Today's visit to the landslip at Compton Chine was again greeted with a very brisk wind on the clifftop. Several Glanville Fritillaries were encountered straight away and descending onto the landslip I discovered more individuals. These were mainly seen when disturbed from the long grass as they tend to shelter there when the wind blows strongly.
Back in 2019 we enjoyed a Painted Lady invasion here on the Isle of Wight and all over the UK. Last year not one to be seen except on the very rare occasion. Anyway 2021 has started on a positive note with sight of this species in my garden today. We are very near to the coast and by the way it was busily nectaring on Lilac and Wallflower 'Bowles Mauve' this individual probably has just arrived on these shores.
I was greeted by a brisk wind on the clifftop close to Compton Chine today. Almost immediately the unmistakeable colour tones of a fast moving butterfly confirmed that the Glanville Fritillary is now back on the slopes. It disappeared at once blown away in the breeze. Descending onto the landslip it took some time to locate another individual, but find a sheltered spot preferably with a good quantity of flowering thrift and others were seen. This included a butterfly which I hope was a new emergent rather than an unfortunate.
Despite the sun today, temperatures were disappointing with a persistent cold wind that has prevailed for over a month. However some butterflies were to be seen in my local forest with several Brimstone and the occasional Orange Tip. Other butterflies on the wing were a Green-veined White, a Red Admiral, one Speckled Wood, and a few Large White.
The month of April was very dry with cold winds from the north and east and temperatures well below average for the time of year. However things are due to change as May begins with rain and wind in the forecast after the weekend. Hopefully warmer weather will soon be on the way. Today continued the April theme and when the sun shone it was very pleasant as I returned to the landslip. Descending the steps onto the landslip I at once saw a male Wall Brown on the cliff slope and that was quickly followed by two more. Unfortunately the sun then disappeared behind shower clouds and the only other species seen were a Dingy Skipper, Small Copper, and a Peacock.
Returning to the foot of Afton Down, it was pleasing to record the first Small Blue of the year with four individuals. Green Hairstreak were again present along with a very pristine male Common Blue.
