park. 1 Red Admiral flew E at Vicarage Farm. 1 female Common Blue at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) at 1055 hrs and 1
female Meadow Brown ('fresh' and in good condition) nectaring on thistles field N of Williams Wood (TQ 2997) at 1323 hrs. 1
Painted Lady and 1 Red Admiral nectaring on buddleia at Oakwood Station at 1639 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 12 Sep |
1 Meadow Brown at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) at 0951 hrs, also here 2 Small Heath, 1 Painted Lady
and 1 Red Admiral at Parkside Farm/Res, Enfield (TQ 2998), 2 Comma (1 near Water Garden, Trent Park, 1 at Vicarage Farm - TQ
3097) |
Robert Callf |
| 11 Sep |
At Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) - 2 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 1 Comma and 6 Small
Heath. 1 Red Admiral at Southgate Chase Allotments this afternoon |
Robert Callf |
| 10 Sep |
1 Small White - Walsworth Common, Hitchin (TL19693026) |
David Inward |
| 10 Sep |
Hounslow. Morning sunshine lured me out for a walk and butterflies into the garden. Although there were lengthy periods of
cloud and no butterflies, overall numbers and variety reasonably good: Small White: 4, Green-veined White: 5, Speckled
Wood: 11, Small Heath: 5, Red Admiral: 7, Small Copper: 1, Meadow Brown: 3, Common Blue: 2, Brown
Argus: 1, Comma: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 10 Sep |
2 Speckled Wood together at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) at 0950 hrs, also here 5 Small Heath, 1
Peacock along Leeging Beech Gutter at Vicarage Farm at 1255 hrs, 1 female Large White near Duncan's Wood, Enfield Chase at
1146 hrs, 1 Red Admiral edge of Rough Lot, Trent Park at 1158 hrs, 1 Box-tree Moth nectaring on thistle along Leeging Beech
Gutter near Williams Wood this afternoon |
Robert Callf |
| 10 Sep |
A sighting of the Hummingbird Hawk-Moth that I had the pleasure of seeing in my Sandridge garden and this is the
first time I've ever had one on my flowers, going from my Dahlias to Fuchsias |
Craig Dunn |
| 8 Sep |
Therfield Heath (Church Hill): my last planned visit of the season - it's back to birds from now on! I took some more
(better) photos of the female Adonis Blues and will compare and contrast with Chalkhill Blue images that I've taken in the past, to see
where the differences lie.
Adonis Blue (6+ females and 1 male). Also two very worn females (Adonis/Chalkhill Blue);
Brown Argus (1); Comma (1); Red Admiral (1); Meadow Brown (2); Small Heath (10+); various whites
including at least one Green-veined White |
Martin Johnson |
| 8 Sep |
More Red Admirals on the wing around Stevenage including at least 4 at Norton Green |
Peter Clarke |
| 8 Sep |
Hounslow. Not for the first time this year the most noticeable thing about this pleasantly sunny afternoon was an absence:
no Painted Ladies. Nine other species were seen however: Speckled Wood: 6, Meadow Brown: 10, Red Admiral: 7,
Green-veined White: 4, Comma: 3, Small Copper: 2, Small Heath: 16, Brown Argus: 4, Small White: 4 |
Peter Gore |
| 8 Sep |
3 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097), 1 Red Admiral at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) at 0946 hrs,
3 Red Admiral at Trent Park (2 edge of Moat Wood at 1014 hrs, 1 near Water Garden at 1026 hrs), 1 Comma nectaring on
blackberries along Leeging Beech Gutter near 'Three-bridges', Trent Park (TQ 295 977) at 1042 hrs, 1 Speckled Wood at Vicarage Farm,
Enfield (TQ 3097) at 1131 hrs, 1 Red Admiral at Enfield Rd, EN2 near Jolly Farmer's PH at 1143 hrs. 5 Red Admiral at Town
Park, Enfield including three together nectaring on ivy blossom along New River (TQ 323 964). 1 Painted Lady, 1 Comma, female
Large White and female Small White nectaring on buddleia at Oakwood Station, also here 2 Red Admiral nectaring on ivy
blossom. 1 Red Admiral at Ivy Road Recreation Ground at 1436 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 7 Sep |
1 Small Heath and 1 Red Admiral flew SW at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 1101 hrs, 1 Speckled Wood at
Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) at 1200 hrs. At Oakwood Station - 1 Painted Lady and 3 Red Admiral nectaring on buddleia at
1440 hrs. At ASDA Southgate - 1 Garden Carpet and 1 Box-tree Moth |
Robert Callf |
| 6 Sep |
1 Painted Lady along Leeging Beech Gutter N of Williams Wood (TQ 299 978) at 1020 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 5 Sep |
Hounslow. A mostly sunny afternoon with the most enjoyable moment coming at the end of the Pevensey loops as I prepared to
go back across the Marshalling Yards. On a Buddleja three active Red Admirals and a Comma put on a colourful display whilst below them on
the path was a Holly Blue. I had to crouch to confirm that this very faded and tatty butterfly was indeed a Holly Blue - whilst I'm used to
them on paths especially in the spring this dry dusty grit seemed an unrewarding spot for the butterfly to be seeking any sort of mineral
sustenance as it walked around, wings closed. I began to think it was simply moribund but as I prepared to move on, it rose strongly flying
over the bushes with as much energy as the larger butterflies on the flowers; as if it had absorbed some from a magical substance amongst
the dust known only to it. Small Heath: 23, Green-veined White: 11, Speckled Wood: 4, Small White: 2,
Comma: 4, Painted Lady: 3, Meadow Brown: 7, Small Copper: 1, Holly Blue: 1, Red Admiral: 5,
Large White: 1, Brown Argus: 2 |
Peter Gore |
| 5 Sep |
In Pymmes Park, Edmonton this afternoon (1230 - 1330 hrs) - 1 Red Admiral, 5+ Speckled Wood, 2 Small
Copper and 1 male Common Blue |
Robert Callf |
| 4 Sep |
Hounslow. After overnight and morning rain the afternoon was breezy and cloudy so pleasing to still see over a dozen species
and record nearly 50 individuals: Meadow Brown: 3, Small Heath: 18, Comma: 2, Green-veined White: 2, Small
White: 7, Speckled Wood: 1, Red Admiral: 4, Painted Lady: 7, Small Copper: 1, Holly Blue: 1,
Large White: 1, Common Blue: 1, Brown Argus: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 4 Sep |
Gillespie Park Islington - lunchtime stroll looking for Long-tailed Blue in one of its old haunts. Sadly no luck, though I
did see 12 Small Whites. The park has grown in size and matured since my last visit. There is a considerable amount of perennial
sweet pea growing there, which should attract the attention of any passing LTB's. Still worth keeping an eye out for LTB's, there have been
a considerable number of sightings along the south coast in recent weeks |
Malcolm Hull |
| 4 Sep |
1 Meadow Brown at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 1102 hrs and 2 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield
(TQ 3097) |
Robert Callf |
| 3 Sep |
The Holly Blue egg in my Bishop's Stortford garden is now a larva. The black specs of frass gave its position away
when I was looking for it |
Bob Clift |
| 3 Sep |
On 1 September, I was VERY excited to watch a Hummingbird Hawk-Moth (closely) for
several minutes in my Welwyn Garden City garden flying from one phlox flower to another. I haven't seen it since and have never seen one in
this country before. A Red Admiral was seen in the garden at the same time |
Jennie Reed |
| 3 Sep |
28 Aug: In 60 years I have never seen the Chalkhill Blue at Aldbury Nowers. So
this afternoon I was surprised and delighted to see what appeared to be a small colony - at least 6 males and 3 females |
Frank Tuck |
| 3 Sep |
1 Red Admiral at Parkside House, Enfield (TQ 2998) at 1008 hrs, 1 female Green-veined White near Ferny Hill
at Park Farm, Enfield at 1016 hrs, 1 Comma edge of Moat Wood, Trent Park at 1023 hrs, 3 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield
(TQ 3097). In afternoon, at Vicarage Farm, Enfield near Merryhills Brook (TQ 2996) - 1 Small White, female Large White,
female Meadow Brown, 1 Speckled Wood and 3 Small Heath. 1 Speckled Wood near Equestrian Centre at Trent Park.
1 Small Blood-vein at Dalrymple Close, N14 last night after midnight. 2 Painted Lady nectaring on buddleia at Oakwood Station
at 1516 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 2 Sep |
1 Orange Swift moth (Hepialus sylvina = Triodia sylvina) - St Faiths Close, Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 2 Sep |
At least 20 male Adonis Blue on south slope of Church Hill, fewer females were observed. Some were newly emerged.
Also seen; 2 Male Chalkhill Blue, several female Chalkhill Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Heath,
Meadow Brown, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White |
James Fowler |
| 2 Sep |
Hounslow. I was surprised by a sudden rise in numbers, effectively from two causes. Small Heaths are still slightly
increasing, flying along the path margins whenever there's sunshine which was mostly the case in relevant areas today but more especially,
three migrant species showed an increase, particularly on the Marshalling Yards where Buddleja is commonest locally. The scene was a little
reminiscent of the original Painted Lady influx - butterflies all around me for a time - when Viper's Bugloss may have been the attraction.
It was possibly the only occasion this year when I could keep 3 (at least) Red Admirals in view simultaneously so hope for more
opportunities on Ivy too as we had in 2017: Small Heath: 25, Meadow Brown: 7, Red Admiral: 9, Speckled Wood: 6,
Small White: 6 Green-veined White: 11, Brown Argus: 2, Painted Lady: 11, Common Blue: 3, Large
White: 2 |
Peter Gore |
| 2 Sep |
1 Red Admiral at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 0950 hrs, also here 1 Small Heath. 1 female Meadow
Brown along Leeging Beech Gutter N of Williams Wood (TQ 299 978) at 1029 hrs, 4 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097),
also here 1 Red Admiral flew SW at Hog Hill at 1019 hrs and 3 Painted Lady. At ASDA Southgate - 2 Angle Shades, 1
Small Dusty Wave and 1 Straw Underwing |
Robert Callf |
| 1 Sep |
Hounslow. Eleven species to start a new month as overall numbers continue to decline: Comma: 2, Small Heath:
21, Speckled Wood: 3, Small White: 1, Green-veined White: 7, Common Blue: 3, Red Admiral: 1, Painted
Lady: 3, Brown Argus: 5, Meadow Brown: 10, Holly Blue: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 1 Sep |
I walked across Short Wood Common North (TQ047718) on three separate occasions, mainly as a means to get to the centre of
Staines and back. In total (and taking into account possible multiple sightings of the same butterflies) I observed 9 Small Heaths,
5 Small Whites and 2 Small Coppers which appeared to be mating. A few of the Small Heaths were nectaring on spear thistle,
but most settled on the short grass before flying off again. They seem to prefer flying around the more heavily grazed areas near the
paths |
Jeremy Soane |
| 1 Sep |
Folly Lane, St Albans, already there is an autumnal feel to the range of butterfly species on my allotment. Small
Whites (53) and Large Whites (19) dominated, flocking to feed on the Sedum and Buddleia. Comma (2) were busy feeding on
Blackberries, with Red Admiral (2) and Painted Lady (2) also favouring Buddleia |
Malcolm Hull |
| 1 Sep |
2 Small Dusty Wave at bus-stop shelter at Chase Rd/Charter Way, N14 this morning. 2 Red Admiral at Park Farm,
Enfield (TQ 2998) and another one by lower lake, Trent Park. 2 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097). 1 Painted Lady
flew SW at Library Green, Enfield Town at 1150 hrs. 3 Painted Lady and 2 Red Admiral nectaring on buddleia at Oakwood Station
(TQ 294 959) at 1353 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| Date |
Description |
Recorder |
| 31 Aug |
Hounslow. Although the sun was out in the late morning early stages of the walk, cloud took over for the return journey and
sightings diminished rapidly: Speckled Wood: 7, Small White: 6, Meadow Brown: 21, Red Admiral: 6, Painted
Lady: 3, Green-veined White: 5, Small Heath: 17, Comma: 1, Brown Argus: 2, Common Blue: 3 |
Peter Gore |
| 31 Aug |
Hummingbird Hawk-moth in my St Albans garden this morning, the first here this year. In my shed, the total of
hibernating Small Tortoiseshells continues to rise slowly, as individuals from the small second brood join their first brood
relatives who have now been hibernating for 6-7 weeks. Current totals are Small Torts 25, Peacock 12, making this one of the best
years ever.
On the road I visited Therfield Heath and recorded 22 Adonis Blue males and a minimum of 6 females. Most were on
Church Hill, with a few at the foot, alongside the fairway to the north and also in the meadow to the south. I saw none on the rifle range
or the area in between and no sign of mating or egg laying. With female Chalkhill Blues, female Common Blues and female
Brown Argus all flying ID is tricky if they don't land! 13 Red Admirals and 14 Painted Ladies were feasting on
Devil's-bit Scabious on the north side of Church Hill.
Also visited Hexton Chalk pit - no sign of Adonis there, though conditions were
overcast, so would be worth another trip. Seeing Adonis in Herts is brilliant, but unauthorised releases can cause all sorts of problems
and over 90% of them fail. The habitat quality at Church Hill may be good enough for them to survive in the short term.
If anyone has any information about how the butterflies may have got there, please give either Andrew Wood or I a call. Anything said will be treated in
strict confidence |
Malcolm Hull |
| 31 Aug |
2 Painted Lady at Parkside Farm/Res (TQ 2998), 1 Comma along Leeging Beech Gutter near Williams Wood (TQ 297
977) at 1110 hrs, and 3 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) |
Robert Callf |
| 30 Aug |
Hummingbird Hawk-moth nectaring on Phlox in my Flaunden garden. Early evening |
Jill Saunders |
| 30 Aug |
Hounslow. Sightings similar to yesterday. Brown Argus, like Marbled White earlier in the year now seems to turn up anywhere
outside the woodland areas but harder to understand what they find for their caterpillars in many places: especially the sparse vegetation
dominated by Heather and Broom, or the opposite, the very grassy areas. Geraniaceae are around elsewhere but often the butterfly feels a
little out of place: Small Heath: 21, Speckled Wood: 4, Green-veined White: 9, Red Admiral: 4, Small
White: 6, Meadow Brown: 15, Painted Lady: 2, Brown Argus: 9, Common Blue: 1, Comma: 1, Holly
Blue: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 30 Aug |
5 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097), also here 2 Meadow Brown, 1 Comma along Leeging
Beech Gutter and 2 Painted Lady. 1 Red Admiral flew S at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) at 0927 hrs, 2 Comma at Trent
Park (1 edge of Moat Wood, 1 Water Garden), 1 Red Admiral and 1 Small Heath at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park. 1 Snout
at ASDA Southgate - very fresh looking |
Robert Callf |
| 29 Aug |
Visited Merryhill fields, Bushey late afternoon but not many sightings. Common Blue x 1, Speckled Wood x 1,
Meadow Brown x 1. Yellow Shell moths x4 & Buff-tip caterpillars x 4. In Bushey garden Small blood-vein
moth x 1 |
David Gower |
| 29 Aug |
An adult Brown Hairstreak at the allotments in Hampton Wick just on the Middlesex side of The Thames on
25 Aug |
Jon Tarlton |
| 29 Aug |
I write this with mixed feelings following a visit to Church Hill at Therfield Heath. It is interesting to see the Adonis
Blue relatively near to home but as they are almost certainly an unauthorised release they cannot be condoned as this would be in
contravention of the BC code on Introductions and Re-introductions.
It is difficult to think that a butterfly can suddenly re-appear at a very well recorded and visited site after a gap of around 70 years,
especially as there was no sign of a spring brood here.
All the specimens were on the south facing side of Church Hill at the most
sheltered end nearest Fox Covert. Despite the breezy conditions there were none low down and most were on the upper slopes but not at the
top. A walk quartering the site gave me a total of 18 males and 5 females, of which 3 of the females were pairs "in cop". This matches
previous estimates of the population here. At least one male and one female had distorted wings suggesting damage sustained in emergence.
Nearer and at the top were several rather faded females that I suspect were the remnants of the Chalkhill Blue population that has
almost finished flying, I only saw one male Chalkhill. There were also a small number of Common Blues and Brown Argus and
rather more Small Heath.
There have been no Adonis Blue sightings outside their normal range reported from the Upper Thames,
Bedfordshire & Northamptonshire and the Cambridgeshire & Essex branches, further supporting the likelihood that this is an
introduction |
Andrew Wood |
| 29 Aug |
Hounslow. A sunnier day with increased numbers and variety from yesterday: Green-veined White: 9, Small Heath:
20, Speckled Wood: 9, Painted Lady: 4, Meadow Brown: 11, Red Admiral: 2, Brown Argus: 8, Common
Blue: 6, Small White: 3, Comma: 2, Large White: 1, Small Copper: 2 |
Peter Gore |
| 29 Aug |
From the Old Rifle Range (opposite end of Therfield Heath from Church Hill). I couldn't find any Adonis Blues here. I'm
working on getting some 'comparison' photographs of female Chalkhill and Adonis Blues - will send them in a few days' time.
Therfield
Heath sightings (Old Rifle Range and adjacent fields only): Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Brown
Argus, Common Blue, Chalkhill Blue, Red Admiral (lots), Painted Lady, Comma, Speckled Wood,
Meadow Brown, Small Heath (80+). No Adonis Blues were seen |
Martin Johnson |
| 29 Aug |
7 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097), 2 Red Admiral flew S at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998), 1
female Brown Argus near Duncan's Wood, Enfield Chase (TQ 2998) at 1101 hrs, 1 Painted Lady flew SW at 'Old Golf Course' Trent
Park at 1117 hrs, also here 3 Small Heath together, 1 Meadow Brown edge of Rough Lot, Trent Park, 1 Red Admiral by
lower lake, Trent Park |
Robert Callf |
| 28 Aug |
1 Comma - St Faiths Close, Hitchin. 1 Speckled Wood - Walsworth Common, Hitchin (TL192304). 1 Small
White - St Mary's Churchyard, Hitchin (TL184291) |
David Inward |
| 28 Aug |
Hounslow. Back to the afternoon and cooler and cloudier: Small Heath: 23, Speckled Wood: 3, Green-veined
White: 3, Brown Argus: 5, Small White: 6, Red Admiral: 2, Large White: 1, Meadow Brown: 16,
Common Blue: 2, Painted Lady: 3 |
Peter Gore |
| 28 Aug |
A Jersey Tiger flew into my Harpenden home |
Robin Pearson |
| 28 Aug |
1 Peacock by lower lake, Trent Park at 1102 hrs, 1 Red Admiral at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097), also here
3 Small Heath including two clashing. 1 Peacock settled on roadside kerb at Bramley Parade, N14 at 1325 |
Robert Callf |
| 27 Aug |
Hounslow. A morning walk before the heat and humidity became unbearable. Small Heath numbers noticeably increased with
additional sightings in areas where they were strong in early summer. There seems to be overlapping generations varying slightly by area
but ensuring that this butterfly is never truly absent here overall from its mid-May start onwards: Speckled Wood: 4, Meadow
Brown: 28, Green-veined White: 9, Red Admiral: 3, Small White: 6, Small Copper: 2, Small Heath: 23,
Painted Lady: 2, Common Blue: 2, Brown Argus: 2 |
Peter Gore |
| 27 Aug |
1 Painted Lady at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) at 0747 hrs, 1 male Common Blue at Parkside Farm, Enfield
(TQ 2998) at 0848 hrs, 1 Painted Lady settled at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) at 0911 hrs. At Trent Park - 1 Small Heath, 1
Meadow Brown, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Red Admiral and 2 Painted Lady flew SW. At Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) -
1 Meadow Brown and 3 Red Admiral flew SW. 1 Mother of Pearl at Dalrymple Close, N14 |
Robert Callf |
| 26 Aug |
1 Jersey Tiger at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097). 1 Comma at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) at 0949 hrs, also
here 1 Red Admiral, 1 Holly Blue nectaring on Bramble blossom at 0957 hrs and 1 Peacock at 1000 hrs. At Trent Park - 1
Red Admiral, 1 Green-veined White, 6 Painted Lady flew SW, 1 Speckled Wood, 2 Common Blue - male and
female, and 1 Comma nectaring on buddleia at Water Garden at 1129 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 26 Aug |
Early morning visit to Millhoppers, very little activity in the heat except a nice Snout moth |
Chris Hilling |
| 26 Aug |
The Small Heath is becoming increasingly common in the Stevenage area. I counted 14 on the Stevenage transect, easily
the highest on record and before this year I had not seen more than 3 in any week since 1995! Other species: 2 Large White, 11
Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 1 Holly Blue, 1 Red Admiral, 5 Speckled Wood, 2 Gatekeeper
and 2 Meadow Brown |
Peter Clarke |
| 25 Aug |
Holly Blue egg-laying on ivy in Bishop's Stortford garden |
Bob Clift |
| 25 Aug |
First ever Jersey Tiger seen in my St Albans garden |
Robert Bull |
| 25 Aug |
A good number of Brown Argus, a few somewhat worn, were enjoying the afternoon sun at Nicholls Farm, Redbourn along
with some Small Coppers and Small Heaths. The latter were the first time I've managed to confirm their presence at the site,
though I've had my suspicions for a while. Alongside these, there were quite a few Red Admirals on fruit in the orchard and Small
Tortoiseshells making the most of a buddleia plant. I also saw one Comma on the farm track along with a number of Large
Whites |
Peter Tallantire |
| 25 Aug |
1 Common Rustic moth (Mesapamea secalis agg.) - St Faiths Close, Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 25 Aug |
This morning I saw at least 15 different Adonis Blue (12 males and 3 females) at Church Hill on Therfield Heath. Most
of them were in pristine condition and quite active in the hot conditions. There were also good numbers of Common Blue and Brown
Argus as well as a few Chalkhill Blues |
Ian Tulloch |
| 25 Aug |
1 Meadow Brown at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) at 0905 hrs, also here 2 Red Admiral including one flying S
at 1108 hrs and 7 Small Heath. 1 male Common Blue at Parkside Farm/Res., Enfield this morning. 1 Comma at Park Farm,
Enfield (TQ 2998) at 1013 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 24 Aug |
At Church Hill, Therfield Heath 5pm to 6 .30pm I saw 3 male Adonis Blues , one in prolonged chase with brown female
species, Chalkhill Blues now worn/tatty, 2 x Small Heath, 3 x Painted Lady, plenty of whites, 1 x Common Blue,
1 x Meadow Brown, 2 x Gatekeeper |
Colin Alderman |
| 24 Aug |
At Fishers Field nature reserve this morning I found Speckled Wood x 4, Green-veined White x 2, Small
White x 2, Common Blue x 3, Small Heath x 1. In Bushey garden Painted Lady x 2, Red Admiral x 2, Small
White x 4, Large White x 1 & Lunar Yellow Underwing x 1 |
David Gower |
| 24 Aug |
1 Red Admiral at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) at 0900 hrs, 1 Meadow Brown at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park, 1
Jersey Tiger edge of Williams Wood, Trent Park, 2 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097), 1 Comma nectaring
on blackberries at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) at 1037 hrs. 2 Painted Lady at Hog Hill, Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097). 1
Red Admiral near Obelisk, Trent Park at 1808 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 23 Aug |
1 Straw Underwing (Thalpophila matura) - St Faiths Close, Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 23 Aug |
A Brown Hairstreak in my Ickenham garden this afternoon. It landed very briefly on a tomato plant leaf then flew off
in the direction of Ickenham Marsh |
Sharon Newson |
| 23 Aug |
I popped over first thing this morning to Therfield Heath for a look at Adonis Blues. I saw 3 males, 2 in perfect
condition and 1 which looked a couple of days old with worn outer fringes and a small chunk out of one of the underwings. As some of the
female Chalkhill Blues are still in quite good nick on the heath, separating them from Adonis seems just about impossible,
especially when they are roosting. I did find out something pretty amazing this morning on that subject and that is that it would appear
that Adonis Blues have about 20 white rings in their antennae while Chalkhill Blues have a few more (usually 24 or more). I tested this
theory out with underside shots of the same Adonis this morning and it seems to work! Difficult to do in the field, but when at home,
photos could be scrutinised to see if they might be female Adonis. I think there may be females to follow as the butterflies look SO fresh
that if they have been introduced in a clandestine manner (which seems most likely?), surely they will have been released as caterpillars
or eggs... There seems no way that the butterflies would be in such pristine condition if they had been taken there as adults (?!). I may
go back in a week or so to see if there are any fresh-looking females and try to identify them by the antennae trick. We probably won't
know for sure if they are actually Adonis or not unless we catch them in cop. That would be the clincher |
Trevor Sawyer |
| 23 Aug |
On bridle path near CEMEX quarry entrance Smallford (TL1808), 4 Brown Argus. First ones I've seen along here for
several years. Ellenbrook Fields (old Hatfield airfield TL1908) produced very little. 3 Small Heath, 1 Gatekeeper, 1
Brown Argus and a handful of assorted and unidentifiable whites. Back at the office on the quarry site (private!), the fortuitously
self-set buddleia by the front door had 6 Painted Lady, 4 Red Admiral & a Large White. That's pretty much how it's
been all week, with odd examples of Peacock, Green Veined White, Small White & Small Tortoiseshell occasionally
cropping up |
Robert Bull |
| 23 Aug |
At Oakwood Park (1425 - 1450 hrs) - 4 Meadow Brown, 1 male Common Blue and 1 Speckled Wood. 1
Painted Lady nectaring on buddleia at Prince George Ave/Kenwood Ave (TQ 299 956) at 1451 hrs. 1 Gatekeeper at Boxer's Lake,
Enfield (TQ 305 962) at 1505 hrs - worn & faded. 1 Holly Blue and 1 Painted Lady at Oakwood Station at 1650 hrs. 1 male
Orange Swift at ASDA Southgate |
Robert Callf |
| 22 Aug |
TQ089860. Curiosity led me to check out the Ickenham site. I arrived far too late in the morning for serious Brown
Hairstreak activity but at midday had an excellent view of a single female in one of the large oaks on the railway line side. The
habitat here is excellent and has the potential to rival long established BH sites like the Roughs at Shipton Bellinger |
Ian Watts |
| 22 Aug |
Therfield Heath sightings (Church Hill only): Adonis Blue (5+ males present, all looking very smart). Also seen:
Chalkhill Blue (20+) and small numbers of Common Blue, Brown Argus, Large White, Painted Lady, Small
Heath and Meadow Brown |
Martin Johnson |
| 22 Aug |
I was pleased to find four Common Blue roosting together in Tunnel Gardens this evening, I am hoping this is further
evidence of a resident colony |
Miles Attenborough |
| 22 Aug |
1 Painted Lady, 2 Large White, 7 Small White, 1 Red Admiral - Ivel Springs, Baldock (TL2434) |
David Inward |
| 22 Aug |
Hounslow. Meadow Brown: 26, Holly Blue: 4, Speckled Wood: 11, Common Blue: 7, Green-veined
White: 7, Comma: 4, Painted Lady: 12, Red Admiral: 4, Brown Argus: 10, Small Heath: 3,
Gatekeeper: 3, Small White: 1, Brimstone: 1, Small Copper: 2 and two Jersey Tigers |
Peter Gore |
| 22 Aug |
Church Hill, Therfield - 3 Adonis Blues! |
Darin Stanley |
| 22 Aug |
At Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) - 1 Painted Lady, 1 Speckled Wood and 3 Small Heath. At Parkside
Farm, Enfield (TQ 3098) - 1 Red Admiral at 0917 hrs. 1 Small Tortoiseshell at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) at 0950 hrs. At
Trent Park - 1 Meadow Brown and 2 Speckled Wood together, Water Garden |
Robert Callf |
| 21 Aug |
I was pleased to see a Small Tortoiseshell in Bushey garden as not frequent sightings around Bushey in last 2 years.
Also Red Admiral x 1, Painted Lady x 1. Moths Yellow Shell x 1, Mother of Pearl x 1 |
David Gower |
| 21 Aug |
Thornbera Road allotments, Bishops Stortford about noon (TL484198). 2 newly minted Painted Ladies nectaring on a
neighbour's clump of Statice. Some very active whites (5+ Large White, 8+ Small White), a male Brimstone, and just
outside allotments a worn Small Tortoiseshell |
Len Crouch |
| 21 Aug |
1 male Common Blue, 2 Gatekeeper, 1+ Small White, 1 Large White, 1 male Brown Argus, 2
Meadow Brown - Shackledell Grassland, Fairlands Valley Park, Stevenage (TL2423). 2 Speckled Wood - Monks Wood, Fairlands
Valley Park, Stevenage (TL2423) |
David Inward |
| 21 Aug |
Adonis Blue still at Therfield. Andy Symes reports seeing at least 2 male Adonis Blues in the evening (see
Twitter). Nearest known colony is probably about 50 miles away in the Chilterns south of Aylesbury so can't discount the possibility of
clandestine releases here - Peter C |
Toby Austin |
| 21 Aug |
Hounslow. Plenty of sunshine again. A very tatty Peacock on the path surprised me twice, first by being there and second as
I approached the 'corpse' and it took off strongly, flying to what I hope will be deserved safety somewhere. The rest were more expected:
Small White: 6, Green-veined White: 8, Speckled Wood: 5, Meadow Brown: 29, Brown Argus: 5, Small
Copper: 5, Gatekeeper: 9, Red Admiral: 4, Comma: 2, Painted Lady: 13, (checked as carefully as possible for
any Queen Of Spain Fritillaries amongst them but alas not the slightest sign!), Holly Blue: 7, Small Heath: 9, Common
Blue: 4, Large White: 1, Peacock: 1 and one Jersey Tiger |
Peter Gore |
| 21 Aug |
1 male Common Blue roosting at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) at 0836 hrs, 1 Jersey Tiger at Parkside House,
Enfield (TQ 2998), 1 Painted Lady flew S at Trent Park at 1026 hrs and 1 Meadow Brown here also, 1 Red Admiral at
Enfield Rd, EN2 at 1140 hrs. 1 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) this morning. 1 Comma nectaring on buddleia at
Oakwood Station at 1400 hrs, also here 1 Painted Lady and 1 Holly Blue. 1 Straw Underwing at Dalrymple Close, N14 just
before midnight |
Robert Callf |
| 20 Aug |
We enjoyed a lovely walk in the Tewin area. Mainly overcast with high level cloud with some sunny periods. In square TL2714 we
saw: Red Admiral x2 Small Heath x6 and 8 whites (probably Small Whites). In square TL2713 we saw Small White x3, and
Small Heath x2. In square TL2814 we saw Small White x2 and Meadow Brown x3. In square TL2815 we saw Gatekeeper
x2, Painted Lady x1 and 2 unidentified whites. In square TL2716 around Queen Hoo Hall we saw 3 Small White. Finally, in
square TL2715 on the way back to Tewin we saw 12 whites (probably Small Whites), Comma x1 and on a buddleia by Tewin Hall Farm three
Small Tortoiseshells and one Painted Lady |
Roger Newbold |
| 20 Aug |
Adonis Blue at Therfield Heath. My daughter and I had gone to see the tail-end of the
Chalkhill Blue flight - the Adonis Blue was fairly conspicuous amongst some rather tired looking CBs. We saw it on the main pasqueflower
slope on Church Hill near a clump of wild rose bushes that grow just below the 'footpath' that runs along the upper part of the slope. I
spent about an hour on the slope in mixed sunshine and cloud and saw just the single Adonis |
Ian Watts |
| 20 Aug |
On my Patmore Heath transect this morning, a Queen of Spain Fritillary was basking on the
ground and so I didn't get to see the undersides, before it flew off strongly. We have quite a few Painted Ladys around this year
and so I guess it could have migrated across as well |
Gavin Vicary |
| 20 Aug |
I have been checking for Common Blues in Tunnel Gardens in Bounds Green (TQ 2936 9140), after seeing a first brood of
two males and two females earlier in the year. I was pleased to discover this evening two Common Blues roosting which I am pretty sure were
one male and one female, there had been a single pristine male for the last few days so I am hoping he now has a potential mate. I also saw
a single male and a single female two weeks ago, so I am hoping between them they manage to lay some eggs on the birds foot trefoil that
is now more established than last year. This is the first year I have seen Common Blues here and I am hoping it will not be the last |
Miles Attenborough |
| 20 Aug |
Hounslow. A sunnier day with more butterflies, including some yellower than usual in all three white species: Small
White: 4, Painted Lady: 16, Meadow Brown: 34, Speckled Wood: 10, Brown Argus: 11, Large White: 4,
Comma: 3, Small Heath: 8, Holly Blue: 1, Common Blue: 8, Green-veined White: 5, Red Admiral: 3,
Gatekeeper: 3, Small Copper: 1 and one Jersey Tiger |
Peter Gore |
| 20 Aug |
We had arrived at 8am in 100% sun but the temperature had been reading 10° centigrade on the journey! Deciding to walk a
different route to our last visit and covering some new hedges and scrub first before we saw Malcolm. Our first sighting in the scrub area
was of a female Brown Hairstreak around an ash at 8.22 followed fairly soon after by a male perching and subsequent clash as another
individual met up. However, in comparison to last week, male activity was considerably reduced and much harder to observe. Confounded by
what we had assumed were males flying around ash, only to find when perched they were actually females on at least two occasions! By 11am
we saw no further activity around the ashes and the superb sighting of the female egg laying was at 11.43 with all further female sightings
before 12.45! The egg initially appeared light green but was visibly changing to white as we looked at it. Our final sighting was of a
faded male perching on oak close to the railway line before flying off across the field at around 2pm. Most females still appeared in good
condition although one seen after Malcolm left was quite tatty. Our tally with Malcolm's additional sighting is 19 - 7 of which were
definitely male and 7 definitely female. Also read Malcolm's report below |
Liz Goodyear
Andrew Middleton
Malcolm Hull |
| 20 Aug |
Headed off to West London to look for Brown Hairstreaks. Arriving at Ickenham just after 9 am, I saw 2 Purple
Hairstreaks and a Vapourer moth before my first ever Middlesex Brown Hairstreak sighting. It flew out of the Ash on the
TFL boundary and along the Blackthorn hedge. My next sighting was of Liz Goodyear and Andrew Middleton looking intently up into an ash
tree. Sure enough there was another Brown Hairstreak posing obligingly on a leaf. Our next sighting flew up from the grass - Meadow Brown?
No it was another Brown Hairstreak which sat still down low for a photo before laying an egg on a Blackthorn twig. We had two more clear
Brown Hairstreak Sightings before I headed off. Total I saw were Brown Hairstreak 5, Purple Hairstreak 2, Brown Argus
5, Small Heath 11, Holly Blue 3, Speckled Wood 4, Comma 5, Common Blue 7, Small Copper 2,
Painted Lady 1, Gatekeeper 2, Small and Green-veined Whites 9 (including one definite id of each species).
After
lunch I visited Wormwood Scrubs Park and Old Oak Common. Habitat on the site looked excellent, with plenty of good quality ash and
blackthorn and it is just 7 miles from Ickenham. I searched for two hours 30 mins, but the best I could manage was 2 Purple
Hairstreaks and a Vapourer moth all flying together on an ash. Other butterflies were sparse, with very little nectar available
26 Small/Green-veined Whites (of which 2 were identified as Small), Speckled Wood 2, Gatekeeper 2, Holly Blue
1, Painted Lady 1, Large White 3 |
Malcolm Hull |
| 20 Aug |
1 Red Admiral flew S at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) at 0958 hrs, also here 2+ Painted Lady, 2 Meadow
Brown, 2 Small Heath and 1 Jersey Tiger. 1 Painted Lady at South Lodge Farm, Enfield (TQ 2996) at 1415 hrs and 1
Jersey Tiger at Lakeside, EN2. 4 or 5 Painted Lady nectaring on buddleia at Oakwood Station at 1550 hrs and 1 Red
Admiral here also |
Robert Callf |
| 19 Aug |
2 Small White - Walsworth Common, Hitchin (TL19713025). 1 Holly Blue, 1 Small White, 3 Red Admiral,
1 Painted Lady, 1 Comma, 2 Speckled Wood, 1 Large White, 1 Peacock - Oughton Head Common west, near
Hitchin (TL1630) |
David Inward |
| 19 Aug |
Red Admiral x8, Painted Lady x2 and Small Tortoishell x1 all together at the same time on a buddleia
bush in my Letchworth garden this morning |
Roger Millard |
| 19 Aug |
Folly Lane Allotments, St Albans - Small Whites out in force, with dozens flying this morning. Also spotted several
Small White pupae and a final instar caterpillar all on cabbage leaves. Apart from that butterfly numbers were low - 3 Large Whites
and single sightings of Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood,
Common Blue and Brown Argus |
Malcolm Hull |
| 19 Aug |
1 male Common Blue at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) at 1004 hrs. 1 Painted Lady at Vicarage Farm, Enfield
(TQ 3097) at 0934 hrs, also here 2 Small Heath and 1 Red Admiral at 1256 hrs. 1 Jersey Tiger at Parkside Farm, Enfield
(TQ 3098) and 1 Small Heath at Parkside Farm nr Res (TQ 2998) and another Small Heath at Trent Park nr lower lake. 1 female
Holly Blue at Enfield Rd, EN2 at 1313 hrs. 4 Painted Lady nectaring on buddleia at Oakwood Station 1600 - 1615 hrs, also 1
Holly Blue here |
Robert Callf |
| 19 Aug |
Enjoyed a walk in the North Mymm's Park area this morning. Weather was mainly cloudy with some sunny spells, temperature
about 18 degrees celsius. In square TL2103 we saw; 3 Speckled Wood, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Gatekeeper, 1 Meadow Brown,
and 5 Small Whites. In TL2102 we saw just 1 Gatekeeper and 2 Small Whites whilst in TL2203 we saw 8 Small
Whites and a similar number of other whites which were too far away to identify clearly |
Roger Newbold |
| 18 Aug |
Hounslow. An afternoon walk. I enjoyed a short time contemplating two Painted Ladies side by side, wings spread resting on
what looked to be a comfortable bed of Hare's Foot Trefoil. Behind them, closer to me, a Wasp Spider sat at the centre of her web whilst a
female Meadow Brown disappeared deeper into the grass at the side. I soon ran out of sunshine and butterflies, shortening the return
journey. This is what I recorded: Meadow Brown: 14, Speckled Wood: 5, Small White: 6, Green-veined White: 2,
Common Blue: 2, Painted Lady: 14, Red Admiral: 3, Small Heath: 6, Gatekeeper: 1, Holly Blue: 3,
Brown Argus: 3, Comma: 2, Small Copper: 1 and two Jersey Tigers |
Peter Gore |
| 18 Aug |
7 Small White - Walsworth Common, Hitchin (TL1930) |
David Inward |
| 18 Aug |
2 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097), also here 1 Painted Lady at 1203 hrs along Leeging Beech
Gutter and 1 Meadow Brown |
Robert Callf |
| 17 Aug |
At Horsenden Hill this morning 1 male Chalkhill Blue, several Common Blue, Small Copper & Brown
Argus, 2 Purple Hairstreak |
Andrew Middleton |
| 17 Aug |
1 Purple Hairstreak appeared at my window at 23.00, apparently attracted by my Hemel Hempstead garden moth trap |
Roger Prue |
| 17 Aug |
Bengeo garden: Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper 2,
Red Admiral 3, Painted Lady, Comma 2, Holly Blue, Jersey Tiger 3, Mother of Pearl 7 &
Small Purple and Gold 2 |
Simon Knott |
| 17 Aug |
Hounslow. Despite an intervening rainy day on Friday today's sightings very similar to Thursday's: Painted Lady: 11,
Green-veined White: 3, Speckled Wood: 13, Small Copper: 2, Red Admiral: 5, Small White: 10, Meadow
Brown: 29, Gatekeeper: 12, Brown Argus: 7, Large White: 2, Common Blue: 6, Small Heath: 2,
Comma: 1, Holly Blue: 2 |
Peter Gore |
| 17 Aug |
1 Small White - Walsworth Common, Hitchin (TL19693026) |
David Inward |
| 17 Aug |
Greenwood Park Butterfly Bank, St Albans - 1 new brood Small Tortoiseshell and 3 Brown Argus. Butterfly World
perimeter - 2 Brown Argus, 2 Common Blue, 2 Small Heath, 2 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady. Land at Bury
dell, Radlett - 21 Common Blue, 1 Holly Blue, 8 Brown Argus, 15 Small Heath, 3 Small Copper, 5
Painted Lady, 17 Meadow Brown, 4 Gatekeeper, 9 Small White. Land at Coopers Green Lane - Brown Argus 3,
Common Blue 2, Small Copper 1, Small Heath 5, Painted Lady 1, Six-spot Burnet 1, Meadow Brown 24,
Small/Green-veined White 7 |
Malcolm Hull |
| 17 Aug |
3 Painted Lady at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097), also here 1 male Common Blue and 4 Small Heath.
