Despite cloudy conditions this afternoon, the warm weather encouraged the butterflies out and new species were to be seen in Bouldnor Forest. In particular, the Dark Green Fritillary was prominent with at least six individuals. These were seen mainly around a stand of Giant Thistles and also along a quiet woodland ride packed with flowering plants like clover. In addition Marbled White and Ringlet are now on the wing and in the company of White Admiral and Large Skipper.
In Bouldnor Forest today two first of the season butterflies were recorded. I enjoyed a brief glimpse of a White Admiral as it rested on the upper branches of a small tree before disappearing into the woodland. This was followed by sight of a Gatekeeper. Other species included a courting pair of Common Blue and mating Meadow Brown butterflies. The latter species is now building in numbers since my first sighting on the 12th June.
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.
