Old Winchester Hill. This afternoon I spent 4 hours walking up and down the slopes of Old Winchester Hill, enjoying the last of the summer butterflies. Unsurprisingly there were no signs of Adonis Blue, which has always had a precarious existence at this site, although the butterfly is only just emerging at other Hampshire sites, so there is still a chance of finding them. I saw about 15 Common Blues, and the Chalk Hill Blues are still hanging on, with about 60 seen. The only satyrines seen were about 60 Meadow Browns, 12 Small Heaths and a solitary Speckled Wood. Also seen were 4 Brimstones, 2 Large Whites and 2 Small Whites, plus 3 Silver-spotted Skippers (1m, 2f). [Posted by Adrian Hoskins]
Magdalen Hill Down. Lovely day for an early afternoon stroll around Magdalen Hill Down, the area just south of the tumuli where there are some nice clumps of Devil's-bit Scabious being the most productive for butterflies.
Nice to see decent numbers of summer brood Adonis Blue and Common Blue, many looking fresh, while the Chalk Hill Blues were largely worn. Other species noted in varying numbers were Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Brown Argus, Meadow Brown and Small Heath plus single Red Admiral, Gatekeeper and Speckled Wood. Other wildlife interest was provided by a Raven flying over calling and a brief glimpse of a Common Lizard.
The August sunshine may well have saved the season for some species. [Posted by Rupert & Sharron Broadway]
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| Adonis Blue at Magdalen Hill Down Photo © Rupert & Sharron Broadway | Chalk Hill Blue at Magdalen Hill Down Photo © Rupert & Sharron Broadway | Adonis Blues at Magdalen Hill Down Photo © Rupert & Sharron Broadway |
Stockbridge Down. Today at Stockbridge Down, conditions were mostly cloudy, but with short sunny periods developing later in the afternoon, a mild breeze and temperature around 21ºC. I spent about 3 hours there this afternoon, covering most of the reserve. Meadow Browns are still present in good numbers, with about 150 seen. I also saw a minimum of 60 Small Heaths, almost all in fresh condition. The only Pierids were a Green-veined White, a male Brimstone and a freshly emerged female Large White. I failed to find any skippers or Nymphalinae, but saw about 15 Common Blues (mostly females), 50-60 Chalk Hill Blues, a freshly emerged male Adonis Blue, and 2 pristine Small Coppers. [Posted by Adrian Hoskins]
elephant hawk moth. 2 elephant hawk moths caterpillars on my fuchsias at Dellfield, Froxfield. Posted by Pat Gardner. [Posted by patricia gardner]
Noar Hill. Today I visited Noar Hill where the temperature reached 22 degrees. No sign of any Brown Hairstreaks or even Common Blues! Totals: Brimstone 1M 1F, Small White 2, Gatekeeper 5, Meadow Brown 24, Small Heath 1, Speckled Wood 2. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Southleigh Forest. As September approaches there was a definite autumnal feel in the air today at Southleigh Forest, where I spent a couple of hours this afternoon. Butterflies were pretty scarce despite a temperature of 22ºC and a clear blue sky. In total I counted 8 Speckled Woods, 1 Meadow Brown, 2 Small Whites, 3 Green-veined Whites, 3 Brimstones and 3 fresh Holly Blues. [Posted by Adrian Hoskins]
Chalton Down. Today I visited Chalton Down where the temperature was 20 degrees. Here numbers have fallen dramatically with only 4 different species recorded. Totals: Small White 4, Chalk Hill Blue 12M, Meadow Brown 5, Small Heath 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Oxenbourne Down. Returned to Oxenbourne Down where the temperature reached 20 degrees. Here the numbers of Chalk Hill Blues had fallen since my last visit on 16th August, but on a happier note did record 2 fresh male Adonis Blues. Totals: Adonis Blue 2M, Chalkhill Blue 36M 8F, Common Blue 5M 3F, Gatekeeper 3, Meadow Brown 8, Small Heath 3. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Longstock Park buddleja survey. The indifferent summer weather seems to have favoured the buddleja collection at Longstock Park, now a veritable riot of colour. Alas, very few butterflies appreciating it; just one Red Admiral, 2 Meadow Browns, and 5 Brimstones. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]