1 Painted Lady at Parkside Farm/Res., Enfield (TQ 2998). 1 Comma at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) at 1053 hrs, also here 1
Jersey Tiger 'yellow form'. 1 Gatekeeper along Leeging Beech Gutter at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 2997) - thought I would
record this as their numbers are diminishing now |
Robert Callf |
| 16 Aug |
1 Dusky Thorn at Oakwood Station |
Robert Callf |
| 16 Aug |
Branch Event
A Teddy Bears Picnic butterfly and bug hunt was
held on Bricket Wood Common, between Watford and St Albans. It was a cool, breezy morning, and light rain began during the event, with
heavy rain forecast to follow. Despite the weather 27 people attended, mostly children. Sadly, because of the weather, no butterflies were
seen, or any of the dragonflies that had been prominent in the previous day's sunshine. But many grass moths and grasshoppers were found
and collected, as well as a ladybird, bumble bee, ants and other insects, and spiders. Thanks to Faye Tufnell, John O'Connor, St Stephen
Parish Council, St Albans District Council and the Bricket Wood Residents Association for organizing the event |
Chris Newman |
| 16 Aug |
A single Common Blue seen at Bridgwater Fields, Ruislip Gardens (TQ103858) whilst river sampling this morning on a
cool, cloudy, blustery day |
Paul Busby |
| 15 Aug |
I paid one of my all to rare visits to Panshanger Park today. Good numbers of Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper,
Small White, Red Admiral and Painted Lady with many fewer Common Blue, Brown Argus, Small Heath,
Green-veined White, Essex Skipper and Speckled Wood. Also found a nest of Buff-tip caterpillars on a sweet
chestnut leaf |
Andrew Wood |
| 15 Aug |
Couple hour walk around Stafford Road Open Space/Ickenham fields starting at 9am, butterflies equally spread over squares
TQ 0985 and TQ 0986. Saw 20+ Small Heath, 15+ Brown Argus, 12+ Common Blue, 6 Small Copper, Small White
pair on the field with plenty of Birds Foot Trefoil along with 2 Wasp Spiders on the unmowed field margin by the railway depot (apparently
they don't prosper with mowing either). In the hedgerows at least 6 Meadow Browns, 3 Gatekeepers, 4 Speckled Woods, 2
Small White and 2 Green=veined White and a Purple Hairstreak but alas no BH in the very blustery conditions.
Early
afternoon inspected the Ash and Blackthorn hedge adjacent to Gutteridge Wood, looks to be good BH habitat but none seen. Gutteridge Meadows
(TQ 0984) saw 3 Common Blue, a Meadow Brown and 2 Speckled Wood, whilst at Cutthroat Wood (TQ 08 84) clearing saw a
Comma, Brown Argus, 2 Common Blue, a faded Gatekeeper, 2 Meadow Brown, 3 Speckled Wood and 2
Small White |
Paul Busby |
| 15 Aug |
2 Silver-washed Fritillary near Berkhamsted Golf Course at TL003092 |
Roger Prue |
| 15 Aug |
Hounslow. Little to see in the morning and early afternoon but as the sunshine increased so did the butterflies with
Painted Lady numbers higher now than the usual rapidly declining Gatekeepers: Meadow Brown: 26, Gatekeeper: 12, Speckled
Wood: 5, Painted Lady: 16, Small White: 8, Green-veined White: 5, Red Admiral: 3, Comma: 2, Small
Heath: 5, Holly Blue: 3, Brown Argus: 7, Common Blue: 5, Small Copper: 1 and two Jersey Tigers |
Peter Gore |
| 15 Aug |
2 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097, also here 1 Holly Blue along Leeging Beech Gutter at 1134
hrs and 1 Small Tortoiseshell at Parkside Farm/Res., Enfield (TQ 2998) at 0939 hrs, 1 Jersey Tiger at Enfield Rd, EN2 |
Robert Callf |
| 14 Aug |
I found a Jersey Tiger moth settle on the side of my Broxbourne garden shed and it stayed long enough to get a
reasonable photo. I notice that one was also spotted in Enfield north London which isn't far from me |
Alan Smith |
| 14 Aug |
In spite of the cold rainy weather I was surprised to see a Hummingbird Hawk-moth in our Hemel Hempstead garden
feeding on the Verbena flowers |
Christine Ridley |
| 14 Aug |
A somewhat unexpected and welcome sighting at the garden centre in Alexandra Palace N10. A Jersey Tiger Moth using a
Cosmos Flower as a shelter from the rain |
Dee Cullen |
| 13 Aug |
Hexton Chalk Pit (TL 107 299) - a mix of sun, cloud & moderate breeze, first ever sighting for me of Chalkhill
Blues & at 73 yrs old can't be bad, 6 females & 35 males also 6 skippers, 3 Painted Ladies, 1 white, 1 Gatekeeper |
Paul Gibson |
| 13 Aug |
A number of fresh Red Admiral sightings in the London Borough of Brent. At Welsh Harp Education Centre, 3 Red Admirals
and 3 Large Whites on Buddleia, as well as a Holly Blue on bramble, at Birchen Grove allotments, both TQ 20 87, saw a Red
Admiral and Small White on Buddleia. In Chalkhill Park, a small Gatekeeper and at least 4 Small Whites (TQ 19 86).
Brentside Open Spaces saw 4 Speckled Wood and another Red Admiral (TQ 20 86) |
Paul Busby |
| 13 Aug |
Mead Way, Bushey. Gatekeeper, Painted Lady, Comma, 2 Small White plus Jersey Tiger |
Rebecca Palmer |
| 13 Aug |
We visited the Ickenham meadows for the first time since the field trip on the 28th July. We managed to arrive by 9.15 and
in full sunshine! Watching our favourite ash near the railway line 2 male Brown Hairstreak were seen to clash almost immediately
after we arrived. We then walked along as many hedge lines as possible watching all the ashes for a few minutes for the next two hours and
managed to see a minimum of 16 males. As activity subsided we started looking for females. These were considerably more elusive but those
seen appeared to be in good condition. At 11.30 something caught Andrew's eye and at our eyeline was the most beautiful pristine female
egg laying, then perched before flying off over the blackthorn.
At 2 a female was seen flying over blackthorn, then one nearby perching
and flying around an oak and finally a female was spotted flying low along the hedge line (just like a Meadow Brown but in a more zigzag
manner) and kindly perched briefly to reveal it was a Brown Hairstreak. Many other butterflies were present but we were concentrating on
looking for Brown Hairstreak although Small Heath were numerous. Of additional note was that from around 12 o'clock all Hairstreaks
seen flying around the ashes were Purple Hairstreak! |
Liz Goodyear
Andrew Middleton |
| 13 Aug |
1 Jersey Tiger at Enfield Rd, EN2, 2 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097), also here 1 male
Common Blue and 1 Painted Lady nectaring on thistles along Leeging Beech Gutter at 1000 hrs, 1 Painted Lady at
Parkside Farm/Res., Enfield (TQ 2998) and another at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998). 1 Red Admiral at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097)
at 0932 hrs. 1 Dusky Thorn at Bramley Parade, N14 (TQ 295 961). 2 Painted Lady and 1 Red Admiral nectaring on
buddleia at Oakwood Station at 14:47 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 12 Aug |
Watford. My neighbour Alison had a Jersey Tiger Moth fly into the house on 8 August and
was seen again in the garden on 9 August |
(John Bishop) |
| 12 Aug |
We have seen a Jersey Tiger moth in our garden in Croxley Green.
Unfortunately we also found Box Tree
caterpillars on our Box bush over the weekend having seen the moths earlier in the summer |
Stella Davis |
| 12 Aug |
2 Common Blue - male and female at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) this morning |
Robert Callf |
| 11 Aug |
Big City Butterfly Event:
Late afternoon butterfly walk with May
Webber, Big City Butterfly Project Officer at Gladstone Park, Dollis Hill, London Borough of Brent. Despite a cooler and blustery day, an
enjoyable and informative walk with May Webber through the park containing an area of acid grassland, hedges, mature oaks and a walled
garden. A number of caterpillars were found including Cinnabar on Ragwort and Box Tree Moth on Box hedging, as well as a
large green caterpillar on Poplar sapling and a large hairy caterpillar racing across tarmac path (to be identified). A few butterflies
were netted and examined and released after viewing including Meadow Brown, worn and faded Gatekeepers, a few male Common
Blue and a probable Holly Blue flying high around Walled Garden. A number of the local attendees also reported a number of Jersey
Tiger sightings in their local gardens |
Paul Busby |
| 11 Aug |
Today was torture. Arriving at 12.50, a scrappy sighting of what might have been a Purple Emperor at 13.25 presaged a long wait without
another sighting in unpropitious weather, dull and windy with very occasional sunshine creeping through but under the canopy feeling at
times distinctly cool.
A Red Admiral seemed to have taken over the throne, being visible on and off. I felt sure that if an
Emperor were around then it would certainly not allow this imposter to so brazenly parade before me. And then this: at about 15.30, a
Purple Emperor leapt into life, patrolling for ten minutes or so before engaging in a brief chase (the only chase today) with a
second Emperor and with the Admiral simultaneously on the wing too before settling down and allowing me a good view for ten more minutes
before going to war with that pesky Red Admiral, a duel which went on for five or so minutes. I saw nothing more until I left at 16.30.
One final nugget. Back in 2015, the year of the remarkable discovery of this assembly area, I last saw the Emperor on August 9th,
though I wasn't able to check again until a week later. Today's slog thus extends the Emperor's reign at this site by two days compared
with four years ago. |
Frank Nugent |
| 11 Aug |
Delighted to see at 9 a.m. in our small Cheshunt suburban front garden, a Small Copper on an echinacea, along with
four Small Whites. I can't recall seeing one in our garden before |
Roger Newbold |
| 11 Aug |
1 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 4 Gatekeeper, 2 Meadow Brown - Purwell Meadows east,
Hitchin (TL2029) |
David Inward |
| 11 Aug |
Heartwood Forest, Sandridge - visited the Valley Field looking for second brood Small Blues. No luck with that, but I did
find a good amount of late flowering Kidney Vetch, so the habitat is right. The morning was cloudy with a stiff breeze, so butterflies were
hard to find. Totals after just over an hour were Meadow Brown - 64, Common Blue - 18, Small Heath - 20, Brown
Argus - 22, Gatekeeper - 9, 6-spot Burnet moth - 5, Painted Lady - 2 and singles of Small White, Small
Copper, Red Admiral and Speckled Wood. Most of the butterflies were sheltering alongside the wood and the hedge to keep
out of the wind |
Malcolm Hull |
| 11 Aug |
1 Jersey Tiger near Allotments at Vicarage Farm, 1 Painted Lady at Hog Hill, Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097)
at 0915 hrs, 3 Comma at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) this morning at 1025 hrs and another one at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) at
1125 hrs and 1 Small Heath here also. 1 Painted Lady at Library Green, Enfield Town (TQ 324 965) at 1322 hrs and a female
Holly Blue settled on ivy near Cecil Rd entrance, Town Park at 1323 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 10 Aug |
1 Painted Lady at Hog Hill, Vicarage Farm (TQ 3097) at 0932 hrs, 1 Small Heath and 1 Red Admiral near Hadley
Rd/Vicarage Farm (TQ 3097) |
Robert Callf |
| 9 Aug |
Mead Way, Bushey: Painted Lady 2. Merry Hill, Bushey: Meadow Brown 2, Gatekeeper 1 |
Rebecca Palmer |
| 9 Aug |
1 Red Admiral - St Faiths Close, Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 9 Aug |
Branch Event
Nomansland Common, Near Sandridge - Despite dire
weather warnings 32 people, mostly children attended today's Big Butterfly Count event - a Teddy Bears Picnic. Butterflies and moths seen
included Meadow Brown, Small Heath, Painted Lady, Small Copper, Red Admiral, Gatekeeper,
Large and Small White. Moths included Yellow Shell and Cinnabar caterpillars. Participants also took part in a
bug hunt, identifying a variety of Shield bugs, Ladybirds, other beetles, flies, bees, a weevil, ants damsel and dragonflies. Many thanks
to Faye Tufnell, John O'Connor, Sandridge Parish Council and St Albans District Council for organising the event |
Malcolm Hull |
| 9 Aug |
1 Small Tortoiseshell at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) at 1131 hrs, 1 Peacock at Water Garden, Trent Park at
1212 hrs, 1 Small Skipper at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097), also here 1 Painted Lady and 2 Jersey Tiger |
Robert Callf |
| 9 Aug |
I was just down walking past Hitchin Lavender (SG5 3UA) and came across a group of whites on horse manure. I don't think
I've seen whites do this before, but I'm sure it's not unusual. However, I just thought I'd mention it. I've added a photo of this group of
five - there were about four more on different clumps! |
Jill Sawyer |
| 8 Aug |
1 Small White, 1 Gatekeeper - St Faiths Close, Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 8 Aug |
Hounslow. A sunny morning with lots of butterflies gave way to a cloudy afternoon with rather fewer so with a complete walk
numbers are certainly heading downwards now. Jersey Tigers reached a new high of 8, helped by three nectaring together on Hemp Agrimony :
Gatekeeper: 41, Speckled Wood: 15, Meadow Brown: 29, Small White: 6, Brown Argus: 6, Painted Lady:
9, Green-veined White: 7, Comma: 4, Common Blue: 8, Small Copper: 2, Red Admiral: 1, Brimstone:
1, Small Heath: 5, Holly Blue: 3 and eight Jersey Tigers |
Peter Gore |
| 8 Aug |
1 male Common Blue and 1 Jersey Tiger at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) |
Robert Callf |
| 7 Aug |
In Hounslow garden one each: Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, Holly Blue and Jersey
Tiger with a dozen or so Large White caterpillars on Nasturtiums |
Peter Gore |
| 7 Aug |
Surveying for squares missing Meadow Brown in the last 5 years in obscure bits of Hertfordshire saw me near Baldock services
on the A507 this morning. On the unmown chalk cutting by the roundabout there were small numbers of Common Blue and Brown
Argus and then, to my surprise, a male Chalkhill Blue. No idea if there is Horseshoe Vetch there, but one male suggests possibly
vehicle assisted dispersal from the Clothall Common colony around 5km back down the A507. This new site is about 100m inside Hertfordshire! |
Andrew Wood |
| 7 Aug |
Kenilworth Drive, Croxley: Painted Lady 1. Croxley Common Moor: Small Heath 3, Red Admiral 1,
Meadow Brown 10. Croxley Business Park: Large White 1 |
Rebecca Palmer |
| 7 Aug |
3 Speckled Wood, 1 Gatekeeper, 1 Green-veined White - Purwell Ninesprings HMWT reserve, Hitchin (TL2029) |
David Inward |
| 7 Aug |
Hummingbird Hawk-moth nectaring on hibiscus in our Harpenden garden this afternoon |
Alan Jackson |
| 7 Aug |
1 Jersey Tiger at Enfield Rd, EN2, 1 Painted Lady at Hog Hill, Vicarage Farm, 2 Small Heath and 1 male
Common Blue at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097), 1 Small Tortoiseshell at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) settled on ground |
Robert Callf |
| 7 Aug |
SP994098 Berkhamsted Common - Silver-washed Fritillary |
Michael Spittles |
| 6 Aug |
2 Speckled Wood, 1 Meadow Brown, 1 Large White, 1 Gatekeeper - Greenway and meadow and
plantation east of Greenway north of Willian Road, near Hitchin (TL2030) |
David Inward |
| 6 Aug |
I saw a Jersey Tiger by South Harrow Market. It's the first one that I have seen in my local area |
Michael Robinson |
| 6 Aug |
Rickmansworth Road, Watford: Gatekeeper 1. Fishers Field Nature Reserve, Bushey: Holly Blue 1, Gatekeeper
2, Speckled Wood 1 |
Rebecca Palmer |
| 6 Aug |
Amwell NR - 4 Painted Lady, 1 Comma, 2 Large Skipper, 1 Brimstone, 30+ Red Admiral, 10+
Peacock, 1 Jersey Tiger. Also noted were several Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Large
White, Small White and Green-veined Whites |
Bob Harris |
| 6 Aug |
Oakwood Park (10:25 - 11:00 hrs) - 1 Small Copper, 1 Painted Lady and 1 Comma near Conservation Pond W
of 10 km line and 1 Brown Argus E of 10 km line. At Boxer's Lake, Enfield - 1 Jersey Tiger. At Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ
3097) - 2 Painted Lady, 2 Small Heath, 1 male Common Blue and 3 Meadow Brown including a pair mating. 1
Jersey Tiger at Enfield Rd, EN2 |
Robert Callf |
| 6 Aug |
Big Butterfly Count in Fairlands Valley Park yielded 19 butterflies: 1 Gatekeeper, 13 Common Blue, 2 Brown
Argus, 2 Meadow Brown and 1 Small White |
Peter Clarke |
| 6 Aug |
1 Silver-washed Fritillary nectaring on Buddliea in my Flaunden garden |
Jill Saunders |
| 5 Aug |
Finch Lane Allotments, Bushey: Meadow Brown 2, Gatekeeper 2, Red Admiral 1 |
Rebecca Palmer |
| 5 Aug |
In a nearby Woodland nectaring on Bramble flowers, 1 Silver-washed Fritillary. Plantation Wood Flaunden (Tl017012) |
Jill Saunders |
| 5 Aug |
Hounslow. A shortened afternoon walk: Speckled Wood: 12, Gatekeeper: 34, Meadow Brown: 24, Painted
Lady: 4, Small Copper: 6, Comma: 1, Green-veined White: 1, Brown Argus: 5, Common Blue: 4, Holly
Blue: 2, Small White: 6, Small Heath: 7, Red Admiral: 1 and 5 Jersey Tigers |
Peter Gore |
| 5 Aug |
1 Jersey Tiger at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) this morning |
Robert Callf |
| 4 Aug |
TL456282 Pelham nature reserve (in Stocking Pelham): Gatekeeper 9, Red Admiral 4, Painted Lady 27,
Large White 9, Green-veined White 11, Meadow Brown 25, Common Blue 2, Peacock 17, Small Skipper
2, Speckled Wood 6, Small Tortoiseshell 1 |
Andy Brown |
| 4 Aug |
1 Green-veined White, 3 Gatekeeper, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Large White, 1 Comma, 2 Small
White, 1 possibly 2 Red Admiral, 1 Brimstone, 3 Meadow Brown, 2 Holly Blue, 1 Brown Argus -
Walsworth Common, Hitchin (TL1930) |
David Inward |
| 4 Aug |
Painted Lady x 4 this morning as well as a Small White in Bushey garden |
David Gower |
| 4 Aug |
Hounslow. Gatekeeper: 88, Small White: 10, Meadow Brown: 46, Speckled Wood: 13, Common
Blue: 6, Brown Argus: 11, Small Copper: 3, Painted Lady: 3, Comma: 1, Red Admiral: 1,
Green-veined White: 2, Small Heath: 2, Large White: 1, Holly Blue: 1 and seven Jersey Tigers |
Peter Gore |
| 4 Aug |
A41 Bourne End junction - 8 Small Blues
Northfield Rd Aldbury - Dingy Skipper, Hummingbird Hawk-moth,
Silver Y, 9 Painted Ladies, two unusual moths, Diamond-Spot Sable Loxostege sticticalis and Rosy-striped
Knot-horn Oncocera semirubella
Aldbury Nowers - 22 Chalkhill Blues |
Malcolm Hull |
| 4 Aug |
1 Jersey Tiger at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) and another near Oakwood entrance, Trent Park. 1 male Common
Blue at Town Park, Enfield at 1354 hrs; 1 Painted Lady and 1 Red Admiral nectaring on buddleia at Southgate Chase
Allotments at 1445 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 3 Aug |
At Norton Green: male and female Silver washed Fritilary, male Brimstone, plenty of Gatekeepers, 2 x
Brown Argus, 1 x fresh Painted Lady, 1 x Purple Hairsteak down low at 8am |
Colin Alderman |
| 3 Aug |
In the suburbs of Northchurch near Berkhamsted, among a cluster of residential streets named after British butterflies:
Brown Argus, male Common Blue and 2 Gatekeeper at Admiral Way (SP 9775 0899); 2 male Common Blue chasing around
Bird's-foot Trefoil in small meadow at (SP 9763 0893); female Common Blue on Bird's-foot Trefoil on narrow road verge at Springfield
Road (SP 9784 0901); and Red Admiral and 2 Peacock on Buddleia at Emperor Close (SP 9778 0905) |
Colin Everett |
| 3 Aug |
1 Yellow Shell moth (Camptogramma bilineata) - St Faiths Close, Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 3 Aug |
Hounslow. Meadow Brown: 60, Speckled Wood: 20, Gatekeeper: 70, Small Skipper: 3, Peacock:
1, Small Copper: 2, Green-veined White: 6, Brown Argus: 11, Painted Lady: 4, Small Heath: 4, Comma:
1, Holly Blue: 1, Small White: 4, Red Admiral: 5, Common Blue: 4, Brimstone: 1, Large White: 1
and two Jersey Tigers |
Peter Gore |
| 3 Aug |
1 Jersey Tiger at Enfield Rd, EN2. 2 male Common Blue, 1 Brown Argus and 1 Green-veined White at
Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097). 1 Jersey Tiger at Hadley Rd/Parkside Farm, Enfield. 1 Small Tortoiseshell at Park Farm,
Enfield (TQ 2998) at 1047 hrs. 1 Purple Hairstreak at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 1114 hrs, 1 Comma and 2 Peacock
nectaring on buddleia at Water Garden, Trent Park at 1140 hrs. 1 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm near Shaws Wood (TQ 2997) and 2
Small Copper at Vicarage Farm near Merryhills Brook (TQ 3097). 1 Brimstone Moth at Oakwood Station. 1 Painted Lady
nectaring on buddleia at Southgate Chase Allotments at 1445 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 3 Aug |
Photos of Brown Hairstreak and Shaded Broad-bar taken in Ickenham area on 28
July |
Roger Seymour |
| 2 Aug |
I visited the chalkland habitat on the spoil from the Baldock bypass near Clothall Common. I'm pleased to say that the
Chalkhill Blue colony that breeds on the Horseshoe Vetch in the road cutting has persisted for a third year. Interestingly I counted
only 7 males and 8 females, an unusual proportion |
Andrew Wood |
| 2 Aug |
Hounslow. Cloudier but on the whole similar weather to yesterday with slightly different results - fewer sightings, more
variety. A very faded but otherwise undamaged Ringlet was a surprising sight and the Painted Lady count has risen to 6 with locations now
suggesting strongly that further migrations are under way. Gatekeeper: 83, Meadow Brown: 35, Green-veined White: 7,
Speckled Wood: 9, Red Admiral: 5, Small Copper: 2, Brown Argus: 7, Purple Hairstreak: 1, Painted
Lady: 6, Large White: 1, Small Heath: 5, Ringlet: 1, Holly Blue: 4, Common Blue: 4, Small
Skipper: 3, Small White: 2, Comma: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 2 Aug |
I saw Painted Ladies at Alexandra Park after an absence. Quite fresh looking, I also saw a few more Common
Blues than of late. Not seen that many Small Coppers this year as yet compared to last year |
Dee Cullen |
| 2 Aug |
In Bushey garden came across Painted Lady x 2, Large White x 3, Small White x 3, Green veined
White x 1. Also Mint moths x 2 & Mother of Pearl x 2 on nettles |
David Gower |
| 2 Aug |
1 Common Plume moth (Emmelina monodactyla) - St Faiths Close, Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 2 Aug |
Greenwood Park butterfly bank, Chiswell Green, much activity in the nettle patch including a Red Admiral laying,
several Small Coppers, Common Blues and Brown Argus, followed by a Painted Lady and a Marbled White.
Thousands of the Kidney Vetch seedlings have now germinated, which should provide a good home for Small Blues in future years.
Close by in the meadow we saw Meadow Brown, Comma, Small Skipper, Gatekeeper and Small White -
Malcolm Hull and Matt Brierley, visiting from BC in Gloucester |
Malcolm Hull |
| 2 Aug |
1 Small Skipper at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ3097) at 1047 hrs, also here 1 Common Carpet. 1 Small
Tortoiseshell at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) at 1109 hrs. 1 Green-veined White, 7 Small White and 2 female
Gatekeeper nectaring on burdock edge of Duncan's Wood, Enfield Chase. 1 Red Admiral nectaring on buddleia at Oakwood
Station at 1436 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 1 Aug |
Hounslow. A sunny start to August with good overall numbers but reduced variety - I thought we were going to miss all four
hibernating species until a Comma landed briefly on my shoulder as I was leaving the heath to return home. This is the full list:
Gatekeeper: 101, Meadow Brown: 70, Speckled Wood: 5, Brown Argus: 18, Red Admiral: 4, Green-veined
White: 3, Small Heath: 8, Common Blue: 5, Small Copper: 6, Holly Blue: 2, Small White: 4, Painted
Lady: 2, Essex Skipper: 1, Comma: 1 and two Jersey Tigers |
Peter Gore |
| 1 Aug |
In Bushey garden this evening were Peacock x 2, Red Admiral x 1. Moths were Mint moth x 1, Mother
of Pearl x 2. This morning a Garden Tiger moth landed on silver birch |
David Gower |
| 1 Aug |
Bengeo garden: Large White, Small White 2, Speckled Wood 5, Meadow Brown 2, Gatekeeper 5,
Silver-washed Fritillary, Red Admiral 5, Painted Lady, Peacock 3, Comma, Purple Hairstreak,
Holly Blue, Hummingbird Hawk-moth, Jersey Tiger 5 & Mother of Pearl 4 |
Simon Knott |
| 1 Aug |
Pelham nature reserve (in Stocking Pelham) (TL456282): Small Skipper 3, Gatekeeper 9, Large White 3,
Green-veined White 2, Peacock 13, Red Admiral 1, Speckled Wood 1, Painted Lady 5, Meadow Brown 4,
Ringlet 4, Holly Blue 1, Common Blue 3, Small Heath 1 |
Andy Brown |
| 1 Aug |
Pymmes Park, Edmonton this morning (1030 - 1140 hrs) - 1 Jersey Tiger, 2 Gatekeeper, 2 Common Blue - male and female, 1
Comma and 1 Meadow Brown. 1 Jersey Tiger at Cedars Court, Edmonton, N9 |
Robert Callf |
| Date |
Description |
Recorder |
| 31 Jul |
At Villiers Road, Bushey (TQ1294) spotted a Garden Tiger moth. Another 2 Gatekeepers in Bushey garden |
David Gower |
| 31 Jul |
Hounslow. Meadow Brown: 61, Speckled Wood: 7, Gatekeeper: 92, Small White: 9, Peacock: 3,
Red Admiral: 5, Brown Argus: 4, Small Heath: 2, Comma: 5, Holly Blue: 3, Common Blue: 1,
Painted Lady: 2, Green-veined White: 4, Small Copper: 3, Small Skipper: 2 and a Jersey Tiger |
Peter Gore |
| 31 Jul |
Attended a morning workshop at the Islington Ecology Centre, Gillespie Park, Arsenal and listened to two interesting
presentations, one from Dr Phil Sterling about reducing the fertility of grass verges by cut and collect method, increasing wildflowers and
thereby reducing the number of grass cuts per year and saving money in the process and another good talk from May Webber presenting on Big
City Butterflies project. After the workshop, attended butterfly walk (worth a visit) and saw Large & Small White
caterpillars on Nasturtium leaves and Small White eggs on Kale. Plenty of butterflies including a Brown Argus, a Small Copper,
3+ male Common Blues, couple of Holly Blues, couple of Meadow Brown, 12+ Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, a
Red Admiral, few Small Whites and a Jersey Tiger |
Paul Busby |
| 31 Jul |
1 or 2 Jersey Tiger at Lakeside, EN2 late morning |
Robert Callf |
| 30 Jul |
Wilstone Reservoir, Tring - 1 Jersey Tiger in the rain |
Bob Harris |
| 30 Jul |
1 Jersey Tiger (yellow form) and 1 Red Admiral at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) |
Robert Callf |
| 30 Jul |
Hounslow. A little early morning sunshine soon gave way to drizzle and then heavier rain so ultimately a slightly shorter
walk. A few butterflies around with the highlight being three Painted Ladies, including two together. After a little while without them
until yesterday it's too early and too few to prove further significant movements but worth noting they're apparently around again:
Meadow Brown: 7, Gatekeeper: 6, Red Admiral: 1, Painted Lady: 3, Speckled Wood: 1, Small White: 1
and a Jersey Tiger |
Peter Gore |
| 30 Jul |
I discovered a Jersey Tiger in my dining room in Ware in the hot weather on 25 July |
David Perman |
| 29 Jul |
I did the annual butterfly count had some surprises in my Stocking Pelham garden: 11 Large Whites, 1 Small
White, 2 Green-veined Whites, 1 Brimstone, 15 Gatekeepers, 10 Meadow Browns, 1 Painted Lady, 4
Red Admirals, 6 Peacocks, 1 Common Blue
and a Silver-washed Fritillary! |
Andy Brown |
| 29 Jul |
A male Clouded Yellow in Southern Country Park, Bishop's Stortford |
Bob Clift |
| 29 Jul |
Whilst working half day, I had a nice morning surprise visitor to a Buddleia bush of a Silver-washed Fritillary and
also a Red Admiral, Holly Blue, Large White, Small White, Peacock plus a few Gatekeepers and
Meadow Browns at the Welsh Harp Environment Centre (TQ 208 872). Great to see a SWF in the London Borough of Brent, one of the inner
London Boroughs of the Big City Butterflies Project.
Earlier saw a Red Admiral and a Gatekeeper close to roadside at
Maylands, Hemel Hempstead (TL079 073).
Mid- afternoon visited a couple of prospective Brown Hairstreak sites but no sightings: Minet
Country Park but did see 3 male Common Blues, a Brown Argus and a Small Copper near the nearly dried up pond
(TQ 109 800). Also visited the Blackthorn hedge line where Brown Hairstreak eggs were found at Brookside, Hayes ( TQ 115 813) but did see 3
Holly Blues, a Peacock, 4+ Small White, 15+ Meadow Brown and 4 + Gatekeeper |
Paul Busby |
| 29 Jul |
1 Small White - Cambridge Road, Letchworth (TL207309). 1 Single-dotted Wave moth (Idaea dimidiata) - St
Faiths Close, Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 29 Jul |
At my Northaw Great Wood transects, I saw my highest recordable number of Purple Hairstreaks so far this year, into
double figures. Gatekeepers were also plentiful. Noticeably fewer of anything else such as Ringlets and Meadow
Browns.
The Purple Hairstreaks were active low down, and on one particular Oak tree were at head height. At first I thought
courtship behaviour was going on, however it seems they were taking sap or other sustenance from the young acorns. Finally I was able to
photograph them! |
Dee Cullen |
| 29 Jul |
Bengeo garden: Brown Argus, Small White, Large White 3, Ringlet, Meadow Brown 5+,
Gatekeeper 15+, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Peacock 3, Jersey Tiger 2 & Mother of Pearl 10 |
Simon Knott |
| 29 Jul |
Hounslow. A morning walk, mostly sunny perhaps a little too early for some: Meadow Brown: 49, Gatekeeper: 84,
Green-veined White: 11, Speckled Wood: 7, Brown Argus: 11, Holly Blue: 1, Small White: 6, Peacock:
6, Painted Lady: 2, Small Tortoiseshell: 1, Small Heath: 2, Common Blue: 3, Large White: 3, Small
Copper: 1, Small Skipper: 1, Red Admiral: 2 and two Jersey Tigers |
Peter Gore |
| 29 Jul |
2 Red Admiral nectaring on buddleia near Oakwood entrance, Trent Park at 0900 hrs, 1 female White-letter
Hairstreak settled on track at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 293 982) at 1253 hrs, also here 1 Red Admiral and 1 Jersey Tiger.
1 male Oak Eggar in flight by lower lake, Trent Park (TQ 290 975) at 1344 hrs, 1 Peacock nectaring on buddleia by Water
Garden, Trent Park at 1359 hrs, 1 Comma edge of Williams Wood, Trent Park at 1408 hrs. 1 Jersey Tiger at Lakeside, EN2.
1 Red Admiral and 1 Small Skipper at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) |
Robert Callf |
| 28 Jul |
1 male Gypsy Moth at ASDA Southgate - my first of the year |
Robert Callf |
| 28 Jul |
Solitary individual Jersey Tiger seen on ivy. Observed for around 10 minutes before it flew off. Location Coots
Corner, Hitchin |
John Horton |
| 28 Jul |
Had two Small Blues and large numbers of Brown Argus in the meadows on outskirts of Butterfly World site in
Chiswell Green this afternoon |
Clive Burrows |
| 28 Jul |
Branch Event
Seven of us gathered at Ruislip Gardens station to
walk the short distance to the Brown Hairstreak site found last year in Ickenham. Everyone accepted that the chances of seeing a Brown
Hairstreak were very slim as not only was it quite cloudy, there was quite a steady breeze! Seeing any butterfly might be a success! First
sightings were of a Speckled Wood by the Yeading Brook and it wasn't long before we disturbed a Gatekeeper. A species that was by far the
numerous butterfly of the day with a rough estimate of perhaps 50+ being seen. A roosting Essex Skipper was identified as well as Cinnabar
moth caterpillars spotted. Once into the main meadow, we walked towards a large ash where our key sightings had been last September and
waited and talked! We did quite a bit of talking as it was really quite cloudy. Brown Argus and Common Blue were seen but suddenly a call
went up that there was a 'hairstreak like' lepidoptera flying around the ash. At this point it must be made clear that there is oak and elm
on the site as well as blackthorn and all could be flying in the same tree! However, a probable sighting was made of a Brown Hairstreak but
we moved on down the hedge line to a point where it was more sheltered and to everyone's amazement Andrew Middleton picked out through his
binoculars a Brown Hairstreak sitting under some ash leaves on a section of a ash tree. With help everyone was able to pick out the
sighting. There was a bit of brightness and a bit more activity but it was hard to tell which were Brown Hairstreaks flying and which were
Purple Hairstreaks. We estimated we had at this point 5 individuals but the time had reached 1 o'clock and most people needed to leave and
we stayed on and looked at more of the site. A further individual was seen on a leaf which was pretty battered and is thought by Andrew to
be a male and the other one a female but we can't be positive - it was a lot harder than we expected. Finally as we walked back to the
entrance, an almost certain Brown Hairstreak was seen nectaring on a white flower head - just as we saw it and could determine the markings
another butterfly chased it off! So in total we probably had 7 individuals. We should also add that the original Brown Hairstreak was still
in the same part of the tree that it was in about 2 hours previous! Another hairstreak was seen to fly into the same area of ash and walk
down towards it only to be identified as Purple!!!!
Butterflies seen during the walk were Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper,
Brown Argus, Common Blue, Meadow Brown, Purple Hairstreak and Brown Hairstreak
as well as Shaded Broad-bar and Six-spot Burnet moths. Additionally a fast flying lepidoptera flying along the hedge line on
several occasions is believed to be a Gypsy Moth. After 1 and in greater brightness, the Common Blue and Brown Argus became quite numerous
and additionally, Small Copper, Small Heath, Large White, Small White, Large Skipper, Red
Admiral, and Comma were seen as well as un-identified Small/Essex Skippers.
An amazing day considering the forecast
which most people on the walk were thrilled to say they had seen a Middlesex Brown Hairstreak! |
Liz Goodyear
Andrew Middleton |
| 28 Jul |
Hounslow. Despite cloud today's was an afternoon walk with good numbers flying although our Peacocks have mostly disappeared
somewhere and were outnumbered by both Red Admiral and Comma. One Jersey Tiger was seen, conspicuous as it flew near the top of a Pevensey
Hawthorn and still easily seen when it settled on Ivy 12-15ft. up (confirmed via binoculars subsequently). This is the full list: Large
White: 2, Meadow Brown: 81, Gatekeeper: 105, Green-veined White: 5, Brown Argus: 12, Speckled Wood:
4, Small White: 9, Red Admiral: 6, Holly Blue: 2, Small Skipper: 3, Common Blue: 5, Small Heath:
3, Comma: 7, Small Copper: 3, Peacock: 3 and one Jersey Tiger |
Peter Gore |
| 27 Jul |
St Albans Shed - Hot weather this week appears to have accelerated the flow of butterflies going into hibernation. In the
last week the number of hibernating Small Tortoiseshells has increased from 7 to 19. Peacock numbers have risen from 0 to 10,
which is an all time record for this shed. This confirms the impression that Peacock is having a very good year, but expect to see less on
the wing from now onwards! |
Malcolm Hull |
| 27 Jul |
Hounslow. Although I managed to avoid significant rain and covered the whole area, if not the complete current walk, few
butterflies were seen; this being the result: Gatekeeper: 4, Green-veined White: 2, Holly Blue: 1, Small White:
1, Meadow Brown: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 27 Jul |
Branch Event (Festival of Wildlife)
Panshanger Park near Welwyn Garden City - Liz
Goodyear and I took the branch information stall to the Herts and Middx Wildlife Trust Festival of Wildlife to promote Big Butterfly Count.
The morning butterfly walk was washed out, but four people showed up for the afternoon walk and we set off despite the gloom. The first
butterfly was a Meadow Brown, roosting on the underside of a tent roof, alongside a Black-tailed Skimmer dragonfly. Liz then
found a 6-spot Burnet moth, incapacitated with a badly damaged wing. Many Grass-veneer moths and Common Blue Damselflies were
seen round the pond, together with 2 more Meadow Browns and 2 Gatekeepers. We saw a Kingfisher and a Blue Tit being ringed,
a young frog, Coots, Common Darters and bumped into Simon Knott, who reeled off the names of 30 insect species nectaring on a single
Angelica. Why not JOIN US tomorrow from 10am to enjoy the event and hear Roger Gibbons' butterfly talk at 3.30 pm
|
Malcolm Hull |
| 27 Jul |
1 Brown Argus and 1 Marbled White at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097), also here 1 Jersey Tiger - my
first of the year |
Robert Callf |
| 26 Jul |
Branch Event
Here is a summary of the butterflies and moths seen
at Hexton on our guided walk, I have included approx numbers; Chalkhill Blue - good numbers of male (30+) and at least 6 females
seen, Common Blue - very few, Brown Argus, Dark Green Fritillary - at least 5, Gatekeeper - good numbers,
Ringlet - good numbers, Meadow Brown - good numbers, Marbled White, Small Skipper, Brimstone (male),
Small White, Green-veined White, Comma. 5-spot Burnet 6+, Nemophora metallica - 2 |
Jenny Sherwen |
| 26 Jul |
Hounslow. A carefully planned walk that nevertheless failed to avoid unscheduled afternoon rain, the butterflies were
surprisingly numerous in the circumstances but yesterday's Purple Hairstreaks must have retreated back to their Oaks, only one seen flying
in that area today. No Jersey Tigers either although two right outside my front door yesterday evening surprised me again. I'd like to
think it's the delights of my hanging basket that appeals here but suspect it's really more to with the shade of the porch. I'm intrigued
as to where exactly they started life though. Today's butterflies: Gatekeeper: 101, Purple Hairstreak: 2, Meadow Brown:
70, Green-veined White: 4, Small White: 9, Peacock: 6, Ringlet: 1, Comma: 2, Brown Argus: 6,
Common Blue: 3, Holly Blue: 2, Speckled Wood: 4, Red Admiral: 1, Painted Lady: 1, Small Skipper:
1, Small Copper: 3 |
Peter Gore |
| 26 Jul |
1 Marbled White at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 2997). 1 Red Admiral at sap-run on oak trunk near Oakwood
entrance, Trent Park 15:20 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 25 Jul |
In sweltering heat in my mother's garden in King's Langley I saw amongst the freshly emerged Peacocks, the
Meadow Browns, Ringlets, Gatekeepers and Small Whites - a male Silver-washed Fritillary on one of her
Buddleia bushes. It stayed around long enough for me to positively identify it. I was surprised to see this butterfly in King's Langley as
we have never recoded this species from the garden. The nearest colony is Bricket Wood near Watford - 5 miles away |
David Chandler |
| 25 Jul |
In Bushey garden were Small White x 7, Peacock x 1, Brimstone x 1, Gatekeeper x 2. Moths seen
Yellow Shell x 2, Least Carpet x 1 |
David Gower |
| 25 Jul |
East Hyde - 1 Purple Emperor flitting around me, then to nearest oak tree at TL13111691 |
Darin Stanley |
| 25 Jul |
Came across 2 Purple Hairstreaks just before midday low down in The Firs, Knebworth Woods: one in the shade about 8
feet up and the other sunbathing on a bramble leaf close to the ground |
Peter Clarke |
| 25 Jul |
Hounslow. Finished the walk not long after midday with the highlight coming around noon as I was leaving the Heath. I
spotted a Purple Hairstreak as it flew across my path and seeking confirmation of its identity was able to see it land on a Bramble leaf.
A second was a few inches away on another leaf and on scrutinising the waist-high Bramble patch I found at least a dozen all at rest, wings
closed on individual leaves away from the sun - indeed I can only think of this as shade bathing; life in the Oak canopy above them does
look likely to be unpleasantly overheated at the moment. As ever I'm left wondering just how many Purple Hairstreaks there really are up
there. Jersey Tiger sightings increased to 4, as usual well spread out and liable to appear anywhere where there's some cover to retreat
into. Speckled Wood: 9, Peacock: 18, Gatekeeper: 126, Meadow Brown: 85, Small Skipper: 2, Green-veined
White: 4, Purple Hairstreak: 16, Comma: 1, Red Admiral: 6, Small White: 11, Ringlet: 2, Large
White: 3, Holly Blue: 3, Small Copper: 2, Brown Argus: 9, Small Heath: 4, Common Blue: 3
Brimstone: 1 and four Jersey Tigers |
Peter Gore |
| 24 Jul |
Seen in Bushey garden were Gatekeeper x 3, Large White x 1, Red Admiral x 1, Small White x 1,
Holly Blue x 1 |
David Gower |
| 24 Jul |
Hounslow. Despite starting early in the morning, still exhausting in the heat and sun. Two of the Brimstones were females
for a change. Two Jersey Tigers, the first could well have been yesterday's having crossed the river to the Hounslow side, the second, much
later, greeted me from somewhere in the vicinity of my front door-mat as I returned home : Speckled Wood: 8, Meadow Brown:
74, Gatekeeper: 124, Peacock: 29, Red Admiral: 5, Purple Hairstreak: 1, Green-veined White: 3 Small
White: 7, Comma: 2, Brown Argus: 12, Common Blue: 4, Small Heath: 2, Small Copper: 5,
Brimstone: 3, Ringlet: 4, Holly Blue: 1 and two Jersey Tigers |
Peter Gore |
| 24 Jul |
A male Brimstone in flight at the south entrance to Weston Tunnels on the A1(M) near Letchworth this morning (TL 23
30) |
Colin Everett |
| 24 Jul |
Bricket Wood Common (10:30-13:00). Hampered somewhat by a work party carrying out vegetation clearance and walkway repairs.
