Adonis Blue on Mottistone Down.

A short walk this morning on the slopes of Mottistone Down was rewarded with several sightings of Adonis Blue butterflies. Some now showing signs of wear and tear together with a few in good order. Other species seen included Cloded Yellow,Common  Blue,and Chalk-hill Blue.

Adonis,male

Blues on the Downs.

A walk onto Mottistone Down this morning discovered four species of 'blue' butterfly. First of all the second brood Adonis Blue,together with Common and Chalk-hill Blue. The Brown Argus was also out in good numbers and all species were busily nectaring on the downland flora and in paricular Carline Thistle, carlina vulgaris. Other butterflies worth a mention were two Clouded Yellow, now seen widespread  here at present.

Brighstone Forest is very close by and a quick visit produced two male Queen of Spain Fritillaries.

 

Chalkhill Blue Appears on West High Down.

Better luck this morning on the track leading to West High Down.Three Chalk-hill Blue butterflies were seen on the short grass slopes off the track. Given a while and numbers will increase rapidly. Other species encountered today on these slopes were Painted Lady,Marbled White,Small Copper,Common Blue,and what looks like a egg laying Brown Argus.

Back on West High Down.

A long overdue visit to West High Down situated between  the Needles and Tennyson Down was made today. I was hoping to see the first Chalkhill Blues of the year but alas none were to be seen. However another butterfly that flies this Down is the Dark Green Fritillary and it was not long before I witnessed  a male hurriedly moving low down in search of flowering plants. Luckily  a female fritillary suddenly popped up in front of me and settled into a nearby gorse bush.She did not seem to be inclined to move despite my attentions and I was able to get a close look.

Chalk-hill Blues Out on West High Down.

Aside the track that leads to West High Down today were a good selection of butterflies.In particular were the first Chalk-hill Blues of the year busily flitting around at low level across the short turf. There was a good display of colourful downland flowers to entice the butterflies and among the other  species  encountered were Small and Large Skipper,Marbled White,Small Copper, Small Heath,Common Blue, and a possible Dark Green Fritillary. 

From West High Down to Tennyson Down & Freshwater Bay

First Chalk-hill Blue on West High Down.

At this time in July we can expect the first Chalk-hill Blue on West High Down.High Down is owned by the National Trust, extending eastwards from the Needles  to Freshwater Bay and includes Tennyson Down.The emergence of the Chalk-hill seems to be later here than on other Isle of Wight downland and I saw just one male today, whereas in different locations numbers are rapidly increasing.Along with this blue there were several Dark Green Fritillaries nectaring on giant thistles.They too are a common downland butterfly here and have no doubt been on the wing for some time.

Tennyson Down left,Afton Down & Compton Bay distant

Viewpoint Blues.

Parking my car at the National Trust viewpoint car park at the foot of Afton Down a couple of days ago, I was pleased to see that a selection of butterflies are still on show at this small,sheltered,southerly facing site. Three of our summer 'blues' were present,most strikingly a splendid male Adonis, together with several Chalk-hill Blues and a Common Blue.All three species regularly rose to spar with each other as they encroached on another's patch. 

On Mottistone Down.

Today's visit to Mottistone Down in search of downland butterflies was somewhat marred by a very brisk wind.Still,the sun was shining and at this time of the year temperatures are pleasant.Luckily there are sunny sheltered spots where butterflies seem to congregate and a good number of Chalk-hill Blue,Common Blue,Brown Argus,Gatekeeper,Meadow Brown,and Wall Brown were seen.Inevitably several Painted Lady were also in evidence. However, in order to see one particular butterfly species I had to search the part of the Down known as the Common. This is the exposed open area of the Down consisiting of bracken and heather.Here the Grayling prefers to stay and is normally found on any bare patches of ground of chalk or old heather. 

Mottistone Down looks out over the Isle of Wights' south-west coast.The Down is a Site of Scientific Interest covering 78 acres and most of the area is owned by the National Trust.It is biologically important due to its chalk and neutral grasslands.

Adonis Blue & More on Mottistone Down.

Mottistone Down is one of several National Trust areas on the Isle of Wight's south west coast that supports a range of chalkland butterflies.The scenic walk from the village of Mottistone gives panoramic views south along the Islands coastline and north to Freshwater Bay  and Tennyson Down.As I made my way up to the top of the Down today I passed the Long Stone a well known  ancient monument.Sightings on the Down were few due to the brisk wind although in any sheltered spots butterfly numbers were good with Adonis Blue,Chalk-hill Blue,and that master of camouflage,the Grayling on show.There were also several Wall Brown to be seen too.