Jersey Tiger at Hillier Gardens. This year seems to have been a very poor season for most butterflies, but one moth that is doing very well is the day-flying Jersey Tiger. Largely unknown from Hampshire a decade or so back, it is now increasingly common in south Hampshire, and becoming more firmly established in central Hampshire. I've seen three this year, the first at Magdalen Hill Down, Winchester, the second in Chandlers Ford, and the third, today, at Hillier Gardens, Braishfield. Linda spotted it in flight initially, then it landed on Buddleia x weyeriana along Centenary Border, where it spent some time taking nectar. Unfortunately it was right at the back of the border, so the image isn't great quality, so I've added a second image below of one photographed at Timsbury in August 2022. Keep an eye out for this beautiful and spectacular moth, that is very often seen taking nectar from garden plants. [Posted by Andy Barker]
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| Jersey Tiger (23.8.24) Hillier Gardens Photo © Andy Barker | Jersey Tiger (14.8.22) Timsbury Photo © Andy Barker |
Monks Walk, Frater Fields & Woods, Gosport. My last wander around my local patch for August brought just seven species to light. From 1050-1300 (20 deg C) with mostly warm sunshine but strong breeze, the area still retains much Summer flora but unfortunately so few butterflies left to enjoy it. Total: Speckled Wood (17); Common Blue (M)(2)(F)(1); Meadow Brown (5); Large White (F)(2)(M)(1); Comma (2); Holly Blue (2); Small White (3). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Large White female in the butterfly meadow Photo © Francis Plowman | Common Blue female Photo © Francis Plowman | Speckled Wood male Photo © Francis Plowman |
Brown Hairstreak at Great Fontley, Fareham. Immaculate female Brown Hairstreak seen at Great Fontley midday today ovipositing on hip-high blackthorn along the southern edge of the elm plantation, the fourth such sighting in as many years. In each case the butterfly female, eschewing the various floral delights to concentrate on egg laying. Still no clue as to where the lekking tree is.
Also seen were numerous Comma larvae on the undersides of distal leaves of young elms at Fontley, and Horsea Island where buff tip moth larvae had stripped the foliage of one elm sapling. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]
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| Comma larva on young elm Photo © Andrew Brookes | Buff tip larval denudation Photo © Andrew Brookes | Buff tip larvae Photo © Andrew Brookes |
Havant Thicket & Fort Purbrook. This afternoon I spent an hour at Havant Thicket - 19ºC, a mix of sunshine and cloud, in slightly blustery conditions. The only butterflies I saw were 4 Meadow Browns, 1 Gatekeeper, 2 Speckled Woods and a Small Heath.
Later I spent another hour at Fort Purbrook, where I added another 6 Meadow Browns, 1 Speckled Wood, 5 Common Blues, 1 fresh female Holly Blue and 1 Green-veined White. [Posted by Adrian Hoskins]
Stockbridge Down. A pleasant afternoon at Stockbridge Down, hazy sunshine, 20ºC and a fresh breeze. Gatekeepers seem to now be finished, but there were at least 150 Meadow Browns, and about 15 very fresh Small Heaths. I didn't see a single Nymphalid or Pierid, and no sign at all of any Skippers, but there was a single Small Copper, 8 fairly fresh Common Blues, and about 80 Chalk Hill Blues including a few very fresh males. Just as I was about to leave the site, I spotted a fresh male Adonis Blue - when it settled I discovered that the underside was completely devoid of spots (ab. krodeli). [Posted by Adrian Hoskins]
Old Winchester Hill. Visited Old Winchester Hill today with the temperature reaching 20 degrees. A day resulting in probably the lowest count of butterflies I had seen here, with only 6 different species and no Chalk Hill Blues just 3 male Common Blues. Totals: Large White 4, Small White 3, Common Blue 3M, Gatekeeper 9, Meadow Brown 31, Painted Lady 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Brown Argus at Itchen Abbas. Having seen a female Common Blue in my garden at lunchtime, I expected the same when I went to check out a small butterfly, but this time it turned out to be a Brown Argus - the first recorded in the garden and the 21st species of the year. I haven't previously seen this species locally so it may have wandered from a distance. [Posted by Rupert Broadway]