4m3f Silver-washed Fritillary, 2 Purple Hairstreak, 5 Marbled White, 2 Small Skipper, 2 Large Skipper,
5 Peacock, 4 Brimstone, 3 Speckled Wood, 2 Ringlet, 25+ Gatekeeper, 10 Meadow Brown, 8 Large
White and several Small/Green-veined Whites |
Bob Harris |
| 24 Jul |
Female Purple Emperor feeding from sap run in crevices of an Oak trunk near Oakwood entrance, Trent Park (TQ 292 961)
between 13:43 - 13:45 hrs - yellow proboscis clearly visible, also nearby Comma, Peacock and Ringlet. 1 Red
Admiral at Bramley Parade, N14 and 1 Comma at Southgate Chase Allotments |
Robert Callf
Bob Husband |
| 23 Jul |
Visited my St Albans allotment this evening and saw butterflies still active in the shade well after 8pm. Peacocks,
Small Tortoiseshells, Gatekeepers and a few Whites were all in flight and some nectaring. During the heat of the day, I found
more butterflies in the shade than the sun. I guess in this weather they need to avoid over heating just like us. Also spotted, the first
two Peacocks entering hibernation in my shed |
Malcolm Hull |
| 23 Jul |
Several Gatekeeper at Pymmes Park, Edmonton and a female Silver-washed Fritillary found dead on pavement at
Church Street, Edmonton (TQ 335 938) - I think these butterflies are prone to wander in hot weather |
Robert Callf |
| 23 Jul |
Early morning wander around Watery Grove/Cannocks Wood. 10+ Purple Hairstreaks, mostly along edge of Cannocks Wood
just beyond Norton Green Common. Mostly nicely low down although worn. 2 Brown Argus just inside Cannocks Wood near wooden gate at
end of Norton Green Common |
Tom Speller |
| 23 Jul |
In Bushey garden were Large White x 1, Small White x 4, Gatekeeper x 3, Speckled Wood x 1,
Peacock x 1. Spent half an hour at Fishers field nature reserve from 7.30 pm seeing Gatekeeper x 8, Speckled Wood x 1,
Small White x 1, Purple Hairstreak x 2 |
David Gower |
| 23 Jul |
Fishers Field NR (10:45-12:00) - 50+ Gatekeeper, 15 Meadow Brown, 2 Purple Hairstreak, 4 Comma,
3 Red Admiral, 3 Brimstone, 2 Speckled Wood and numerous various Whites |
Bob Harris |
| 23 Jul |
1 Cinnabar moth caterpillar, 3 Ringlet, many Gatekeeper, many Meadow Brown, 1 Green-veined
White, 1 Large White, 1 Marbled White - Norton Common east, Letchworth (TL2233) |
David Inward |
| 23 Jul |
Aldbury Nowers - In and around the HMWT reserve: 41 Peacock, 30 Brimstone, 5 Silver-washed Fritillary,
8 Chalkhill Blue, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Dark Green Fritillary, 2 Red Admiral, 6 Brown Argus, 2 Small
Tortoiseshell, 11 Small Heath, 27 Marbled White, 2 Speckled Wood, 2 Ringlet, plus a full cast of Skippers,
Browns and whites and 6-spot Burnet moth |
Malcolm Hull |
| 23 Jul |
Hounslow. Common Blue and Brown Argus numbers appear to be growing as others decline. Our first Jersey Tiger of the
year on the Richmond side of the River Crane. Gatekeeper: 96, Speckled Wood: 14, Meadow Brown: 90, Small White:
7, Red Admiral: 5, Purple Hairstreak: 1, Peacock: 23, Comma: 3, Holly Blue: 4, Green-veined White:
5, Large White: 2, Small Copper: 5, Small Heath: 4, Common Blue: 7, Brown Argus: 9, Ringlet: 6,
Brimstone: 1, Small Skipper: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 23 Jul |
A walk this morning along the hedgerow running along the southwestern boundary of Verulamium Park/King Harry Lane, St.
Albans yielded 3 sightings of a pristine White-letter Hairstreak, possibly the same individual, nectaring on thistles, but I could
find none in the elms between 10.30 and 12.00. Also present were numerous Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper, 1 Peacock, 1
Small Copper, 2 Small Skipper, I Brown Argus and several Small and Green-veined Whites |
Peter Waldron |
| 22 Jul |
A 2 hour walk at Nomansland Common in the woodland/grassland/heather heathland area east of West End Farm produced 3
Purple Hairstreaks, 6+ Brown Argus, 4 Common Blue, numerous Small Skipper types, including at least 2 Essex
Skipper, a few Small Heath, 3+ Brimstone, 2 Commas, numerous Gatekeepers and Meadow Browns,
considerably reduced numbers of Marbled White since my last visit on 3rd July, and 4 sightings of Small Copper, including a
battling pair |
Peter Waldron |
| 22 Jul |
White-letter Hairstreak seen on Buddleia tree in Welwyn Garden City garden for a few minutes 4:14pm |
Kevin Hornby |
| 23 Jul |
First 2 fresh Jersey Tigers seen this year, one on 20 July, Bridgwater Fields,
Ruislip Gardens (TQ103858); the second on 21 July on Lake Farm transect, Hayes, Middlesex |
Paul Busby |
| 22 Jul |
Arriving on Hampstead Heath at 13:00 I didn't have long to wait for the show to begin as the first of three clashes between
two Purple Emperors took place fifteen minutes later, then again at 14:45 and 15:40. A lot of watching and waiting in between but
hardly a privation and one Purple Emperor was visible on and off throughout the afternoon until I left at 16:45, either perched or in
flight |
Frank Nugent |
| 22 Jul |
Hounslow. A too warm sunny afternoon. A dozen or more Cinnabar caterpillars growing rapidly in my garden, the
following butterflies somewhat further afield: Red Admiral: 8, Small White: 6, Holly Blue: 4, Speckled
Wood: 10, Green-veined White: 4, Meadow Brown: 74, Gatekeeper: 110, Large White: 1, Peacock:
18, Purple Hairstreak: 1, Comma: 7, Small Skipper: 1, Ringlet: 2, Small Copper: 6, Small
Heath: 2, Brown Argus: 6, Marbled White: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 22 Jul |
Branch Event
An impressive 18 people attended this
morning's branch event on Therfield Heath, having come from far and wide (including John and Marion from the East Midlands). We headed
off towards the Old Rifle Range and it wasn't long before we saw our first male Chalkhill Blues. Indeed, it soon became clear,
as the day got hotter, that my initial concern over numbers of Chalkhills this year had been perhaps unwarranted - we saw well over
100 males on the wing during our two hour walk, and some people also saw one or two females. At one point we spotted up to nine
Chalkhills on some recently deposited dog poo - it's not just Purple Emperors that take advantage of this otherwise unwanted mess!
Other highlights included several Dark Green Fritillaries, one or two of which actually settled for long enough to be
photographed, a handful of Marbled Whites, Small and Essex Skippers and at least three newly hatched Common
Blues. We saw a handful of Six-spotted Burnet Moths, some Cinnabar Moth caterpillars on Ragwort and a Common Lizard.
The full list of species seen on the walk (20 in total) is: Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Large Skipper,
Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Brown Argus, Common Blue,
Chalkhill Blue, Red Admiral, Peacock, Painted Lady, Comma, Dark Green Fritillary, Marbled
White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Small Heath and Ringlet. I heard somebody mention Small Tortoiseshell
as well, although I'm not sure whether this was seen..... |
Martin Johnson |
| 22 Jul |
Therfield Heath - After this morning's branch butterfly walk with Martin Johnson, I stayed on the Heath to visit
Church Hill. The windy conditions on the hill probably limited the number of sightings, but there were still many! My personal
totals for the day - Chalkhill Blue 368, Dark Green Fritillary 30, Brown Argus 4, Common Blue 2, Small
Heath 1, Brimstone 1, Painted Lady 1, Peacock 8, Red Admiral 2, Comma 1, Small
Tortoiseshell 1, Ringlet 1, Large Skipper 2, Small Skipper 1, Essex Skipper 1, Small/Essex
Skipper 7, Marbled White 19, Gatekeeper 102, Meadow Brown 37, Large White 4, Small/Green-veined
White 65. Several adult 6-spot Burnet moths and Cinnabar caterpillars were also spotted. A great day out at one of
Herts best butterfly sites |
Malcolm Hull |
| 22 Jul |
Bengeo garden: White-lettered Hairstreak (1st garden record), Essex Skipper, Small White,
Large White, Green-veined White 3, Speckled Wood 4, Ringlet 5+, Meadow Brown 10+, Gatekeeper
10+, Red Admiral 2, Peacock 9, Comma, Box-tree Moth, Mother of Pearl 6, Rosy Tabby,
Small Purple and Gold & Yellow Shell 2 |
Simon Knott |
| 22 Jul |
On Stevenage transect I counted 13 Peacock and 11 Comma mostly feeding on brambles - unusual to find as
many Peacocks here in high summer and for Comma at any time of the year. First Brown Argus (2) of the second generation
including ab. snelliini |
Peter Clarke |
| 22 Jul |
1 Comma nectaring on thistle near Icehouse Wood at 10:28 hrs, 1 Holly Blue E edge of Icehouse Wood,
Trent Park at 10:30 hrs, 2 Peacock and 1 Comma edge of Moat Wood, Trent Park, 1 Red Admiral at Park Farm,
Enfield (TQ 2998), 2 Peacock at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) |
Robert Callf |
| 22 Jul |
Unusual examples of Comma and Essex Skipper in Bishop's Stortford Southern Country Park on 15 July. Photos on the right hand panel. Note the white spots on the Comma. Unsure if this is an
aberration as such. Does anyone have any ideas? Peter C |
Bob Clift |
| 21 Jul |
I saw a Purple Emperor gliding over Norton Green Common at 1.37, about half way down from the info board, as you
head south, just past the twin-telegraph poles. It drifted from east to west, over a Hornbeam and out of sight |
Don Gregory |
| 21 Jul |
Bengeo garden: Large White, Green-veined White 3, Speckled Wood 3, Ringlet 5+, Meadow
Brown 10+, Gatekeeper 10+, Red Admiral, Peacock 7, Comma, Jersey Tiger, Box-tree Moth 2,
Common Purple & Gold, Mother of Pearl 3, Rosy Tabby & Yellow Shell |
Simon Knott |
| 21 Jul |
1 Common Wave (Cabera exanthemata) moth - St Faiths Close, Hitchin. 1 Meadow Brown - Walsworth Common,
Hitchin (TL192303). 3 Speckled Wood - path by railway, Walsworth Common, Hitchin (TL192304) |
David Inward |
| 21 Jul |
Nicky line, Harpenden - guided walk led by Roger from the Friends of the Nicky line - Peacock, Red Admiral,
Comma, Large, Small and Essex Skipper, Large, Small and Green-veined White, Meadow
Brown, Gatekeeper, Marbled White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, 6-Spot Burnet, Shaded Broad-bar
and Cinnabar caterpillars.
Roger showed us where the Friends had created scallops alongside the disused railway and seeded
with Yellow Rattle to deter the grass. These areas were full of flowers and butterflies, despite the cloudy weather |
Malcolm Hull |
| 21 Jul |
Hounslow. Mostly cloudy conditions on a morning/early afternoon shortened walk: Gatekeeper: 71, Peacock:
35, Green-veined White: 7, Speckled Wood: 5, Meadow Brown: 41, Small White: 10, Small Copper: 2,
Red Admiral: 2, Holly Blue: 1, Common Blue: 1, Ringlet: 1, Small Heath: 1, Brown Argus: 2 |
Peter Gore |
| 21 Jul |
1 Red Admiral, 1 Peacock, 1 female Large White nectaring on buddleia near Oakwood entrance, Trent
Park 12:05 - 12:10 hrs, also here 2 V. zonaria |
Robert Callf |
| 20 Jul |
Bowers Heath by Harpenden. Finally, after numerous attempts at the Heath, eventually found a Purple Emperor
flying about the oak trees just south of common lane. Also 2 White-letter Hairstreaks north of common lane. 1 male
Silver-washed Fritillary, a male Oak Egger east of Bower Heath lane |
Darin Stanley |
| 20 Jul |
During a half hour visit to our allotment on Dark Lane, Cheshunt this morning to pick some lettuce and tie up the
tomatoes, I saw one Comma, one Ringlet, two Gatekeepers and several Small Whites. Nice to see these flying
between the morning showers |
Roger Newbold |
| 20 Jul |
Hounslow. After overnight and morning rain the river was high and yesterday's empty ponds re-filled for now. In the
intermittent sunshine butterflies were out in good numbers but with a definite late summer feeling around: Gatekeeper: 86,
Meadow Brown: 59, Speckled Wood: 10, Green-veined White: 3, Red Admiral: 6, Peacock: 37, Holly
Blue: 2, Large White: 3, Small White: 11, Brown Argus: 5, Small Skipper: 4, Small Heath: 2,
Comma: 2, Small Copper: 1, Essex Skipper: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 20 Jul |
1 Shuttle-shaped Dart Moth (Agrotis puta) and 1 Meadow Brown - St Faiths Close, Hitchin. 1
Comma - Walsworth Commmon, Hitchin (TL196302) |
David Inward |
| 20 Jul |
Branch Event
Greenwood Park, Chiswell Green near St Albans
- 7 new members attended our annual new members day. John Murray and Andrew Wood showed the contents of their moth traps, with a fine
array of species on show (list to follow). Ian Small provided an introduction to the branch, Liz Goodyear gave tips on species
identification and butterfly gardening, Andrew Wood provided a handy guide to butterfly recording and Malcolm Hull gave information on
how to get involved with branch activities.
The afternoon butterfly walk visited the wildflower meadow and the recently constructed
butterfly bank. Species recorded included Red Admiral, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell (caterpillar stage only),
Peacock, Brown Argus, Small Copper, Large, Small and Essex Skippers, Large and Small
Whites, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Ringlet, Holly Blue, 6-spot Burnet moth
and Cinnabar (caterpillars). We were pleased to see hundreds of Kidney Vetch seedlings growing on the butterfly bank. The
Birdsfoot Trefoil plants have been chewed by rabbits, but are regenerating from the existing rootballs |
Malcolm Hull
Liz Goodyear
Andrew Wood
Ian Small |
| 20 Jul |
I had my first Gatekeeper of the year on 24 June at Anthill Meadow,
Alexandra Park |
Bob Watts |
| 20 Jul |
3 Peacock and 1 Red Admiral at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998), 1 Peacock and 1 Shaded
Broad-bar (my first of the year) settled at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998), 1 Peacock at Vicarage Farm, Enfield
(TQ 3097). 1 Comma at Boxer's Lake, Enfield at 13:41 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 19 Jul |
This morning, I saw a Jersey Tiger shortly after leaving Boston Manor tube station |
Michael Robinson |
| 19 Jul |
St Albans Shed - 7 Small Tortoiseshells now hibernating in my shed up from 2 last week. Last year I had a total
of 13 Small Tortoiseshells hibernating in the shed. On that basis, 50% of the population have already entered hibernation before
the Big Butterfly Count has begun. This may explain the disappointingly low numbers of this species recorded on the Count |
Malcolm Hull |
| 18 Jul |
Hounslow. After morning rain this was an afternoon walk: Gatekeeper: 97, Meadow Brown: 66, Peacock
: 23, Speckled Wood: 11, Holly Blue: 2 Green-veined White: 7, Small White: 14, Ringlet: 5,
Purple Hairstreak: 2, Small Heath: 5, Brown Argus: 2, Small Skipper: 5, Comma: 8, Marbled
White: 2, Red Admiral: 1, Essex Skipper: 2, Common Blue: 1, Small Copper: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 18 Jul |
Town Park, Enfield (13:55 - 14:25 hrs) - 3 Gatekeeper and 1 male Small Skipper (remarkably fresh compared
with others recently). A few large Cinnabar larvae on ragwort at Town Park, Enfield this afternoon |
Robert Callf |
| 17 Jul |
Visited Merryhill fields, Bushey late afternoon despite very little sun. Recorded Gatekeeper x 179, Meadow
Brown x 49, Marbled White x 5, Ringlet x 26, Comma x 1, Speckled Wood x 2, Small White x 1,
Purple Hairstreak x 1. Moths were Mother of Pearl x 3, Small Scallop x 1, Shaded broad-bar x 15, Yellow
Shell x 19 |
David Gower |
| 17 Jul |
Symondshyde Great Wood. 19 Silver-washed Fritillary counted along full length of sunny glade this afternoon.
Many more than on my last visit two weeks ago. Many Ringlets and also Comma 6, Peacock 3, Red Admiral 2,
Brimstone 3, Small Skipper 4, Gatekeeper |
Trevor Chapman |
| 17 Jul |
Hounslow. Gatekeeper: 104, Small White: 27, Meadow Brown: 81, Essex Skipper: 1,
Ringlet: 6, Speckled Wood: 11, Peacock: 36, Holly Blue: 1, Purple Hairstreak: 1, Green-veined
White: 5, Red Admiral: 5, Comma: 6, Brown Argus: 3, Marbled White: 3, Small Skipper: 5,
Small Heath: 5, Large White: 2, Large Skipper: 1, Common Blue: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 17 Jul |
I had a walk through Hertford Heath (on the Goldington side of the road and saw the following: Speckled Wood 11,
Large White 6, Green-veined White 4, Meadow Brown 10, Purple Hairstreak 6, Gatekeeper 6,
Ringlet 5, Small Skipper 1, Large Skipper 1.
I then had an extended walk around Balls Wood: Comma 5,
Skippers (large and small) 30, Gatekeeper 43, Ringlet 100+, Large White 18, Green-veined White 7,
Meadow Brown 11, Peacock 47, Speckled Wood 11, Silver-washed Fritillary 6, White Admiral 2,
Marbled White 6.
The Balls Wood figures this includes number from the new southern ride that was created the other year:
Ringlet 15, Gatekeeper 8, Meadow Brown 3, Large White 2, Peaock 1 |
Andy Brown |
| 17 Jul |
St Albans - Verulamium Park/King Harry Lane - 2 White-letter Hairstreaks, including one down low nectaring on
Cow Parsley. Fresh emergences of Peacock, Brown Argus and Small Copper also noted. All the usual browns and
whites, plus good numbers of Small Tortoiseshell plus Red Admiral, Comma and at least 16 Small/Essex
Skippers.
Nomansland Common - my first Silver-washed Fritillary at this site. Two sightings of Purple Emperor
flying along the top of the oak canopy at the high point - a meagre result from 3 hours. Since the species colonised this area a few
years back, numbers spotted at this site and the adjoining Heartwood Forest have been comparable until this year. The rapid expansion
of the Heartwood Purple Emperor numbers is probably linked to the abundance of Sallow on that site, there is very little at
Nomansland. 6 Peacocks, 17 Purple Hairstreaks, 1 Small Heath, 6 Small Copper, 2 Red Admiral, 3
Comma, 1 Brown Argus, the usual Browns and whites, 36 Small/Essex Skippers, with positive ID for both. Good to
see the site management works we agreed last year with CMS and Herts Moth Group have been implemented, with scrub encroaching on the
heather area removed and a new clearing created in a dark part of the wood |
Malcolm Hull |
| 17 Jul |
4 Peacock at Trent Park. 1 male Common Blue, 1 Brown Argus and 1 Small Copper at Vicarage
Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) at 10:40 hrs, also here 1 Peacock, 2 Small Skipper and 1 Essex Skipper. Trent Park 'New
Fields' (12:10 - 12:50 hrs) - 1 male Brimstone, 1 Essex Skipper, 2 Small Skipper, 5+ Six-spot Burnet, 2
Purple Hairstreak, 1 Small Copper Sect 5, 2 Peacock nectaring on thistles Sect 5 at 12:37 hrs and 1
Comma. 2 Box-tree Moth (1 Oakwood Station, 1 ASDA Southgate), 1 Peacock nectaring on thistles near Snakes Lane,
Trent Park - making a total of 7 for Trent Park for this date, 1 Peacock at Oakwood Station at 14:17 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 17 Jul |
Some activity in our Bushey garden seeing Gatekeeper x 1, Comma x 1, Small White x 1,
Peacock x 1, Small Tortoiseshell x 1 |
David Gower |
| 16 Jul |
Bushey. Mead Way: Gatekeeper 3. Highwood Primary School: Meadow Brown 2, Small Skipper 1. Finch Lane
allotments: Gatekeeper 10, Speckled Wood 1, Ringlet 1, Large White 2 |
Rebecca Palmer |
| 16 Jul |
Box Tree moth invasion in St Albans - saw my first ever here two days ago, two in my garden this evening and now
one in my kitchen. Been dreading this for a while, working on a plan to persuade my neighbours not to spray all their hedges. I'm
worried spraying could have a major harmful impact on butterflies in my garden |
Malcolm Hull |
| 16 Jul |
Purple Emperor and Silver-washed Fritillary at Patmore Heath |
Gavin Vicary |
| 16 Jul |
Hounslow. Warm and Sunny from mid morning to early evening. No new species spotted but the first time we've had 20
species on a single walk here this year: Gatekeeper: 100, Meadow Brown: 112, Speckled Wood: 14, Small
Skipper: 5, Red Admiral: 4, Peacock: 31, Purple Hairstreak: 1, Small Tortoiseshell: 1, Holly
Blue: 7, Comma: 4, Green-veined White: 2, Small White: 18, Large White: 1, Brimstone: 2,
Brown Argus: 6, Small Heath: 3, Marbled White: 3, Ringlet: 4, Common Blue: 1, Small Copper:
3 |
Peter Gore |
| 16 Jul |
Purple Emperor in conservatory at Westmill |
Mike Harding |
| 16 Jul |
Bengeo garden: Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood 2,
Ringlet 5+, Meadow Brown 10+, Gatekeeper 10+, Marbled White, Red Admiral, Peacock 5,
Comma 3, Mother of Pearl & Box-tree Moth 3 |
Simon Knott |
| 16 Jul |
1 Peacock nectaring on buddleia at Water Garden, Trent Park at 08:52 hrs, 2 Purple Hairstreak at Trent
Park (1 near Water Garden, 1 edge of Rough Lot), 2 Peacock at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998), 1 Small Tortoiseshell
nectaring on Bramble blossom at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) at 10:04 hrs, also here 3 Purple Hairstreak at 10:07 hrs, 1
Peacock nectaring on thistles at Parkside Farm,, Enfield (TQ 2998) at 10:25 hrs. 1 Painted Lady at Park Farm, Enfield
this morning - very worn & tatty |
Robert Callf |
| 15 Jul |
It turned out warm at lunchtime so I decided last minute to do my transects and WCBS at Great Northaw Wood. I was
rewarded with sightings of several Silver-washed Fritillaries and finally got one to settle. I'm on the lookout for Dark Green
Fritillaries there as the warden reckons she has seen them. The Ringlets and Meadow Browns are still in high numbers.
There were more Purple Hairstreaks visible lower down. The Commas are also becoming regular again |
Dee Cullen |
| 15 Jul |
I spent the afternoon at Hampstead Heath. The Purple Emperor duly appeared just after 13:00 and was seldom out
of view for long after that, either perched or making a short or longer flight. At 16:15 and with the sun now fully out he became
galvanised and a flurry of activity ensued. A second Purple Emperor suddenly appeared and a terrific clash and chase followed, with
two minor ones thereafter. A couple of Red Admiral had been about earlier, avoiding the Emperor's attentions but now one of
them began to seriously irritate the him and I watched as it was pursued furiously a number of times. Finally a particularly annoying
Purple Hairstreak became locked in an in an interminable contest with our hero. Things wound down at 16:45 |
Frank Nugent |
| 15 Jul |
Pinner garden: Small Tortoiseshell nectaring on marjoram. Gatekeeper also on Marjoram & Peacock
in classic pose on Buddleia plus assorted whites in flight |
Tony & Gill Porter |
| 15 Jul |
Hounslow. A day which turned out sunnier than forecast, plenty of butterflies around to take advantage of the
conditions: Red Admiral: 9, Meadow Brown: 87, Peacock: 38, Speckled Wood: 10, Gatekeeper: 74,
Purple Hairstreak: 6, Green-veined White: 6, Ringlet: 14, Small White: 19, Comma: 7, Small
Skipper: 8, Brown Argus: 4, Holly Blue: 4, Common Blue: 1, Small Tortoiseshell: 1, Essex
Skipper: 2, Small Copper: 2, Marbled White: 2 |
Peter Gore |
| 15 Jul |
Good species count in Bengeo garden: Smaller Skipper, Essex Skipper, Green-veined White 2,
Speckled Wood 2, Ringlet 5+, Meadow Brown 10+, Gatekeeper 5+, Marbled White, Red Admiral 2,
Peacock 3, Small Purple & Gold, Mother of Pearl, Small Magpie & Box-tree Moth |
Simon Knott |
| 15 Jul |
Quick mid morning stop at A41 approach road to hotel at Bourne End (TL018046) and saw 4 Marbled Whites, a
confirmed Essex and a Small Skipper, couple of Meadow Browns, a Gatekeeper and a Small White, as
well as a few Shaded Broad-bar moths |
Paul Busby |
| 15 Jul |
Purple Emperor in Essendon garden on 10 July |
Penny Figgis |
| 15 Jul |
1 Red Admiral at Duncan's Wood, Enfield Chase at 09:30 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 14 Jul |
In Town Park, Enfield (13:40 - 14:15 hrs) - 1 Comma, 2 Gatekeeper, 1 Marbled White,
Green-veined White, Small White and Silver-washed Fritillary - my first for this site (TQ 325 960). 1 Small
Magpie at ASDA Southgate |
Robert Callf |
| 14 Jul |
Hounslow. An afternoon walk after early rain. Sightings declined in the early evening but still high overall: Holly
Blue: 2, Small White: 8, Ringlet: 10, Meadow Brown: 96, Comma: 7, Peacock: 33, Large
Skipper: 4, Red Admiral: 6, Green-veined White: 2, Speckled Wood: 5, Gatekeeper: 55, Essex
Skipper: 3, Painted Lady: 2, Small Skipper: 20, Brown Argus: 2, Brimstone: 1, Marbled White: 2,
Purple Hairstreak: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 14 Jul |
During a brief break in the cloud at 11.30am we had multiple sightings of at least two very lively Purple Emperors
(one definitely a male) flying around an oak at the eastern tip of Pudler's Wood in Heartwood Forest |
Alan Jackson |
| 13 Jul |
Branch Event
Heartwood Forest, near St Albans - Our moth
trap event with the Woodland Trust was a great success, with 5 traps, 16 people attending and many thousands of moths trapped. John
Murray has enlisted the help of Mark Sterling, who contributed two extra generators and considerable expertise to a highly enjoyable
evening. Oak Eggar was the first substantial moth in the trap, with both males and a female seen during the evening. Thousands
of micros including many grass veneer appeared along with more exotic large Elephant Hawk-moths, Drinker moths, Black
Arches, Swallow-tailed, Brimstone, Ruby Tiger, Peach Blossom and many more -
full list
here
Even a Meadow Brown butterfly got in on the act. As we moved from trap to trap, we noticed differences in the
range of species in the meadow and by the wood edge. Best results were from the traps most sheltered from the stiff breeze, though all
yielded good results. Taking the traps down at around 1am, the air was thick with moths adding to many hundreds perched in and around
the traps and sheets. A memorable evening, particularly special because of John's and Mark's amazing knowledge of all the names,
including micros |
Malcolm Hull |
| 13 Jul |
Heartwood Forest, near St Albans - Inspired by yesterday's sightings of Purple Emperor by Andrew Steele and Mark
Sterling, I headed up to Wells/Pudler's Wood at Heartwood. I didn't get home from last nights branch moth trap (see separate report)
at the same location until 2am, so only arrived about 1pm. In three hours I had a total of 26 Purple Emperor sightings and from
their behaviour I estimate there were at least 6 different individuals, quite likely more. Behaviours seen included males cruising
round two different high points in the canopy, very rapid flight of a male apparently fleeing a clash, nectaring on lime tree blossom
and flying into Sallows in The Magical Wood. Never seen so many before in Herts. It's only 3 years since David Hunt's first sighting
at this site and more evidence that rewilding projects like Heartwood can create ideal habitat for this species.
Oak Eggar
was much in evidence, zooming around at high speed, one even crashed into my face at full speed. Like me the Oak Eggars had been at
the moth trap the night before, maybe the bright lights had affected its vision? Other species recorded on this trip included
Burnet Companion, Both Narrow-bordered Five-spot & Six-spot Burnet, Cinnabar, Red Admiral,
Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Purple Hairstreak, Ringlet, Marbled White, Gatekeeper,
Meadow Brown, Large, Small & Green-veined Whites, Large, Small & Essex Skippers |
Malcolm Hull |
| 13 Jul |
My son and I were thrilled to see our first Comma at Finch Lane Allotments, Bushey. Also seen here: 6
Gatekeeper, 3 Meadow Brown and a Dark Arches moth |
Rebecca Palmer |
| 13 Jul |
At Drop Lane, Bricket Wood this morning: Essex Skipper x 4, Small Skipper x 4, Marbled White x 1,
Gatekeeper x 1. Onto Bricket Wood Common seeing Meadow Brown x 41, Ringlet x 52, White Admiral x 1,
Brimstone x 1, Gatekeeper x 7, Marbled White x 25, Small Skipper x 3, Silver-washed Fritillary
x 2, Small Heath x 1, Small White x 1, Purple Hairstreak x 9, a lot of activity low down on ferns. No Purple
Emperors |
David Gower |
| 13 Jul |
Hounslow. I started out early this morning to catch the sun but in truth it felt as though butterflies were determined
to fly regardless of cloudy conditions in the early afternoon. After my comment yesterday it's apparent that Meadow Browns wish it to
be known that they've certainly not passed their peak. My own highlight though was a fresh and beautiful female Small Copper, I hope
the first of many. It's perhaps also worth highlighting that despite over 300 butterflies today not one of them was a Painted Lady. It
will hardly be surprising if this absence doesn't last but after so many and so long I think worth the emphasis just in case it is the
end of a memorable year here for them. Here's the full list: Gatekeeper: 62, Red Admiral: 10, Speckled Wood: 17,
Meadow Brown: 111, Small White: 25, Purple Hairstreak: 1, Peacock: 26, Green-veined White: 9,
Ringlet: 18, Small Skipper: 16, Marbled White: 3, Comma: 7, Holly Blue: 2, Small Heath: 3,
Small Copper: 1, Brown Argus: 1, Essex Skipper: 3 |
Peter Gore |
| 13 Jul |
1 Scalloped Oak at Dalrymple Close, N14 and 1 Least Carpet at Chase Rd/Charter Way, N14 this morning. 1
Red Admiral near Hadley Rd/Vicarage Farm and 2 Red Admiral and 1 Comma at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) |
Robert Callf |
| 12 Jul |
Hexton Chalk Pit (TL107299): Chalkhill Blue (3 males), Dark Green Fritillary (20+). It's early days still
for the Chalkhills, but this looks like turning into a poor year for them at their North Herts. sites. On the other hand, Dark Green
Fritillaries are having an exceptional year both here and on Therfield Heath. Other species seen: Small Skipper, Marbled
White, Green-veined White, Meadow Brown, Ringlet and Gatekeeper |
Martin Johnson |
| 12 Jul |
Hounslow. Peacock and Speckled Wood on the increase as Meadow Brown, Small Heath, Marbled White and Skippers decline
from their peak. I've also had my annual encounter with a Brimstone on Perennial Sweet Pea, pretty much the same area as other years
too. I could believe it was the same one if I didn't know better. This is the full list: Holly Blue: 3, Small White: 9,
Gatekeeper: 21, Meadow Brown: 55, Speckled Wood: 10, Marbled White: 2, Purple Hairstreak; 2,
Comma: 10, Peacock: 16, Ringlet: 8, Small Tortoiseshell: 5, Small Heath: 3, Painted Lady: 2,
Red Admiral: 3, Essex Skipper: 6, Brimstone: 1, Small Skipper: 3, Large Skipper: 3 |
Peter Gore |
| 12 Jul |
Saw my first Peacock of the new generation in field north of Wintergreen Wood (Knebworth transect) |
Peter Clarke |
| 12 Jul |
Aldbury Nowers - 2 Dark Green Fritillaries and 2 Silver-washed Fritillaries. Absolute masses of
Marbled Whites, they seem to be having a great year. Nearly as many Meadow Browns, but fewer Ringlets at this
dry site. Gatekeeper numbers are still increasing and Small/Essex Skippers seem a bit better this year. Other species
spotted: Red Admiral, Large Skipper, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Large and Green-veined Whites,
Small Heath and Speckled Wood. Also my first 6 spot Burnet moths of the year.
Back in St Albans, the first
two Small Tortoiseshells have entered into hibernation in my shed at some stage during the last week |
Malcolm Hull |
| 12 Jul |
Common Emerald at bus-stop shelter at Chase Rd/Charter Way, N14 this morning, 2 Small Tortoiseshell at
Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097), 1 Red Admiral and 1 Essex Skipper at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) - my first of the
year, 1 Comma near Obelisk, Trent Park |
Robert Callf |
| 12 Jul |
1x White-letter Hairsteak, Oakhill Park Golf Course, East Barnet ...2x Comma. Egg laying on Golden
hop..East Barnet |
Kitt Jones |
| 11 Jul |
Symondshyde Great Wood near St Albans - visited for an hour in warm overcast conditions late afternoon. 12
Silver-washed Fritillaries, including a courting couple. The female flew slowly and steadily along the ride, with the male
following making graceful looping flights close to and around her. Ringlets were most numerous with 164 counted. Meadow
Browns, Marbled Whites and Green-veined Whites in dozens with a few Purple Hairstreak, Peacock,
Comma, Large Small and Essex Skipper, Large White and Speckled Wood |
Malcolm Hull |
| 11 Jul |
At least 30 Meadow Brown, 3 Small/Essex Skipper, at least 15 Marbled White, 3 Large White,
1 Gatekeeper, 2 Green-veined White - Purwell Meadows east, Hitchin (TL2029). 1 Small/Essex Skipper, 22
Meadow Brown, 2 Large White, 1 Green-veined White - Purwell Meadows west, Hitchin (TL1929). 1 Meadow Brown
- Walsworth Common, Hitchin (TL1930) |
David Inward |
| 11 Jul |
Branch Event
Norton Green Common. Ten people turned up for
this event in seemingly ideal weather (broken sunshine, warm and light winds) but we did not achieve the spectacular results of last
year's event. Unfortunately, no Purple Emperors this time and far fewer Purple Hairstreaks. Species encountered: Small
Skipper: 20+ (several were seen close up but none identified as Essex), Large Skipper: 10+, Large White: 2,
Small White: 10+, Green-veined White: 1, Small Heath: 3, Ringlet: 100+, Meadow Brown: 100+,
Gatekeeper: 10+, Marbled White: 50+, Silver-washed Fritillary: 10+, Red Admiral: 1, Painted Lady:
1, Comma: 5, Purple Hairstreak: 5. Moths include Hummingbird hawk-moth, Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet
and several Cinnabars including some larvae on ragwort. At least one Ruddy Darter also flying |
Peter Clarke
Bob Clift |
| 11 Jul |
Hounslow. A brief early morning walk today: Meadow Brown: 11, Small White: 1, Green-veined White:
1 Purple Hairstreak: 2, Small Skipper: 1, Peacock: 1, Comma: 1, Gatekeeper: 1, Painted Lady:
1, Ringlet: 8 |
Peter Gore |
| 11 Jul |
1 Comma near Hadley Rd/Vicarage Farm, Enfield at 11:05 hrs, 1 Silver Y at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ
2998), 1 Red Admiral at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) at 11:34 hrs, 3 Small Tortoiseshell together nectaring on thistles
at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) at 11:57 hrs. 1 Least Carpet at Chase Rd near Charter Way, N14 this morning settled on car
window |
Robert Callf |
| 10 Jul |
Hounslow. Gatekeeper: 15, Speckled Wood: 7, Red Admiral: 6, Meadow Brown: 94,
Ringlet: 15, White-letter Hairstreak: 2, Purple Hairstreak: 2, Comma: 5, Small Heath: 8, Small
Skipper: 4, Essex Skipper: 2, Small White: 2, Peacock: 4, Large Skipper: 3, Marbled White: 4,
Painted Lady: 1, Green-veined White: 4, Holly Blue: 2 |
Peter Gore |
| 10 Jul |
1 Least Carpet Moth Idaea rusticata - St Faiths Close, Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 10 Jul |
1 Small Tortoiseshell at South Lodge Farm, Enfield at 11:52 hrs, 1 Comma near Merryhills Brook/Trent
Park at 12:05 hrs, 2 Small Tortoiseshell together nectaring on thistle near Shaw's Cottages, Trent Park at 12:16 hrs, 7
Small Tortoiseshell at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) nectaring on thistles & Bramble blossom, also here 1 Comma, 1
Red Admiral and 2 Purple Hairstreak. 1 Comma and 1 Small Tortoiseshell at Parkside Farm (TQ 2998) and 1
Peacock at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 301 982), 1 Red Admiral at Vicarage Farm near Hadley Rd, 1 Comma, 1
Painted Lady and 2 Small Tortoiseshell at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) |
Robert Callf |
| 10 Jul |
Led a walk at Broxbourne Woods west car park. Highlights were Purple Emperor in the main ride. two White
Admirals in second part of the glade. Purple Hairstreak on bracken, at least 10 Silver-washed Fritillaries, many
Gatekeepers, Essex, Large and Small Skippers, Ringlets, Meadow Browns, and 50 or more
Marbled Whites and a Small heath, Painted Lady and 2 Red Admiral.
In Bencroft Wood White Admiral
and Silver-washed Fritillary |
Steve Kiln |
| 10 Jul |
As usual the Gatekeepers have returned to my Muswell Hill garden just saw my first at 8am as I left the house.
A nice start to the day |
Dee Cullen |
| 9 Jul |
Hillbrow LGC - Meadow Browns x200+, Marbled White x200+, Small/Essex Skippers x100+(out of 8
photographs taken 2 were Essex, so a fair %), Ringlet x10+, Gatekeeper x10+, a few Large & Small Whites and
Small Heath x2.
Norton to Baldock Rd. at approximately TL237344, Elms on the North side of the road; White-letter
Hairstreak x4 at least, (two pairs in aerial battle), other sightings but more than likely were the same individuals |
Roger Millard |
| 9 Jul |
A visit in cloudy bright weather to Goldings just outside Hertford saw the following: Meadow Brown 158,
Ringlet 1, Red Admiral 3, Small Tortoiseshell 27, Marbled White 18, Small White 1, Painted
Lady 1, Large Skipper 3, Small Heath 2, Small Skipper 1. Just down the road in the small churchyard that is
maintained for wildlife I recorded Ringlet 7, Small Tortoiseshell 1, Gatekeeper 1, Meadow Brown 9,
Marbled White 1, Comma 1, Green-veined White 1, Large Skipper 1, Essex Skipper 2, Small
Skipper 1, Common Blue 1 also a Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing moth sitting in the open |
Andrew Wood |
| 9 Jul |
1 Hummingbird Hawk-moth at Aldbury Nowers (SP 950 137) at 13:13 hrs |
Richard Callf
Robert Callf |
| 9 Jul |
Hounslow. More Peacocks around today. All three Purple Hairstreaks were at eye or ground level in different parts of
the site: Gatekeeper: 5, Large Skipper: 2, Meadow Brown: 88, Ringlet: 11, Comma: 9, Holly
Blue: 1, Peacock: 4, Small White: 2, Small Heath: 6, Small Skipper: 2, Red Admiral: 5,
Green-veined White: 2, Speckled Wood: 1, Common Blue: 1, Purple Hairstreak: 3, Marbled White: 2,
Painted Lady: 1, Essex Skipper: 2 |
Peter Gore |
| 8 Jul |
Went to Rickneys Quarry and saw 5 Brown Argus must be new brood |
Steve Kiln |
| 8 Jul |
1 Barred Grass-Veneer (Agriphila inquinatella) - St Faiths Close, Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 8 Jul |
Hounslow. Meadow Brown: 99, Small White: 10, Ringlet: 14, Small Heath: 11, Red
Admiral: 3, Speckled Wood: 5, Gatekeeper: 4, Small Tortoiseshell: 2, Small Skipper: 8, Essex
Skipper: 4, Large Skipper: 5, Holly Blue: 2, Comma: 6, Marbled White: 4, Green-veined White: 2,
Peacock: 3, Painted Lady: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 8 Jul |
1 Comma and 1 Red Admiral at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998), also here 1 Silver Y near Hadley Rd, 1
Painted Lady near lower lake, Trent Park and 3 male Gatekeeper at Trent Park and another two at Vicarage Farm near
Shaws Wood (TQ 2997). 1 male Common Blue at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) - my first of the summer brood and 2 Marbled
White mating at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park |
Robert Callf |
| 7 Jul |
Bushey. Holy Trinity Church: Red Admiral 1, Small Skipper 7; Mead Way: Marbled White 1, Meadow
Brown 1, Marbled White 1, Red Admiral 1; Finch Lane allotments: Meadow Brown 1, Ringlet 4, Marbled
White 1 |
Rebecca Palmer |
| 7 Jul |
Went for look for White-letter Hairstreaks at Six Hills Common this morning (around 9 am), only had 15 minutes
but very pleased to find a couple (one at eye-level and second one lower down, a few feet from the floor)! |
Tom Speller |
| 7 Jul |
Hounslow. An afternoon walk after morning rain. Although the whole area was visited, trivial circumstances conspired
against me, so the following is a far from complete list of everything flying: Speckled Wood: 2, Ringlet: 12, Meadow
Brown: 34, Holly Blue: 1, Comma: 1, Red Admiral: 2, Small Heath: 1 Small Tortoiseshell: 1,
Marbled White: 2, Gatekeeper: 1, Small White: 1, Comma: 1, plus plenty of unrecorded Skippers |
Peter Gore |
| 7 Jul |
St Albans - Small Tortoiseshell and Comma both nectaring on the purple buddleia in my garden this
afternoon. My first buddleia butterflies of the year! |
Malcolm Hull |
| 7 Jul |
At 1:25 pm at Norton Green Common, I saw a Purple Emperor fly over one of the oaks on the SW edge of Watery
Grove. This oak is behind the birch tree where a male was found during a field trip in 2016 |
Peter Clarke |
| 7 Jul |
Branch Event
Bricket Wood Common, St Albans - Cloudy skies,
15 degrees, light drizzle and a dismal weather forecast all indicated this might not be a successful walk. Despite this 11 people
showed up and their faith was rewarded. All three target species, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary and Purple
Emperor were recorded, albeit in low numbers. Purple Emperor stole the show, with both a male and a female found on the ground and
photographed by all. Both came readily to my hand and the male sat there happily for 20 mins as we continued with our walk.
