Weather conditions today were not ideal with what can be described as cloudy but bright.There was just the odd short sunny period to encourage the butterflies and consequently numbers were low.However the White Admiral made several appearances feeding on bramble flowers.I hoped to register a first Silver-washed Fritillary of the year but none were forthcoming.Species to see today in Bouldnor Forest included Meadow Brown,Large Skipper, a Painted Lady,and a seemingly recently emerged Comma.
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 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.
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.
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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A first visit of the season today to Bouldnor Forest at Yarmouth produced this magnificent Large Tortoiseshell.Observed flitting along a forest track,not hanging around unfortunately and quickly disappearing into the trees.Other butterflies on display were several Brimstone and Commas.Also Peacock and a Red Admiral.
Note; Sightings of this species have been numerous on the Isle of Wight over the last month leading to the expectation that the Large Tortoiseshell has now become a resident species in the UK.
The White Admiral was the prominent butterfly today in Bouldnor Forest. The Silver-washed Fritillary was only observed on a couple occasions with two males seen in strong flight although this one did stop briefly to nectar on the bramble flowers. The other species now being seen in growing numbers is the Marbled White.
It wasn't long before I came across my first of the year White Admiral today in Bouldnor Forest,Yarmouth. The butterfly slowly fluttered along the path stopping to take in minerals before disappearing into the shadows of the surrounding trees. However during my visit I encountered four White Admiral three on which were on the bridleway. Another first was a male Silver-washed Fritillary,busily nectaring on bramble flower despite being greatly annoyed by several Meadow Brown.
Following several days of almost autumnal conditions the sun was out today and despite a stiff breeze it was back to pleasant early summer weather. A walk in Bouldnor Forest at Yarmouth only produced some 'brown' butterflies but eventually I came across three Small Skippers. This is the earliest date for this species I have recorded.
The lack of sunshine severely restricted the butterfly sightings at Bouldnor Forest ,Yarmouth today. When the sun did make a brief appearance it was good to see a trio of Green-veined White all nectaring together on a drift of dandelion flowers.
A return visit to Bouldnor Forest this morning was rewarded with the sight of six White Admiral.Several were seen nectaring on bramble flowers and one individual was observed spending some time on a bridleway extracting salts.
Today's visit to Bouldnor Forest near Yarmouth was rewarded with sight of a male Silver-washed Fritillary and a White Admiral. Both individuals were flying around very vigorously and quickly disappeared into the woodland. Another first of the season sighting was a tally of five Marbled White. All of them were also very active.
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Despite a bright and sunny afternoon the only butterflies to be seen in Bouldnor Forest today were several Meadow Brown and Speckled Wood. However the one exception was this Large Skipper that landed on a leaf right in front of me and seemed very happy to let me take its picture.
Today was a cooler day than of late and more in the way of cloud which limited the activity of our summer butterflies. A lunchtime visit to Bouldnor Forest was rewarded with a selection of butterflies and in particular White Admiral . When the sun came out several were observed nectaring on the bamble flowers and they were joined by the odd Silver-washed Fritillary. Among the new summer species on show in the forest rides were Ringlet,Small Skipper,and Gatekeeper.
Another very warm and sunny day and in Bouldnor Forest at Yarmouth I came across a first White Admiral of the year. Four sightings were made in all with one individual briefly seen nectaring on bramble flowers in the shade and later the other sightings in the sunshine. In addition three Marbled White were recorded,all feeding on the bountiful supply of bramble flowers.
The recent settled warm and sunny weather has spurred on the emergence of our summer butterflies. A very common but nevertheless welcome sight are the first Meadow Brown's.On the 4th June at Bouldnor there were a flurry of them with at least twenty plus recorded and today at the same location I came across at least two Large Skipper. Rather belatedly for me was also a first sight this season of the Dingy Skipper