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| Brown Argus at Itchen Abbas Photo © Rupert Broadway | Brown Argus at Itchen Abbas Photo © Rupert Broadway |
Meon Shore & Brownwich Cliff Top Path towards Solent Breezes. A glorious day for a cliff-path walk towards Sea Breezes and then inland returning via edge of Chilling Wood and Brownwich farm tracks. From 1030-1400 the temperature rose to 23 deg C in full sun with comfortable light southerly breezes. Hoping (once more) to catch incoming Clouded Yellow and/or Painted Lady but neither species seen. Total: Meadow Brown (10); Speckled Wood (35); Red Admiral (4); Holly Blue (2); Small White (56); Comma (4); Green-veined White (F)(1); Gatekeeper (4); Large White (7); Common Blue (M)(1); Peacock (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Common Blue male Photo © Francis Plowman | Red Admiral on blackberries Photo © Francis Plowman | Comma Photo © Francis Plowman |
Brown Hairstreak & Wall at Shipton Bellinger. With ideal weather conditions, we spent several hours at Shipton Bellinger searching for Brown Hairstreak and Wall. The latter proved easy to find, but Brown Hairstreak was much more elusive. Talking to others who were also looking it seems that most people had struggled to find any, whilst others had brief glimpses of them high up. The general view was that it had not been a good year for them. Eventually, just as we were about to leave, I spotted a possible Brown Hairstreak as it descended to a Creeping Thistle that still had a few flowers (most had gone to seed). I approached with great care so as not to disturb it, and sure enough, it was a male Brown Hairstreak. The full list of species seen was as follows: Meadow Brown (62), Small Heath (12), Common Blue (10), Gatekeeper (7), Brimstone (6), Wall (6), Brown Argus (3), Green-veined White (2), Comma (1), Holly Blue (1), Speckled Wood (1), Large White (1), Small White (1) and Vapourer Moth (6). [Posted by Andy Barker]
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| Brown Hairstreak (male) underside Photo © Andy Barker | Wall (male) underside Photo © Andy Barker |
Oxenbourne Down. Today I visited Oxenbourne Down where the temperature was 20 degrees. Here the Chalkhill Blues were the most abundant species but about 75% down on usual numbers to be seen here although the site is getting overgrown with scrub. Pleased to see two Silver Spotted Skippers but no second brood Adonis Blue yet. Totals: Large Whiye 1, Small White 1, Chalkhill Blue 84M 1F, Common Blue 5M, Gatekeeper 4, Meadow Brown 22, Small Heath 6, Painted Lady 1, Silver Spotted Skipper 2. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Portsdown Hill, Paulsgrove. At last a chalk hill with some blue! With the temperature around 22 degrees Celsius in full sun with a gentle southerly breeze, a walk along the top paths of Portsdown Hill from 1220-1440 made sightings of 13 species. A month ago this site produced for me just 5 Chalk Hill Blue; two days ago around Old Winchester Hill, just 4 of this species was recorded. So it was an great surprise to record 91 today. How does that happen? Crazy summer! No Clouded Yellow but one Painted Lady whizzed away when I disturbed it. Well worth a visit I should say. Total: Meadow Brown: 209; Common Blue (M)(22)(F)(5); Red Admiral (1); Large White (4); Gatekeeper (7); Small White (9); Speckled Wood (3); Chalk Hill Blue (M)(76)(F)(15); Brimstone (F)(3); Brown Argus (1); Painted Lady (1); Small Heath (2); Holly Blue (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Chalk Hill Blue frenzy Photo © Francis Plowman | Chalk Hill Blue female at left Photo © Francis Plowman | Male Chalk Hill Blue Photo © Francis Plowman |
Wall at Wolverton. I was out on a blackberrying mission this afternoon and whilst crossing the edge of Wolverton churchyard, spotted a fairly large and lively orange butterfly. It was flitting around the boundary wall in between nectaring, and during one of its brief pauses I was able to identify it as a Wall Brown! No chance of a photo unfortunately.
Absolutely surprised and astonished, having never seen any in this area.