Marbled Whites, Meadow Browns and particularly Ringlets were all in good numbers, with a few Large, Small and
Essex Skippers, Small and Green-veined Whites, Red Admiral, Comma and Gatekeeper also recorded.
Purple Hairstreaks were active in the canopy and we also saw half a dozen flying low. After the walk ended Chris Newman and I
saw a Small Heath, which has reappeared on the Common this Spring after an absence of several years. In Mutchetts Wood we saw
many more Purple Hairstreaks and Chris caught two glimpses of Purple Emperor in flight through a gap in the canopy |
Malcolm Hull |
| 7 Jul |
Branch Event
A good walk across Hertford Heath and Balls
Wood for today's Field Trip. We had excellent views of Small, Essex and Large Skippers, Large, Small and Green-veined
Whites, Comma, Silver-washed Fritillary, Marbled White, Ringlet, Gatekeeper, Meadow
Brown and more fleetingly White Admiral. Particularly at the end there were many Purple Hairstreaks on oaks at the
very edge of the Heath |
Andrew Wood |
| 6 Jul |
Branch Event
We were joined by three other people for the
annual Purple Emperor assembly site visits. Unfortunately the weather changed overnight from lovely sunshine to wall to wall cloud
at 1 o'clock when we started watching the woodland edge at Fir and Pond Wood. A few Purple Hairstreak were seen through
binoculars but no Purple Emperors flew (which we half expected). We then went on to the assembly area at Northaw Great Wood. This is
viewed from underneath so we were slightly more optimistic that one might fly. Despite cloud, it was warm (about 22 degrees) and not
too windy. It wasn't long before a single Purple Emperor left its perch and flew over the oak but it took a while for it to
return and make several flights; then perch in view of all those below. Leaving everyone very satisfied, however it got better when he
was joined by a second Purple Emperor, and several chases and clashes were observed before the singleton took control of the oak tree
and perched up, occasionally making a solitary flight to check its surroundings. Purple Hairstreak were also flying with one
being chased by the Purple Emperor. So despite the cloud, a very successful visit despite the earlier disappointment at Fir &
Pond Wood. However, everyone now knows where to look in future |
Andrew Middleton
Liz Goodyear |
| 6 Jul |
Hounslow. A morning walk catching early sunshine which soon departed, leading to reduced sightings. Inevitably after
yesterday's comment, Red Admirals 'returned' today, including one individual that appeared from nowhere high on the front of my shirt
as if to make some sort of sarcastic point. I can think of half a dozen species I'd be happy to have respond in similar fashion
between now and the end of the season but in the meantime here are today's: Meadow Brown: 84, Small White: 11,
Speckled Wood: 2, Purple Hairstreak: 4, White-letter Hairstreak: 1 Painted Lady: 2, Gatekeeper: 2,
Large Skipper: 2, Ringlet: 30, Red Admiral: 3, Green-veined White: 4, Comma: 4, Small Heath:
10, Small Tortoiseshell: 1, Small Skipper: 5, Essex Skipper: 3, Marbled White: 9, Common Blue: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 6 Jul |
1 Red Admiral at Chase Green, Enfield Town (TQ 323 967) near War Memorial at 12:35 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 6 Jul |
Marbled White in Letchworth garden |
Deborah Parfitt |
| 5 Jul |
I went for a wander down Watery Grove / Norton Green Common this morning. Pleased to see 1-2 Purple Hairstreaks
at 3 spots, not bad considering around 6.15am - 7.30am! Best views were just outside the other end of Norton Green common in oaks at
edge of Knebworth woods. Scanned tree tops for emperors but no sign |
Tom Speller |
| 5 Jul |
5 Silver-washed Fritillaries at Scales Park Woods (near Anstey) |
Martin Johnson |
| 5 Jul |
Purple Emperor by Well Wood, Heartwood Forest |
Martin Webb |
| 5 Jul |
Ringlet in Muswell Hill garden at nearly 9:00pm |
Dee Cullen |
| 5 Jul |
Hounslow. Perhaps the most surprising thing today on a rather cloudy afternoon was the absence of Red Admiral - 8
yesterday so maybe another migrant finding us wanting although there always seems like plenty of nettles to me. Here's the day's full
list: Meadow Brown: 115, Ringlet: 18, Small Heath: 13, Green-veined White: 6, Speckled Wood: 3,
White-letter Hairstreak: 2, Purple Hairstreak: 3, Comma: 6, Marbled White: 9, Small Skipper: 7,
Gatekeeper: 2, Painted Lady: 4, Small White: 9, Small Tortoiseshell: 1, Essex Skipper: 6, Large
Skipper: 4, Common Blue: 2, Brown Argus: 1, Holly Blue: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 5 Jul |
At least 1 Large White - St Faiths Close, Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 5 Jul |
4 Small Tortoiseshell at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097). At Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) - 1 Purple
Hairstreak, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Marbled White and a male Gatekeeper near Hadley Rd - my
first of the year. 2 male Gatekeeper at Trent Park (1 near Oakwood entrance, 1 Sect 5 'New Fields'), 1 Comma near
Oakwood entrance, Trent Park. 1 Small Tortoiseshell at Southgate Chase Allotments at 13:45 hrs. 1 Meal Moth Pyralis
farinalis at ASDA Southgate |
Robert Callf |
| 5 Jul |
In and around Norton Green, my first Gatekeeper of the year, along with 2 Comma, 150 Meadow Brown,
3 Green-veined White, 5 Large Skipper, 40 Marbled White, 70 Ringlet, 20 Small White, 3 Painted
Lady, 2 Red Admiral, 4 Silver-washed Fritillary, 1 Purple Hairstreak, 2+ Small Skipper, 2 Large
White, 5 Small Heath and 4 Small Tortoiseshell. No Purple Emperors or White Admirals |
Peter Clarke |
| 5 Jul |
My first Gatekeeper of the season at Waterford Heath south |
Steve Kiln |
| 4 Jul |
Walking the Bricket Wood Common Butterfly Transect in the afternoon, I saw what looked like a female Silver-washed
Fritillary, except it looked grey-brown rather than orangey-brown. I spent almost half an hour trying to get a decent wing-open
photo, with limited success. When I got round to checking whether my photos showed SWF markings, I found that it is a recognized
variant, the valezina form. Walking home 2½ hours after I first spotted her, she was still in the same area,
probably egg-laying on an ash tree, between the footpath and an overgrown section of the 'Gas Ride' |
Chris Newman |
| 4 Jul |
4 Silver-washed Fritillaries by wood, Ellenbrook Fields |
Martin Webb |
| 4 Jul |
While walking across Bunkers Park, had amazing numbers of Marbled Whites and Meadow Browns, nectaring
on Knapweeds and Bramble. Also small numbers of Ringlet and Essex Skipper |
Clive Burrows |
| 4 Jul |
On my transect had 1 Purple Emperor in usual area by the pond by Wells Wood and Purple Hairstreak in the same area at
Heartwood Forest |
Andrew Steele |
| 4 Jul |
Went to Broxbourne Woods this morning, saw Hummingbird Hawk-moth on top path feeding on Self Heal. Lots of
Purple Hairstreaks, Silver-washed Fritillary, Marbled Whites. Then late afternoon saw another Purple
Emperor at Turnford, this time by the causeway which leads to the bridge over the Lea Canal. It was trying to take moisture from
a stick which was in the water |
Kevin Standbridge |
| 4 Jul |
Bowers Heath near Harpenden - 1 Humming Hawk-Moth & 4 Purple Hairstreaks late afternoon. Weedy field,
Batford - 3 White-letter Hairstreaks late afternoon |
Darin Stanley |
| 4 Jul |
In the Broxbourne Woods complex from roughly 10.00-13.30. At the first site I visited (Broxbourne Woods, West car park)
I had a pristine male Purple Emperor at 10.25am at approx TL326072. It was flying at roughly knee height initially but soon
climbed and disappeared through a sallow. I suspect that it might have been on the ground just prior to me noticing it. No more
sightings in approx the next hour. I next visited Wormley Wood S end and also Bencroft Wood but no further encounters. Just one
White Admiral surprised me. By contrast Silver-washed Fritillaries were out in good numbers but not really nectaring a
great deal |
Andy Culshaw |
| 4 Jul |
31 Meadow Brown, 85 Marbled White, 7 Small/Essex Skipper, 1 probable Common Blue, 1 Large
White - meadow and plantation east of Greenway north of Willian Road, near Hitchin (TL2030) (whole field probably has at least
double these numbers). 5 Large White - field off Queenswood Drive, Hitchin (TL2030). 1 Large White - north of
Sainsburys, Hitchin (TL186295). 1 Red Admiral, 1 Large White - St Faiths Close, Hitchin (TL198303) |
David Inward |
| 4 Jul |
Hounslow. Brimstone and Peacock back with us here today on a very warm sunny afternoon: Red Admiral: 8,
Painted Lady: 2, Meadow Brown: 102, Ringlet: 27, Brimstone: 1, Small Heath: 29, Comma: 8,
Purple Hairstreak: 2, Small White: 7, Green-veined White: 3, Holly Blue: 3, Marbled White: 12,
Small Tortoiseshell: 1, Large Skipper: 6, Small Skipper: 7, Essex Skipper: 4, Common Blue: 1,
Gatekeeper: 2, Peacock: 2 |
Peter Gore |
| 4 Jul |
Some Highlights from a visit to Therfield Heath (west of the Sporting Club) this morning: Chalkhill Blue (6
males, all but one on Church Hill), Essex Skipper (1+), Small Skipper (20+), Brown Argus (2; one worn, one
apparently fresh: very early 2nd generation??), Small Tortoiseshell (2+), Gatekeeper (5), Dark Green Fritillary
(40+). Numbers of Dark Green Fritillary continue to grow year on year - given that possibly all the butterflies I saw were males, I
estimate that there could be over 200 individuals of this very attractive butterfly present on The Heath now and they are also
spreading out into the nearby farmland. All 25 of our resident species are now (or have been) on the wing this year. There are still
hundreds of Meadow Browns and Marbled Whites flying, too |
Martin Johnson |
| 4 Jul |
3 Green-veined White settled on field margin at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) before 08:00 hrs, also here 1
Painted Lady, 1 Red-belted Clearwing on concrete path at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 293 982) at 08:05 BST - my first record
of a Clearwing sp in the Enfield area, 1 Small Tortoiseshell at Hadley Rd/Park Farm at 08:23 hrs, 1 Comma edge of Moat
Wood, Trent Park |
Robert Callf |
| 3 Jul |
On pulling ragwort with other CMS volunteers on Croxley Common Moor, I saw a Hummingbird hawk-moth |
Chris Newman |
| 3 Jul |
Purple Emperor seen at Stanmore Country Park (TQ1792) |
John Winter |
| 3 Jul |
Bowers Heath near Harpenden - Another year and another Emperor. 1 female Purple Emperor around the same oak tree
as every year. Seen between 10.30 to 11.00 |
Darin Stanley |
| 3 Jul |
At Northwood HQ, Sandy Lane found Painted Lady x 2, Meadow Brown x 2, Large White x 1.
Later
on at Fishers Field nature reserve Meadow Brown x 28, Marbled White x 33, Ringlet x 9, Small Skipper x 17,
Essex Skipper x 8, Small Tortoiseshell x 1, Purple Hairstreak x 15.
In Bushey garden Cinnabar moth x 1 |
David Gower |
| 3 Jul |
One male Purple Emperor holding territory, chasing Wood pigeons at Thorley Lane east Bishop's Stortford, in the
gap I found last year |
Laurence Drummond |
| 3 Jul |
I have had a couple of excursions to Cassiobury Park and Whippindell Woods this week in preparation for Sundays
butterfly walk to see what's on the wing. White Admiral are on the wing and once more 'Camilla Oak' seems to be a favourite
spot for White Admiral as seen on last years walk, numbers of Silver-washed Fritillary are on the increase and on Saturday the
first White-Letter Hairstreak was seen. Weather permitting we shall go and look for these species on Sunday. If favourable
there is a good chance of seeing White Admiral low down among the oaks and brambles. Also by Sunday Purple Hairstreak should also be
on the wing. In the park I saw all three golden Skippers today, ( one confirmed sighting of the Essex Skipper ) Marbled
Whites and lots of Ringlets and Meadow Browns. Sadly the walk does clash with other walks but if you are in the area
and like to check out Whippendell Woods for butterflies then please join us at 2pm Sunday |
Peter Fewell |
| 3 Jul |
I set off around my usual route at Stanwell Moor at around nine this morning, and set about one of my periodic counts
of what was flying: Meadow Brown 83, Small/Essex Skipper 44, Small White 27, Small Heath 21, Red
Admiral 10, Comma 8, Green-veined White 4, Small Tortoiseshell 4, Common Blue 4, Large Skipper
3, Large White 2, Ringlet 1, Marbled White 1, Painted Lady 1, Brown Argus 1, Holly Blue 1,
Brimstone 1, Gatekeeper 1.
The total of 19 species is the highest I have ever recorded here in one day, and
remarkably Speckled Wood is not on the list. The Gatekeeper was my first of the year here; The Brimstone was a new season individual;
Two of the Common Blues were new second brood examples, as was the Holly Blue. Finding a single Ringlet among all those Meadow Browns
wasn't easy, but I have a record of it! Both Small and Essex Skippers were definitely present. From sampling those I saw I would
estimate roughly a 3:2 ratio in favour of Small over Essex |
Dave Miller |
| 3 Jul |
Small Tortoiseshell aberration at Ellenbrook fields, between Hatfield and St Albans (TL 194086) |
Sheila Whittingham |
| 3 Jul |
1 Marbled White, 1 Comma, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Small White - Ashbrook hamlet (TL2027).
3 Meadow Brown, 1 Large White, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Ringlet - path on west side of Ash Brook stream
(TL2028). 1 Small/Essex Skipper, 3 Ringlet, 1 Meadow Brown - path on south side of Ippolytts Brook, east end
(TL2028). 1 Ringlet, 6 Meadow Brown, 1 Cinnabar moth - path on south side of Ippolytts Brook, west end (TL1928) |
David Inward |
| 3 Jul |
Hounslow. Comma: 9, Small Heath: 23, Meadow Brown: 105, Red Admiral: 8, Large
Skipper: 5, Ringlet: 31, Small Tortoiseshell: 2, Essex Skipper: 1, Small White: 13, Small
Skipper: 3, Speckled Wood: 1, Holly Blue: 2, Marbled White: 6, Painted Lady: 2, Purple
Hairstreak: 4. Skippers, especially Small/Essex, very under-counted. Whites not so bad despite 2 species apparently missing today |
Peter Gore |
| 3 Jul |
2 Painted Lady at Trent Park, 1 Comma edge of Moat Wood, Trent Park, 2 Comma at Park Farm/Hadley
Rd, 1 Painted Lady at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998), 1 Small Tortoiseshell at Park Farm, 1 female White-letter
Hairstreak settled low down in Wych Elm at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) at 14:09 hrs - my first of the year, 2 Small
Tortoiseshell together at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 300 983). 2 Comma, 1 Purple Hairstreak, 3 Small
Tortoiseshell and 1 Peacock at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) |
Robert Callf |
| 3 Jul |
At Bishops Wood Country Park (near Rickmansworth) I saw 7 Silver-washed Fritillary, 30+ Meadow Brown, 8
Marbled Whites, 3 Small Skipper, 4 Ringlet, 1 White Admiral and 1 male Purple Emperor, perched on a
leaf, looking very battered, with part of its wing missing |
Carole Holton |
| 2 Jul |
First Gatekeeper of the year at Gutteridge Wood, but unusually just a single Speckled Wood despite an
hours walk through Gutteridge/Cutthroat Wood, Hillingdon. Plenty of meadow butterflies at Cutthroat Wood with 10+ Ringlet,
10+ Meadow Brown, 5+ Small Skipper, as well as 2 Commas, Large Skipper and 2 Cinnabar moths. At
Minet Country Park, 10's of Marbled Whites and Small Skippers, big improvement on last couple of years |
Paul Busby |
| 2 Jul |
A Marbled White on Hemp Agrimony, in Watford garden. These have been absent here for four years. Also Meadow
Brown and Small Elephant Hawk-moth feeding on Lavender in garden |
Paul Williams |
| 2 Jul |
1 Small Tortoiseshell at Rectory Farm, Enfield (TQ 308 984) at 12:10 hrs, 1 Green-veined White, 2
Comma and 1 Painted Lady at Flash Lane Aqueduct (TQ 322 992), 1 Painted Lady at Whitewebbs Park near King &
Tinker PH, 1 Small Tortoiseshell at Guy Lodge Farm, Enfield (TQ 330 999) at 14:13 hrs, 1 Comma near Archers Wood near
Forty Hill (TQ 333 992), 1 Comma at Maiden's Bridge, Bull's Cross (TQ 342 987) at 15:14 hrs and 1 Red Admiral nearby at
15:17 hrs. 1 Red Admiral at Church Street, Enfield Town near St Paul's Centre |
Robert Callf |
| 2 Jul |
Hounslow. The first Gatekeeper of the year today. Ringlet numbers are steadily increasing as are Skippers but I'm not
making a very good job of recording the latter I fear. Whites also visibly on the increase and not fully recorded but not so numerous
: Ringlet: 29, Marbled White: 5, Meadow Brown: 115, Small Heath: 32, Painted Lady: 5, Speckled
Wood: 2, Purple Hairstreak: 4, Comma: 6, Small Skipper: 11, Small White: 5, Gatekeeper: 1,
Red Admiral: 3, Essex Skipper: 1, Green-veined White: 2, Large White: 1, Large Skipper: 1,
Holly Blue: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 2 Jul |
At Highwood Primary School, Bushey: 1 Painted Lady. Finch Lane allotments: 15 Meadow Brown and 1
Marbled White |
Rebecca Palmer |
| 2 Jul |
On a birding walk round the main pit at Tyttenhanger GPs (TL195052) I also recorded: 140 Marbled Whites, 300+
Meadow Browns (not counted but I estimated that there were at least twice as many as Marbled Whites), 6 Ringlet, 3
Comma, 2 Small Heath, 2 Small Skipper, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Painted Lady, 2 Small White |
David Booth |
| 2 Jul |
On a visit to Church Hill, Therfield Heath (TL346404) this morning, I saw not only many Dark Green Fritillaries
(mostly males zipping around without settling, but also one female that settled obligingly for a photo), Marbled White,
Small Heath and Meadow Brown, but also my first two Chalk Hill Blues. I also saw my
first Gatekeeper of the year |
Gerry Rawcliffe |
| 2 Jul |
We saw a Purple Emperor in Turnford, Cheshunt, a male at approx 11.45am just before the Railway bridge from
Turnford car park. This is the first time we have seen one there |
Kevin & Sandra
Standbridge |
| 2 Jul |
Newly emerged Gatekeeper ab. excessa this morning in Hertford - see
John Harris' twitter account |
John Harris |
| 1 Jul |
Church Hill, Therfield, 10:00 - 12:30: 15 Dark Green Fritillary, 10 Small Heath, 3 Painted Lady,
2 Red Admiral, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Comma, 50+ Meadow Brown & 50+ Marbled White.
Rifle
Range, Therfield, 13:00-13:45: 1 Gatekeeper, 5 Dark Green Fritillary, 5 Small Heath,
50+ Meadow Brown & 50+ Marbled White |
James Fowler |
| 1 Jul |
At 4.45AM. I was walking down my Watford garden to go into the house, to make my second mug of tea. I was half way
through emptying my moth trap. I disturbed a low down female Purple Hairstreak. It alighted on an Alder Buckthorn bush and
stayed long enough for a photograph. Unfortunately it was windy and so the photo isn't brilliant. Our garden is surrounded by Oaks |
Paul Williams |
| 1 Jul |
Saw my first Silver-washed Fritillaries (3) in 4 years at Bayfordbury (TL3110) while walking a transect. Also
saw Small Skipper (4), Large Skipper (5), Large White (2), Small White (1), Brown Argus (1),
Common Blue (1), Red Admiral (3), Small Tortoiseshell (2), Comma (2), Speckled Wood (3),
Marbled White (24), Meadow Brown (91) and Ringlet (58) |
Ian Flack |
| 1 Jul |
Painted Lady (added to Migrant watch), 2 Small White and 2 Meadow Brown at Broomfield Park new Wetland
(TQ3092). Afternoon walk from Hampstead Garden Suburb to Spaniards Inn, saw Small White at Lyttleton Playing Field (TQ 2688),
Hampstead Heath extension (TQ 2587) saw 20+ Meadow Brown, Red Admiral, 5+ Large Skippers and 2+ Ringlets,
whilst on the Hampstead Heath ridge path (TQ 2687) saw another 5+ Meadow Brown and a Small White but no SWF or PE |
Paul Busby |
| 1 Jul |
Saw my first Purple Emperors high up, two flitting between an Oak and an Ash at the known spot near the entrance
driveway at Northaw Wood at around 5.30 - thanks Andrew Middleton for the help re location. I deliberately did my transects late here in the
hope I'd see them and Purple Hairstreaks. I also saw six or so of them, again, high on the oaks. A purple day! |
Dee Cullen |
| 1 Jul |
Hounslow. Started early so mostly a morning walk with slightly lower numbers resulting. Although numbers are not huge,
confirmation from another local that Marbled White may be having its best year here and it has certainly spread from what used to seem to
be its Marshalling Yards base to more or less everywhere across the site.: Meadow Brown: 83, Purple Hairstreak: 3,
Ringlet: 17, Small White: 5, Large Skipper: 4, Small Skipper: 10, Small Heath: 22, Green-veined
White: 2, Speckled Wood: 1, Comma: 6, Marbled White: 4, Red Admiral: 2, Small Tortoiseshell: 2,
Painted Lady: 2, Common Blue: 1, Brown Argus: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 1 Jul |
At Vicarage Farm - 4 Comma including two together at Allotments, 5 Small Tortoiseshell including two together
nectaring on Bramble, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Large White, 1 Small White and 1 Marbled White. 1 Small
Tortoiseshell at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998), also here 1 Marbled White and a batch of Peacock caterpillars. At Park
Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) - 2 Painted Lady, 1 Comma, 1 Red Admiral and 1 Small Tortoiseshell. At Trent Park - 2
Comma (1 edge of Moat Wood, 1 near Merryhills Brook) |
Robert Callf |
| Date |
Description |
Recorder |
| 30 Jun |
At Monken Hadley Common - 1 Large White, 1 Red Admiral, 2 Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet settled for
positive id, 2 Painted Lady. 1 Small Tortoiseshell at Covert Way LNR. 1 Comma near Oakwood entrance, Trent Park at
15:08 hrs. 1 Gold Triangle at ASDA Southgate - my first of the year |
Robert Callf |
| 30 Jun |
Walked through Tunnel Gardens around 11.00am: 5 Large Skipper, 2 Small Skipper, 6 Meadow Brown, 4
Ringlets, 3 white butterflies in flight one of which seemed like a Marbled White.
4.15 to 4.45 paid my first visit to Balls Wood
after a cycle ride from Bayford Station only had time to walk down the main ride to the first intersection then left a bit to a sunny patch
of brambles. 7 Large Skippers, 2 Comma, 2 White Admiral in flight but did not settle, 3 white butterflies in flight,
numerous Meadow Brown and Ringlet including one that posed nicely for me.
18.00 returned to Tunnel gardens to see if I
could find my suspected Marbled White and was excited to find a female settled on the thistles in one of the areas we have cleared
of bramble, the first time I have ever seen one here. I had been meaning to go and look at Alexandra Palace after there was a report of one
there. Tunnel Gardens, is not far along the main line from Ally Pally. I am hoping that as it was a female it might have laid eggs in the
new meadow areas. I also saw a male Essex Skipper, a Cinnabar moth (the first I have seen here), 4 Large Skippers, 5
Meadow Browns, 1 Speckled Wood and four Ringlet |
Miles Attenborough |
| 30 Jun |
Ten minute early morning walk at Church End, Markyate (TL061169) and saw a Ringlet and Meadow Brown, as well as
a Painted Lady (sighting added to Migrant Watch). Late afternoon watched 3 White-letter Hairstreaks clashing along the Elm
hedge in Minet Country Park, Hayes |
Paul Busby |
| 30 Jun |
My first Purple Hairstreak of the year in Watery Grove |
Peter Clarke |
| 30 Jun |
1 Small White, 1 Small Tortoiseshell - Walsworth Common (TL1930). 2 Red Admiral - Ransoms Recreation
Ground west (TL189301). 1 Small White, 1 Meadow Brown, 1 Comma - Ransoms Recreation Ground north (TL1930). All in
Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 30 Jun |
Hounslow. Ringlet: 14, Small White: 3, Meadow Brown: 117, Speckled Wood: 1, Brown Argus:
1, Marbled White: 9, Comma: 7, Small Heath: 24, Small Skipper: 4, Common Blue: 2, Large Skipper:
8, Painted Lady: 4, Small Tortoiseshell: 3, Red Admiral: 1 Green-veined White: 1, Essex Skipper: 2,
Purple Hairstreak: 5 |
Peter Gore |
| 30 Jun |
Our sightings today at Purple Emperor assembly areas. All along the Herts/Middx corridor (Barnet/Enfield). Nothing
Whitewebbs and Trent Park and one male at Totteridge after a 30 minute wait |
Liz Goodyear
Andrew Middleton |
| 30 Jun |
Heartwood Forest - after the butterfly walk I visited the Valley Field to check on the progress of the Kidney Vetch planted
in 2017 as part of the Herts & Middx Small Blue Project. Pleased to report several thousand flowering plants, growing in areas with
little grass and plenty of bare soil, so they should be able to self seed successfully. Additional butterfly species seen Small Blue,
Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell |
Malcolm Hull |
| 30 Jun |
Branch Event
Heartwood Forest, Sandridge near St Albans - a
rather overcast morning for the family butterfly walk. Marbled Whites and Meadow Browns were in their hundreds, also good
numbers of Ringlet and Small Heath. Small Skippers were less common - we checked at least 6 and all were Small. Other
species in low numbers - Painted Lady, Large Skipper, Large White, Common Blue, Small Tortoiseshell and
a possible Small Blue plus Cinnabar Moth |
Malcolm Hull
Andrew Steele |
| 30 Jun |
At Bencroft Wood spotted Speckled Wood x 2, Ringlet x 5, Red Admiral x 2, Meadow Brown x 1. Onto
Broxbourne Wood seeing White Admiral x 1, Ringlet x 78, Speckled Wood x 1, Meadow Brown x 39, Silver-washed
Fritillary x 9, Comma x 2, Painted Lady x 2, Large Skipper x 8, Marbled White x 33, Purple Hairstreak
x 2, Small Skipper x 2, Large White x 1, Red Admiral x 3, Small Heath x 1 |
David Gower |
| 29 Jun |
1 Small Tortoiseshell nectaring on buddleia at Dalrymple Close, N14 at 16:46 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 29 Jun |
Branch Event
Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, Mile End - A Big City
Butterflies Event consisting of an overnight moth trap, two butterfly walks and the branch information stall at this excellent inner London
site. Butterflies spotted included Silver-washed Fritillary, Red Admiral, Comma, Brimstone, Holly Blue,
Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood,
Meadow Brown and day-flying moths Cinnabar and Burnet Companion. A selection of the contents of the overnight moth trap
were on display, with the Box Tree Moth receiving much attention |
Malcolm Hull
May Webber |
| 29 Jun |
Bricket Wood Common (10:45-13:15): 2 White Admiral, 1 Silver-washed Fritillary, 6 Large Skipper, 6
Marbled White, 2 Painted Lady, 2 Small Heath, 2 Comma, 1m Brimstone, 1 Large White, 10+
Speckled Wood, numerous Meadow Brown & Ringlet and 1 Cinnabar Moth |
Bob Harris |
| 29 Jun |
The area of rough ground on the opposite side of Napsbury Lane to the golf course was almost butterfly-free when I visited
this afternoon, between 1pm and 1.30pm in 31C of heat, apart from a couple of distant whites and at least 3 battling Purple Hairstreak
over one of the many oaks (TL161055).
A brief visit to Symondshyde Great Wood between 3.30 and 4pm, on the footpath starting near
Symondshyde Farm (TL197112) produced numerous Meadow Browns, 2 distant whites, at least 3 Large Skippers, 1 Small
Tortoiseshell, and a brief inspection from 1 Silver-washed Fritillary |
Peter Waldron |
| 29 Jun |
1 Painted Lady - Cambridge Road, Hitchin (TL199301). 1 Painted Lady - Broadway Gardens, Letchworth (TL216323) |
David Inward |
| 29 Jun |
Hounslow. Meadow Brown: 101, Painted Lady: 7, Ringlet: 11, Small Heath: 33, Speckled Wood:
1, Large White: 1, Comma: 8, Red Admiral: 5, Purple Hairstreak: 2, Marbled White: 4, Small Skipper:
7, Small White: 4, Holly Blue: 1, Common Blue: 3, Large Skipper: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 29 Jun |
Visited Hexton Chalkpit from 8.45 to 10.30, lots of Dark Green Fritillaries, males were patrolling low over the grass
seeking out females, spotted two copulating pairs and at least another 6 individuals. Lots of Marbled Whites and Meadow Browns
and fewer Small Heath and Ringlets. I did not attempt to count them. Went on to Sharpenhoe Clappers over the border where I
saw more of the same plus a Red Admiral but headed home early as heat was too intense. Visited Tunnel gardens at 19.00 after the worst of
heat died down, 4 Large Skippers, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 male Small Skipper, 3 Meadow Browns, 2 Ringlets |
Miles Attenborough |
| 29 Jun |
At around 8:30 am, 5+ White-letter Hairstreak at varying levels on the eastern side of the elms at Six Hills Common
plus Holly Blue, Marbled White, Red Admiral and 4 Meadow Brown. In and around Norton Green, saw my first
Silver-washed Fritillary of the year gliding through a sunny gap in Pigeonswick Wood. Other species: 100+ Meadow Brown, 5
Small White, 1 Large White, 1 Comma, 17 Ringlet, 6 Marbled White, 4 Large Skipper, 5 Small
Heath, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Common Blue, 5 Painted Lady and 1 Red Admiral |
Peter Clarke |
| 29 Jun |
This morning at Broxbourne Wood glade by west park there were 3 Silver-washed Fritillary and 15 Marbled Whites,
Small Skipper and Large Skipper. Unfortunately at just the wrong time the wild flower patch next to the car park has been
cut down. Yesterday in Bencroft Wood there was a Silver-washed Fritillary and in the field behind 40 or more Marbled Whites |
Steve Kiln |
| 29 Jun |
At Symondshyde Great Wood, two Silver-washed Fritillary this morning, one under power lines half way down and one by
entrance. Very overgrown - need the power company to clear under the lines again. No White Admirals |
Robin Smith |
| 29 Jun |
Roxeth Recreation Ground (TQ144859) - 50+ Meadow Brown, 2 Large Skipper, 1 Burnet Companion |
Michael Robinson |
| 28 Jun |
Bricket Wood Common (10:30-14:00): 4 Large Skipper, 13 Marbled White, 1 Painted Lady, 4 Small
Heath, 2 Red Admiral, 3 Brimstone, 2 Large White, 2 Speckled Wood, numerous Meadow Brown &
Ringlet and 4 Cinnabar Moth |
Bob Harris |
| 28 Jun |
Found a Meadow Brown ab. anticrassipuncta at Trimms Green during WCBS survey on 27
June - see photo on right |
Bob Clift |
| 28 Jun |
Bramfield Park Wood this morning: White Admiral=3, Red Admiral=4, Silver-washed Fritillary=4,
Speckled Wood=3, Large White=2, Comma=1, Painted Lady=4 (one seen laying eggs on common thistle).
Bramfield
Wood this afternoon: Comma=2, White Admiral=6, Painted Lady=7, Red Admiral=8, Small Tortoiseshell=2,
Brown Argus=1, Speckled Wood=3 |
Christopher Benton |
| 28 Jun |
40 Meadow Brown, 44 Marbled White, 2 Small/Essex Skipper, 1 Comma, 1 Ringlet, 1
Cinnabar moth - path around edge of L-shaped abandoned field opposite Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living, Cambridge Road (TL2031
but centre of field is TL20743114). Entire field probably contained hundreds of butterflies mainly Meadow Browns and Marbled Whites. 1
Brimstone - Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living (TL208309) |
David Inward |
| 28 Jun |
Hounslow. Whilst unsuccessfully watching the Elms for some time for one Hairstreak I managed to spot the other, i.e. Purple
Hairstreak more or less at my feet, the first so far this year at that level.It looked quite a worn specimen so I suspect there's been
rather more going on up in the Oaks nearby than I've detected to date (which is very little). Here are the full sightings: Small Heath:
41, Comma: 8, Meadow Brown: 100, Purple Hairstreak: 1, Red Admiral: 8, Painted Lady: 2, Small White:
5, Ringlet: 10, Small Skipper: 5, Common Blue: 4, Green-veined White: 3, Small Tortoiseshell: 2,
Speckled Wood: 2, Holly Blue: 1, Brown Argus: 1, Essex Skipper: 1, Marbled White: 1, Large
Skipper: 6, Large White: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 28 Jun |
Weedy field, Batford - 3 White-letter Hairstreaks, Marbled Whites, Meadow Browns, 2 Small Heath |
Darin Stanley |
| 28 Jun |
Wheathampstead LNR: 3 Red Admiral, 2 Comma, 8 Marbled White, 4 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Large
Skipper, 20+ Meadow Brown, 6 Ringlet, 1 Large White, 1 Cinnabar moth |
Robin Pearson |
| 28 Jun |
1 Box Moth at Allotments, Vicarage Farm this morning - an early date for this species? At Vicarage Farm, Enfield
(TQ 3097) - 4 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Painted Lady and 1 Comma. At Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) - 3 Painted Lady
and 2 Red Admiral. At Trent Park - 1 Marbled White at 'Old Golf Course', 1 Red Admiral edge of Moat Wood, 1
Comma edge of Icehouse Wood. 1 Marbled White at Vicarage Farm, Enfield near Shaws Wood (TQ 2997) |
Robert Callf |
| 27 Jun |
Cycled through Alexandra Park at 18.30 on my way home from work saw one Small Tortoiseshell and one Comma
fighting over territory. Then cycled through Tunnel Gardens shortly after and saw two Red Admirals fighting over a sunny glade, two
Specked Wood, two Painted Ladies, one beautifully fresh Comma and two Large Skippers. The Large Skipper, Comma
and a Painted Lady were battling over a prime bit of sunny territory |
Miles Attenborough |
| 27 Jun |
Therfield Heath (east side): I counted around 500 butterflies in a two hour visit, although three species dominated:
Small Skipper (3), Large Skipper (7), Small White (3), Brown Argus (1), Common Blue (4), Red
Admiral (4), Painted Lady (10), Comma (1), Dark Green Fritillary (8+), Speckled Wood (2), Marbled
White (137), Meadow Brown (214), Small Heath (111), Ringlet (8). White-letter Hairstreaks were active at
two nearby colonies |
Martin Johnson |
| 27 Jun |
Male Brimstone and Holly Blue in my Harpenden garden |
Robin Pearson |
| 27 Jun |
12 Meadow Brown, 8 Marbled White, 1 Small/Essex Skipper, 1 Mother Shipton moth, 1 Cinnabar
moth - Alleyfield burial ground south, Ickleford (TL181319). 7 Meadow Brown, 4 Marbled White - Alleyfield burial ground
north, Ickleford (TL181320). 1 Small White - Walsworth Common, Hitchin (TL197302). 1 Meadow Brown - Willian Road, Hitchin
(TL199300) |
David Inward |
| 27 Jun |
Bricket Wood Common (11:15-14:45) - 1 Purple Hairstreak (by pond), 6 Painted Lady, 1 Red Admiral, 12
Large Skipper, 3 Small Heath, 13 Ringlet, 5 Marbled White, 4m3f Brimstone, 3 Large White, 1
Green-veined White, 15+ Speckled Wood and numerous Meadow Browns.
No sign again of any White Admirals or S-W
Fritillaries despite extensive search mainly of the "pipeline" track area |
Bob Harris |
| 27 Jun |
A late afternoon visit to Oxhey woods today. Northern section spotted Meadow Brown x 4, Comma x 1, Red
Admiral x 1. Central section Red Admiral x 1. Lastly in Southern section Painted Lady x 1, Red Admiral x 1 |
David Gower |
| 27 Jun |
Some butterflies at Broxbourne woods this afternoon. Red Admiral=5, Painted Lady=6, Marbled White=10+,
White Admiral=2, Speckled Wood=4, Silver-washed Fritillary=2 |
Christoper Benton |
| 27 Jun |
My first Silver-washed Fritillary this afternoon at a private site I have access to north of
Hertford. Also found a Holly Blue at Rickneys Quarry egg laying on Goats Rue. Two White Admirals on my Balls Wood Transect. A
back garden first this afternoon in Hertford was Marbled White |
Andrew Wood |
| 27 Jun |
Hounslow. I'm wondering if we'll have any Painted Ladies at all here by the end of the week. We're feeling rather rejected!
Fresh Brown Argus today after tatty ones earlier in the week. Small Heath doing very well, Ringlets poor thus far. I'm under-counting
Skippers and Whites but even if every individual glimpsed was included their numbers would still be low. Peacocks are around in one sense
- I keep meeting their caterpillars wandering along the paths : Red Admiral: 6, Comma: 12, Painted Lady: 5,
Ringlet: 3, Small Heath: 40, White-letter Hairstreak: 1, Purple Hairstreak: 3, Meadow Brown: 97, Large
Skipper: 7, Marbled White: 1 Small Skipper: 7 Small Tortoiseshell: 4 Brown Argus: 3 Large White: 4
Speckled Wood: 2 Essex Skipper: 2 Common Blue: 1 Small White: 2 |
Peter Gore |
| 27 Jun |
Roughly 12.30 to 15.00 at Bricket Wood Common this afternoon with a clear sky and 20C+ produced large numbers of Meadow
Brown, 20+ Ringlet, several Speckled Wood and Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Brimstone, 4+ Large Skipper, 3
Painted Lady, 9+ Marbled White, and 2 Red Admiral. Walked the Gas Ride end twice end to end but no Hairstreaks or
Fritillaries yet, and only 1 White Admiral - in Mutchetts Wood along the footpath running adjacent to the east side of the railway |
Peter Waldron |
| 27 Jun |
Bricketwood - 1 White Admiral (north part of wood) |
Darin Stanley |
| 27 Jun |
At Trent Park (12:40 - 14:00 hrs) - 2 Red Admiral, 5 Large Skipper, 7 Ringlet, 21 Small Heath, 14
Marbled White, 1 Small Copper (worn - first brood), a batch of Cinnabar caterpillars feeding on ragwort, 1 Painted
Lady, 3 Comma including two together edge of Church Wood. 1 Brimstone Moth at Oakwood Station |
Robert Callf |
| 26 Jun |
Batford - 1 Painted Lady in garden. Cooter End Lane near Harpenden - 1 Painted Lady |
Darin Stanley |
| 26 Jun |
Cloudy day at Hexton chalk pit NR. Still plenty of butterflies about. Dozens of Marbled Whites, Painted Lady=3,
Small Heath=20+, Meadow Brown=20+, Dark Green Fritillary=2 |
Christopher Benton |
| 26 Jun |
Hounslow. Although there was far more sunshine and earlier than forecast numbers didn't match yesterday's despite a fresh
Green-veined White and several Holly Blues : Small Tortoiseshell: 8, Painted Lady: 24, Ringlet: 6, Meadow Brown:
84, Small Heath: 27, Red Admiral: 5, Green-veined White: 1, Comma: 7, Holly Blue: 3, Small
Skipper: 7, Large Skipper: 2, Common Blue: 6, Brown Argus: 1, Marbled White: 2, Large White: 1,
Small White: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 26 Jun |
At Monken Hadley Common (13:45 - 15:00 hrs) - 8 Ringlet, female Holly Blue, 6 Large Skipper, 1
Blackneck (TQ 269 972) - my first record of this local moth species, 1 Yellow Shell, 1 Burnet Companion, 16 Marbled
White, 4 Small Skipper, 3 Painted Lady and 1 Purple Hairstreak. At Covert Way LNR - 2 Ringlet, 1 Marbled
White and 1 Large Skipper.
At Trent Park (15:00 - 15:45 hrs) - 5 Painted Lady, 1 Small Tortoiseshell and 3
Red Admiral. 1 Red Admiral at Bramley Parade, N14 |
Robert Callf |
| 25 Jun |
Weedy field, Batford - 3 Painted Ladies, 1 White-letter Hairstreak, 1 Marbled White, numerous Meadow Browns |
Darin Stanley |
| 25 Jun |
I went out at Stanwell Moor again in broadly similar weather (cloudy, humid, very warm), and saw the following: Meadow
Brown 66, Painted Lady 29, Small Heath 18, Common Blue 12, Red Admiral 8, Large White 5, Small
Tortoiseshell 4, Large Skipper 3, Brown Argus 3, Holly Blue 3, Small Copper 1, Small Skipper 1,
Comma 1, Marbled White 1
There is obviously a big migration of Painted Ladies underway, but I reckon a few Red Admirals
and Large Whites have come over with them! The Small Skipper is the first here this year, and one of the Brown Argus looked like a brand new
butterfly, maybe a second brood. The Comma was a summer form f. hutchinsoni |
Dave Miller |
| 25 Jun |
A soaking wet afternoon at Balls Wood NR after torrential rain at dawn. Red Admiral=2, Painted Lady=3,
White Admiral=2 (interacting above the brambles by the viewing platform), Holly Blue=1. Plus Meadow Browns,
Ringlets and Large Skippers |
Christopher Benton |
| 25 Jun |
Hounslow. After the morning rain had cleared this was another exhausting walk in very humid conditions with ever increasing
numbers of butterflies. The most surprising sight, the last of 201 butterflies seen and identified, was a Marbled White at the junction of
Argyle Road and The Avenue, the most urban setting I've ever seen this butterfly in - it may have travelled along the nearby railway.
