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.
Although the day started cloudy the sun was shining by noon and it seemed a good opportunity to take a walk along Afton Down in search of Adonis Blue butterflies. However on reaching Freshwater Bay I soon noticed that cloud was still lingering on the Down. Parking at the National Trust carpark at the foot of Afton Down I decided to see what butterflies were out at the rear of the site. Most notable were the number of Large Skippers nectaring on the bramble flower. Other species seen included Small Blue and Common Blue.
My first record of an Orange Tip this year was on the 29th April which is quite late. However numbers have now increased and I now expect to see this species almost every day while out and about and in my garden too. The individual pictured below was encountered yesterday along with several others and all it seems were males.
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.
