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.
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.
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.
There was a bevy of butterflies today at the National Trust Viewpoint carpark overlooking Freshwater Bay. A first of the year sighting of a male Common Blue was immediately followed by a Glanville Fritillary. Also in evidence were three Dingy Skipper, a Brown Argus.Green Hairstreak,a Small Copper.together with Small Blue and a male Orange Tip.
Walking along the clifftop and then descending the steps onto the landslip produced a few Small Heath,two Small Copper, three Common Blue,a Painted Lady, and at least twelve more Glanville Fritillary.
Butterfly numbers are on the increase at the National Trust CP Afton where today several Green Hairstreak were seen along with at least three Small Blue and a first of the season Dingy Skipper.
Despite a strong and gusty wind today some butterflies were on show at the National Trust Viewpoint CP near to Freshwater Bay. The Grizzled Skipper that was seen a week ago put in a brief appearance while the count of Green Hairstreak has grown to at least four individuals.
The National Trust viewpoint carpark at Freshwater has certainly come up trumps today with three new spring butterfly species on show. Immediately on arrival I came across a pristine Green Hairstreak and that was closely followed by this Small Copper. The Grizzled Skipper of two days ago was not to be seen,however the Small Blue pictured below was a surprise. This is the earliest date that I have seen the latter since 2012 when two were recorded on the 30th March at the same location.
Spring butterfly species at Whiteways carpark located just up the road from Freshwater Bay have been limited so far this year. Apart from several Green Hairstreak the only other species I saw today was a male Common Blue which was very active and elusive. However,thanks to help from A.N.Other I saw a first Small Blue of the season and once you see one others soon appear.In fact at least four Small Blue were recorded,all flying about at high speed.
The first Green Hairstreak of the year was seen on the 14th April at the National Trust carpark at the foot of Afton Down close to Freshwater Bay. Another visit to the site today counted at least six Green Hairstreaks,all feverishly flying about. However no other species were recorded here as yet.
With the first Green Hairstreak recorded at the National Trust Carpark at the foot of Afton Down on the 14th,the weather turned for the worse with cool temperatures and a very brisk wind. However today the wind abated and that allowed for a very pleasant and warmer spring day with plenty of sunshine. The butterflies responded and at least two Green Hairstreak were seen at the carpark.
Several visits have been made to the National Trust Car Park at the foot of Afton Down over the last few days. Today around noon the first Green Hairstreak was observed flying energetically over a large spread of Bluebells and briefly landing on the flowers.It then flew off and could not be located again. However I am sure that it will soon be joined by other individuals.
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| Stock Photograph |
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| Stock Photograph |