SU552585 [Posted by Andy Bolton]
Silver-washed Fritillary in my garden at Leigh Park. While I was mowing the lawn this afternoon a Silver-washed Fritillary was necturing on Hemp-agrimony in my garden at Leigh Park, which was an unexpected visitor this late in the season. I also disturbed a Jersey Tiger which then landed on the Magnolia tree giving good views before flying off. [Posted by Barry Collins]
Browndown (South) Gosport. Two hours from 1015 accounted for just nine species although many were very fresh (probably second generation) butterflies. The temperature never rose above 20.5 deg C yet felt much cooler in the strong southerly wind that played havoc across the open expanse of heath. No Grayling seen today, nor Small Copper and no Clouded Yellow or Painted Lady for that matter. No sign of egg-laying by Long-tailed Blue on the clumps of sweet peas either. Further inland where the large field and hedgerows were accessible today (too windy obviously for the model aircraft that frequently use it) somewhat more butterflies were found. The the main gate board notes that Browndown South will remain open until 18 August. Total: Meadow Brown (21); Gatekeeper (9); Small Heath (8); Speckled Wood (M)(1)(F)(2); Holly Blue (1); Common Blue (M)(5); Small White (F)(1); Brown Argus (1); Red Admiral (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Small Heath Photo © Francis Plowman | Brown Argus Photo © Francis Plowman | Holly Blue Photo © Francis Plowman |
Fort Purbrook, Portsdown Hill. Today I visited Fort Purbrook where the temperature was 23 degrees to search for any Brown Hairstreaks. Unfortunately no luck with 6 different species recorded. Totals: Large White 2, Gatekeeper 1, Meadow Brown 4, Speckled Wood 1, Red Admiral 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Old Winchester Hill, Nr Warnford. Although 12 species were recorded today, disappointing was the absence of butterflies that one should be expecting to see here. Except for Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper numbers were generally sparse. The hope was to see Silver-spotted Skipper but nothing doing. Maybe the weather didn't help with mostly overcast cloudy skies; from noon to 2pm the temperature reached 22 deg C. The walk covered the area to and from the hill fort returning on the lower valley edge path but not descending to the floor of the valley. Total: Meadow Brown (168); Gatekeeper(73); Common Blue (M)(3)(F)(2); Brimstone (M)(7)(F)(1); Small White (1); Red Admiral (3); Large White (1); Chalk Hill Blue (M)(1)(F)(3); Small Heath (1); Small Skipper (2); Speckled Wood (F)(1); Peacock (2). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Chalk Hill Blue female Photo © Francis Plowman | Peacock Photo © Francis Plowman | Speckled Wood female Photo © Francis Plowman |
Noar Hill. Today the temperature was 22 degrees as I visited Noar Hill to search for Brown Hairstreaks. With this poor season I was not very hopeful and so it proved. Was surprised to see a single Ringlet still in flight. Totals: Brimstone 1M, Small White 2, Common Blue 2M, Gatekeeper 10, Meadow Brown 26, Ringlet 1, Small Heath 7, Comma 1, Peacock 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Portsdown Hill (East). Today with the temperature reaching 26 degrees, I walked the paths at the East end of Portsdown Hill. Here numbers were low but I did record a Dark Green Fritillary. Totals: Small White 4, Gatekeeper 2, Meadow Brown 7, Dark Green Fritillary 1, Red Admiral 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Reserve Volunteers' Grand Day Out to Wimterbourne Downs. The second reserve volunteers' outing of the season took them to the RSPB reserve at Winterbourne Downs, just over the Wiltshire Border. An ex-arable farm, it is primarily managed for breeding Stone-curlew but is now diversifying to re-create extensive areas of chalk grassland and attract butterflies from the nearby landscapes of Porton Down and Salisbury Plain. Part of the inspiration for this has come from the BC reserve at Magdalen Hill Down.
Patrick Cashman, reserve manager, took us to several areas not publicly accessible where chalk banks have been created with extensive areas of wildflower rich grassland, as well as a wildlife pond. The range of wildflowers was stunning; the butterfly highlight was a single Wall, with other species noted including Small Skipper, Brimstone, Common Blue, Brown Argus, Small Blue, Peacock, Comma, Meadow Brown and Small Heath.