Here's what I did record: Small Heath: 21, Meadow Brown: 91, Ringlet: 6, Painted Lady: 50, Small Skipper:
4, Red Admiral: 4, White-letter Hairstreak: 1, Large Skipper: 2, Small White: 2, Comma: 4, Small
Tortoiseshell: 5, Essex Skipper: 3, Speckled Wood: 1, Common Blue: 3, Marbled White: 4 |
Peter Gore |
| 25 Jun |
Branch Event
Despite a dreadful forecast and overnight rain, the walk was extremely successful. We were joined by Dick, one of the
Chorleywood transect walkers and three other members. Dick took us around the butterfly transect, which we helped him complete!!! Although
cloudy the temperature was high and the grassland species were very active. In total we saw 1 Small Skipper, 1 Large Skipper,
4 Small Copper, 1 Brown Argus, 7 Common Blue including females trying to lay eggs on bedstraw, 10 Painted Lady,
1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Speckled Wood, 34 Marbled White, 161 Meadow Brown, 1 Small Heath, 1
Ringlet, 1 Silver Y and both a Cinnabar moth and caterpillars. Also seen through binoculars was a White-letter
Hairstreak over some elm, ash and sycamore in a brief sunny moment |
Liz Goodyear
Andrew Middleton |
| 25 Jun |
At Broomfield Park, Palmers Green, N13 (TQ 302 929) this afternoon (13:10 - 14:10 hrs) - 1 Red Admiral, 3+ Painted
Lady, 3 Large Skipper including one female and 5 Meadow Brown |
Robert Callf |
| 24 Jun |
Despite a very overcast day with a few light rain showers there were plenty of butterflies in the woods around Bramfield.
Most of the afternoon was spent in Bramfield woods where the following were seen. Red Admiral=4, Speckled Wood=4,
Comma=1, Brown Argus=1, Painted Lady=8, White Admiral=1, Hummingbird Hawk-moth=1, Marbled White=2.
Plus lots of Meadow Browns and Large Skippers.
Quick walk through Bramfield Park Wood at 5pm found: Red Admiral=2, White
Admiral=1 (very active individual along the path appeared to be drinking from the damp mud), Speckled Wood=1. And lots more
Meadow Browns |
Christopher Benton |
| 24 Jun |
At Beechcroft Road, Bushey (TQ120 958) 1 x Painted Lady spotted |
David Gower |
| 24 Jun |
Bushey. Highwood Primary School, 2 Marbled White and 1 Small Tortoiseshell. Meadway, 1 Holly Blue.
Scottswood Close, 1 Painted Lady |
Rebecca Palmer |
| 24 Jun |
10 Meadow Brown, 1 Marbled White, 1 Yellow Shell Moth - Field NW of Priory School, Hitchin (TL1730) |
David Inward |
| 24 Jun |
At Boston Manor Park I saw 3 Painted Ladies at TQ169782. I saw 2 more at TQ168779 along with a Comma and 6
Meadow Brown (a pair of which were mating) |
Michael Robinson |
| 24 Jun |
I may not be alone in reporting multiple sightings of Painted Lady butterflies. I saw 14 on my transect in Alexandra
Park (TQ 300 889). Another in a local garden, Muswell Hill, North London.
Pleased to see a lone Ringlet on one of my transect
walks at Great Northaw Wood (TL 281 039). |
Dee Cullen |
| 24 Jun |
2 Painted Lady seen at 14:10 outside my flat in North Watford |
Bob Harris |
| 24 Jun |
This morning 2 Painted Lady, 2 Red Admiral, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Meadow Brown, 1 Holly Blue and a
Hummingbird Hawk-moth in my Ware garden |
Liz Goodyear |
| 24 Jun |
After several early morning visits to Six Hills Common in the last week in search for close-up views of White-letter
Hairstreaks it finally came good today with a specimen on elm about a foot above my head. Later, a pale-looking Burnet Companion
was found in the field south of Watery Grove |
Peter Clarke |
| 24 Jun |
Hounslow. A morning walk which began well with a White-letter Hairstreak seen on the Elms at the rear of Richmond Council's
Hounslow Heath Open Space. The Elms here are suffering a little this year so as this is still the only group I know of in this tetrad I was
pleased to see evidence that the colony is still with us. Much later a Marbled White on the opposite side of the trees was also very
pleasing.In between came an Essex Skipper the first of its kind identified this year. Only the more or less guaranteed Gatekeeper to come of
the established breeding butterflies here that I'm familiar with. Considering the destruction of the butterfly haven on the Marshalling
Yards and the fires elsewhere we should probably consider ourselves lucky but of course sightings are well down generally. Here are today's
and a simple game of spot the elephant: White-letter Hairstreak: 1, Painted Lady: 72, Meadow Brown: 78, Small
Tortoiseshell: 1, Small Skipper: 4, Small Heath: 8, Red Admiral: 1, Essex Skipper: 1, Marbled White:
4, Small White: 2, Ringlet: 2. The weather was cloudy again with occasional spots of rain |
Peter Gore |
| 24 Jun |
In Pymmes Park, Edmonton (TQ 336 929) from 12:30 - 13:40 hrs - 6+ Painted Lady including one nectaring on thistles, 5
Large Skipper including one female, 10+ Meadow Brown including a pair mating, 2 male Common Blue, 5 Small
Skipper, 2 Comma together. 1 Painted Lady at Dalrymple Close, N14 at 17:10 hrs and Treble Brown Spot and Small
Blood-vein after dark |
Robert Callf |
| 24 Jun |
It was very warm and humid this morning at Stanwell Moor, but cloudy with odd spots of rain. Nevertheless, I saw nearly 100
butterflies in around 90 minutes, included no fewer than 16 Painted Ladies. There has clearly been an influx arriving with the humid
airflow from the Continent.
The other standout sighting was of a Marbled White. This is only the second one I've seen here in over
ten years of observation, and this time I managed to get a photo!
Finally, amongst a very small handful left of the first brood Brown
Argus was this male with very much reduced underside spotting. I would like to have seen this one new! |
Dave Miller |
| 23 Jun |
At least 31 Meadow Brown, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Marbled White, 1 Common Blue - Purwell Meadows
east, Hitchin (TL2029), 7 Meadow Brown - Purwell Meadows north, Hitchin (TL199300), 7 Meadow Brown, 1 Common Blue -
Purwell Meadows west, Hitchin (TL1929) |
David Inward |
| 23 Jun |
Hounslow. The number shown for Painted Ladies seen today is likely a significant undercount of the reality. I initially
started out trying to avoid adding extra ones, assuming a lively single individual, then saw two together and thought that explained what I
was seeing, then saw multiple numbers in several different places. At one point I was ignoring some to check out a Skipper which definitely
had novelty value! More seemed to be arriving as I was returning across the heath so I'll be intrigued to see how many are still around
tomorrow. The weather was rather gloomy so numbers of all species a pleasant surprise in the circumstances. Here are the full details:
Comma: 8, Common Blue: 1, Large Skipper: 3, Red Admiral: 5, Small White: 3, Painted Lady: 18,
Meadow Brown: 51, Small Heath: 5, Small Tortoiseshell: 2, Small Skipper: 6, plus one Box Tree and two
Cinnabar moths |
Peter Gore |
| 23 Jun |
A quick trip 09.30-10.30 to HMWT Balls Wood, Hertford this morning, 4 White Admiral, also
Meadow Browns, Ringlet and Large Skippers |
Laurence Drummond |
| 23 Jun |
A Dark Green Fritillary posed for a photo on some Viper's Bugloss on Therfield Heath this morning. I also noticed
about 10 Marbled Whites and one Painted Lady |
Phil Barron |
| 23 Jun |
Enjoyed a walk around Stapleford (based on the "Pub Walks in Hertfordshire" book). Over about 3 miles we saw over 100
Meadow Browns, 3 Common Blues, 1 Small Skipper, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Small White (and 3 other unidentified
whites). The highlights were about 30 Meadow Browns nectaring on wild privet by the river and a colony of Peacock caterpillars |
Roger Newbold |
| 23 Jun |
1 Dwarf Cream Wave at Dalrymple Close, N14 this morning. Sightings in Oakwood Park (07:00 - 09:20 hrs) - 2 Painted
Lady, 1 Cinnabar, female Large Skipper, male Small Skipper and 4 Marbled White |
Robert Callf |
| 23 Jun |
2 Marbled Whites on the meadow at Goldings, Waterford, this morning. At the corner near St Michael and all Angels
church |
Christopher Benton |
| 22 Jun |
Had a great morning out at Benfleet Downs in Essex photographing White Letter Hairstreaks one of my favourite butterfly
sites. This evening I visited Tunnel Gardens in Bounds Green and was pleased to find two Red Admirals fighting each other for a sunny
glade, two male Large Skippers, a Painted Lady and one Speckled Wood. I had been beginning to worry about the general
absence of butterflies in Tunnel Gardens over the last week or so |
Miles Attenborough |
| 22 Jun |
Purple Emperor seen at Totteridge |
Tony Clancy |
| 22 Jun |
During a walk from Harlow to Ware to successfully fill in some gaps on the Meadow Brown map I found 4 fresh
White-letter Hairstreaks nectaring on bramble along the track called Wood Lane, east of Ware. Otherwise a few Painted Lady,
Red Admiral, up to 10 Small Tortoiseshells on one Privet hedge near Hunsdon. Other species seen were Holly Blue,
Speckled Wood, Small White and Green-veined White |
Andrew Wood |
| 22 Jun |
My firsts of the year at Alexandra Park. Marbled Whites into double figures, and also a few Ringlets in the
anthill butterfly meadow area (TQ 299 899).
Small Skippers in the Meadow East of the Butterfly Meadow (TQ 299 900) and to the West
of the Cricket pitch by the ditch (TQ 301 900).
I also found Peacock Caterpillars on nettles on the path leading to the
conservation area by the wooden bridge (TQ 303 903) |
Dee Cullen |
| 22 Jun |
1 Painted Lady, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Meadow Brown - Knights Templar School nature reserve west,
Baldock (TL239331) |
David Inward |
| 22 Jun |
At least 3 White-letter Hairstreaks (2 flitting in the elm canopy) were active by 8:15 am at Six Hills Common. Later
in Knebworth Park by Cowley's Corner Wood I saw my first Painted Ladies (2) and Ringlets (5) of the year |
Peter Clarke |
| 22 Jun |
Hounslow. Mid morning to mid afternoon and mostly sunny with over a 100 sightings for the first time this year, including the
first Ringlets: Small Tortoiseshell: 2, Small Heath: 9, Speckled Wood: 1, White-letter Hairstreak: 1,
Comma: 5, Purple Hairstreak: 1, Meadow Brown: 55, Large Skipper: 1, Small Skipper: 13, Red
Admiral: 5, Small White: 2, Common Blue: 1, Marbled White: 2, Painted Lady: 1, Brown Argus: 4,
Ringlet: 2 |
Peter Gore |
| 22 Jun |
3+ Small Tortoiseshell including two together at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097), also here 3 Cinnabar, 11
Small Heath, 8 male Large Skipper, 1 Red Admiral, 1 male Small Skipper and 1 Mother Shipton. At Parkside
Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) - 1 male Large Skipper, 1 female Common Blue, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Red Admiral and
1 Comma |
Robert Callf |
| 21 Jun |
15 Meadow Brown, 2 Small Heath and 1 Red Admiral seen whilst strolling around Broxbourne Woods. Weather
fairly warm and a mixture of sunshine and cloud |
Roger Newbold |
| 21 Jun |
I did my transects in Broxbourne Woods. In the field behind Bencroft Wood, I saw 3 Marbled Whites, 15 Small
Heath, 4 Common Blues and 4 Large Skippers and two Painted Ladies.
In Broxbourne Woods near west car park, I
had a Ringlet and a Marbled White as well as Small Heath, Large Skipper and Meadow Brown. I also had a
Ringlet yesterday on Hertford Heath |
Steve Kiln |
| 21 Jun |
Weedy field, Batford - 3 White-Letter Hairstreak in elms at SW corner of field (TL15161495), usual spot (first this
year). 1 Painted Lady. Numerous Meadow Browns. Several Small Heaths at top of field |
Darin Stanley |
| 21 Jun |
High cloud, intermittent sunshine. Bricket Wood (10:45-12:45) - 3 Ringlet, 2 Marbled White (both my first of
the year), 25+ Meadow Brown, 1f Brimstone, 1 Small Heath, 4 Large White, 4 Speckled Wood
Moor Mill
Pits, Frogmore (13:00-14:30) - 20+ Marbled White, 40+ Meadow Brown, 6 Small Heath, 4 Speckled Wood, 2 Red
Admiral, 1 Holly Blue |
Bob Harris |
| 21 Jun |
Hounslow. Morning sunshine and suddenly a lot more butterflies: Small Tortoiseshell: 9, White-letter Hairstreak
: 1, Meadow Brown: 41, Red Admiral: 6, Large White: 1, Speckled Wood: 4, Small Heath: 12, Small
White: 2, Comma: 1, Small Skipper: 4, Common Blue: 3, Brown Argus: 1, Large Skipper: 1, Painted
Lady: 1 and 4 Cinnabar moths |
Peter Gore |
| 21 Jun |
At Trent Park 'New Fields'(13:25 - 14:25 hrs) - 1 Comma near Triangular Wood at 13:33 hrs, 6 Large Skipper
including one female, 23 Small Heath, 1 Small Copper, 1 Ringlet, male Brimstone edge of Triangular Wood at 13:42
hrs and again near Church Wood at 14:12 hrs, 7 Small Skipper including at least one female, 1 Cinnabar, female Common
Blue Sect 5 at 14:05 hrs, 1 Chimney Sweeper Sect 4, 4 Marbled White and 1 Painted Lady nectaring on Bramble blossom
near Sports Field at 14:22 hrs. In Oakwood Park (16:30 - 17:10 hrs) - All E of 10 km line - 2 male Large Skipper, 1 Painted
Lady, 1 Small Heath, 2 Burnet Companion, 2 Marbled White, 1 Orange Conch Commophila aeneana, 1 male
Common Blue and 8 Small Skipper. 1 Dark Arches at Bramley Parade, Oakwood, N14 |
Robert Callf |
| 21 Jun |
In my Hitchin garden: 08.30 am Painted Lady on valerian in front - also flew across road to grass edge to pavement -
Temp.12 deg. (seen after 3 years absence)
09.30 am Speckled Wood alongside Beech Hedge, Holly bush in rear - a recently emerged
specimen - quite large
10.35 am Painted Lady flying around honeysuckle and floribunda roses in rear - temp 15 deg |
Val Fullforth |
| 20 Jun |
2 Cinnabar moth, 3 Marbled White, 1 Small Skipper, 3 Meadow Brown - Meadow, Letchworth Centre for
Healthy Living, Letchworth (TL2030) |
David Inward |
| 20 Jun |
1 Small Blood-vein at Dalrymple Close, N14 at 00:20 hrs - my first of the year. 1 Least Carpet at bus-stop
shelter at Enfield Rd/Cotswold Way, EN2 (TQ 305 967) this morning. 1 Small Tortoiseshell at Vicarage Farm (TQ 30 97), also here 1
Brown Argus, 1 Painted Lady at Hog Hill (TQ 305 973) at 12:15 hrs and another Adonis' Ladybird (my second in as many days!), 1
Comma nectaring on Bramble blossom near Hadley Rd/Vicarage Farm (TQ 302 980) at 12:43 hrs and 1 Small White here also, 1
Painted Lady flew N over lower lake, Trent Park at 14:03 hrs, 1 male Large Skipper edge of Williams Wood near Dew Pond at
Trent Park at 14:17 hrs and 2 Ringlet edge of Williams Wood/Trent Park, 2 Brown Argus and 7 Small Heath at Vicarage
Farm near Shaws Wood (TQ 29 97). At Oakwood Station: 1 Dark Arches, 1 Riband Wave and 1 Least Carpet. At ASDA Southgate: 1
Blood-vein and 2 Small Dusty Wave |
Robert Callf |
| 20 Jun |
Hounslow. Too much cloud around but this was perhaps helpful in keeping a Small Skipper resting for long enough for me to get
my first positive identification of the species this year. Minutes later a Large Skipper also obliged, a single glance being enough to
confirm this only very slightly out of the expected sequence in the end. Here's the full list: Meadow Brown: 7, Holly Blue: 1,
Speckled Wood: 1, Red Admiral: 2, Comma: 1, Small Tortoiseshell: 1, Small White: 1, Small Skipper:
2, Large Skipper: 1, Small Heath: 3, Painted Lady: 1. and one Cinnabar moth |
Peter Gore |
| 20 Jun |
At Wheathampstead LNR (TL173133) I saw several Meadow Browns, a Small Tortoiseshell and a Marbled White |
Robin Pearson |
| 19 Jun |
1 Heart and Dart Agrotis exclamationis moth found apparently dead - St Faiths Close, Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 19 Jun |
Humid, cloudy day until rain but saw my first Marbled White, as well as 15+ Meadow Brown, a Common Blue,
a Large Skipper and 3 Cinnabar moths at Gutteridge Wood Pond Meadow (TQ093841) |
Paul Busby |
| 19 Jun |
In Pymmes Park, Edmonton (TQ 336 929) this afternoon - 3 Meadow Brown, 1 male Large Skipper, 1 Yellow
Shell and an Adonis' Ladybird |
Robert Callf |
| 19 Jun |
This morning I saw my first ever Marbled White at Alexandra Palace (TQ299899) on the Anthill Meadow. Good numbers of
Meadow Brown and Large Skipper were also on the wing. Small Tortoiseshell, Small Heath, Common Blue and
Speckled Wood were also seen |
Gerry Rawcliffe |
| 19 Jun |
St Albans - Small Tortoiseshell sunbathing in my garden at lunchtime. It's now 6 days since I saw the first new brood
individual in the garden. None going into hibernation yet, but this could start to happen before the end of the month. A good time to clear
cobwebs away from their favoured hibernation spots. Also a female Meadow Brown, a species that doesn't usually find my garden until
late summer. But this year I have left most of the lawn uncut and I suspect it's the long grass which attracted it in |
Malcolm Hull |
| 18 Jun |
Unclassified aberration of a Small Tortoiseshell at Bengeo. Blue spots on the forewing costal margin close to the
thorax (see photo on right) |
Andrew Wood |
| 18 Jun |
8 species recorded on Southern Country Park transect including 20 Marbled White and a Painted Lady |
Bob Clift |
| 18 Jun |
My first Marbled White of the year in the field south of Norton Green Common. Also about 30 Meadow Brown,
13 Large Skipper and a Small Heath |
Peter Clarke |
| 18 Jun |
Morning conservation event with Friends Group along River Pinn, Woodville Gardens, Ruislip (TQ08 87) and members saw 2+
Large Skippers, 10+ Meadow Browns, Comma & Straw Dot, Yellow Shell, Silver Ground Carpet moths
along the meadows whilst removing invasive plants from river |
Paul Busby |
| 18 Jun |
Hounslow. I managed to complete the outward journey this morning before the rain forced a quicker return. Sightings quite
good in the circumstances: Small Heath: 3, Speckled Wood: 2, White-letter Hairstreak: 3, Meadow Brown: 3,
Small Tortoiseshell: 3 |
Peter Gore |
| 17 Jun |
Stocking Wood (13:00-14:30): No sign of either Hairstreak in their favoured locations yet. 1 Large White, 1 Small
White, 1 Peacock, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, c.15 Meadow Brown, 1 Small Heath, 1 Essex
Skipper, 1 Large Skipper |
Mike Harris |
| 17 Jun |
A short walk on Therfield Heath (east of the clubhouse) revealed the following species: Large Skipper (1), Large
White (1), Brown Argus (4), Common Blue (4), Marbled White (11), Meadow Brown (67), Small Heath (31).
I couldn't find any Dark Green Fritillaries, but several Cinnabar moths were also seen |
Martin Johnson |
| 17 Jun |
1 Red Admiral, 1 Small White, 1 Brimstone - path by River Oughton, near Westmill Farm, Hitchin
(TL170306), 3 Brimstone, 3 Speckled Wood - path by River Oughton, Oughtonhead Common, Hitchin (TL1630) |
David Inward |
| 17 Jun |
Saw a White-letter Hairstreak high up in Elm canopy on Minet Country Park transect route, then at about 4pm, saw
another relatively small specimen perched at head height on an Elm sapling, WLH's seen at both these locations last year (TQ 11 79). Other
off transect records included a Common Blue, Brown Argus and Yellow Shell, Burnet Companion and Cinnabar
moths |
Paul Busby |
| 17 Jun |
Hounslow. With 15 species identified and at least one more flying, today's walk was a welcome change from recent weeks. The
Elms were in full sun and I was not surprised to spot my first White-Letter Hairstreaks of the year. Not quite as easy to see a single
Purple Hairstreak above perhaps the 27th Oak I peered at but later 2 Marbled Whites were seen in an area badly burnt last year were I feared
they might have perished so particularly pleasing. My only frustration was failing to fully confirm Small Skipper. It was certainly bright
orange and small but it decided to skip as I closed in on its antennae. A further sighting of another orange butterfly was less clear and I
choose to think of it as a possible so far elusive Large Skipper but neither of these are included in the following list: White-letter
Hairstreak: 3, Red Admiral: 2, Purple Hairstreak: 1, Comma: 1, Meadow Brown: 11, Small Heath: 10,
Speckled Wood: 3, Brimstone: 1, Common Blue: 2, Marbled White: 2, Brown Argus: 1, Small
Tortoiseshell: 1, Small White: 1, Large White: 1, Painted Lady: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 17 Jun |
At Trent Park - 1 Cinnabar near Oakwood entrance, 4 Common Blue 3 males & 1 female 'New Fields', also here 9
Small Heath and 1 male Small Skipper
At Monken Hadley Common - 4 Speckled Wood, 1 Holly Blue, 1 male
Large Skipper (TQ 269 971), 1 male Small Skipper (TQ 269 972) and 4 Small Heath (TQ 267 973). 1 Small
Tortoiseshell nectaring on Bramble blossom at Covert Way LNR (TQ 265 973) at 14:20 hrs. 1 Chimney Sweeper near Cockfosters
entrance, Trent Park (TQ 280 967) and 1 Least Carpet at Oakwood Station - my first of the year |
Robert Callf |
| 16 Jun |
A fast-flying Dark Green Fritillary near the Therfield Heath car park (TL336400) |
Paddy Grove |
| 16 Jun |
1 male Large Skipper at Whitewebbs Park at 12:45 hrs, 1 Mother Shipton at Whitewebbs Farm, Enfield (TL 330 000),
2 Large Skipper female and male at Whitewebbs Farm, Enfield (TL 330 000) and 2 Cinnabar here also, 2 Brown Argus at
Sloemans Farm, Enfield |
Robert Callf |
| 16 Jun |
New Mill Meadow, Tring - a brief walk this lunchtime produced my first Ringlet of the year.
Also present despite blustery conditions were 27 Meadow Brown, 4 Common Blue, 1 Brown Argus and a Yellow Shell
Moth |
Chris Hilling |
| 16 Jun |
A few sightings whilst river sampling. Two Meadow Browns, Pinn Meadow, Ruislip (TQ 092 880), a Large White in
Hillingdon by flowering bramble (TQ 086 843), Speckled Wood, 4 Meadow Brown, Silver Y and Burnet Companion moth
in clearing in Cutthroat Wood, Hillingdon (TQ 08 84) and then Ickenham Fields by mainline rail (TQ 075 870), 10+ Meadow Browns and
surprisingly my first Large Skipper of the year |
Paul Busby |
| 16 Jun |
The Orchards, Sawbridgeworth (16:00-17:00): 1M Holly Blue, 3 Meadow Brown, 2 Ringlet |
Mike Harris |
| 16 Jun |
Hillfield Park Reservoir, Aldenham - 3 Red Admiral, 15 Large Skipper, 6 Small Tortoiseshell, 1
Peacock, 2 Comma, 2 Common Blue, 1 Small Copper, 15 Meadow Brown |
Malcolm Hull |
| 15 Jun |
A breezy but warmer and drier than recent days, saw 10+ Meadow Brown at Roxbourne Rough, Eastcote (TQ 120 876), then a
Red Admiral at Broomfield Park, Palmers Green (TQ 304 928) and finally late afternoon saw another 20+ Meadow Brown, a
Common Blue and a Burnet Companion moth at Wood Farm section of Stanmore Country Park (TQ 17 93) |
Paul Busby |
| 15 Jun |
At my allotment in Muswell Hill (TQ 2890) I saw two Lime Hawk-moths on a Cherry tree, they were in no hurry. It is
now raining, one wonders if they've moved |
Dee Cullen |
| 15 Jun |
1 Small Dusty Wave Idaea seriata moth - St Faiths Close, Hitchin (TL198303). Possibly the same individual as
that seen on 29 May at almost same location |
David Inward |
| 15 Jun |
My first White-letter Hairstreak of the year - at Six Hills Common in the canopy in the middle 'gap' at 9:40 am. While
walking my Knebworth transects I again found several Chimney Sweeper moths at the same spot but this time I managed a decent photo!
At Norton Green Common by which time it had completely clouded over I saw a Large Skipper posing nicely |
Peter Clarke |
| 15 Jun |
Hounslow. A little morning sunshine although rain on the return journey led me to shorten the walk, the day's highlight was
probably a Red Admiral on the Pevensey loop: Speckled Wood: 3, Meadow Brown: 4, Red Admiral: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 15 Jun |
1 Red Admiral near Shaws Wood, Trent Park (TQ 297 970) at 14:56 hrs and 1 Common Carpet edge of Williams Wood
near Dew Pond, Trent Park (TQ 294 973) |
Robert Callf |
| 14 Jun |
Nice Painted Lady sunning itself in Hitchin garden this afternoon |
Martin Banthorpe |
| 14 Jun |
3 Marbled Whites and 8 Red Admirals reported on the Chorleywood Common transect |
Philip Gibbs |
| 14 Jun |
1 Red Admiral near Warbler Hide at Rye Meads RSPB this afternoon at 14:25 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 14 Jun |
A Hummingbird hawk-moth feeding on Red Valerian in my Stevenage garden this afternoon |
Peter Clarke |
| 14 Jun |
In my garden in Flaunden (TL00A) this afternoon. Painted Lady, Red Admiral. Both butterflies looking freshly
arrived or emerged |
Jill Saunders |
| 14 Jun |
Chiswell Green - Gardens of the Rose - A Painted Lady on the public footpath this morning. Quite faded, it flew in
short energetic bursts of flight along the nettles and thistles bordering the field in overcast conditions. Nearby a Red Admiral, 2 very
fresh Large Skippers, 4 Meadow Browns, 1 fresh Small Tortoiseshell, Large Yellow Underwing and a Cinnabar
moth. This pm in the HMWT Wildlife garden, St Albans, a fresh Painted Lady. WATCH OUT for more migrating Painted Ladies in the next
few days |
Malcolm Hull |
| 11 Jun |
Branch Event
Hillbrow LGC - Small Blue Walk. In spite of the overcast conditions with continuous light rain three people turned up, as
they had come from some distance and expressed a wish to have a good look at the site we decided to proceed. At 11.10 we set off in rain, I
had earlier found a roosting Small Blue which was relocated and observed up close. We later found a second roosting Small Blue and
some Bee Orchids were photographed. We left the site at approximately 12.15 surprisingly satisfied, it was still raining! |
Roger Millard |
| 11 Jun |
Hounslow. Not much to report after yesterday's rain (some paddling necessary today) but I did manage to spot a Speckled
Wood on the Heath and a lively Small Heath amongst the grass on the meadow side of the Pevensey loops. I confirmed my suspicions
that the Richmond side of the Crane although accessible by the new bridge from Hounslow is not really suitable for a butterfly-seeking walk
after rainfall. It was an enjoyable test of my geriatric long-jumping skills nevertheless and I did complete it without mishap |
Peter Gore |
| 11 Jun |
1 Speckled Wood near Shaws Wood at Trent Park at 11:58 hrs, 1 male Common Blue near Ride Wood, Trent Park, 2
Small Heath at Trent Park, 1 male Large Skipper along Leeging Beech Gutter at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) at 13:52 hrs,
also here 1 male Brown Argus and 1 Small Heath, 3 Small Tortoiseshell around 'Barracks' Vicarage Farm (TQ 3097). 3
Mother Shipton nectaring on Giant Hogweed along Leeging Beech Gutter at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) at 13:50 hrs, 1 Yellow
Shell at Vicarage Farm (TQ 3097) - my first of the year. 1 Garden Carpet at ASDA Southgate |
Robert Callf |
| 10 Jun |
1 Small Magpie Moth Anania hortulata - St Faiths Close, Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 9 Jun |
Whilst at Phasels Wood Scout campsite, saw 8 Meadow Brown and 6 Common Blue in the wildflower rich meadow
adjacent to site car park (TL052042) |
Paul Busby |
| 9 Jun |
Hillbrow, Letchworth G C - Small Blue x30+ (including mating pair), Common Blue 5m, Large Skipper x4,
Large White x3, Small White x2 and Meadow Brown x50+. Day-flying moths included, Burnet Companion, Mother
Shipton, Latticed Heath, Yellow Shell and Cinnabar |
Roger Millard |
| 9 Jun |
Branch Event
Heartwood Forest, Sandridge, St Albans - 12 people joined Andrew Steele for the first Woodland Trust/Butterfly Conservation
trip round this site looking for Small Blue. We had a good showing of day flying moths, enjoying the cool and sometimes overcast weather
conditions. Burnet Companion, Mother Shipton, Latticed Heath, Yellow Shell, Cinnabar and Shaded
Broad-Bar. Small Heath, Meadow Brown and Common Blue were the most common butterfly species with dozens of each
seen.
Small Blues were also out in force, with a total of 16 recorded, mostly in the Valley Field alongside Wells/Puddler Wood,
parts of which were seeded with Kidney Vetch in 2017. Other butterflies spotted were Small Tortoiseshell, Brimstone, Brown
Argus, Speckled Wood, Large Skipper, Large White and Small Copper. Small Blues have been consistently
recorded on this site in low numbers for the last five years. Today's total is the highest that has been recorded at this site by some
margin |
Malcolm Hull
Andrew Steele |
| 9 Jun |
Late morning visit to site off Hillbrow eventually proved successful. Had to wait 20 minutes for my first Small Blue
here and then counted about ten more in less than half an hour on the bottom half of the slope. 30+ Meadow Brown, 2 Small
Heath, a Small White and Large White plus Mother Shipton and Burnet Companion also seen |
Peter Clarke |
| 9 Jun |
1 Holly Blue - Triangle Community Gardens, Hitchin (TL19023021) |
David Inward |
| 9 Jun |
Hounslow. Mid morning to mid afternoon with a mix of cloud and sunshine: Brown Argus: 3, Meadow Brown: 3,
Speckled Wood: 3, Common Blue: 2, Small Tortoiseshell: 1, Small Heath: 5 and two Cinnabar moths |
Peter Gore |
| 8 Jun |
White-letter Hairstreak in Durant's Park, Enfield |
Andrew Middleton |
| 8 Jun |
2 Burnet Companion, 1 Mother Shipton and 1 Meadow Brown at Oakwood Park (13:10 - 13:50 hrs) and 4
Speckled Wood and 1 Holly Blue at Boxer's Lake, Enfield (14:00 - 14:20 hrs) |
Robert Callf |
| 7 Jun |
Not much flying today. A Cinnabar moth had wisely decided to take shelter from the rain inside my greenhouse |
Malcolm Hull |
| 6 Jun |
I walked through Tunnel Gardens this evening at 6.00pm and was excited to find four Common Blue butterflies in the new
meadow area we cleared last year, the first I have seen in the 12 years since we moved here. The birds-foot trefoil I seeded last year
appears to have paid off. Two females and two males so hopefully more later in the year. Also one rather faded Holly Blue |
Miles Attenborough |
| 6 Jun |
Therfield Heath (East side - Old Rifle Range): Large Skipper (1), Brimstone (5), Small/Green-veined White
(11), Brown Argus (6, including a 'white spot' variant), Common Blue (11), Speckled Wood (1), Meadow Brown (6),
Small Heath (28). Also 2+ Burnet Companion moths and a Broad-bodied Chaser dragonfly. Numbers of all species seem to be
somewhat lower than at this time last year, perhaps at least partly due to the current virtual drought conditions in this area |
Martin Johnson |
| 6 Jun |
Went to Broxbourne wood this morning, windy, sunny and cloudy, warm. Saw 2 Meadow Browns, my first for the year. Also
lots of Speckled Yellow moths |
Kevin Standbridge |
| 6 Jun |
Small Blue. Doing my survey of Kidney Vetch sites around the Baldock bypass today I finally, after many years, found one at the base of
the shallow cutting where the B197 and the A505 diverge south east of Letchworth, just north of the drainage pond. Despite searching all the
nearby areas I found no further examples, although the weather was alternating rapidly between sunny and dull and always breezy. This is 2km
from the Hillbrow site. At Hillbrow the weather was similarly variable but I did see a number, the Kidney Vetch has spread in some areas and
is holding its own despite scrub encroachment which I am assured will be dealt with this autumn. The set-aside field corner nearby has only
a small amount of Kidney Vetch but, sheltered by a hedge and in a brief warm spell I counted 8 individuals, the most I've recorded at that
site |
Andrew Wood |
| 6 Jun |
Hounslow. A little surprised by how few butterflies I saw today, perhaps just a more noticeable 'gap' than last year:
Holly Blue: 5, Peacock: 1, Speckled Wood: 1, Small Copper: 1, Small Heath: 1, Red Admiral: 1,
Brown Argus: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 6 Jun |
A Painted Lady at Norton Green Common |
Sharon Chesterman |
| 6 Jun |
At Rye Meads RSPB - 2 Red Admiral, 2 Brimstone male and female, Holly Blue, Speckled Wood |
Robert Callf |
| 6 Jun |
I had a new visitor to my allotment in Muswell Hill (TQ282902) a lone Cinnabar Moth. My first ever sighting at that
site. It explored my plot before settling for a while on the Beetroot |
Dee Cullen |
| 5 Jun |
Hounslow. Another walk with very little sun getting through the clouds, I was pleased to see a lively fresh-looking Small
Tortoiseshell on the heath towards the end of my walk.: Holly Blue: 1, Common Blue: 2, Small Heath: 3, Meadow
Brown: 2, Brown Argus: 2, Small Tortoiseshell: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 5 Jun |
1 Small Dusty Wave at bus-stop shelter at Chase Road/Charter Way, N14 and 1 male Common Swift at Bramley
Parade, N14 (TQ 295 961). Found a beautifully fresh male Lime Hawk-moth at Oakwood Station near one of the lights (TQ 293 959) - the
first live one that I have found, also 1 Treble-Brown Spot at bus-stop shelter at Enfield Road near Jolly Farmers PH. 10 Meadow
Brown and 4 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) this afternoon and 1 Burnet Companion at Parkside Farm/Res.,
Enfield (TQ 2998) |
Robert Callf |
| 5 Jun |
I had my first of year Large Skipper on the Anthill Meadow and first of year Meadow Brown on the main Meadow
at Alexandra Palace Park (TQ299899) this morning. Also seen were Small Heath, Small Copper and Common Blue |
Gerry Rawcliffe |
| 5 Jun |
At the Finch Lane Allotments: 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Small Copper and 4 Cinnabar moths |
Rebecca Palmer |
| 5 Jun |
While walking the Knebworth transect I found 12 Chimney Sweeper moths at the same spot as last year in Knebworth
Park (TL224211) |
Peter Clarke |
| 3 Jun |
An unusual female Common Blue seen at Stanwell Moor on 28 May - see photo |
Dave Miller |
| 3 Jun |
Saw a Small Skipper on Halsey Field |
Chris Ridley |
| 3 Jun |
On unmanaged land (former quarry) between two arms of the M25 near Langleybury (Watford) (TQ0799): 17+ Small Heath,
3 Brown Argus, probably 3 Meadow Brown, male Brimstone, 1 Treble Bar (ID confirmed through photo of moth at
rest), 13+ Cinnabar, 2 Mother Shipton, and 1 Yellow Shell. Elsewhere nearby a Red Admiral by the canal near
Charlotte's Vale (TQ 088 981), and a Pale Prominent in one of two lit subways at Hunton Bridge (TQ 086 995) in which there were a
total of 5 Common Swift |
Colin Everett |
| 3 Jun |
Exciting to see a Hummingbird Hawk moth on Valerian mid afternoon in Kings Langley (TL069033) |
Elizabeth Debenham |
| 3 Jun |
Hounslow. Just a few in rather cloudy conditions: Speckled Wood: 1, Common Blue: 5, Small Copper: 1,
Brown Argus: 3, Small Heath: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 3 Jun |
Visited Woodcock Hill Cemetary, Rickmansworth briefly. Noticed 1 x Brown Argus and Cinnabar moths x 2 (TQ058 931) |
David Gower |
| 3 Jun |
A good day at Rickneys - saw 3 Meadow Browns, first of the year. Many Small Heaths and 6 Common Blue
At Waterford Heath south - 8 Small Heath and a Holly Blue
In Broxbourne Woods saw first Large Skipper, in the glade
and also Meadow Browns, 5 Small Heath and 5 Common Blue. Meadow Brown also in Bencroft Wood 3 and in field
behind 5, in field behind additionally Small Heath 12 and six Common Blue. But many moths: Latticed Heath 6, Mother
Shipton 4 and Burnet Companion 5 |
Steve Kiln |
| 3 Jun |
A few firsts for me at a couple of my sites.
Half a dozen active Yellow-barred Longhorn Moths at Northaw Great
Wood; first couple of Meadow Browns there also.
First Brown Argus of the year at Alexandra Park, by the NW corner of the
cricket pitch |
Dee Cullen |
| 3 Jun |
At Trent Park - 5 Speckled Wood, 11 Small Heath 'New Fields', 5 Small Copper, 4 Common Blue - 3
males, 1 female at 'New Fields', 2 Large Skipper Sect 5 'New Fields' - my first of the year, and 4 male Meadow Brown here. 36
Chimney Sweeper at 'New Fields' Trent Park - a good count, also here 4 Cinnabar, 4 Alabonia geofrella near
Church Wood (TQ 286 966), 1 Mother Shipton and 1 Buff-tip at Cedar House Financial Services, Bramley Parade, N14 (TQ 295 961).
