Up to ten White Admirals were present today in Bouldnor Forest mainly seen feeding on bramble flowers.Meadow Brown were also out in good numbers but unlike a few days ago Painted Lady numbers amounted to only three.Other butterfly species recorded today, 3 Large Skipper,a handsome male Common Blue together with this attractive female.
Another sunny and warm day at Bouldnor Forest,Yarmouth and a visit around midday produced a high count of at least 12 Painted Lady.Most were seen feeding on low stands of bramble flowers.An earliest ever sighting for me was a White Admiral in flight.It seems that the first individuals are elusive and this one soon disappeared into the woodland.I was very pleased to have another early record,in fact the earliest ever for this species,a Marbled White.After a short pursuit I was able to take this photograph pictured below.Other butterflies observed were good numbers of Meadow Brown,a Glanville Fritillary,feeding on Birdsfoot trefoil,and a Large Skipper.
The heatwave continues and at Bouldnor Forest today I recorded four Painted Lady butterflies all seen feeding on bramble flowers.Also the first Meadow Brown of the year together with a Large Skipper.
Not many butterflies have been seen in my garden at Freshwater recently.In fact there seems to be a general lack of them.However,today in the sunshine this female Orange Tip was observed egg laying in our garden on what looks like Purple Leaf Pigweed,amaranthus blitum.
A quick visit to the Compton landslip this morning was rewarded with several Glanville Fritillary,three male Common Blue ,and a first of the year Small Heath. All within a few feet of the bottom of the cliff steps.Returning to the National Trust veiwpoint carpark and another first of the year,this Brown Argus together with a slightly 'nibbled' Glanville.
A perfect day on the landslip at Compton Chine this lunchtime and the butterflies responded with the first sight of the Glanville Fritillary together with many other springtime species.A count of at least four Glanvilles plus Small Copper,Small Blue,Dingy and Grizzled Skipper,a male Common Blue,and several Green Hairstreak.
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| From Compton Chine looking south |
A visit today to the National Trust viewpoint carpark close to Freshwater Bay saw a first Common Blue of the year.A very handsome male.Also on show this Small Copper,again a first of the season and several Green Hairstreak and a Small Blue.
Today was sunny but still windy and a walk in Bouldnor Forest at Yarmouth was rewarded with sightings of several species of spring butterflies.Perhaps the best was this Wall Brown although it soon flew off on the stiff breeze.Three Holly Blue were encountered,all males and several male and female Brimstone together with Speckled Wood.
Returning to the National Trust Viewpoint overlooking Freshwater Bay this morning I was rewarded with my first Small Blue of the season.Good numbers of Green Hairstreak were also observed.
An early afternoon return visit to the National Trust viewpoint at the foot of Afton Down produced a count of at least five Green Hairstreak at rear of the carpark.Most were on the abundant flowers of the Spanish Bluebells and enjoying the warm sunshine now that the strong wind has somewhat decreased.No other butterfly species were seen here at the moment.
Dropping by a the National Trust Viewpoint at the foot of Afton Down this morning discovered two Green Hairstreak,one resting on a leaf and the other on a Bluebell flower.Both were awaiting the sun as the encroaching seamist had obscured the sunshine.
Returning to the location later and with the sun now shining both Green Hairstreaks were more in evidence and nectaring on what looks like Wild Celery flowers.
A mid morning walk along the rides at Bouldnor Forest,Yarmouth today saw several Brimstone and a first sighting of the season of a male Orange Tip plus my first two Speckled Wood.The Orange Tip was certainly in a hurry.on the lookout no doubt for females.
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| Stock Photo |
At this time of year the National Trust viewpoint close to Freshwater Bay seems to regularly produce the first Green Hairstreak of the season.Today this individual pictured below did not disappoint as it flew energetically in the sunshine.