After a picnic lunch those who still had some energy ventured further into the public part of the reserve where we added Small Copper, Large White and Brown Hairstreak to the list and got some tantalising glimpses of a distant resting Stone-curlew. An excellent, if hot, day - thanks to Patrick for his time and enthusiasm and to Fiona Scully for organising the event. [Posted by Rupert Broadway]
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| A Small Blue in the hand ........ Photo © Rupert Broadway | Brown Hairstreak at Winterbourne Downs Photo © Rupert Broadway |
Moth trap in my garden at Leigh Park. I had my moth trap on overnight in my garden at Leigh Park from 11th Aug into the following morning. I caught 29 species, numbers of moths were still on the low side although the Tigers put on a good show. Jersey Tiger 7, Garden Tiger 2, Beautiful Yellow Underwing, Straw Underwing, Small Phoenix, Small Wainscot, Silver Y 3, Dusky Thorn 2, Iron Prominent, Bright-line Brown-eye 6, Ruby Tiger 2, Vine's Rustic 4 etc. [Posted by Barry Collins]
North Baddesley sightings.. Seen today on my reserve at North Baddesley amongst several other species 3 fresh looking Silver-washed Fritillary. Could there be a second emergence due to weather patterns this year? some late hope maybe. Also an Oak Eggar moth flying around like a butterfly, another anomaly for this year? IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO SET UP THEIR MOTH TRAP HERE YOU WOULD BE VERY WELCOME. I can be emailed on spark.ky@hotmail.co.uk [Posted by kevin ross]
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| Photo © kevin ross | Photo © kevin ross |
Common Blue in Chandlers Ford garden. On returning home after a few days away, I was just having a look around the garden to see if there were any butterflies of interest, and I happened to spot a Lycaenid nectaring on Marjoram, then at rest on a Ribwort Plantain head. It turned out to be a female Common Blue, which became the 16th butterfly species to be seen in our garden in 2024. Although the Holly Blue is a much more frequent visitor to the garden, we usually get a few sightings of Common Blue, and as we have plenty of Bird's-foot Trefoil, I'm always pleased to see a female, as she may lay eggs. I'll certainly be keeping an eye out over the coming days and weeks. [Posted by Andy Barker]
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| Common Blue (f) upperside Photo © Andy Barker | Common Blue (f) nectaring Photo © Andy Barker | Common Blue (f) underside Photo © Andy Barker |
Chalton Down. Visited Chalton Down today where the temperature was 19 degrees. Numbers of Chalk Hill Blues had increased a little, while the Marbled Whites appeared to have finished until next year. Totals: Large White 1, Chalk Hill Blue 25M, Common Blue 1M, Gatekeeper 13, Meadow Brown 17, Small Heath 2, Red Admiral 1, Silver-washed Fritillary 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Yew Hill Reserve Walk. The 2nd Yew Hill walk of the season got off to a cracking start when a 16 year student visiting from Japan pointed out a White-letter Hairstreak on the field edge by the path up to the reserve, which the two walk leaders had just walked past without noticing, before the walk had even started! It stayed obligingly where it was for 10-15 minutes whilst the participants were quickly ferried up to its location as they arrived. The reserve itself was buzzing with Chalk Hill Blue and Common Blue which seem finally to have emerged in good numbers, along with many Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown. Other species recorded included Small Skipper, Brimstone, Small White, Green-veined White, Brown Argus, Comma, Peacock, Speckled Wood and Cinnabar Moth larva; plus Red Admiral and Holly Blue prior to the start of the event. Once again there was a good attendance from some very appreciative participants. [Posted by Rupert Broadway]
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| White-letter Hairstreak on Texas Field (near Yew Hill) Photo © Rupert Broadway |
Stockbridge Down. I spent 3 hours at Stockbridge Down this afternoon. The weather was a mixture of sunshine and clouds, temperature 20ºC and a mild breeze. Meadow Browns are still flying in good numbers, with about 200 seen. Gatekeepers have dropped in number to about 80, all in worn condition. I saw a single fresh Small Heath. The only Nymphalid I saw was a worn female Dark Green Fritillary. There were about 60 Chalk Hill Blues scattered across the sites, mostly quite fresh looking males. I also saw about 10 male Common Blues. Additionally I recorded 3 Brimstones, 3 Green-veined Whites and a solitary female Silver-spotted Skipper. [Posted by Adrian Hoskins]