3 Small Heath at Trent Park (1 near Water Garden, 2 'Old Golf Course'), 1 male Common Blue at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park, 1
Small Tortoiseshell at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) at 14:46 hrs - my first of the summer brood, 3 Speckled Wood (1 near Shaws
Wood, Trent Park, 2 at Park Farm, Enfield), 6 male Meadow Brown at Parkside Farm/Res., Enfield (TQ 2998), 5 Small Heath at
Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097), also here 1 male Common Blue, 1 Holly Blue at Enfield Rd/Jolly Farmers PH at 16:15 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 2 Jun |
4 Speckled Wood at Monken Hadley Common including three together at TQ 276 968 and 1 near Beech Hill Lake and another
at Covert Way LNR, 1 female Common Blue at TQ 268 973 at 14:16 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 2 Jun |
Hounslow. Despite less sunshine much the same number of sightings today as yesterday with a modest highlight my first Meadow
Brown of the year, two days earlier than last year's. Relatively small numbers but Brown Argus manages to top the list for sightings. They
seem to have spread across the area and can be seen almost anywhere apart from the shady woodland stretches and the streets from home to the
Heath. Speckled Wood: 7, Red Admiral: 1, Brown Argus: 9, Common Blue: 6, Small Copper: 2, Peacock:
1, Small White: 2, Brimstone: 2, Small Heath: 6, Holly Blue: 2, Meadow Brown: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 1 Jun |
Found a Purple Hairstreak at Tyttenhanger Gravel Pits by one of the old oak trees (TL191047) |
Andrew Steele |
| 1 Jun |
Found 12 species on the Bishop's Stortford Country Park transect including my first Meadow Brown of the year. Watched
a female Brimstone ovipositing on Alder Buckthorn whilst photographing Brimstone larvae on same plant - see photo |
Bob Clift |
| 1 Jun |
I saw a Meadow Brown when walking the Bricket Wood Common transect. I was surprised my first sighting was a female;
I'd expected the males to be out ready to approach the virgin females as soon as they emerged |
Chris Newton |
| 1 Jun |
Holly Blue x 2 and Cinnabar moth x 1 in Bushey garden |
David Gower |
| 1 Jun |
4 Speckled Wood, 1 Brown Argus, 2 Orange-tip, 1 Green-veined White, 1 Small Tortoiseshell,
2 Silver-ground Carpet Moth (Xanthorhoe montanata) - Purwell Ninesprings HMWT nature reserve, Hitchin TL2029 |
David Inward |
| 1 Jun |
St Albans - Spotted a female Brimstone flying along my street. She turned into my garden and headed straight for the
Purging Buckthorn which she appeared to have detected from a distance of about 40 ft. Over the next 6 minutes she laid about 10 eggs, in
each case selecting the newest tenderest growth. She explored several other bushes in the garden, but finding they were not Buckthorn then
flew off. About an hour later she returned, still looking for suitable bushes, but she laid no more eggs on my Buckthorn. While searching
for suitable laying locations she flew right round the bush, through it and underneath the leafy parts. The laying sites were all well
separated, no two eggs laid together or even close to each other. All egg-laying sites were 6-12 ft above ground level - there were no
lower leaves. I planted this bush over 15 years ago and never seen so many eggs laid on it. I pruned it quite heavily last November, which
has produced a lot more new shoots than usual, which the butterfly seemed to like. I'd noticed the same with the Alder Buckthorn on my
Allotment - a good winter pruning encourages more new shoots and Brimstone eggs. The female looked in pristine condition: considering she
must have emerged from pupation last July that's quite impressive, not sure any other UK butterflies live for 11 months and still look good |
Malcolm Hull |
| 1 Jun |
Hounslow. A lot of sunshine to start a new month but mostly 'old' butterflies with the possible exception of a bright,
fresh-looking Comma to which I tried to get closer only to find myself sitting down abruptly amidst the Brambles and Nettles I was pushing
through. They were evidently on a fairly steep decline. On these occasions it's the standing up again which can be most painful. Still, I
managed it and the Comma was still fluttering around provocatively several feet in front of me. With the river just ahead I chose to remain
unprovoked so I can only say it was probably a fresh new specimen. Here are the full sightings all less arduously seen and including a good
day for Cinnabars; I don't pay proper attention to moths but one excuse so far this year has been that there are precious few to see anyway:
Holly Blue: 4, Speckled Wood: 8, Brown Argus: 6, Green-veined White: 1, Brimstone: 4, Small Copper:
1, Small White: 1, Comma: 1, Common Blue: 10, Small Heath: 6, and seven Cinnabar moths |
Peter Gore |
| 1 Jun |
Aldbury Nowers: 1 Green Hairstreak, 7 Small Heath, 3 Brimstone, 1 Holly Blue, 1 Common
Blue, 2 Speckled Wood, 3 Orange-tip, 3 Meadow Brown and 1 Grizzled Skipper. Also 1 Burnet
Companion |
Shailesh Patel |
| 1 Jun |
In Oakwood Park this afternoon (12:45 - 14:10 hrs) - 1 Holly Blue, 2 Small Copper (male W of 10 km line, female
E of 10 km line), 6+ Common Blue, 1 male Meadow Brown E of 10 km line - my first of the year. 2 Mother Shipton, 10
Burnet Companion (most E of 10 km line), 6 Orange Conch - Commophila aeneana - 1 W of 10 km line and 5 E of 10 km line
- my first of the year, 1 Cinnabar E of 10 km line, 1 Pyrausta aurata at Conservation Pond W of 10 km line. 1 Riband
Wave at ASDA Southgate |
Robert Callf |
| Date |
Description |
Recorder |
| 31 May |
I saw a Meadow Brown on Chorleywood Common as part of our weekly transect survey. I saw it up close. Apparently this
is very early for Hertfordshire. Certainly I haven't seen one thus early before. There may have also been a second but it wouldn't open its
wings and I was not sure. But one was definite |
Philip Gibbs |
| 31 May |
1 Brimstone male - St Faiths Close, Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 31 May |
7 Brown Argus at Whitewebbs Farm, Enfield (TL 330 000), also here 2 Holly Blue and 1 Small Copper, 2
Brown Argus at Sloemans Farm, Enfield (TL 325 004). 1 Alabonia geofrella at Hilly Fields Park, Enfield (TQ 320 984) at
13:25 hrs, 3 Mother Shipton and 2 Cinnabar at Whitewebbs Farm, Enfield (TL 330 000) this afternoon |
Robert Callf |
| 30 May |
Found a Light Brown Apple Moth Epiphyas postvittana (8-10mm) on my back lawn in Stevenage - a first! |
Peter Clarke |
| 30 May |
A male Meadow Brown on Bricket Wood Common (TL 1307 0071) (my first ever May record for the
species). Nearby a Small Copper at Garston Park LNR (TL 1223 0046) where sorrel is common on the hillside, and a Light Emerald
moth in the lit subway (TL 124 006) between the two sites |
Colin Everett |
| 30 May |
Hounslow. More sunshine than forecast encouraged butterflies to fly, including several more whites than I managed to
identify. Here are the details: Common Blue: 4, Brown Argus: 4, Small White: 1, Holly Blue: 3, Small Heath:
1, Peacock: 1 and a Cinnabar moth |
Peter Gore |
| 30 May |
At Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) (11:20 - 12:15 hrs) - 1 Green-veined White, 6 Small Heath, 1 Red
Admiral near Allotments and 1 Burnet Companion. At Boxer's Lake, Enfield - 4 Speckled Wood, 3 Holly Blue and 1
Red Admiral. At Oakwood Park (13:35 - 14:35 hrs) - 10 Common Blue, 2 Burnet Companion E of 10 km line, 3 Mother
Shipton E of 10 km line, 2 Holly Blue and 1 Speckled Wood |
Robert Callf |
| 30 May |
Plenty in flight on my transect at Alexandra Park despite a strong breeze. Of note was a Burnet Companion new sighting
for me at the park. By NW corner of cricket pitch (TQ300899) |
Dee Cullen |
| 29 May |
This morning I was given escorted access by Network Rail to one of the Hertford area's Grizzled Skipper populations.
Weather conditions were very unfavourable as there was sufficient sun to get a Grizzled to come off roost but not enough to make them fly
actively. The visit was also quite late in the season? The Grizzled Skippers were simply basking on stones or soil - all very camouflaged!
Only four were seen in total, three by the trackman Martin! Also seen were 1 Holly Blue, at least 14 Cinnabar, 2
Treble-bar moths, 2 Yellow Shell moths, 9 Small Heath, 6 Brown Argus, 1 Orange-tip and 1 Small
Copper.
Last week Sharon Hearle reported seeing three Four-spotted Moths close to the Hertfordshire border and more sightings
have since been reported in Cambridgeshire. Today I visited the site found by Sharon last week, close to the A505 - it is simply a recently
dug ditch beside a minor road, which has ample food plant (field bindweed) and a brilliant nectar source of wild flowers. In total I
recorded twelve of the moths - one was probably the most co-operative I have ever encountered. The weather conditions were very poor but
they were still flying. I checked several other areas but by early afternoon the weather was getting worse so I can't say whether they
weren't present or just not flying! Everyone interested in looking for this moth, needs to start looking now! |
Liz Goodyear |
| 29 May |
1 Small Dusty Wave moth (Idaea seriata) - St Faiths Close, Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 29 May |
A few moths at Gordon Hill Station, Enfield this morning - 1 Treble Brown-spot, 1 Yellow-barred Brindle, 1
Light Emerald and 1 Bee Moth |
Robert Callf |
| 28 May |
In Northaw Great Wood - 1 Alabonia geofrella, 1+ Yellow-barred Long-horn, 1 Small Copper, 4+
Speckled Yellow and 3 Speckled Wood. In Town Park, Enfield (TQ 325 961) this afternoon - 1 Green-veined White, 2 male Common Blue
and 1 Cinnabar |
Robert Callf |
| 27 May |
1 Holly Blue at Chase Road/Charter Way, N14 at 11:54 hrs, 11 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097),
also here 1 Mother Shipton and 1 Small Copper near Hadley Road at 12:39 hrs, 1 Cinnabar at 'Old Golf Course' Trent
Park, also here 3 Small Heath, 3 Mother Shipton, male Common Blue and 1 Small Copper; 1 Speckled Wood
E edge of Icehouse Wood, 1 Green-veined White at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) at 14:29 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 27 May |
At Finch Lane allotments (TQ133959): 1 Speckled Wood and 1 Small Copper |
Rebecca Palmer |
| 27 May |
I was at Hillbrow, Letchworth (TL 205 320) at around 4pm & am dead chuffed (life tick!) to have found a number of
Small Blues (despite it being windy and not that sunny). I think I saw about 10 males that seemed to have found a bit of shelter from
the wind (near a hedge towards the railway line). I noted some Kidney Vetch in the field, (not very much) & the butterflies were not
particularly near to it |
Phil Barron |
| 26 May |
6 Small Heath and 1 Small White at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097), 2 Small Copper, male
Orange-tip, 1 Peacock and 1 Mother Shipton at Parkside Farm/Res., Enfield (TQ 2998), 1 Alabonia geofrella
at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) at 12:06 hrs - my first of the year |
Robert Callf |
| 26 May |
Branch Event
Greenwood Park, Chiswell Green - 30 people attended the launch of our new butterfly bank. After a short presentation, we
walked across the park to the chalk bank site. Kidney Vetch seeds have been sown across nearly half the area and some Birdsfoot Trefoil
planted. More planned on Friday, call me on 07768 154324 if you are free to help. The weather was overcast, but we saw a fresh Brown
Argus, a female Orange-tip, Small Tortoiseshell caterpillars, Mother Shipton and Muslin moths. Earlier at
the footpath off Chiswell Green Lane I saw a roosting Small Blue |
Malcolm Hull |
| 25 May |
Islip Manor meadows (TQ119 844) - 4 Small Copper, 3 Common Blue, 1 Holly Blue, 1 Small Heath,
and 6 Burnet Companion |
Paul Lane |
| 25 May |
Heartwood Forest. Over 30 Small Heath, 2 Brown Argus, 1 Small Copper, 1 Small Blue. Only one Small
Blue, in spite of spending time near the kidney vetch. Also 3 Orange-tips, 2 Peacocks, 2 Small Tortoiseshells,
"several" Common Blues, Brimstones |
Martin Webb |
| 25 May |
Hounslow. Sunshine and cloud and the following seen: Holly Blue: 7, Speckled Wood: 6, Small White: 4,
Peacock: 4, Common Blue: 4, Small Copper: 1, Small Heath: 5, Green Hairstreak: 1, Brown Argus: 2,
Orange-tip: 1 and two Cinnabar moths |
Peter Gore |
| 25 May |
Morning visit to Frogmore Gravel Pit yielded 3 Grizzled Skipper, a male Brimstone, a Green-veined White,
3 Brown Argus, 7 Common Blue, 4 Small White and 12 Cinnabar moths. Several blue damselflies present |
Peter Clarke |
| 25 May |
3 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) this morning, also here 1 female Brown Argus along Leeging
Beech Gutter at 10:13 hrs, male Orange-tip at Vicarage Farm (TQ 3097) and Parkside Farm, Enfield, 1 Peacock at Parkside Farm
(TQ 2998) at 10:38 hrs, 1 Small Copper near Ride Wood, Trent Park at 12:17 hrs, 1 Mother Shipton at Vicarage Farm (TQ 3097)
and 1 Silver Y at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998). 1 Cinnabar at Trent Park this afternoon. 1 Holly Blue at Oakwood
Station at 15:43 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 25 May |
My first Painted Lady of the year was on the Anthill Meadow at Alexandra Palace Park (TQ299899) this morning. Also
seen were Red Admiral, Holly Blue, Common Blue, Small White, Speckled Wood, Small Copper and
Brimstone. A local school hatched and released Painted Ladies late last week, so I think there is a reasonable chance that this
morning's record is not a genuinely wild butterfly |
Gerry Rawcliffe |
| 24 May |
Hillbrow, Letchworth G C - 13.15 to 14.30: Small Copper x1, Brimstone x3m & 1fm, Holly Blue x3,
Brown Argus x1, Common Blue 6m, Peacock x1 (well worn) and Small Blue x8 (looked like all males) |
Roger Millard |
| 24 May |
4 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097), also here 1 Peacock at 14:15 hrs, 1 male Orange-tip,
4 male Common Blue and 2 Mother Shipton and another Mother Shipton along Hadley Road (TQ 302 980), 5 Common Blue
at Parkside Farm/Res., Enfield (TQ 2998). 1 Common Marbled Carpet at ASDA Southgate - my first of the year |
Robert Callf |
| 23 May |
A Green Hairstreak reported from my parent's neighbour in their Highgate garden |
(Andrew Nield) |
| 23 May |
Holly Blues in my St Albans garden, where it is a truly resident species. They spent most of the day flying round,
nectaring and sunbathing. I saw one egg laying on the flower buds on the holly tree and disturbed another this evening which was roosting
in the winter honeysuckle bush. A few weeks ago they were sunning themselves on the ivy hedge after hatching out from there. No other
butterflies here today, but beautiful fresh female Broad-bodied Chaser hatched out of the pond |
Malcolm Hull |
| 23 May |
Hounslow. Green Hairstreaks continuing to be spotted in small numbers well away from their usual local sites. Today's two
included one settled on a bare patch of ground where it was very conspicuous, seeming more typical of a Small Copper or a Small Heath. Here
are the full details: Holly Blue: 7, Green Hairstreak: 2, Speckled Wood: 7, Common Blue: 7, Small Heath:
6, Brimstone: 3, Brown Argus: 3, Peacock: 2, Small Copper: 3, Orange-tip: 1, two Cinnabar moths
and one Mother Shipton |
Peter Gore |
| 23 May |
2 Small Dusty Wave at bus-stop shelter at Chase Road/Charter Way, N14 this morning, 1 Small Heath near Shaws
Wood at Vicarage Farm (TQ 2997) at 07:55 hrs, 4 Brown Argus near Merryhills Brook at Vicarage Farm (TQ 2997) - 3 males and 1 female
between 07:56 - 08:05 hrs, also here 3 Mother Shipton |
Robert Callf |
| 22 May |
Relatively low number of butterflies in the breezy sunshine but 13 species recorded whilst on transect walks in Hillingdon,
including atypical Small Heath at Lake Farm, Hayes. Off transect records at Minet Country Park (TQ 109799) yielded a further 2
Small Heaths, a Brown Argus, male Common Blue, male Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell, whilst by the Cycle
Track (TQ 111803) saw a male Orange-tip, a Green-veined White and a Small White |
Paul Busby |
| 22 May |
Hounslow. Similar in most respects to yesterday: Holly Blue: 6, Brimstone: 8, Peacock: 8, Speckled
Wood: 2, Orange-tip: 3, Green Hairstreak: 2, Common Blue: 4, Small White: 2, Brown Argus: 1,
Small Heath: 5, Small Tortoiseshell: 1, Small Copper: 1 and 3 Cinnabar moths |
Peter Gore |
| 22 May |
At Rickneys Quarry this afternoon Brown Argus 11, Common Blue 7, 1 Small Heath and 1 Grizzled
Skipper and 2 Orange-tip. In field behind Bencroft Wood 9 Small Heath and 3 Small Copper and 2 Latticed
Heath moths |
Steve Kiln |
| 22 May |
Small Heath are out in good numbers this afternoon at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) - counted 19 here and another 1
near Merryhills Brook at Vicarage Farm (TQ 2997), 2 Brown Argus at Vicarage Farm (TQ 3097) at 13:55 hrs and another (female) near
Merryhills Brook (TQ 2997) at 14:16 hrs, also at least 2 Mother Shipton at Vicarage Farm (TQ 3097). 1 late instar Oak Eggar
caterpillar near Merryhills Brook at Trent Park and 1 Small Tortoiseshell at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) at 16:09 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 21 May |
The local U3A Nature Study group came to visit Halsey Field, Hemel Hempstead and with quite a few sharp eyes were able to
spot: 4 Green Hairstreak, at least 5 Holly Blue, over 20 Brimstone, 1 Orange-tip, and 1 Large Skipper.
I also saw a Mother Shipton moth on the top field of the site on my way home |
Chris Ridley |
| 21 May |
A couple of Holly Blues seen at the Community Wetland Planting Day at Broomfield Park, Palmers Green, Enfield |
Paul Busby |
| 21 May |
Hillbrow, Letchworth G C, 11.45 to 14.00 - Orange-tip x2m, Holly Blue x9, Brown Argus x7, Common Blue
x5m, Brimstone x2m & 6fm and Small Blue x1. Despite four recent visits this is the first Small Blue I have seen on this site,
however another visitor I met said he had seen one earlier today on another part of the site |
Roger Millard |
| 21 May |
I have seen only one Large White this year but I was amazed to find 3 clusters of yellow eggs 1-2 metres high on
railings (facing east) surrounding a kissing gate by the Aston End Brook, south-east of Ridlins Wood, Stevenage. Are they really Large
White eggs? I can't think what else they can be but I am happy to be corrected! The eggs have rounded peaks so not Large White! |
Peter Clarke |
| 21 May |
Hounslow. Mostly sunny with a good selection of butterflies although Whites seem to be fairly poor at present: Holly
Blue: 12, Peacock: 4, Speckled Wood: 4, Green-veined White: 1, Orange-tip: 3, Common Blue: 3,
Small Copper: 4, Brown Argus: 4, Small Heath: 4, Small White: 1, Green Hairstreak: 3, Brimstone: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 21 May |
At Grovelands Park, Southgate (11:40 - 14:10 hrs) - 7 Holly Blue, 3 Small Copper, 1 male Brown Argus
near Bowling Green (TQ 307 946) at 12:45 hrs, 1 Burnet Companion, 1 Silver Y, 1 Red Admiral near The Bourne entrance
at 14:06 hrs - my first of the late spring/early summer, 1 Speckled Wood |
Robert Callf |
| 20 May |
While out on my local patch at Stanwell Moor, I found my first Large Skipper of 2019 |
Dave Miller |
| 20 May |
A single Speckled Wood in Cutthroat Wood, Hillingdon, looking back over the last couple of years, I am seeing less
Speckled Woods this Spring at the usual woodland sites in Hillingdon, hopefully it will improve |
Paul Busby |
| 20 May |
1 Holly Blue - St Faiths Close, Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 20 May |
Hounslow. After a blank day yesterday a little more sun today and the following were seen: Holly Blue: 5,
Orange-tip: 6, Peacock: 7, Speckled Wood: 2, Brimstone: 1, Common Blue: 1, Small Copper: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 20 May |
6 Speckled Wood near New Cottage Farm (TL 272 002), 1 male Orange-tip at Pond Wood at 11:08 hrs and also 1
Peacock here at 11:46 hrs, 1 female Small Copper egg-laying in meadow at Fir & Pond Woods at 11:50 hrs, 2 Green-veined
White at Fir & Pond Woods near Pond at 11:59 hrs and 3 Speckled Wood at Fir & Pond Woods. 2 Orange-tip male and female
near New Cottage Farm |
Robert Callf |
| 19 May |
2 Small Copper at 'New Fields' Trent Park, also here 2 Cinnabar and 3 Mother Shipton, 2 Orange-tip
male and female and female Small Copper near Beech Hill Lake, Monken Hadley Common (TQ 269 971) at 12:58 hrs, 1 female Small
Copper at Covert Way LNR (TQ 265 973) at 13:12 hrs, 1 Green-veined White at Monken Hadley Common (TQ 274 967) at 15:15 hrs, and 1
Large White and 1 Speckled Wood near Cockfosters entrance, Trent Park at 15:23 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 19 May |
Branch Event
We were joined by David Kirk, chairman of the Box Moor Trust and three other branch members for the walk around the lovely
Bovingdon Brickworks managed by the Box Moor Trust. Overnight rain meant everything was a bit damp, and despite the forecast saying there
would be some sunshine on arrival there was not. However, this proved a great bonus as it meant the resident Dingy Skippers were
still roosting and a pre-walk search located several for everyone to see and take photos. A total of 6 were found in the meadow adjacent to
the car park. As we set off it became apparent that the sun was trying to shine, which it did relatively weakly for the remainder of the
walk. This meant that the Dingy Skippers were beginning to come off their overnight roosting seed heads but were as a result not flying very
strongly or simply basking on the bare ground. A further 9 were found including a pair having quite a battle in the bottom of one of the
pits. Also recorded were 3 Brown Argus, 3 Orange-tip, 2 Common Blue, and 2 Cinnabar moths. It was lovely to
hear a cuckoo calling nearby and one more distant. Although the butterfly count was quite poor, everyone went home quite content with what
they had seen.
Earlier we had made a visit to the A41 Bourne End slip road but were unsuccessful in finding any roosting Small Blue,
however we did see 2 roosting Brown Argus and 2 Small Yellow Underwings. The Kidney Vetch though appears to be doing very
well although not in flower yet |
Liz Goodyear
Andrew Middleton |
| 19 May |
Visited Coppetts Wood in Barnet between 9.45 and 10.30 in rather overcast conditions, only sighting were two Speckled
Wood and 1 Holly Blue.
Walked along Tunnel Gardens from 11.00 till 1.00 photographing the flowers, some well camouflaged dock
bugs on dock leaves and in the process I saw 5 Holly Blues, 3 Speckled Wood, three Green-veined White and was lucky
enough to find a male Orange-tip who posed nicely on wild carrot and garlic mustard |
Miles Attenborough |
| 19 May |
Small Tortoiseshell caterpillars spotted on the nettles on my St Albans Allotment. Most were in a series of clusters,
with a few larger individuals beginning to disperse. Attempted a count, which was not easy and got to 300 individuals, which is more than I
see at this spot most years. See video on Malcolm's twitter |
Malcolm Hull |
| 18 May |
Off transect records for Minet Country Park, Hayes (TQ109800) - male Common Blue, Brown Argus, two female and
one male Orange-tip and a Holly Blue |
Paul Busby |
| 18 May |
1 Small White near Allotments at Vicarage Farm, Enfield at 12:21 hrs, 2 Mother Shipton and 1 Common
Carpet at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) - the latter a first for the year, 1 Green-veined White at Parkside Farm, Enfield
(TQ 2998), also here 1 female Orange-tip and 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Silver Y at Parkside Farm - my first for the
year, 1 Speckled Wood at Park Farm, Enfield, also here 1 Peacock and 1 Green-veined White, 1 Small Copper near
Ride Wood, Trent Park at 14:37 hrs, 4 Brown Argus, 1 Small Copper and 5 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield near
Shaws Wood (TQ 2997) |
Robert Callf |
| 17 May |
Of interest the micro moth that we couldn't identify on our visit to Hexton on 15 May proved to
be a serious rarity, thanks to Ben Sale for confirming its identity. It was Anania fuscalis.
See Ben's moth blog for records in 2015 and 2017 |
Liz Goodyear
Andrew Middleton |
| 16 May |
I visited the northern part of Bedfont Lakes Country Park, and saw the following: Holly Blue 8, Brown Argus 6,
Green-veined White 3, Common Blue 3, Green Hairstreak 3, Brimstone 2, Peacock 2, Orange-tip 2,
Small Heath 1, Speckled Wood 1.
The Green Hairstreaks were widely separated, with the one shown in the photo being within
sight of the visitor centre. The Common Blues included a beautiful blue female, more silver than blue |
Dave Miller |
| 16 May |
This afternoon we were walking round the Halsey Field in Gadebridge, Hemel Hempstead (TL042088) with some friends, when we
had a really good view of a Green Hairstreak fluttering around, then landing on a Dogwood bush near the southern perimeter fence.
Sightings of a Green Hairstreak were made this time last year on the site, so it looks very possible that the species is now breeding on the
field. I didn't manage to get a good photo of the hairstreak as it was high in the bush, but I did manage a somewhat out of focus photo of
the Small Yellow Underwing which I saw on Sunday 12th May at the bottom of the slope on Halsey field, as I was walking the transect |
Christine Ridley |
| 16 May |
1 Holly Blue female - St Faiths Close, Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 16 May |
Hounslow. Cloud and breeziness reduced numbers a little but still plenty to see: Peacock: 5, Speckled Wood: 2,
Green-veined White: 3, Common Blue: 1, Large White: 1, Orange-tip: 3, Holly Blue: 5, Small Heath:
4, Brimstone: 3, Small Tortoiseshell: 1, Brown Argus: 2, Small Copper: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 16 May |
1 Holly Blue at Enfield Chase Station (TQ 321 966) at 11:21 hrs, 1 Holly Blue at Whitewebbs Park (TQ 321 998)
at 12:54 hrs, 3 Speckled Wood at Whitewebbs Park (TQ 329 997), 1 Speckled Wood, 1 male Brimstone and 1 male
Orange-tip at Archers Wood, Enfield (TQ 333 992), 1 female Holly Blue at Forty Hall CP, Enfield (TQ 336 991) at 14:35 hrs, 1
female Orange-tip and 1 Speckled Wood at Forty Hall CP (TQ 337 984). 1 Small Dusty Wave at Gordon Hill Station this
morning - my first of the year |
Robert Callf |
| 16 May |
The first Common Blue of the year - a female - was in the north west corner of the cricket pitches at Alexandra
Palace (TQ300899) this morning, along with Brown Argus and Small Copper. Elsewhere on the Palace there were Brimstone,
Holly Blue, Small White, Orange-tip and Peacock |
Gerry Rawcliffe |
| 15 May |
At Water Lane , Watford found Orange-tip x 4, Brimstone x 2, Common Blue x 1, Common Carpet
moth x 1. At Fishers Field afterwards seeing Brimstone x 3, Peacock x 2, Holly Blue x 1, Common Blue x 1 |
David Gower |
| 15 May |
We went north and first visited Hexton Chalk Pit, arriving mid-morning so with the glorious sunshine everything was seriously
on the wing! Immediately a small pyralid moth got our interest but we have yet to identify it. As we walked through the pit, it became
obvious that there were serious numbers of Dingy Skipper flying - in some places one per square metre! It was impossible to get an
accurate count but we reckon a minimum of 50 were seen. As we walked through the pit, we encountered a Green Hairstreak on the ground
and then watching the various sycamore trees at the top end of the site we watched numerous duels and chases and at times they were
interacting with the Holly Blue in the same area. Again they were hard to count but we think we probably saw about 9. Also seen
during our visit were a single Small Heath, several Brimstones and on the adjacent field an Orange-tip. Day-flying
moths included Small Purple Barred, Small Yellow Underwing, Pyrausta nigrata and aurata, and
Burnet Companion.
We then went to Hillbrow at Letchworth but no Small Blue were encountered despite the Kidney Vetch appearing to
be doing very well although nowhere near flowering. The majority of butterflies seen were either Orange-tip or Brimstones but
we did see 2 Brown Argus as well as Holly Blues. Day-flying moths included Latticed Heath, Burnet Companion,
Mother Shipton (photo), Cinnabar and Small Yellow Underwing.
Finally we visited a field opposite the entrance to the
Wilbury Hill Carpark. Here butterflies were far more numerous with Brown Argus, Small Heath, Small Copper,
Brimstones and Orange-tips flying. Day-flying moths included Latticed Heath and Small Yellow Underwing |
Liz Goodyear
Andrew Middleton |
| 15 May |
1 Brimstone male, 1 Holly Blue, 1 Orange-tip male - St Faiths Close, Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 15 May |
Oakwood Park (15:20 - 16:00 hrs) - 1 male Brimstone, 3 Holly Blue and 1 Small Copper and 10+ Mother
Shipton were very active & restless. 1 Small White and 1 Holly Blue at Prince George Ave., N14 (TQ 299 956) at 16:05 hrs
and 1 Peacock settled at Boxer's Lake, Enfield at 16:15 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 15 May |
Hounslow. Two Small Heaths completed our local list of spring butterfly species (17) on another sunny day. One other
highlight and one oddity: a Green Hairstreak on one of the burnt areas moved purposefully from one little patch of regenerating Bramble
to another.I didn't manage to spot any eggs or actual laying but it did look as though that was what the butterfly had in mind. What two
butterflies seen shortly after had in mind was something else altogether, a Small Tortoiseshell and a Peacock spent quite a bit of time
together in a manner most unlike these two species. Although never actually mating, at one point they were both on my left foot -a double
first for my left foot there and a little later the presumed male Small Tortoiseshell was resting at right angles on the closed wings of
the Peacock. I left them to it, whatever 'it' was! Here are the full details of sightings: Holly Blue: 9, Speckled Wood: 1,
Green-veined White: 2, Small Copper: 5, Brimstone: 5, Common Blue: 1, Comma: 1, Red Admiral: 1,
Orange-tip: 9, Peacock: 5, Green Hairstreak: 2, Small Heath: 2, Brown Argus: 1, Small
Tortoiseshell: 1, Large White: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 14 May |
Seen in Bushey garden: Holly Blue x 5, Peacock x 1, Comma x 1 |
David Gower |
| 14 May |
This afternoon in my St Albans garden - Orange-tip, Green-veined White, Brimstone, Holly Blue,
Mint moth and longhorn moth |
Malcolm Hull |
| 14 May |
A probable Large Tortoiseshell or Scarce Tortoiseshell just N of Bovingdon at lunchtime. I flushed the
butterfly next to a footpath and was struck by its size (similar to Painted Lady) and colour (pale orange-brown); when I very briefly
glimpsed the markings it was obviously a tortoiseshell but the flight was very different - strong with frequent glides, like a large
fritillary. It was also very skittish and I could not relocate it once it had flown off into an adjacent field. The location was the
footpath between Duckhall Farm and Bourne End Lane near the karting track, where the path changes from a NE to NNW direction and a grassy
field opens out on the east side, about 20 metres N of the end of the hedgerow, at grid reference TL 01418 04468. I'd welcome any attempts
by other observers to re-find it. Nearby there was a Small Copper at the entrance to Little Hay Golf Course (TL 0192 0465) |
Colin Everett |
| 14 May |
Alexandra Palace's (TQ303898) first Brown Argus of the year was found in the south east corner of the park, somewhat
away from where it was expected! Also Small Copper, Orange-tip, Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Holly Blue,
Peacock, Small White and Green-veined White seen but surprisingly no Small Heath which have been a feature in recent
days |
Gerry Rawcliffe |
| 14 May |
1 Brimstone - St Faiths Close, Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 14 May |
Hounslow. A very good sunny walk with four species seen for the first time this year. Most welcome was Green Hairstreak which
had been worryingly elusive after last year's fires on the Heath and the destruction of much of its Marshalling Yards habitat. Here are the
full details: Holly Blue: 11, Red Admiral: 1 (first after possible February sighting not listed), Orange-tip: 6,
Peacock: 9, Green-veined White: 5, Green Hairstreak: 4, Common Blue: 1 (first), Small Copper: 1,
Brimstone: 8, Small White: 3, Small Tortoiseshell: 1, Brown Argus: 1 (1st) , Speckled Wood: 1 and a
Cinnabar moth |
Peter Gore |
| 14 May |
1 Holly Blue at Bramley Parade, N14 at 11:29 hrs, 1 Green-veined White near Oakwood entrance, Trent Park at
11:34 hrs, 3 Small Copper (2 males, 1 female) at 'New Fields' Trent Park, 1 male Orange-tip Sect 4 'New Fields' Trent Park at
12:12 hrs, 1 Holly Blue near Sports Field, Trent Park at 12:30 hrs. 1 male Orange-tip and 1 Holly Blue at Westpole Ave., EN4, 1 male
Orange-tip and 1 Holly Blue at Oakwood entrance, Trent Park, 3 Small Tortoiseshell (2 at Vicarage Farm - TQ 3097, 1 at
Parkside Farm - TQ 2998), 2 Orange-tip male and female at Vicarage Farm (TQ 3097), 2 Peacock (1 at Vicarage Farm, 1 at
Parkside Farm), 1 Speckled Wood, female Small Copper and 1 Holly Blue at Vicarage Farm. Female Muslin Moth seen
in flight at Bramley Parade, Oakwood (TQ 295961) at 11:29 hrs (my first of the year) and 1 Small Yellow Underwing near Triangular Wood, Trent Park at 11:42
hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 13 May |
A late afternoon visit to Merryhill fields, Bushey seeing Peacock x 3, Brimstone x 5 (all male),
Orange-tip x 1. In Bushey garden Holly Blue x 1 |
David Gower |
| 13 May |
1 Holly Blue, 1 Orange-tip - St Faiths Close, Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 13 May |
Fishers Field NR, Bushey: 3 Brimstone and 1 Peacock. Radlett Road fields: 1 Orange-tip. Link
Road, Watford: 1 Brimstone. North Bushey Play Park: 4 Brimstone and 1 Holly Blue |
Rebecca Palmer |
| 13 May |
Therfield Heath (east of the clubhouse): signs that the butterflies in the area are finally showing signs of activity!
Sightings: Brimstone (11, mainly females), Large White (1), Orange-tip (9, mainly females), Small Copper (1),
Holly Blue (4), Peacock (1), Speckled Wood (1), Small Heath (13) |
Martin Johnson |
| 13 May |
1 Holly Blue at Library Green, Enfield Town (TQ 324965) at 11:12 hrs, 1 female Green-veined White at Town Park,
Enfield (TQ 325960) at 11:35 hrs, 2 female Holly Blue at Carr's Basin, Town Park, 1 Holly Blue at Holly Walk, EN2 (TQ 324968)
at 11:53 hrs, 1 female Holly Blue at River View, EN2 (TQ 323967) at 12:06 hrs. 1 male Brimstone at Southgate Chase Allotments
(TQ 294 945) at 14:20 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 12 May |
1 Holly Blue at Dalrymple Close, N14 at 11:37 hrs, 1 Holly Blue at Enfield Road, EN2 at 11:47 hrs, 2 Small
Tortoiseshell and 1 Holly Blue at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097), 1 female Small Copper at Parkside Farm/Res, Enfield
(TQ 2998) at 12:36 hrs, also 1 Small Tortoiseshell here at 12:40 hrs, 1 Peacock at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) at 12:52 hrs,
1 male Holly Blue settled on ground near Duncan's Wood, Enfield Chase at 13:02 hrs, also 1 Peacock here at 13:03 hrs. 1
Peacock at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 13:44 hrs, also 1 Small Heath here at 13:50 hrs, 4 Small Copper at Trent
Park (3 at 'Old Golf Course' and 1 by lower lake), 2 Small Yellow Underwing together at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 13:59 hrs -
my first of the year, 1 Cinnabar near Ride Wood, Trent Park at 14:08 hrs - my first of the year, 1 Speckled Wood by lower
lake, Trent Park at 14:12 hrs, 4 male Orange-tip at Trent Park (1 edge of Moat Wood,1 at Water Garden, 1 near Dew Pond, 1 edge of
Williams Wood), 1 male Green-veined White edge of Williams Wood, Trent Park at 14:30 hrs, 1 Small Copper at Vicarage Farm,
Enfield near Shaws Wood (TQ 2997) at 14:35 hrs and 3 Small Heath here |
Robert Callf |
| 12 May |
I took a late afternoon walk, along the footpath by the boundary fence of the Rose Gardens and Butterfly World, to look for
roosting Small Blues, it was still very warm and I wasn't disappointed. I saw 5 Small Blues, 4 Peacock, 5 Orange-tip
and a Brimstone (TL124042) |
Mandy Floyd |
| 12 May |
Visited Fishers Field Nature Reserve. Sightings were 4 x Brimstone, 2 x Orange-tip, 2 x Green-veined
White, 2 x Common Blue, 1 x Speckled Wood. In Bushey garden 1 x Common Blue |
David Gower |
| 12 May |
Ver valley walk heading north from St Albans - Gorhamburt Plantation - Red Admiral, Holly Blue, Speckled
Wood, Orange-tip, Green-veined White.
Redbournbury Water Meadows - Peacocks, Orange-tips, Brimstones,
Green-veined Whites and my first UK Common Blue of the year, strangely attracted to a dandelion seedhead |
Malcolm Hull |
| 12 May |
2 Holly Blue - Meadowbank, Hitchin (TL195299), 1 Orange-tip male - Walsworth Common, Hitchin (TL196301) |
David Inward |
| 12 May |
Hounslow. Mostly cloudy with many of these sightings along roadsides: Holly Blue: 9, Orange-tip: 3,
Green-veined White: 2, Brimstone: 1, Peacock: 5, Small Tortoiseshell: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 12 May |
Pleased to see a Speckled Yellow Moth at Northaw Great Wood, a first there for me |
Dee Cullen |
| 12 May |
This morning's field trip at Waterford Heath in fine weather realised 5 Grizzled Skippers on the south and one on the
north Heath. Also seen were Brown Argus, Small Copper, Brimstone, Large White, Orange-tip, Peacock
and Green-veined White plus Cinnabar, Pyrausta aurata and Treble-Bar moths |
Andrew Wood |
| 12 May |
Visited Coppets Wood and neighbouring green space between 9.30 and 10.30 pleased to find a Small Copper which I later
saw find a mate and copulate (TQ 274914), a very short courtship. Also 3 male Orange-tips, 3 female Orange-tips, 2 Holly
Blue and 2 Green-veined White. Mostly along the lane with the Thames Water main TQ 276913.
Walked up and down Tunnel Gardens
in New Southgate from 11.00 to 11.30 and saw 5 Holly Blues and a female Brimstone which was nectaring on dandelion and ragged
robin flowers in the patch of meadow I seeded last year (TQ 293914) |
Miles Attenborough |
| 11 May |
Spring Meadow Farm, White Hill Lane, Whelpley Hill, near Bovingdon - 4 Dingy Skippers in this 8 acre
wildflower meadow, created from a former potato field. The Dingy Skippers were in two courting couples, which spent ages flying close
together twiddling round each other. Luckily one eventually landed for a photo. Also in the meadow were Orange-tips,
Green-veined Whites, Peacocks, a Brimstone and a Small Tortoiseshell. Lindsay McRae also saw a Small
Copper.
This farm straddles the Herts/Bucks border and while the buildings are all in Bucks, the 8 acre wildflower meadow is all in
Herts. Note it is a private site, the landowner will allow access by prior arrangement, contact me for details.
A41 Bourne End junction
- stopped at this Small Blue site on the way home, but no sign that they have yet emerged at this location |
Malcolm Hull |
| 11 May |
1 Holly Blue, 1 Green-veined White - St Faiths Close, Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 11 May |
1 Small Tortoiseshell at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ2998) at 11:24 hrs and 1 female Small White here at 11:33
hrs, 1 Speckled Wood at Park Farm, Enfield, 3 Speckled Wood together at Ash Wood, Enfield Chase at 12:15 hrs, 2 male
Orange-tip at Trent Park, 1 male Green-veined White near Williams Wood, Trent Park at 13:40 hrs, 1 Speckled Wood at
Shaws Wood, Trent Park at 13:43 hrs, 3 Mother Shipton at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park - my first of the year |
Robert Callf |
| 10 May |
Hounslow. Mostly cloudy with relatively few sightings: Holly Blue: 7, Brimstone: 3, Orange-tip: 3,
Green-veined White: 6, Small White: 3, Large White: 1, Peacock: 3, Small Copper: 1, Speckled Wood: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 10 May |
A couple of Red Admirals, and it occurred to me I haven't seen many this year. Also saw a Small Copper,
Brimstones, a Green-veined White and many Small Whites, and Speckled Woods on my new transect walk in Alexandra
Park |
Dee Cullen |
| 9 May |
1 male Orange-tip at Parkside Farm/Res., Enfield (TQ2998) at 11:25 hrs and 1 Speckled Wood at Ash Wood,
Enfield Chase |
Robert Callf |
| 8 May |
This was our first opportunity to look for Grizzled Skippers and the 'damp' weather didn't deter us, even the thunder and
lightning didn't stop us although a very soggy notebook was a bit of a nuisance.
We started at Frogmore just after 10.30, it was raining
and the temperature didn't go much above 10 °C. In total we found exactly 10 roosting Grizzled Skipper distributed throughout the
site. We believe 7 were male and 3 female with a choice of seed head being Perforate St. John's Wort (3), Knapweed (4), Bramble (2) and one
unidentified stem! We looked at the hawthorn and flowering Forget-me-not but there really was too much to check. No eggs were found but with
the wet weather and rain drops looking like eggs it wasn't the right day to start looking. Also found roosting were 8 Brown Argus, 1
Small Copper and 1 Toadflax Brocade moth. We finished just after 12.30.
We then went to Rickneys Quarry and started walking
around the site at 1.20 and although there were moments of brightness which made at least one Grizzled Skipper open its wings, the
majority of the afternoon was spent walking around in the rain. Just at the end the sun came out and some of the Grizzled Skippers became
active but we couldn't count these. We left around 4.30 just before a torrential downpour. Totals here were 12 Grizzled Skipper, with
we believe 7 males and 3 females and the remainder not confirmed. Here the seed-heads being used were Carline Thistle (4), Bramble (4),
Perforate St. John's Wort (3) and one further individual on the move. Also recorded were 6 Cinnabar Moths, 1 Latticed Heath
moth, 2 Small Copper and 21 Brown Argus. Also noted was a Pyrausta species of moth. We did not record any roosting
Small Heath which we expected to do.
We also looked at one of our favourite elm trees with really low easy to check branches. On
inspection and only during a matter of minutes and below head-height we counted at least 13 White-letter Hairstreak caterpillars,
all now on the leaves and only one more mature with one also we thought was predated. There were several other caterpillars and a lot of
larval damage on the elm. We hope to identify the caterpillars in due course |
Liz Goodyear
Andrew Middleton |
| 7 May |
Results from my transect at St Julian's Meadow (TL139052). It warmed up nicely around 1.00 pm for some lovely sightings of
Small Copper 5, Holly Blue 2, Orange-tip 5, Speckled Wood 3, Green-veined White 2 |
Mandy Floyd |
| 7 May |
2 Speckled Wood together at Shaws Wood, Trent Park at 14:39 hrs, 1 Peacock near Williams Wood, Trent Park at
14:42 hrs, 1 Small White near Water Garden, Trent Park at 14:55 hrs, 2 Speckled Wood together at Ash Wood, Enfield Chase,
also here 1 Green-veined White and 1 Peacock |
Robert Callf |
| 7 May |
1 Brimstone male - St Faiths Close, Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 7 May |
On south heath (Waterford Heath), this afternoon. One Grizzled Skipper, 1 Brown Argus, a Holly Blue,
Comma and two Cinnabar moths. On north heath 2 Brown Argus and Orange-tip & Brimstone.
