Today the sun struggled to shine but a walk along the wooded banks of Shalfleet Stream was rewarded with the display and heavy scent of wild garlic as the drifts of plants carpeted the woodland floor.In the damp ground near to the stream a good number of Orange Tip butterflies enjoyed the cuckooflowers which are also known as Lady's-smock.
Tuesday, 30 April 2019
Friday, 26 April 2019
Holly Blue Takes Five.
The Holly Blue has visited my garden several times over the last few days.Today this male decided to have a break from its hectic travels by resting in a sunny spot.
Monday, 22 April 2019
Dingy Skipper on Display.
A late morning visit to Whiteways today discovered a first Dingy Skipper of the season.Green Hairstreaks were again active and numerous.
The somewhat lack of a natural green background in the photo of the Dingy Skipper was unfortunately due to the illegal practice of Fly-tipping.Someone had scattered a quantity of smashed wooden pallets at the rear of the car park not only creating an eyesore but also a hazard to anyone walking through the grass as nails were protruding from many pieces of wood.
Friday, 19 April 2019
Butterflies Respond to the Warm Spring Weather.
The cold weather brought on by a persistent and brisk easterly wind last week has now gone and we are now enjoying sunny and warm days with temperatures in excess of 20 degrees Celsius.The butterflies are beginning to respond with regular sightings of Orange Tip and a big increase in Green Hairstreak at a favourite site at the base of Afton Down in the West Wight.A lunchtime visit to Whiteways today produced a count of six to eight individuals.Unfortunately no other new species were as yet on display.
Thursday, 11 April 2019
Spring is Well Under Way.
Following yesterdays sighting of a Green Hairstreak at Whiteways,I was hopeful that another new springtime butterfly may be on display today.It had again developed into a warm and sunny afternoon after a chilly start and it was not long before I came across a Grizzled Skipper enjoying the sun.It seems that with the promise of dry and bright weather for the next few days spring is now well under way.
Wednesday, 10 April 2019
Green Hairstreak First to Appear.
A cold morning preceded a warm and sunny afternoon, and it was the Green Hairstreak that appeared as the first resident new emergent today at Whiteways (Afton Down Chalkpit).Their numbers will steadily increase over the next week or two and they will be joined by a host of other spring species.
Wednesday, 3 April 2019
Old and New.
The last several days have continued to be cold for this time of the year.However new emergent and old overwintering butterflies are appearing without delay.A first visit this season on Monday last, to a favourite butterfly spot at Whiteways Quarry produced a very active Small White.Today at the same location under showery skies, there was a Small Tortoiseshell enjoying the sunny spells.If the weather warms up soon I am certain that the first new butterflies will be seen here at Whiteways.
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