Fort Brockhurst, Gosport. A full circuit around the fort and its outer woods and fields (10:45-12:00) with the temperature around 20 degrees Celsius accounted for just five species. Total: Gatekeeper (10); Speckled Wood (18); Meadow Brown (6); Brown Argus (3); Common Blue (M)(6)(F)(3). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Brown Argus Photo © Francis Plowman | Gatekeeper Photo © Francis Plowman | Common Blue male Photo © Francis Plowman |
Monks Walk, Frater Fields & Woods, Gosport. Ten species identified on a circulation 12:05-14:30 under mostly overcast skies and temperature around 21 deg C. Total: Gatekeeper (15); Speckled Wood (M)(26)(F)(3); Comma (2); Red Admiral (5); Essex Skipper (1); Meadow Brown (10); Common Blue (M)(3)(F)(1); Holly Blue (2); Large White (1); Small White (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Speckled Wood female on fleabane Photo © Francis Plowman | The solitary Essex Skipper! Photo © Francis Plowman | Comma on fleabane Photo © Francis Plowman |
Fort Widley, Portsdown Hill. On a wander from 12:50-14:10 some 10 species were identified. With the temperature around 22 degrees Celsius and SW breeze I was hoping to find Painted Lady moving through the swathes of flora and perhaps a Brown Hairstreak. No PL or BH seen but a new Holly Blue did put in an appearance. No sign either of Chalk Hill Blue here this year. Total: Common Blue (M)(21)(F)(2); Meadow Brown (26); Small White (5); Speckled Wood (6); Gatekeeper (9); Large White (3); Small Skipper (2); Essex Skipper (2); Holly Blue (1); Brimstone (M)(1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Common Blue female Var Fb Photo © Francis Plowman | Holly Blue Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Skipper Photo © Francis Plowman |
Portsdown Hill. Over the last couple of weeks I have done a few searches on Portsdown for the elusive Brown Hairstreaks without success, but with James’s recent find I thought I’d have another go. They certainly seem to have a preference for nectaring on Hemp Agrimony on Portsdown so I focussed my attention on stands of this plant which were also attracting numbers of fresh Red Admiral. Given the dearth of butterflies over most of the summer amongst the usual Gatekeepers and Meadow Browns it was pleasing to come across good numbers of Common Blue, a handful of newly emerged Brimstone fuelling up for their long winter sleep, and a dozen or so Speckled Wood. I concentrated on clumps of Hemp Agrimony that attracted the most hoverflies and bees, as based on previous experiences this seems to indicate the plants with most nectar. Sure enough whilst admiring a couple of Hornet mimic hoverflies I spotted the distinctive ‘brown triangle’ I was looking for, a box fresh female. I also spotted good numbers of the diminutive orchid, Autumn Ladies Tresses, one of the last to flower, many on roadside verges that had avoided the mowers. [Posted by Mark Tutton]
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| Fresh Speckled Wood Photo © Mark Tutton | Not so Common Blue Photo © Mark Tutton | Target found. Photo © Mark Tutton |
Noar Hill. Frighteningly low numbers of butterflies at Noar Hill today - a sunny afternoon, 22ºC, abundant nectar sources, but hardly a butterfly in sight. In 2 hours all I was able to record were 1 Red Admiral, 1 Peacock, 3 Commas, 1 Brimstone, 3 Green-veined Whites, 4 Common Blues, 25 Meadow Browns, 1 Small Heath, 30 Gatekeepers, 2 Small Skippers and 1 Large Skipper. It's the same story at almost every site I've visited this summer - numbers of butterflies, bees and insects in general are extremely low, possibly even the lowest since records began. The only optimistic note is that when butterfly populations collapse, so do the populations of their predators and parasitoids, so hopefully we'll see a recovery next year. [Posted by Adrian Hoskins]
New Members' Day. For the third consecutive year, a very successful New Members' Day was held at St Swithuns' School, Winchester. The morning comprised a series of short presentations about branch activities and opportunities; plus some general butterfly and moth related subjects. We then decamped to Magdalen Hill Down for a picnic lunch followed by a split into smaller groups for a set of guided walks around the reserve, where over a dozen species of butterfly were recorded despite the cloudy weather. Feedback from participants was very positive - there will be a fuller report in the autumn newsletter. [Posted by Rupert Broadway]
Stockbridge Down. An early start and an anti-clockwise walk mostly following perimeter tracks from the main gate (1000-1225, 20-21.5C mostly sunshine) realised sightings of 14 species. Apart from high numbers of expected butterfly types many were just singletons or single digit counts. It was well worth it for my first Dark Green Fritillary of the Summer on a colourful and pleasant walk. Total: Gatekeeper (43); Meadow Brown (185++); Chalk Hill Blue (M)(62)(F)(1); Small Copper (1); Brown Argus (2); Common Blue (M)(12)(F)(3); Small White (9); Dark Green Fritillary (1); Green-veined White (3); Brimstone (M)(12)(F)(4); Marbled White (1); Peacock (3); Small Heath (3); Comma (1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Chalk Hill Blue male Photo © Francis Plowman | Dark Green Fritillary Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Heath Photo © Francis Plowman |