On Rickneys
Quarry. 5 Brown Argus, a Grizzled Skipper and two Treble-bar moths |
Steve Kiln |
| 7 May |
I visited Frogmore Pit in the early sunshine and found 2 Grizzled Skippers, 3 Brown Argus, 4 Orange-tips,
I each of Peacock, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell and Small Copper. Also 3 Cinnabar moths |
Andrew Wood |
| 6 May |
1 Brimstone Moth at bus-stop shelter at Chase Road/Charter Way, N14 and another at ASDA Southgate - my first of the year |
Robert Callf |
| 5 May |
Early this morning there were 1 roosting and 2 flying Grizzled Skippers on the east bank at Waterford Heath south pit,
also 1 Small Copper and 2 Cinnabar moths all active |
Andrew Wood |
| 4 May |
Despite a very chilly breeze there were still 2 Grizzled Skippers flying at Waterford Heath NR this morning. South pit
by the sandy slopes on the Vicarage Lane side |
Chris Benton |
| 4 May |
1 Green-veined White near Merryhills Brook at Trent Park at 11:35 hrs, 1 Speckled Wood at Shaws Wood, Trent
Park at 11:42 hrs, 1 male Orange-tip at Rough Lot, Trent Park at 12:09 hrs and 2 Speckled Wood at Ash Wood, Enfield Chase |
Robert Callf |
| 3 May |
1 male Orange-tip and 1 Peacock at Trent Park 'Old Golf Course' at 15:05 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 2 May |
Weedy field, Batford (TL1514) - 1 Small Heath |
Darin Stanley |
| 2 May |
Following the Brown Argus sightings on 1st, my walk at Stanwell Moor turned up a mating pair - they certainly didn't waste
any time! I also recorded my first Small Heath of 2019.
Total sightings: Holly Blue 13; Orange-tip 10; Green-veined
White 5; Small Copper 3; Brown Argus 2; Small Heath 1; Small White 1; Speckled Wood 1; Peacock
1; Brimstone 1 |
Dave Miller |
| 2 May |
1 male Orange-tip at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ2998) at 13:06 hrs, 1 Green-veined White at Park Farm, Enfield
(TQ2998) at 13:09 hrs, 1 male Orange-tip at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ2998) at 13:13 hrs, 1 Speckled Wood at Park Farm, Enfield at
13:15 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 2 May |
Morning sunshine along the River Pinn, Ickenham (TQ 072 868) but saw at least 3 Small Whites, 3 Holly Blues,
male Orange-tip and 2 Speckled Woods. Cloudier afternoon but saw another Speckled Wood at Highgrove Wood, Eastcote
(TQ 104 880) |
Paul Busby |
| 1 May |
This morning, I visited Bedfont Lakes Country Park. I started at the southern, less well-known section, and in within a few
yards of entering the main part of the park I had seen my first Green Hairstreak down on the grass. By the time I left, I had seen
seven altogether: four in this area, one close to the railway, and two more on the far side of the lake. They must be spread across the
whole site. Also seen: Holly Blues (9), Speckled Woods (8), and Peacocks (2).
There being no link between the two
sections, I drove round to the northern part of the park, and found two more Green Hairstreaks close to the railway. The sun was
getting very hazy, and the only other sightings were: Holly Blue (1), Peacock (2), and Green-veined White (4).
Returning home, with the sunshine getting stronger again, I walked my usual circuit at Stanwell Moor. Holly Blues were everywhere,
as they have been for a while now - 23 seen. There were also Orange-tips (8), Brimstones (4), Peacocks (2),
Green-veined White (7), and Small White (1). I also found a shiny new Small Copper (my second here this year), and more
of a surprise, a new male Brown Argus. This was my first of the year anywhere |
Dave Miller |
| 1 May |
Weedy field, Batford (TL1514) - 1 Small Heath, 1 Common Blue |
Darin Stanley |
| 1 May |
A warm but cloudy day with few butterflies on the wing, saw two male Orange-tips in the woodland edge field adjacent
to Mad Bess Woods, Ruislip ( TQ 082 891) |
Paul Busby |
| 1 May |
4 Speckled Wood and 1 female Orange-tip at Lavender Hill Cemetery (TQ318981), 1 Peacock at Hilly Fields
Park (TQ321983) at 11:32 hrs, 2 Orange-tip male and female and 1 Peacock at Whitewebbs Park (TQ325991), 2 Small
Tortoiseshell, 1 Peacock and 2 male Orange-tip at Sloemans Farm, Enfield (TL324003), 1 male Orange-tip and 1
Speckled Wood near Archers Wood near Forty Hall (TQ333992) and 1 Speckled Wood at Forty Hall CP (TQ337989). 1 male
Orange-tip at Whitewebbs Farm, Enfield at 14:41 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 1 May |
Alexandra Palace's (TQ302902) first Small Heath of the year was seen this morning in the northwest corner of the
cricket pitches. Also seen Holly Blue, Green-veined White, Large White, Small White, male and female
Orange-tip, Speckled Wood and two Small Copper on Butterfly Meadow. But no Brimstone |
Gerry Rawcliffe |
| Date |
Description |
Recorder |
| 30 Apr |
Waterford Heath(South) 10.30 to 12.00am - Orange-tip x4m/1fm; Holly Blue x1 and Brown
Argus x1 |
Roger Millard |
| 30 Apr |
First Green-veined Whites (4) of the year at Bayfordbury (TL3110), along with Orange-tips (10+), Small
Tortoiseshells (5), Speckled Woods (4), Peacocks (5), Brimstones (3) and Commas (3) |
Ian Flack |
| 30 Apr |
One Grizzled Skipper and two Small Coppers at Rickneys Quarry |
Steve Kiln |
| 30 Apr |
I spotted a Small Copper (I never see many of them) at the corner of a wood east of Newton Wood (TL 232224) |
Phil Barron |
| 30 Apr |
Warm spring sunshine, attended morning working party for the new meadow/pond area adjacent to Elephant Park, Hillingdon
(TQ 083845) and saw a male Brimstone, two Peacocks, Holly Blue, Speckled Wood, Green-veined White and
Small White. Afternoon river sampling on River Pinn, Ickenham and saw a pair of Brimstones, male Orange-tip, two
Holly Blues and at least one Green-veined White. At Ruislip High School car park (TQ 101861) saw another male Orange-tip
and a number of unidentified Whites and finally late afternoon stroll along nettle bordered London Loop path by Plough Lane, Harefield
(TQ 051917) and saw two separate pairs of Small Tortoiseshells on Nettles |
Paul Busby |
| 30 Apr |
Mid afternoon transect, Thorley Wash. Pleased to see Small Tortoiseshell numbers reaching double figures for third
week running (11, 12, 11,). Not many other butterflies about, mating pair of Small Whites. Storm Hannah appears to have halved the
number of Orange-tips here |
Len Crouch |
| 30 Apr |
Early afternoon stroll around the former Rose Gardens, Chiswell Green St Albans - Small Blue,
Green Hairstreak, Brimstones, Orange-tips, Peacocks, Small Tortoiseshells, Speckled Woods,
Holly Blue, Common Carpet and a possible Green-veined White.
Can't recall an earlier date for Small Blue in Herts
and I've not heard of any sighting of Green Hairstreak in St Albans in any previous year |
Malcolm Hull
Phil Sterling
Mandy Floyd |
| 30 Apr |
1 male Orange-tip at Link Road, Watford, 1 Holly Blue at Bushey Mill Lane, Bushey and 4 Orange-tip at
Finch Lane Allotments including a male and female dancing together |
Rebecca Palmer |
| 30 Apr |
Hounslow. A mostly sunny early afternoon walk, Holly Blue sightings still increasing as I reached home: Holly Blue:
22, Green-veined White: 5, Peacock: 9, Orange-tip: 12, Speckled Wood: 1, Small White: 4, Comma: 1,
Brimstone: 8 and one Cinnabar moth |
Peter Gore |
| 30 Apr |
1 Grizzled Skipper at Waterford Heath - North pit by railway line |
Chris Benton |
| 30 Apr |
1 male Orange-tip at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) at 10:21 hrs, 'small swarm' of Adela reaumurella
at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) late morning, 1 male Orange-tip at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) at 11:10 and 1 Speckled Wood
here, 1 male Orange-tip and 1 male Green-veined White edge of Duncan's Wood, Enfield Chase (TQ 287984) at 11:28 hrs, 1 male
Orange-tip edge of Ash Wood, Enfield Chase (TQ 297968) at 11:43 hrs, 1 male Orange-tip edge of Rough Lot, Trent Park at 12:26
hrs, 1 male Orange-tip and 1 Speckled Wood by lower lake, Trent Park, 1 male Orange-tip at Water Garden, Trent Park, 1
male Orange-tip near Dew Pond, Trent Park at 13:01 hrs, 2 male Small Copper chasing near Shaws Wood at Vicarage Farm, Enfield
(TQ 297971) at 13:10 hrs, also here 1 male Brimstone and 1 female Orange-tip, 1 male Orange-tip near Merryhills Brook
at Vicarage Farm (TQ 297 968) at 13:19 hrs, 2 male Orange-tip together at South Lodge Farm (TQ 298 964) at 13:36 hrs. 1 Holly
Blue at Chase Side, N14 (TQ295943) at 17:24 hrs and another at Southgate Chase Allotments (TQ294945) at 17:39 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 29 Apr |
1 Speckled Wood near Merryhills Brook at Vicarage Farm (TQ 297968) at 12:26 hrs. 2 male Holly Blue at Ivy
Road Recreation Ground (TQ 296946) at 17:10 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 28 Apr |
1 Speckled Wood nectaring on dandelion at Parkside Farm (TQ 2998) at 15:36 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 26 Apr |
Alexandra Park (TQ 302901) this afternoon - 2 Holly Blue, 1 Small Copper, male Orange-tip, 1 Small
White and 3 Speckled Wood. Whilst waiting for the train at Enfield Chase Station - 1 male Orange-tip at 11:51 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 26 Apr |
Hounslow. Pleasantly surprised by both the numbers and the variety of butterflies seen on this morning/early afternoon walk
with a mix of cloud and sunshine: Speckled Wood: 6 Orange-tip: 7 Holly Blue: 10 Comma: 2 Peacock: 3
Small White: 3 Green-veined White: 1 Large White: 1 (1st.) Brimstone: 1 Small Tortoiseshell: 2
Small Copper: 1 and a Cinnabar (probably the same one seen yesterday) |
Peter Gore |
| 25 Apr |
We saw a Painted Lady in Pear Wood, Stanmore. It was nectaring on a Bluebell. It looked very fresh. Do they overwinter
now or has there been an influx? (Just a handful of records so far - Peter C.) |
John Hollingdale
Margaret Huitson |
| 25 Apr |
Hounslow. This afternoon a slightly better walk for sunshine although I suspect too breezy for most butterflies. Two firsts:
a Small Copper and a Cinnabar moth, as briefly startling as always. Full list: Holly Blue: 3 Speckled Wood: 3 Comma:
1 Small Copper: 1 Orange-tip: 2 and one Cinnabar moth |
Peter Gore |
| 25 Apr |
1 male Orange-tip near Ride Wood, Trent Park at 12:39 hrs and 1 Speckled Wood by lower lake at 12:41 hrs, 1
male Large White at Vicarage Farm near Shaws Wood at 13:05 hrs, 1 male Orange-tip at South Lodge Farm, Enfield at 13:22 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 24 Apr |
1 Orange-tip male - St Faiths Close, Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 24 Apr |
A couple of firsts for me, saw Dingy Skippers (5) and visited Hexton Chalk Pit. It was dull with a few sunny spells
and even a shower. I also saw Brimstones, Orange-tips, Holly Blues, Speckled Woods and a Green-veined
White. No Green Hairstreaks, I looked thoroughly |
Dee Cullen |
| 24 Apr |
Hounslow. This morning I allowed a Holly Blue in my garden to persuade me to set out on my walk but as it turned out
it was unreliable: just one more Holly Blue above the Holly hedge at the end Of St. Stephens Road (TW3 2BW) was all I saw until a
Speckled Wood on the heath just before returning to leave for home |
Peter Gore |
| 24 Apr |
1 female Orange-tip at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) at 08:48 hrs, 2 Speckled Wood together edge of Ash Wood,
Enfield Chase (TQ 284983) at 09:06 hrs. 1 Peacock at Park Farm, Enfield at 08:40 hrs. 2 Adela reaumurella - male and
female at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) after 08:30 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 23 Apr |
2 Holly Blue at Mead Way, Bushey. 1 Brimstone and 1 Holly Blue at Mill Way, Bushey. 2 Brimstone
and 1 Orange-tip at North Bushey Play Park |
Rebecca Palmer |
| 23 Apr |
1 Brimstone - Parliament Square, Westminster (TQ301796) |
David Inward |
| 23 Apr |
Two Grizzled Skippers on Waterford Heath one in the middle on ground ivy the other bottom of bank on south pit. a
Cinnebar moth at Rickneys Quarry |
Steve Kiln |
| 23 Apr |
Hounslow. Mostly cloudy but numbers identified quite high after all the Easter sunshine: Holly Blue: 14
Orange-tip: 11 Speckled Wood: 8 Peacock: 14 Brimstone: 8 Small White: 2 Green-veined White: 2
Comma: 1 Small Tortoiseshell: 2 Painted Lady: 1 (1st) |
Peter Gore |
| 23 Apr |
1 Peacock and 1 Speckled Wood near Williams Wood, Trent Park at 10:09 - 10:10 hrs, 2 Orange-tip - male
and female courting near Merryhills Brook at Trent Park (TQ 297968) at 10:20 hrs. At Trent Park - 2 male Orange-tip near Oakwood
entrance and 3 Speckled Wood. 1 male Holly Blue settled on ivy at Oakwood Station at 13:27 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 22 Apr |
1 male Orange-tip at Hadley Road/Vicarage Farm, 1 Peacock at Parkside Farm, Enfield, 1 male Orange-tip
at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) at 10:19 hrs, 1 Speckled Wood and 1 female Orange-tip at Ferny Hill, Enfield (TQ 284981), 2
female Brimstone together near Ride Wood, Trent Park at 11:32 hrs, including one apparently egg-laying, 1 Speckled Wood at
South Lodge Farm, Enfield at 12:26 hrs and 1 male Orange-tip here at 12:27 hrs. 1 Double-striped Pug and 1 Yellow-barred
Brindle at ASDA Southgate were both new for the year |
Robert Callf |
| 22 Apr |
1 Orange-tip male - Walsworth Common, Hitchin (TL196301), 1 Holly Blue - Meadowbank, Hitchin (TL195299) |
David Inward |
| 22 Apr |
I stumbled across Ian Small at around 1.30 pm, who tipped me off that he'd just come from nearby Hexton Chalkpit where 7
Green Hairstreaks were flying earlier (see his report). Anyhow, shortly after arrival at Hexton Chalkpit (TL107299) at 2.15 I saw 4 fresh
Green Hairstreak males perching and defending territory along the eastern rim of the southern pit, and in the south pit were 2 fresh
Dingy Skippers (plus 2 Holly Blues, 1 Small Tortoiseshell and several Brimstones). I didn't have time to explore
the northern pit properly, but didn't see any more Green Hairstreaks or Dingy Skippers |
Andrew Neild |
| 22 Apr |
At Hexton Chalkpit (TL107299) I saw 7 Green Hairstreaks and 8 Dingy Skippers. Holly Blues and
Brimstones were also numerous, plus a couple each of Orange-tips and Speckled Woods |
Ian Small |
| 22 Apr |
2 Small Copper in field behind Bencroft Wood this afternoon |
Steve Kiln |
| 21 Apr |
At Mead Way, Bushey 3 Orange-tip and 3 Holly Blue. 1 Orange-tip at Orphanage Road, Watford. 2
Orange-tip and 1 Holly Blue at Kenilworth Drive, Croxley |
Rebecca Palmer |
| 21 Apr |
1 female Large White at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097), also here 2 Small Tortoiseshell and 1
Peacock. 1 male Brimstone, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Peacock along Salmons Brook at Parkside Farm, Enfield, also
1 male Brimstone at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) at 15:01 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 21 Apr |
5 Speckled Wood and 2 Holly Blue on a walk through Tunnel Gardens near Bounds Green at 11.00 (TQ 294 913).
Three Holly Blue in my garden Bounds Green, London N11.
Spent an hour at Coppets Wood from 16.30 to 16.30 where 2 Peacocks,
2 Commas, 5 Green-veined White, 4 Holly Blue, 5 Speckled Wood and 5 male Orange-tips, Green-veined
Whites and Holly Blues nectaring on Hawthorn Flowers. (most sightings around TQ 275 914) |
Miles Attenborough |
| 21 Apr |
I visited Waterford Heath and at (TL317149) saw a Grizzled Skipper - it didn't settle, but
passed close enough to me in its usual low rapid flight to be unmistakable. Just close by was a Painted Lady, which I saw settled
for a few moments before it flew off. Several Orange-tips were flitting around, plus the occasional Peacock and Brimstone |
Ian Small |
| 21 Apr |
1 Holly Blue, 1 Orange-tip male - St Faiths Close, Hitchin. 3 Holly Blue, 1 Brimstone, 2
Orange-tip male and 1 Speckled Wood - Walsworth Common, Hitchin (TL1930) |
David Inward |
| 21 Apr |
In our Watford garden, Brimstone laying eggs for at least ten minutes on Alder Buckthorn, that is just breaking into
leaf. This was apart from a short break where she had a dance with a male Orange-tip |
Paul Williams |
| 21 Apr |
I picked a good day for my first visit this year to Aldbury Nowers...10 species in total... many Brimstone and
Orange-tip. Plus Peacock, Red Admiral, Comma, Holly Blue. Also 4 Small Copper, 4 Green Hairstreak, Grizzled Skipper and Dingy Skipper.
All topped off with a beautiful carpet of Bluebells in the wood |
Chris Hilling |
| 20 Apr |
In my Flaunden garden: A faded Painted Lady, several Orange-tips, 4 Holly Blue,
Brimstone, Speckled Wood and Green-veined White |
Jill Saunders |
| 20 Apr |
Orange-tip past central Watford church car park. Outside the Finch Lane allotments, 4 Orange-tip, 2 Holly
Blue and 1 Peacock. At the Finch Lane allotments, 1 Large White, 2 Speckled Wood, 1 Peacock, 1 Small
White, 1 Brimstone and 1 Orange-tip. On Meadway, 3 Peacock |
Rebecca Palmer |
| 20 Apr |
Up to 5 Orange-tip (all male), 1 Brimstone (male) 1+ Peacock, 1 Small Tortoiseshell at Jersey
Farm Woodland Park this afternoon (TL1608).
2 male and 2 female Orange-tip in our St Albans garden and along the hedgerows near
Lancaster Road (plus 1 Holly Blue and 1 male Brimstone) |
David Utting |
| 20 Apr |
1 Holly Blue - St Faiths Close, Hitchin, 1 Small Tortoiseshell and Orange-tip male - Walsworth Common,
Hitchin (TL195303) |
David Inward |
| 20 Apr |
Was unable to find my target species (Grizzled Skipper) at the Frogmore Gravel Pit but I saw my first
Small Copper of the year on a bank on the western side. Other butterflies: 2 Brimstone, 8 Orange-tip, 3 Small
White, 2 Green-veined White and 2 Peacock |
Peter Clarke |
| 20 Apr |
1 Peacock at Vicarage Farm, Enfieeld (TQ 3097) at 09:33 hrs, 2 Peacock at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) at
10:17 hrs and 1 male Orange-tip here at 10:20 hrs, 3 Speckled Wood at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) also here 2 Peacock
and 3 male Orange-tip and 1 Peacock near Duncan's Wood, Enfield Chase, 1 Peacock near Little Beechill Wood and 2 male
Orange-tip here, 4 Small Tortoiseshell at Holly Hill Farm, Enfield (TQ 290996) including two together, at least 2 male
Orange-tip at Holly Hill Farm and 1 Green-veined White, 1 male Orange-tip at Windrush, Enfield (TQ 288996) at 12:02 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 20 Apr |
Following hot on the heels of the butterflies emergence of Orange-tips over the last week, the warm weather has brought out
the first Small Coppers of the year for Alexandra Palace Park (TQ302902). At least two seen, one on the
Butterfly Meadow and the other in the corner of the cricket pitches |
Gerry Rawcliffe |
| 19 Apr |
1+ Peacock at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 3097) , also here 2 male Orange-tip and male Brimstone. At
Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 2998) - 3 Peacock and 1 Comma near Pump House (TQ 3098) |
Robert Callf |
| 19 Apr |
I was distracted while packing away the shopping by a Speckled Wood and a Holly Blue, both around ivy on the
perimeter of St Albans Sainsbury's car park this afternoon (TL146062) |
David Utting |
| 19 Apr |
Frogmore Gravel Pits (13:30-14:45) - 11 male Orange-tip, 2 Brimstone, 2 Green-veined White, 1 Small
White, 2 Peacock, 7 Speckled Wood |
Bob Harris |
| 19 Apr |
A Speckled Wood female on Harpenden Common this afternoon |
David Hunt |
| 19 Apr |
Gorgeous day! I did my WCBS at Northaw Great Wood and to my surprise saw 4 Small Heaths, during my walk. The most
prolific species were Peacocks and Orange-tips |
Dee Cullen |
| 18 Apr |
2+ Holly Blues and 1+ male Brimstone in our St Albans garden |
David Utting |
| 18 Apr |
This afternoon (15:50 - 17:20 hrs) - 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 5 Peacock, 1 Comma and 1 Speckled Wood
at Vicarage Farm and 1 Peacock and 1 Speckled Wood at Parkside Farm, Enfield |
Robert Callf |
| 18 Apr |
Hounslow. Warmer and more butterflies: Holly Blue: 8 Brimstone: 5 Peacock: 16 Small Tortoiseshell
: 5 Speckled Wood: 2 Orange-tip: 4 Small White: 3 Comma: 3 |
Peter Gore |
| 18 Apr |
A couple of Speckled Woods, a Brimstone and an Orange-tip in my garden in Stocking Pelham |
Andy Brown |
| 17 Apr |
Near Aldbury (SP 960135) a male Orange-tip; at Frithsden Beeches a male Orange-tip, 3 Peacocks and 3
male Brimstones (all in SP 9910) plus 2 male Brimstones at TL 000104; in Great Frithsden Copse a Speckled Wood
(TL 005099), a Peacock (TL 007 100) and a male Orange-tip (TL 009097) |
Colin Everett |
| 17 Apr |
My Letchworth G C garden, female Brimstones active in my garden, one must have laid close to 20 eggs on an Alder
Buckthorn shrub |
Roger Millard |
| 17 Apr |
A male Brimstone seen flying along slip road to A40 going westwards (TQ 106 843) whilst driving to complete Hillingdon
transects where a total of 9 species were flying in the warm sunshine but yet to see Red Admiral or Large White |
Paul Busby |
| 17 Apr |
Hounslow. Sunny on the outward journey, cloudier coming back. Peacocks continuing to be easily the most numerous sightings:
Holly Blue: 5 Peacock: 17 Speckled Wood: 3 Green-veined White: 1 Brimstone: 4 Orange-tip: 4
Small Tortoiseshell: 2 Comma: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 17 Apr |
2 Small White at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) at 10:47 hrs and 1 Small Tortoiseshell here at 11:12 hrs, 1
Small Tortoiseshell at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 297 982) at 11:45 hrs and 1 Peacock here at 11:56 hrs, 1 male Brimstone
at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 29 98) at 12:03 hrs and 2 Speckled Wood here, 4 Peacock and 4 Small Tortoiseshell at Park
Farm near Duncan's Wood (TQ 286 985), 1 female Large White edge of Ash Wood at 12:48 hrs, 1 male Brimstone near Obelisk at
Trent Park (TQ 285 980) at 13:13 hrs, 1 male Orange-tip edge of Moat Wood, Trent Park and 2 Peacock here also, 1 male
Brimstone and 1 Speckled Wood at Water Garden, Trent Park at 13:42 hrs, 1 Peacock at Water Garden, Trent Park at 13:44
hrs, 1 male Orange-tip at Icehouse Wood, Trent Park (TQ 293 975) at 13:49 hrs, 1 Peacock near Williams Wood, Trent Park at
13:56 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 17 Apr |
At Kensington Gardens (TQ259 801), I saw dozens of Small Whites, a couple of Green-veined Whites and a couple
of Peacocks, all near the sunken garden. The Peacocks were nectaring on black tulips entering right into the open flower, not
something I'd seen before. The Small Whites were engaged in courtship behaviour |
Dee Cullen |
| 16 Apr |
At Chipperfield (TL 045024) a Holly Blue, a Speckled Wood and a Peacock, all at the same spot on a path.
Along a footpath near Woodman's Farm (also Chipperfield) (TL 034012) two Peacocks and a Small Tortoiseshell. Elsewhere nearby
a Small Tortoiseshell by nettles near Middle Farm (Kings Langley) (TL 073014), a Peacock south of Kings Langley (TL 065021)
and a Peacock at Chipperfield Common (TL 041013) |
Colin Everett |
| 16 Apr |
1 Large White at Park Farm near Ash Wood, Enfield Chase (TQ 284983) at 13:08 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 15 Apr |
4 Small Tortoiseshell, Tottenham Marshes (TQ355911) |
Quentin Given |
| 15 Apr |
At Alpine Meadow (HMWT NR) near Berkhamsted (SP 9810) at lunchtime a Green-veined White, a Speckled Wood, at
least three Brimstones (including my first female of the year, almost two months after the first males) and a Small
Tortoiseshell, with another Small Tortoiseshell and a Peacock along a nearby footpath in the same square. At Northchurch
Common in the morning Small Tortoiseshell (SP 971103) |
Colin Everett |
| 15 Apr |
In spite of the cold wind there were quite a few butterflies around. We were down on Halsey Field (TL042088) doing a few
jobs and saw a Peacock on a Dandelion, a Green veined White which flew low down in the grass, and a Comma also low in
the grass.
In our garden in Hemel Hempstead we saw a Holly Blue, an Orange-tip and a Brimstone (Now recorded on
the garden butterfly survey website) |
Chris Ridley |
| 15 Apr |
A very surprising sighting - a Small Heath at Fox Covert (near Therfield Heath) (TL331395).
Also single Orange-tip (male), Green-veined White, 2 Commas and 3 Peacocks nearby at TL333395. I have never seen
a Small Heath in April before |
Ian Small |
| 15 Apr |
Hounslow: A pleasant sunny afternoon. Increasing numbers of unidentified white butterflies but amongst those identified were
my first Green-veined Whites of the year: Holly Blue: 3 Peacock: 10 Small Tortoiseshell: 1 Brimstone: 3 Small
White: 2 Comma: 2 Green-veined White: 2 |
Peter Gore |
| 15 Apr |
Prior to a site inspection of the new Broomfield Park Wetland, Palmers Green, Enfield (TQ 303 926), I saw a Small
White, Peacock and Holly Blue in the Park, despite the blustery, but sunny and warmer conditions |
Paul Busby |
| 15 Apr |
At the Fishers Field Nature Reserve, 1 Small White, 1 male Brimstone, 3 Peacock, 1 Holly Blue
and 1 Small Tortoiseshell |
Rebecca Palmer |
| 15 Apr |
1 Peacock near Williams Wood, Trent Park at 11:32 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 15 Apr |
5 species in the Harpenden garden: Peacock, Small White, Brimstone, Orange-tip and Comma |
Robin Pearson |
| 14 Apr |
Speckled Wood, Walthamstow Reservoirs (TQ349885) |
Quentin Given |
| 13 Apr |
Despite the cool weather, I saw a Speckled Wood at grass level during a sunny spell, whilst river sampling this
afternoon along the Yeading Brook, South Ruislip (TQ 105 860) |
Paul Busby |
| 12 Apr |
A Speckled Wood in Whippendell Wood near Watford (TQ 080 973) |
Colin Everett |
| 11 Apr |
1 Brimstone - St Faiths Close, Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 11 Apr |
A male Orange-tip in Garston Park LNR near Watford (TL 121 005) where also 2 Commas, 1 Small Tortoiseshell,
1 Peacock. Nearby at Bricket Wood Common a Comma and 4 Peacocks (TL 131 008 and adjacent), with another Peacock
and a male Brimstone at the edge of Mutchetts Wood (TL 127 006). In the lighted subway between the two sites a Lunar Marbled
Brown and a Twin-spotted Quaker at rest (TL 124 006) |
Colin Everett |
| 11 Apr |
Visited Woodberry Wetlands (TQ 328 879) this afternoon - 2 Small Tortoiseshell together at 13:19 and 1 Peacock
at 13:51 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 10 Apr |
A male Brimstone in Croxley garden |
J Palmer |
| 10 Apr |
A Speckled Wood at Ashridge (SP 974126); also a male Brimstone (SP 971123) and Peacocks as follows: 1 at
SP 969121, 1 at SP 968132 |
Colin Everett |
| 10 Apr |
My first Orange-tips (2) this year, at the Amwell NR |
Chris Holtby |
| 10 Apr |
At 2.10 at Little Tring, two male Orange-tips flying together |
Rikki Harrington |
| 10 Apr |
1 male Small White at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 306 972) at 11:59 hrs, 1 male Orange-tip along Hadley
Road/Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 302 980) at 12:20 hrs - my first of the year, 1 male Speckled Wood at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 293 982)
at 12:55 hrs, 8 Small Tortoiseshell at Park Farm, Enfield near Duncan's Wood (TQ 286 984) including a 'cluster' of four together on
nettles and two flying over at the same time at 13:19 hrs and a further two others, 1 Peacock at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 28 98) at
13:22 hrs, 1 male Brimstone near Water Garden, Trent Park at 14:01 hrs, 1 Peacock edge of Water Garden, Trent Park at 14:09
hrs, 2 Peacock together edge of Williams Wood, Trent Park (TQ 295 972) at 14:25 hrs, 1 Peacock and 1 Small Tortoiseshell
S edge of Williams Wood, Trent Park (TQ 299 973) between 14:35 - 14:37 hrs, 1 Small Tortoiseshell at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 308
971) at 14:51 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 5 Apr |
4 Small Tortoiseshell at Park Farm, Enfield near Duncan's Wood (TQ 286 985) between 14:20 - 14:25 hrs, 2 Peacock
at Trent Park (1 at 'Old Golf Course' 1 at Williams Wood) |
Robert Callf |
| 5 Apr |
Harpenden Common on a breezy, hazy sun afternoon: 2 Comma; 1 Small Tortoiseshell |
David Hunt |
| 3 Apr |
On what proved to be a far nicer day than forecast we took a wander around Therfield Heath and then walked south along the
Icknield Way to Therfield Village and then back via the road and Church Hill. Along the Icknield Way, we saw three Small Tortoiseshell
and whilst searching some elm, found a hatched White-letter Hairstreak egg. Further checking the actual elm seed, we located some
feeding damage and found a minute larva (believed to be a 2nd instar). Just outside Therfield Village checking some roadside elm we found
two further hatched eggs |
Liz Goodyear
Andrew Middleton |
| 1 Apr |
At Highwood Primary School, a Small White |
Rebecca Palmer |
| 1 Apr |
Long Deans Nature Reserve, Nash Mills, (TL075050): Peacocks four 1 mating couple; Orange-tip |
Ian Sims |
| 1 Apr |
Male Orange-tips on Berkhamsted Common as follows: one at 14:50 hours (TL001092), possibly the same one 250 metres
away five minutes later (TL003092), and one at the south end at 15:20 hours (TL005086). A Speckled Wood on Berkhamsted Common at
12:50 hours (SP991108). Also in grid square (SP9910) at the same site: two or three male Brimstones, a Peacock and an
Orange Underwing sp (probably parthenias) basking on the ground |
Colin Everett |
| 1 Apr |
Hounslow: Sunny but a little cooler than Saturday so smaller numbers much as expected: Peacock: 6 Comma: 3
Orange-tip: 2 Small White: 1 Small Tortoiseshell: 3 |
Peter Gore |
| 1 Apr |
Quick lunchtime visit to Highgrove Wood, Eastcote and saw 2 Peacocks and a Speckled Wood. Lovely Spring
afternoon and I saw 9 species on my Belmont Railway transect in Harrow, including my first Green-veined White
of the year |
Paul Busby |
| 1 Apr |
2 Peacock at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) at 12:12 hrs, 1 Comma and 1 Peacock along Salmons Brook
at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 29 98) and 1 Speckled Wood near Parkside Res (TQ 29 98) at 12:48 hrs, 1 Small Tortoiseshell at
Holly Hill Farm, Enfield (TL 290 001) at 13:45 hrs, 1 Peacock along Coopers Lane Road (TL 283 008) at 13:58 hrs and a courting couple
near Fir & Pond Woods NR (TL 280 008) at 14:16 - 14:18 hrs, 3+ Peacock at Fir & Pond Woods NR and 1 Red Admiral NW corner of
Fir Wood (TL 275 012) at 15:25 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 1 Apr |
Harpenden Common: 8 Small Tortoiseshell, including a mating pair; 3 Peacock, 2 of which were in courtship and
1 nectaring on Prunus flowers |
David Hunt |
| 1 Apr |
Male Orange-tip in my Harpenden garden, takes year tally up to 7 |
Robin Pearson |
| Date |
Description |
Recorder |
| 31 Mar |
1 Speckled Wood (my first March record for a number of years) and 1 Small Tortoiseshell at Parkside Farm,
Enfield along Salmons Brook (TQ 299 984) at 15:33 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 31 Mar |
Wareside (TL396156): Brimstone 2; Peacock 3 |
Phil MacMurdie |
| 31 Mar |
Two Small Tortoiseshells and a Peacock at Garston Park LNR near Watford (TL122005) |
Colin Everett |
| 30 Mar |
Wareside (TL396156): Brimstone 5; Small Tortoiseshell 3; Peacock 3; Orange-tip 2;
Small White 1; Comma 1 |
Phil MacMurdie |
| 30 Mar |
A Holly Blue at Garton near Watford (TL118007) |
Colin Everett |
| 30 Mar |
Hounslow: Not quite as much sun as yesterday and slightly fewer butterflies although whites, identified and otherwise, are
noticeably increasing: Holly Blue: 1 Peacock: 11 Small White: 3 Brimstone: 1 Small Tortoiseshell: 2
Comma: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 30 Mar |
1 Brimstone - Icknield Wood, Norton Common, Letchworth (TL216330), 1 Brimstone - Rail Station forecourt,
Letchworth (TL216327) |
David Inward |
| 30 Mar |
Finch Lane allotments: 6 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Brimstone and a Peacock sitting on a dandelion spotted
by my son |
Rebecca Palmer |
| 30 Mar |
1 female Brimstone in flight & settled at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 302 974) at 12:30 hrs, 1 Peacock and 1
Small Tortoiseshell S edge of Williams Wood, Trent Park (TQ 299 973) at 12:35 hrs, 1 Comma near Water Garden, Trent Park at
13:03 hrs, 1 Peacock by lower lake, Trent Park at 13:06 hrs, 3 Peacock at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 29 98) and 2 Small
Tortoiseshell here also, 1 Peacock at Parkside Farm, Enfield along Salmons Brook (TQ 29 98) and 1 Small Tortoiseshell here
also, 1 Small Tortoiseshell at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) at 15:30 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 30 Mar |
Seen in my Bushey front garden Orange-tip x 1, Brimstone x 1, both males |
David Gower |
| 29 Mar |
Green-veined White seen at the Brompton Cemetery (TQ256780) |
Tim Freed |
| 29 Mar |
Two separate male Orange-tips: one at Aldbury Nowers (SP 957 135) and one at Berkhamsted Common (TL 005 093). For
comparison, back in 1995 a male I saw on 3rd April was the earliest ever for the county in what was then a remarkably early spring; multiple
March sightings (as this year) would have been unthinkable even a few years ago. Also today, male Brimstones as follows: five+ at
Aldbury Nowers in grid square SP 95 13; two together on Northchurch Common (SP 981 098) where one at the site car park (SP 978 102); one at
The Meads in Northchurch (SP 976 987); two at Alpine Meadow HMWT NR (SP 990 103); and one at Berkhamsted Common (TL 009 092). Peacocks
as follows: one at Aldbury Nowers (SP 959 135); one near Alpine Meadow (SP 983 102); and two at Berkhamsted Common (TL 012 090) |
Colin Everett |
| 29 Mar |
1 Brimstone, 1 unidentified smallish white - St Faiths Close Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 29 Mar |
Hounslow: The butterflies began with a Holly Blue in my garden - first of the year for the species and the garden -
and continued with two more year firsts amongst others: Holly Blue: 3 Comma: 6 Peacock: 6 Brimstone: 2 Orange-tip:
2 Speckled Wood: 2 (first) Small White: 1 (first). Three unidentified whites also seen, the Brimstones were again males |
Peter Gore |
| 29 Mar |
Male and female Brimstone in my Harpenden garden |
Robin Pearson |
| 29 Mar |
1 Peacock near Oakwood entrance, Trent Park (TQ 292 961) at 11:48 hrs, 1 Peacock Sect 1, Trent Park at 11:54
hrs, 1 Peacock 'New Fields' Trent Park 12:02 hrs, 1 Peacock and 1 Comma near Triangular Wood, Trent Park (TQ 288 965)
at 12:05 hrs, 1 Peacock Sect 6, Trent Park 12:14 hrs, 1 male Brimstone at Games Road, Cockfosters (TQ 278 967) at 12:30 hrs,
1 Peacock at Beech Hill Lake (Jack's Lake) (TQ 271 969) at 12:47 hrs, 1 Peacock at Covert Way LNR (TQ 265 973) at 13:03 hrs.
At Monken Hadley Common (TQ 26 97): 2 Small Tortoiseshell together on patch of nettles at 13:20 hrs and 1 Peacock here
also, 3 Comma at 13:25 hrs and 1 Peacock here also, 1 male Brimstone at 13:33 hrs, 2 Comma together clashing
at 14:15 hrs and 1 Peacock (TQ 253 974) at 13:44 hrs. 1 male Brimstone near Jack's Lake at 14:24 hrs, 1 male Brimstone
at Cockfosters Sports Ground at 14:51 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 29 Mar |
St Albans - 80% of the Small Tortoiseshells which were hibernating in my shed have now left. 67% of the Peacocks
are now in hibernation. One of the ST's had not gone far and was found flying around inside my car parked close by. Another was found dead,
shrouded in spiders web. Later in Greenwood Park there were many Peacocks, Small Tortoiseshells and Brimstone in flight.
Finalised arrangements for the construction of the chalk bank, hopefully we will see Small Blues in this location within a few years |
Malcolm Hull |
| 28 Mar |
At Northaw Great Wood this afternoon - 2 Orange/Light Orange Undwering including one disturbed from the ground at
13:11 hrs and another in flight at 13:45 hrs, 3 Peacock and 1 Comma. Male Brimstone seen from train window just N of
Crews Hill Station (TL308004) at 12:05 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 28 Mar |
Comma, Brimstone (2) Peacock and Holly Blue in my Harpenden garden, taking my yearly garden count
to six |
Robin Pearson |
| 26 Mar |
Five species again round and about Stanwell Moor, but a different selection from the eight seen altogether this year:
Brimstone 3, Peacock 4, Comma 2, Holly Blue 1, Small Tortoiseshell 1 |
Dave Miller |
| 26 Mar |
A Comma at Northchurch Common (SP 9733 1005) |
Colin Everett |
| 26 Mar |
Saw my first 2 Speckled Woods this season, as well as 2 Peacocks during a late morning Great British Clean Up
at Lake Farm Country Park, Hayes (TQ0980) |
Paul Busby |
| 25 Mar |
Two Peacocks together in Heath Wood near Watford (TQ 0792 9916) and one Peacock at nearby Brickfield Spring
(TQ 0748 9960) |
Colin Everett |
| 25 Mar |
A male Orange-tip in my Rickmansworth garden |
Anna Marett |
| 25 Mar |
Hounslow: Smaller numbers today with the male Brimstones vanished again, perhaps on a quest for the still missing females. 5
Peacocks and 1 Comma were the only sightings |
Peter Gore |
| 25 Mar |
I walked my WCBS in Northaw Great Wood early afternoon and saw three Commas. Two were scuffling high up and eventually
landed to sunbathe. The third in a different area was basking in a sunny spot |
Dee Cullen |
| 25 Mar |
On another tour of my local patch at Stanwell Moor at near enough the same time as on the 24th and in similar conditions, my
first two sightings were of new species for the year. First came a Holly Blue flying around ivy near the River Colne, followed
immediately by an Orange-tip sunning itself near the river bank. This was disturbed by a Red Admiral, which then basked on
the bridge over the river. Overall, in addition I saw another Holly Blue, plus four Small Tortoiseshells and eight
Peacocks, including a pair courting high up in a flowering prunus |
Dave Miller |
| 25 Mar |
1 Small Tortoiseshell resting on stinging nettles by the Colne |
Rebecca Palmer |
| 25 Mar |
At Trent Park - 2 Peacock (1 edge of Moat Wood, 1 'Old Golf Course') and 1 Comma edge of Moat Wood |
Robert Callf |
| 24 Mar |
Saw a Comma on a walk at Cottonmill, St Albans (TL155065) at 13:45 |
Samantha Rolfe |
| 24 Mar |
I saw a Camberwell Beauty in Muswell Hill, London N10. It landed on my friend's back so I was
able to look at it for a couple of minutes before it flew away. What a beautiful butterfly! (Very close to the other 2 sightings in north
London. Peter C) |
Jean Burrow |
| 24 Mar |
Observations in Stevenage: Chells Manor (TL 273 250) - two male, one female Brimstone, and a Comma. Anderson
Road (TL 266 249) - one Speckled Wood. My garden - one male Orange-tip |
Phil Bishop |
| 24 Mar |
I went for a walk across Marshalls Heath and along the Lea Valley Walk, and saw 7 Brimstone, 1
Orange-tip, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Peacock and 1 Speckled Wood. The Orange-tip
and Speckled Wood are both earliest ever here by some weeks |
John Murray |
| 24 Mar |
In brilliant sunshine and around 14 degrees at Stanwell Moor, I saw 11 Brimstones, 7 Peacocks, 5 Commas,
5 Small Tortoiseshells and 2 Small Whites |
Dave Miller |
| 24 Mar |
In Bengeo garden: Brimstone male, Comma, Holly Blue & Peacock |
Simon Knott |
| 24 Mar |
Brimstones common on the Ashridge Estate today, with 1-km grid square totals as follows (but probably some duplication
of wandering individuals): 4 in SP 9612 (including 2 simultaneously); 3 in SP 9712; 1 in SP 9711 and 1 in SP 9611. All were males and were
seen between 10:20 and 14:20 hours |
Colin Everett |
| 24 Mar |
A warmer than forecast, sunny Spring day and decided to visit Hillingdon transects, where I saw 20+ butterflies,
Peacocks accounted for half of them with some Small Tortoiseshells, Commas, male Brimstones and my first
Holly Blue of the year in the small copse at Lake Farm Country Park. I think it shows the value of starting the transect early if
conditions are within limits |
Paul Busby |
| 24 Mar |
1 Brimstone - Meadowbank, Hitchin (TL196300), 1 Brimstone - Railway Station, Hitchin (TL194297) (possibly the same
individual) |
David Inward |
| 24 Mar |
An early afternoon walk in Fairlands Valley Park and the surrounding woods resulted in 36 butterflies: 11 Brimstone,
15 Peacock, 6 Comma, 2 Small Tortoiseshell and 2 Small White. The Peacocks and Small Whites were my firsts
of the year |
Peter Clarke |
| 24 Mar |
Hounslow: Ideal spring weather for butterflies so not surprising to find numbers of sightings well into double figures.
These included our first Orange-tip of the year, one day earlier than 2017's early sighting. Here are the details: Brimstone: 8
Comma: 4 Peacock: 6 Orange-tip: 1 Small Tortoiseshell: 1. All the Brimstones above
were males |
Peter Gore |
| 24 Mar |
1 male Brimstone near Hadley Road at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) at 11:51 hrs, 1 Peacock edge of Duncan's
Wood, Enfield Chase (TQ 287 985) at 12:38 hrs, 1 Peacock at Plumridge Farm, Enfield near Ash Wood (TQ 283 985) and another nearby at
Park Farm, Enfield, 1 male Brimstone edge of Moat Wood, Trent Park (TQ 287 978) at 13:17 hrs and 1 Peacock here also, 2
Comma together edge of Ride Wood, Trent Park (TQ 289 976) at 13:26 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 24 Mar |
Harpenden Common: Brimstone (5 sightings of at least 4 males); 1 Peacock |
David Hunt |
| 24 Mar |
Photo taken of Peacock in my Harpenden garden |
Robin Pearson |
| 23 Mar |
I managed a quick look at my local patch (Stanwell Moor) and spotted a Brimstone and four Peacocks |
Dave Miller |
| 23 Mar |
1 Peacock in flight at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 301 974) at 12:32 hrs and another at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 293 982)
nectaring on blackthorn blossom at 13:19 hrs. 1 Common Quaker at ASDA Southgate (my first of the year) |
Robert Callf |
| 23 Mar |
Harpenden Common: 2 Small Tortoiseshell and 1 Comma |
David Hunt |
| 23 Mar |
Brimstone and Peacock in my Harpenden garden |
Robin Pearson |
| 22 Mar |
1 Red-green Carpet (beautiful fresh individual) at ASDA Southgate - my first for the year |
Robert Callf |
| 22 Mar |
St Albans - And they are off! First sign of butterflies leaving hibernation in my shed this week. Peacock numbers
down from 3 to 2, Small Tortoiseshells from 13 to 9. One of the remaining Tortoiseshells in a completely different position, possibly
having left the shed and then returned? The positions of the other 8 are unchanged |
Malcolm Hull |
| 21 Mar |
A Peacock at Otterspool near Aldenham, grid ref TQ 1290 9909 |
Colin Everett |
| 21 Mar |
Pleased to find a Small Copper larva survived the winter in my Stevenage garden |
Peter Clarke |
| 21 Mar |
I saw a Large White near my house in Muswell Hill. It's the first white I have seen this year |
Dee Cullen |
| 19 Mar |
This morning I saw 2 male Brimstones on my way back from Stevenage Old Town, one along Walkern Road, just before the
cemetery and the other along the cycle path between Grace Way and Lonsdale Road, Stevenage on the climb up towards Hampson Park |
Don Gregory |
| 19 Mar |
On the Ashridge side of Berkhamsted Common I observed a mating pair of Orange Underwing moths. Photographs and a film
are on my Facebook page |
Colin Everett |
| 19 Mar |
Whilst tidying up one of the borders in my Bishop's Stortford garden I found a Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing(?)
caterpillar on the ground. (Photo on right - can anyone confirm or otherwise the id? Peter C.) |
Bob Clift |
| 19 Mar |
At Whitewebbs Park (TQ 323 991) along Cuffley Brook this afternoon 12:20 - 12:22 hrs - 1 male Brimstone, 1 Peacock
and 1 Comma |
Robert Callf |
| 19 Mar |
1 Brimstone - track to fishing pond off Salusbury Lane, Great Offley (TL141267) |
David Inward |
| 19 Mar |
Brimstone in my Harpenden garden 11:30 am |
Robin Pearson |
| 17 Mar |
1 Oak Beauty at Grovebury Court, Southgate, N14 (TQ 295 950) in the evening - only my second record in the area after
one at Dalrymple Close in March 2005 |
Robert Callf |
| 17 Mar |
I found quite a few Purple Hairstreak eggs on Oak buds in Northaw Great Wood (TL2804). I saw adults last summer there
while doing the WCBS count so figured it was worth having a look |
Dee Cullen |
| 9 Mar |
A single pristine Comma around mid-day in our Pinner garden in bright but blustery conditions |
Tony Porter |
| 9 Mar |
First time I have ever seen a Camberwell Beauty - at Winchmore Hill Station at 1205. (Filomena Jones
reported a sighting at Finchley Central N3 in February - unsure of exact date. Could it be the same specimen being about 5 miles away? Peter C) |
Robert Bourton |
| 9 Mar |
1 Orange/Light Orange Underwing seen in flight at Oakwood Park (TQ 300 952) this afternoon at 14:35 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 2 Mar |
Just one Red Admiral at the weekend in Bushey. Spotted from the kitchen window at lunchtime! |
Rebecca Palmer |
| 1 Mar |
St Albans Shed - Pleased to report that today's shed transect produced a full complement of 13 Small Tortoiseshells and 3 Peacocks.
None have been seduced out of hibernation by the warm February weather. Judging by the miserable forecasts for the next two weeks, they have been wise to stay
asleep indoors |
Malcolm Hull |
| Date |
Description |
Recorder |
| 27 Feb |
A male Brimstone on the edge of Nettleden village in Herts (TL 021104) |
Paul Busby |
| 27 Feb |
Had a surprise in Fir and Pond Wood - a Painted Lady by Turkey Brook |
John Rowley |
| 27 Feb |
1 Brimstone - east end of Ashbrook path by Brook View playground, Hitchin (TL203287), 1 Brimstone - Meadowbank, Hitchin
(TL195299), 1 Dotted Border Moth (Agriopis marginaria) - porch, St Faiths Close, Hitchin |
David Inward |
| 27 Feb |
Peacock in Ruislip (TQ097867) |
Catherine Hookway |
| 27 Feb |
Hounslow: Despite an absence of Brimstones, overall numbers similar to recent days including the first Peacocks of the year: Small
Tortoiseshell: 3 Peacock: 2 Comma: 3. A welcome discovery for me was a large patch of flowering Violets amongst the trees on the edge of the
Heath |
Peter Gore |
| 27 Feb |
Between 14:00-15:30 Watford, R.Colne north of Link Road (TQ117 974) - 1 Comma (my earliest ever) 2 Small Tortoiseshell. Fishers
Field NR 1 Small Tortoiseshell |
Bob Harris |
| 27 Feb |
Single sightings of Brimstone, Comma, Holly Blue and Peacock in Abbots Langley at lunchtime |
Clive Burrows |
| 26 Feb |
One half and walk from St Johns Wood, over Primrose Hill, through Regents Park, past the Physician Garden and new bug hotels on Euston road to
Euston station, plenty of flowering plants but no butterflies seen in the glorious sunshine. Later in afternoon, did see a Small Tortoiseshell at Wood
Farm, Stanmore Country Park (TQ 171933) |
Paul Busby |
| 26 Feb |
Comma in Bayhurst Woods, Harefield (TQ063892) |
Catherine Hookway |
| 26 Feb |
First Hertfordshire butterfly this year - Patmore Heath NR - one Brimstone |
Andy Brown |
| 26 Feb |
A Peacock active in Hoddesdon Park Wood during the afternoon (TL 349 086) |
Colin Everett |
| 26 Feb |
Two trips out locally to Stanwell Moor to make the most of the weather, and notched up two more species: Peacock and Red Admiral. Across the
whole area covered, the day's totals were: Brimstone 10; Comma 5; Peacock 2; Red Admiral 2; Small Tortoiseshell 1. One of
the Red Admirals was egg-laying close to the River Colne |
Dave Miller |
| 26 Feb |
Hounslow: First Commas, one fluttering along the path in front of me parallel to the old golf course means each of our four squares has now had
at least one butterfly recorded in it this year: Brimstone: 4 (still all male) Comma: 3 |
Peter Gore |
| 26 Feb |
1 Comma at Rough Lot, Trent Park (TQ 285 978) at 13:38 hrs - my first of the year, 1 Small Tortoiseshell along Leeging Beech
Gutter at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 303 978) at 14:37 hrs, 1 male Brimstone along Leeging Beech Gutter at Vicarage Farm (TQ 305 976) at 14:43 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 26 Feb |
Comma in Westfield Road Hertford at 12.30 pm |
Steve Kiln |
| 25 Feb |
Small Tortoiseshell in Bengeo garden |
Simon Knott |
| 25 Feb |
1 Brimstone - St Faiths Close Hitchin (TL198303), 5 Brimstone - Icknield Way west of Westmill Farm near Hitchin (TL1630), 2
Brimstone - Westmill Farm, near Hitchin (TL170309), 2 Brimstone - Burford Way/Westmill Lane junction, Hitchin (TL173305), 1 Brimstone
- Milestone Road near Westmill Lane, Hitchin (TL175304) |
David Inward |
| 25 Feb |
At Northwood HQ, Sandy Lane 1 x Brimstone this morning |
David Gower |
| 25 Feb |
Brimstone at Waterfields Playground, Watford. Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral in Park Avenue, Bushey |
Rebecca Palmer |
| 25 Feb |
Hounslow: More sunshine and more Brimstones. I've slightly reduced the number of actual sightings to allow for the possibility of highly
active males (which they all are) getting counted twice so it's Brimstone: 7 Small Tortoiseshell: 1 |
Peter Gore |
| 25 Feb |
Hertfordshire County Offices car park adjacent to Grand Union Canal at Apsley (TL066047) - 3 Brimstone |
Robert Harris |
| 25 Feb |
A female Brimstone, a Comma and at least two Red Admiral and two Small Tortoiseshell seen at Alexandra Park
(TQ302902) |
Gerry Rawcliffe |
| 25 Feb |
One male Brimstone in my south Harpenden garden |
David Hunt |
| 25 Feb |
Another wander round my local patch at Stanwell Moor a bit earlier in the day. Three Small Tortoiseshells, only one of which was one of
those seen yesterday. Only a couple of Brimstones (delayed by the overnight low temperatures I suspect), but today's new arrival was a newly-emerged
male Small White. This is the earliest I have seen one |
Dave Miller |
| 24 Feb |
Brimstone in Ruislip (TQ097867) |
Catherine Hookway |
| 24 Feb |
1 Small Tortoiseshell basking in sun near The Bourne entrance to Grovelands Park at 13:28 - 13:30 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 24 Feb |
Four Brimstones sighted at Kew Gardens, three in flight and one nectaring on Crocus flowers |
Miles Attenborough |
| 24 Feb |
1 male Brimstone and 1 Peacock at Panshanger Park (near the Great Oak) this afternoon. 1 Comma at St. Leonards Garden,
Bengeo |
Christoper Benton |
| 24 Feb |
My first sightings this year as follows. In our Bushey garden 1 x Brimstone. At Fishers Field nature reserve 1 x Brimstone. Lastly
at Water Lane, Watford 1 x Comma, 1 x Red Admiral |
David Gower |
| 24 Feb |
Again, nine male Brimstone sightings in North Harpenden (5 in my garden). Also three Small Tortoiseshells |
Alan Jackson |
| 24 Feb |
1 Peacock - St Faiths Close Hitchin (TL198302), 1 Brimstone - St Faiths Close Hitchin (TL198303), 1 Brimstone - by
playground Ransoms Recreation Ground Hitchin (TL189301), 4 Brimstone - Ransoms Recreation Ground/railway boundary fence Hitchin (TL190301), 1
Brimstone - Woolgrove Road Hitchin (TL192304) |
David Inward |
| 24 Feb |
Folly Lane St Albans - My first sightings of Small Tortoiseshells in flight this year. I saw one courting couple, a third nectaring and
a fourth sunbathing. At this site, the hibernators usually rely on Dandelions as their main nectar source after emergence. At present there's not a single
Dandelion flowering on the whole site and very little alternative nectar sources, which is a source of concern. One male Brimstone also and reports of
a female seen on the same site earlier. Worth mentioning also that I saw a Small White flying yesterday on a visit to South London - outside our Branch
area, but worth keeping an eye out for an early emergence of white species over the coming week |
Malcolm Hull |
| 24 Feb |
Brimstone at St Paul's Walden (TL192222) and at Rookery Wood, King's Walden (TL166232). Small Tortoiseshell at Chalkleys Wood,
St Paul's Walden (TL185226) |
Martin Ketcher |
| 24 Feb |
Was out in the early afternoon and though I saw half a dozen Brimstones, they had all disappeared by two o'clock. However, this was
compensated by the presence of three Commas and three Small Tortoiseshells.
On top of this was the very unusual sighting of a
Hummingbird Hawk-Moth. I see few of these here even in the summer, so one in February was a real surprise. I assume it to have
been a migrant from southern Europe |
Dave Miller |
| 24 Feb |
Hounslow: Another sunny day with 3 male Brimstones and 2 Small Tortoiseshells spread out across the walk |
Peter Gore |
| 24 Feb |
4 Brimstones in my Great Ashby, Stevenage garden (2 singles and a pair, all males) |
Steven Lane |
| 23 Feb |
Red Admiral near King's Walden (TL153247) |
Martin Ketcher |
| 23 Feb |
After seeing nothing on my local patch at Stanwell Moor on all the previous sunny days recently, the hedgerows burst forth with
Brimstones and in an hour or so around lunchtime I counted at least ten |
Dave Miller |
| 23 Feb |
I had no fewer than nine male Brimstone sightings in Harpenden: five in my garden, one by the railway near the centre of town and three
together at the top of our road. This is unprecedented in February in my experience in our locality |
Alan Jackson |
| 23 Feb |
Had a nice Brimstone in my Bernards Heath garden |
Andrew Steele |
| 23 Feb |
My first garden Brimstone in Barnet |
Michael Habben |
| 23 Feb |
I have finally seen my first butterfly of 2019! Brimstone flying near the Link Road, then flew into a garden on Park Avenue, Bushey.
We then saw it again on Mead Way |
Rebecca Palmer |
| 23 Feb |
1 Brimstone male - Sollershott East, Letchworth (TL218318), and probably the same one at Friends Meeting House, South View, Letchworth
(TL218319). Sunny and warm |
David Inward |
| 23 Feb |
At Radlett (TL157000): Brimstone, Peacock and Painted Lady (Captive release? Peter C) |
Mark Homan |
| 23 Feb |
First identified butterfly of the year for me, a Small Tortoiseshell on the Marshalling Yards |
Peter Gore |
| 23 Feb |
My first butterflies of the year: 2 male Brimstones in Roebuck Woodland, Stevenage, one of which I disturbed on ivy but it
returned within 5 minutes to bask |
Peter Clarke |
| 23 Feb |
1 male Brimstone at Oakwood Park near Saxon Way, N14 entrance (TQ 297953) at 13:36 - my first February record of this species! |
Robert Callf |
| 23 Feb |
Male Brimstone flew along Upper Marlborough Road in the centre of St Albans (TL150073) around noon |
David Utting |
| 22 Feb |
Two male Brimstone near Baldock Railway Station (TL245342) |
Patricia Clegg |
| 22 Feb |
1 Red Admiral at Lavender Hill Cemetery, Enfield (TQ 319 981) settled on grave-stone & my left shoulder at 13:20 |
Robert Callf |
| 22 Feb |
A male Brimstone flew across my Harpenden garden at 12:30 |
Robin Pearson |
| 21 Feb |
Peacock at Letchworth Recycling Centre, Blackhorse Road (TL236338) |
Patricia Clegg |
| 21 Feb |
Brimstone flying across the field at Redbourne (TL104131) at about 11:30 |
Andrew Riche |
| 21 Feb |
5 Small Tortoiseshells - 1 in New Road, Hertford, 2 in Ware Cemetery, 1 in Lower Bourne Gardens, Ware and 1 on the edge of St John's
Wood near Rickneys Quarry |
Andrew Wood |
| 20 Feb |
Red Admiral - Whomerley Wood, Stevenage (TL247235) |
Josh Kalms |
| 20 Feb |
We returned to the meadows at Ickenham and managed to fill in a few more hedge line gaps across the site. The eggs are without doubt scattered
across a large area and in total 16 Brown Hairstreak eggs were found. We found two stems of blackthorn that had two eggs close together but again some
eggs were really high up with one being found at least 7 feet up in the blackthorn |
Liz Goodyear
Andrew Middleton |
| 17 Feb |
First butterfly predictably a Brimstone in our garden in Bengeo |
Steve Kiln |
| 17 Feb |
A male Brimstone flying strongly at the west edge of Ashridge Park at 12:00 at (SP 9941 1170); later at 13:15 two male Brimstones
flying simultaneously 500 metres away in a sheltered sunny area to the south of the park at (SP 9983 1145) |
Colin Everett |
| 17 Feb |
Folly Lane, St Albans - Male Brimstone zoomed across my allotment at 11.30am this morning. My first UK sighting of a flying butterfly
this year. Meanwhile on my shed transect all hibernators were still in residence at lunchtime today. A few of them have shown signs of life, shuffling into
different positions |
Malcolm Hull |
| 17 Feb |
A Red Admiral has been flitting around my Harpenden garden |
Robin Pearson |
| 17 Feb |
A male Brimstone at Frithsden Copse, Berkhamsted (SP995101) at 1330 |
Mike Spittles |
| 17 Feb |
Millhoppers Reserve - one male Brimstone flying near the Ceremonial Black Poplar tree in middle of the reserve at 11.18 this morning |
Chris Hilling |
| 15 Feb |
A male Brimstone in our meadow adjacent to our home in Heronsgate |
Andrew Ross |
| 15 Feb |
A Red Admiral flying at 11:00 in the small car park at Goose Green at Broxbourne Woods (TL347088) |
Colin Everett |
| 15 Feb |
1 Comma flying in Rothamsted woods (TL123132) at lunchtime |
Andrew Riche |
| 14 Feb |
I have had my first butterfly sighting of the year! Small Tortoiseshell at Patmore heath (TL443258) enjoying the late winter (or early spring even...) sun |
Steven Werrell |
| 14 Feb |
Saw a Small Tortoiseshell, just before 1300 in Maple Cross (TQ026923). It was sunning itself on a plant in
someone's garden |
Paul Williams |
| 14 Feb |
Male Brimstone in our sunny Harpenden garden: my first garden butterfly of the year and the earliest garden Brimstone for a decade
(by 16 days) |
Alan Jackson |
| 14 Feb |
My first butterfly of the year was seen at Benington Lordship (TL298238) - a Red Admiral on Snowdrops |
Richard Harrington |
| 14 Feb |
1 Peacock at Whitewebbs Park along Cuffley Brook (TQ 324 992) at 14:08 - 14:09 GMT this afternoon |
Robert Callf |
| 14 Feb |
A lovely large Brimstone in flight across my garden in Croxley Green at 11.35 |
Val Edwards |
| 14 Feb |
A male Brimstone flew across my Harpenden garden this morning |
Robin Pearson |
| 13 Feb |
We returned to Horsenden Hill and were delighted to find a further Brown Hairstreak egg (over 5 feet up!) in a different 2km square
plus several Blue-bordered Carpet moth eggs and a Purple Hairstreak egg on oak |
Liz Goodyear
Andrew Middleton |
| 13 Feb |
A work colleague reported a Red Admiral active at Sawtrees Farm near Thundridge, in or near grid square TL 3817 (either tetrad TL31 Y
or Z) |
(Colin Everett) |
| 13 Feb |
1 Peacock seen in flight & settled near Ash Wood at Plumridge Farm, Enfield (TQ 283 985) this afternoon at 13:55 GMT - my first
butterfly of the year! |
Robert Callf |
| 12 Feb |
At Hillingdon Primary School I watched a Red Admiral fly across the playground in the sunshine then rise up over school towards
the horse chestnut trees |
Jackie Gill |
| 11 Feb |
Was very happy to see my first butterfly of the year, a Red Admiral at Hilfield Park Reservoir |
Dan Cooper |
| 11 Feb |
Today's sunshine has brought out the first butterfly of the year for me and, I think, for Alexandra Park - a Red Admiral flying along
the terrace in front of the main facade of the Palace at around 11am (TQ 302901) |
Gerry Rawcliffe |
| Date |
Description |
Recorder |
| 30 Jan |
Andrew and I decided to return to Ickenham and visit the fields first to the south of the site. We started just before 9.30 and finished
searching at 3.40 - so about 6 hours x 2 = 12 hours!
We first visited the field where Andrew found the 2 Brown Hairstreak eggs last summer and found 2 more but one was 5 feet up on a
twig. Another egg later in the day was 6 feet up. We couldn't re-find the summer eggs and it looked like they might have been cut down as there was a lot
of brash on the ground where the mower had been in quite close. Having found 2 eggs we didn't search too much of the blackthorn. We walked up the track and
then found an egg in the corner but didn't find any more eggs along that particular hedge line. We crossed the fields and walked to the other side where
there are some oaks. We found an egg in a small area of scrubbed up grassland close to the railway. We then retraced back to the main fields and followed the
hedge line towards our other adult sightings last summer where we found a further 21 (twenty one) eggs. Making a total of 25 in total and 12 Blue-bordered
Carpet moths and a cluster of 16-spot ladybirds. One twig had 2 eggs together - a first for us! |
Liz Goodyear
Andrew Middleton |
| 30 Jan |
A Red Admiral at Lauderdale House, Highgate (TQ 287 872) |
Margaret Murray |
| 28 Jan |
Comma seen on ground in Park Wood Ruislip (TQ 097890) |
Bob Holton |
| 28 Jan |
Another Spring Usher in sunshine this afternoon - seen in flight and settled at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ2998) 13:47 hrs |
Robert Callf |
| 22 Jan |
1 Red Admiral feeding on Viburnum in the sunshine, this lunchtime in Harlington |
Andrew Wood |
| 18 Jan |
In spite of the very cold morning I found one Red Admiral butterfly in my Chorleywood garden. It had its wings
closed and was very chilly so I brought it indoors and within 10 minutes it had thawed out and alive enough to set free. It escaped over the rooftops
hopefully to live another day |
Irene Oulsnam |
| 16 Jan |
Neither Andrew or myself had ever visited Horsenden Hill so despite two egg searches there this year, we couldn't resist visiting. We didn't
pick a very nice day and got pretty wet.
We parked opposite the Ballot Box Pub just before 11 and walked the fields close to the road - the blackthorn is
seriously impressive and in some places very good but a lot had reddish stems. In our searches today we found 19 Blue-bordered Carpet eggs which
always pleases us.
As it got damper and after about 2 ¼ hrs searching (x 2) we started walking towards the infamous Paradise Fields not far from
the Canal walk, there was some 'black stemmed' blackthorn. The blackthorn was close to some oak and two slightly greenish Brown Hairstreak eggs were
found close together on a single twig. No more eggs were found (nor BBC eggs) but it was getting even wetter and enthusiasm was waning. We did look at
Paradise Fields but all the blackthorn was red stemmed. We got back to the car around 2.30 |
Liz Goodyear
Andrew Middleton |
| 14 Jan |
Male Spring Usher settled SW edge of Rough Lot, Trent Park this morning in sunshine - much darker individual than the one the other day |
Robert Callf |
| 12 Jan |
Male Spring Usher at ASDA Southgate - the first moth I have seen here since new lights were installed in the autumn, also a Winter
Moth at bus-stop shelter at Chase Road/Charter Way N14 a few days ago |
Robert Callf |
| 8 Jan |
1 Peacock flying and landing in a furled umbrella on a table outside the Platform public house, Letchworth
TL217326 |
David Inward |
| 3 Jan |
3 Peacocks and 13 Small Tortoiseshells hibernating in my shed in St Albans this morning. Pleased to see they have come through the winter
safely so far |
Malcolm Hull |
| 1 Jan |
Two Brown Hairstreak eggs on blackthorn in Fryent Country Park. Also 11 Blue-bordered Carpet eggs |
Andrew Middleton |
|
Small Copper © Peter Clarke 16 Oct
Small Copper ab. caeruleopunctata © Malcolm Hull 29 Sep
Holly Blue larva on ivy © Bob Clift 14 Sep
Hummingbird hawk-moth © Colin Alderman 14 Sep
Red Admiral © Colin Alderman 13 Sep
Small Copper © Dee Cullen 13 Sep
Common Blue © Dee Cullen 13 Sep
Small Copper © Malcolm Hull 13 Sep
Small Heath © Malcolm Hull 13 Sep
Red Admiral © Peter Clarke 8 Sep
Holly Blue larva on ivy © Bob Clift 3 Sep
Orange Swift © David Inward 2 Sep
Adonis Blue © James Fowler 2 Sep
Adonis Blue pair © James Fowler 2 Sep
Comma © Malcolm Hull 1 Sep
Treble-bar © Malcolm Hull 31 Aug
Chalkhill Blue (f) © Malcolm Hull 31 Aug
%20TherfieldHeath_31Aug19_MH.jpg "Adonis Blue Therfield Heath 31 Aug")
Adonis Blue (f) © Malcolm Hull 31 Aug
%20TherfieldHeath_31Aug19_MH.jpg "Adonis Blue Therfield Heath 31 Aug")
Adonis Blue (f) © Malcolm Hull 31 Aug
%20TherfieldHeath_31Aug19_MH.jpg "Adonis Blue Therfield Heath 31 Aug")
Adonis Blue (m) © Malcolm Hull 31 Aug
Adonis Blue (f) © Andrew Wood 29 Aug
Adonis Blue (m) © Andrew Wood 29 Aug
Adonis Blue pair © Andrew Wood 29 Aug
Jersey Tiger © Robin Pearson 28 Aug
Snout © Chris Hilling 26 Aug
Brown Hairstreak © Jon Tarlton 25 Aug
Holly Blue egg-laying on ivy © Bob Clift 25 Aug
Holly Blue egg on ivy © Bob Clift 25 Aug
Adonis Blue variant © Ian Tulloch 25 Aug
Adonis Blue © Colin Alderman 24 Aug
Adonis Blue © Trevor Sawyer 23 Aug
Adonis Blue © Trevor Sawyer 23 Aug
Adonis Blue © Martin Johnson 22 Aug
Adonis Blue © Martin Johnson 22 Aug
Adonis Blue © Martin Johnson 22 Aug
Brown Argus © David Inward 21 Aug
Adonis Blue © Ian Watts 20 Aug
Queen of Spain Fritillary © Gavin Vicary 20 Aug
Brown Hairstreak © Andrew Middleton 20 Aug
Brown Hairstreak © Andrew Middleton 20 Aug
Brown Hairstreak © Malcolm Hull 20 Aug
Brown Hairstreak © Malcolm Hull 20 Aug
Red Admiral © David Inward 19 Aug
Comma © Simon Knott 17 Aug
Painted Lady © Simon Knott 17 Aug
Painted Lady © Simon Knott 17 Aug
Small Tortoiseshell © Malcolm Hull 17 Aug
Small Copper © Malcolm Hull 17 Aug
Buff-tip larvae © Andrew Wood 15 Aug
Essex Skipper © Andrew Wood 15 Aug
Gatekeeper © Andrew Wood 15 Aug
Jersey Tiger © Alan Smith 14 Aug
Jersey Tiger © Dee Cullen 14 Aug
Brown Hairstreak © Andrew Middleton 13 Aug
Brown Hairstreak © Andrew Middleton 13 Aug
Jersey Tiger © Alison Ryan 12 Aug
Purple Emperor © Frank Nugent 11 Aug
Meadow Brown aberration © David Inward 11 Aug
Small Heath © Malcolm Hull 9 Aug
Small Copper © Malcolm Hull 9 Aug
Small Whites © Jill Sawyer 9 Aug
Chalkhill Blue © Andrew Wood 7 Aug
Jersey Tiger © Bob Harris 6 Aug
Painted Lady © Bob Harris 6 Aug
Common Blue © Peter Clarke 6 Aug
Small Blue © Malcolm Hull 4 Aug
Oncocera semirubella © Malcolm Hull 4 Aug
Loxostege sticticalis © Malcolm Hull 4 Aug
Silver-washed Fritillary © Colin Alderman 3 Aug
Silver-washed Fritillary © Colin Alderman 3 Aug
Brown Argus © Colin Alderman 3 Aug
Purple Hairstreak © Colin Alderman 3 Aug
Chalkhill Blue (m) © Andrew Wood 2 Aug
Chalkhill Blue (f) © Andrew Wood 2 Aug
Common Blue © Dee Cullen 2 Aug
Painted Lady © Dee Cullen 2 Aug
Common Plume © David Inward 2 Aug
Jersey Tiger © Simon Knott 1 Aug
Painted Lady © Simon Knott 1 Aug
Silver-washed Fritillary © Simon Knott 1 Aug
Single-dotted Wave © David Inward 29 Jul
Purple Hairstreaks © Dee Cullen 29 Jul
Brown Argus ab © Simon Knott 29 Jul
Shaded Broad-bar © Roger Seymour 28 Jul
Brown Hairstreak © Roger Seymour 28 Jul
Brown Hairstreak © Andrew Middleton 28 Jul
Brown Hairstreak © Andrew Middleton 28 Jul
Small Tortoiseshell © Malcolm Hull 27 Jul
Jersey Tiger © David Perman 25 Jul
Purple Hairstreak © Peter Clarke 25 Jul
Purple Hairstreak © Peter Clarke 25 Jul
Silver-washed Fritillary (f) © Bob Harris 24 Jul
Silver-washed Fritillary (m) © Bob Harris 24 Jul
Purple Hairstreak © Tom Speller 23 Jul
Purple Hairstreak © Tom Speller 23 Jul
Brown Argus © Tom Speller 23 Jul
Ringlet © David Inward 23 Jul
Cinnabar caterpillar © David Inward 23 Jul
Painted Lady © Malcolm Hull 23 Jul
Brimstone © Malcolm Hull 23 Jul
Common Blue © Martin Johnson 22 Jul
Chalkhill Blues © Martin Johnson 22 Jul
White-letter Hairstreak © Simon Knott 22 Jul
Yellow Shell © Simon Knott 22 Jul
Brown Argus ab © Peter Clarke 22 Jul
Common Wave © David Inward 21 Jul
Shuttle-Shaped Dart © David Inward 20 Jul
Small Tortoiseshell © Malcolm Hull 19 Jul
Small Copper © Malcolm Hull 17 Jul
Purple Hairstreak © Malcolm Hull 17 Jul
Box Tree moth © Malcolm Hull 16 Jul
Silver-washed Fritillary © Gavin Vicary 16 Jul
Purple Emperor © Mike Harding 16 Jul
Silver-washed Fritillary © Simon Knott 16 Jul
Comma aberration? © Bob Clift 15 Jul
Essex Skippers © Bob Clift 15 Jul
Silver-washed Fritillary © Dee Cullen 15 Jul
Peacock © Peter Clarke 12 Jul
Gatekeeper © Malcolm Hull 12 Jul
Marbled White © Malcolm Hull 11 Jul
Silver-washed Fritillary © Malcolm Hull 11 Jul
Gatekeeper © Bob Clift 11 Jul
Large White © Bob Clift 11 Jul
Ringlet © Bob Clift 11 Jul
Cinnabar © Bob Clift 11 Jul
Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet © Peter Clarke 11 Jul
Least Carpet © David Inward 10 Jul
Gatekeeper © Dee Cullen 10 Jul
Essex Skipper © Roger Millard 9 Jul
Essex Skipper © Andrew Wood 9 Jul
Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing © Andrew Wood 9 Jul
White-letter Hairstreak © Tom Speller 7 Jul
Purple Emperor © Malcolm Hull 7 Jul
Purple Emperor © Malcolm Hull 7 Jul
Purple Emperor © Malcolm Hull 7 Jul
Ringlet © Malcolm Hull 7 Jul
Small Skipper © Malcolm Hull 7 Jul
Purple Hairstreak © Tom Speller 5 Jul
Purple Emperor © Martin Webb 5 Jul
Ringlet © Dee Cullen 5 Jul
Gatekeeper © Peter Clarke 5 Jul
Silver-washed Fritillary valezina © Chris Newman 4 Jul
Silver-washed Fritillary valezina © Chris Newman 4 Jul
Chalkhill Blue © Martin Johnson 4 Jul
Small Tortoiseshell ab © Sheila Whittingham 3 Jul
Ringlet © David Inward 3 Jul
Marbled White © Paul Williams 2 Jul
Chalkhill Blue © Gerry Rawcliffe 2 Jul
Dark Green Fritillary © Gerry Rawcliffe 2 Jul
Purple Emperor © Sandra Standbridge 2 Jul
Purple Hairstreak © Paul Williams 1 Jul
Ringlet © Miles Attenborough 30 Jun
Small Blue © Malcolm Hull 30 Jun
Red Admiral © Malcolm Hull 30 Jun
Small Skipper © Miles Attenborough 29 Jun
White Admiral © Bob Harris 29 Jun
Dark Green Fritillary pair © Miles Attenborough 29 Jun
Small Tortoiseshell © Robin Pearson 28 Jun
Silver-washed Fritillary © Chris Benton 28 Jun
White Admiral © Chris Benton 28 Jun
Comma © David Inward 28 Jun
Marbled White © David Inward 28 Jun
Meadow Brown ab. © Bob Clift 27 Jun
Silver-washed Fritillary © Chris Benton 27 Jun
White Admiral © Chris Benton 27 Jun
Silver-washed Fritillary © Andrew Wood 27 Jun
Holly Blue © Andrew Wood 27 Jun
Dark Green Fritillary © Chris Benton 26 Jun
Marbled White © Dave Miller 25 Jun
Painted Lady © Dave Miller 25 Jun
Brown Argus © Dave Miller 25 Jun
White Admiral © Chris Benton 25 Jun
Painted Lady © Dee Cullen 24 Jun
Ringlet © Dee Cullen 24 Jun
Painted Lady © Bob Harris 24 Jun
White-letter Hairstreak © Peter Clarke 24 Jun
Burnet Companion ab? © Peter Clarke 24 Jun
Painted Ladies © Dave Miller 24 Jun
Dark Green Fritillary © Phil Barron 23 Jun
Marbled White © Chris Benton 23 Jun
Red Admiral © Miles Attenborough 22 Jun
Marbled White © Dee Cullen 22 Jun
Peacock larvae © Dee Cullen 22 Jun
Painted Lady © David Inward 22 Jun
Painted Lady © Peter Clarke 22 Jun
Ringlet © Peter Clarke 22 Jun
Marbled White © David Inward 20 Jun
Small Skipper © David Inward 20 Jun
Marbled White © Gerry Rawcliffe 19 Jun
Small Tortoiseshell © Malcolm Hull 19 Jun
Small Tortoiseshell aberration © Andrew Wood 18 Jun
Marbled White © Bob Clift 18 Jun
Painted Lady © Bob Clift 18 Jun
Large Skipper © Peter Clarke 18 Jun
Lime Hawk-moth pair © Dee Cullen 15 Jun
Large Skipper © Peter Clarke 15 Jun
Chimney Sweeper © Peter Clarke 15 Jun
Small Magpie Moth © David Inward 10 Jun
Small Blue pair © Roger Millard 9 Jun
Small Blue © Malcolm Hull 9 Jun
Small Blue © Peter Clarke 9 Jun
Small Blue © Peter Clarke 9 Jun
Cinnabar © Malcolm Hull 7 Jun
%20TunnelGardens_6Jun19_MA.JPG "Common Blue(m) Tunnel Gardens 6 Jun")
Common Blue(m) © Miles Attenborough 6 Jun
%20TunnelGardens_6Jun19_MA.JPG "Common Blue(f) Tunnel Gardens 6 Jun")
Common Blue(f) © Miles Attenborough 6 Jun
Painted Lady © Sharon Chesterman 6 Jun
Cinnabar © Dee Cullen 6 Jun
Large Skipper © Gerry Rawcliffe 5 Jun
Meadow Brown © Gerry Rawcliffe 5 Jun
Common Blue © Dave Miller 28 May
Yellow-barred Longhorn © Dee Cullen 3 Jun
Brimstone ovipositing © Bob Clift 1 Jun
Meadow Brown © Chris Newton 1 Jun
Silver-ground Carpet © David Inward 1 Jun
Holly Blue egg-laying © Shailesh Patel 1 Jun
Light Brown Apple Moth © Peter Clarke 30 May
Meadow Brown © Colin Everett 30 May
Four-spotted moth © Liz Goodyear 29 May
Small Dusty Wave © David Inward 29 May
Small Blue © Phil Barron 27 May
Small Blue © Phil Barron 27 May
Small Blue © Malcolm Hull 26 May
Painted Lady © Gerry Rawcliffe 25 May
Small Blue © Roger Millard 21 May
Large White? eggs © Peter Clarke 21 May
Large Skipper © Dave Miller 20 May
Dingy Skipper © Liz Goodyear 19 May
Speckled Wood © Miles Attenborough 19 May
Small Tortoiseshell larvae © Malcolm Hull 19 May
Common Blue © Dave Miller 16 May
Green Hairstreak © Dave Miller 16 May
Anania fuscalis © Andrew Middleton 15 May
Holly Blue © David Inward 16 May
Common Blue © Gerry Rawcliffe 16 May
Mother Shipton © Liz Goodyear 15 May
Small Yellow Underwing © Chris Ridley 12 May
Common Blue © Malcolm Hull 12 May
Orange-tip © Miles Attenborough 12 May
Small Copper © Miles Attenborough 12 May
Dingy Skipper © Malcolm Hull 11 May
Small Copper © Dee Cullen 10 May
Red Admiral © Dee Cullen 10 May
White-letter Hairstreak larva © Andrew Middleton 8 May
Grizzled Skipper © Andrew Wood 7 May
Small Copper © Andrew Wood 7 May
Brown Argus © Andrew Wood 7 May
Brown Argus pair © Dave Miller 2 May
Holly Blue © Dave Miller 2 May
Orange-tip © Dave Miller 2 May
Small Copper © Dave Miller 2 May
Small Heath © Dave Miller 2 May
Green Hairstreak © Dave Miller 1 May
Brown Argus © Dave Miller 1 May
Small Heath © Gerry Rawcliffe 1 May
Brown Argus © Roger Millard 30 Apr
Small Blue © Malcolm Hull 30 Apr
Green Hairstreak © Malcolm Hull 30 Apr
Grizzled Skipper © Chris Benton 30 Apr
Dingy Skipper © Dee Cullen 24 Apr
Green Hairstreak © Andrew Neild 22 Apr
Dingy Skipper © Andrew Neild 22 Apr
Peacock © Miles Attenborough 21 Apr
Green-veined White © Miles Attenborough 21 Apr
Brimstone egg © Paul Williams 21 Apr
Small Copper © Chris Hilling 21 Apr
Small Copper © Gerry Rawcliffe 20 Apr
Speckled Wood © David Hunt 19 Apr
Brimstone egg-laying © Roger Millard 17 Apr
Small Heath © Ian Small 15 Apr
Comma © Robin Pearson 15 Apr
Orange-tips © Chris Holtby 10 Apr
White-letter Hairstreak larva © Andrew Middleton 3 Apr
Peacocks © David Hunt
Holly Blue © Dave Miller 25 Mar
Orange-tip © Dave Miller 25 Mar
Orange-tip © Phil Bishop 24 Mar
Brimstone © Dave Miller 24 Mar
Small Tortoiseshell © Dave Miller 24 Mar
Comma © Simon Knott 24 Mar
Peacock © Robin Pearson 24 Mar
Small Tortoiseshell © David Hunt 23 Mar
Small Copper larva © Peter Clarke 21 Mar
Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing larva © Bob Clift 19 Mar
Purple Hairstreak egg © Dee Cullen 18 Mar
Camberwell Beauty © Robert Bourton 9 Mar
Brimstone © Clive Burrows 27 Feb
Peacock © Dave Miller 26 Feb
Red Admiral egg © Dave Miller 26 Feb
Small White © Dave Miller 25 Feb
Hummingbird Hawk-moth © Dave Miller 24 Feb
Comma © Dave Miller 24 Feb
Small Tortoiseshell © Dave Miller 24 Feb
Brimstone © Peter Clarke 23 Feb
Small Tortoiseshell © Steven Werrell 14 Feb
Red Admiral © Richard Harrington 14 Feb
Purple Hairstreak egg © Andrew Middleton 13 Feb
Red Admiral © Dan Cooper 11 Feb
Brown Hairstreak eggs © Andrew Middleton 30 Jan
Red Admiral © Margaret Murray 30 Jan
Brown Hairstreak egg © Andrew Middleton 16 Jan
Peacock © David Inward 8 Jan
Peacocks hibernating © Malcolm Hull 3 Jan
Brown Hairstreak egg © Andrew Middleton 1 Jan
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