Moth at Magdalene. Seen today at Magdalene Hill Down reserve, a female Oak Eggar resting in the herbage. It was a first for me and I think everyone in the group. Forewing length can be up to 40mm. [Posted by Andy Bolton]
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| Photo © Andy Bolton |
Painted Lady's reached Cheesfoot Head. This afternoon I came across a Painted Lady on a stony track about 400m south of the A272 at Cheesefoot Head just outside Winchester. It appeared to be trying to get warm from the sun after the rather drizzly and cloudy preceding hour. [Posted by Bob Whitmarsh]
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| Painted Lady Photo © Bob Whitmarsh | Painted Lady Photo © Bob Whitmarsh |
Portsdown Hill (East). Visited Portsdown Hill walking the paths below Fort Widley today where the temperature was 22 degrees. Totals: Brimstone 1F, Large White 1, Meadow Brown 4, Speckled Wood 2. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Fort Widley, Portsdown Hill. Visited Fort Widley today where the temperature was 22 degrees. Was pleased to record a single second brood Small Blue. Totals: Brimstone 1F, Large White 1, Small Blue 1, Meadow Brown 4, Ringlet 1, Speckled Wood 1. [Posted by Roy Symonds]
Stockbridge Down. Despite 2 hours of searching at Stockbridge Down this afternoon I failed to find any sign of Silver-spotted Skippers, but Chalk Hill Blue have picked up in numbers, with about 200 seen spread thinly across the site. Also seen were 6 Common Blues, 4 fresh Small Coppers, 1 Brown Argus, about 250 Meadow Browns, 100 Gatekeepers, 2 worn Small Heaths, 1 female Silver-washed Fritillary, 3 fresh Peacocks, 3 Brimstones, 2 Green-veined Whites and about a dozen worn Small Skippers. [Posted by Adrian Hoskins]
Chandlers Ford garden update. Following from my recent news item of 29 July, I thought send an update. The first image is a habitat shot of our back garden, showing the patches of Marjoram that always prove an irresistible nectar source for Gatekeepers. The second image is the same Gatekeeper egg as shown in my 29 July news. It is now 4 days old, and shows the characteristic brown blotches or speckling, so characteristic of more mature eggs. The final image is of a mating pair of Small Whites, at rest on Escallonia bifida. Notice the very yellow underside of what I assume is the female (below) compared with male (above). [Posted by Andy Barker]
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| Garden habitat Photo © Andy Barker | Gatekeeper egg (4 days old) Photo © Andy Barker | Small White (mating pair) Photo © Andy Barker |
Wood White LIKE New Forest. Experienced observer. Former professional nature conservationist (Wildlife Trust, NT, Birdlife, NCC, EN, NE):
At Woodgreen (SU179174) today, in wooded garden, Wood White sized butterfly, seen alongside small & GV white, very conspicuously smaller, more delicate, slim, oval wings, +/- featureless wings (no strong black tips, no black spots upper or underside), slightly dingy underside. Certainly rose over 1m, but would not settle. No photo. More flighty than other wood whites seen UK, Ireland and continent. 29 degrees C.
This record is submitted solely to see whether it ties in with other sightings, migrations, re-establishments or releases. [Posted by Graham Bathe]
Browndown (North) Gosport. I wanted to start August with a decent count and Browndown North did not disappoint today although six species of the 20 reported here on 18th July were absent. The peak has passed. So, three hours from 10:35 saw the temperature rise from 25-29C thus a very pleasant wander with plenty of shade if needed, and plenty of water which definitely was! My first (and late) UK-sighting of Painted Lady came as something of a relief finding it in the middle of the heath and feeding on bell heather. Sadly only a distant photograph as the butterfly was being disturbed frequently by Grayling. Total: Meadow Brown (17); Gatekeeper (67); Speckled Wood (23); Red Admiral (3); Small Skipper (5); Small/Essex Skipper (2); Small White (4); Common Blue (M)(5)(F)(1); Essex Skipper (1); Large White (1); Grayling (16); Brown Argus (7); Painted Lady (1); Small Heath (1); Small Copper (2). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Speckled Wood male Photo © Francis Plowman | Painted Lady in the heather Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Skipper Photo © Francis Plowman |