Friday 6th It was clear from early in the morning that something big was happening with Red Admirals. There were individuals all over the bushes, along the track, and even in the moth trap. A timed point count looking across the asparagus fields revealed butterflies heading inland at approximately 100 a minute. This was repeated on multiple occasions so many…
Wednesday 28th There were 66 butterflies of 11 species on today’s BMS Transect. There was an increase in ‘whites’ and ‘blues’ but a decrease in ‘browns’. Tuesday 27th Hot off the press! A PURPLE HAIRSTREAK was photographed at Stonelees, the first SBBOT record, and the third hairstreak species to be recorded here this year. Wednesday 21st Nine species were seen…
Monday 29th A male Brimstone was in the Observatory garden. Sunday 21st The next generation of Wall was underway with six seen on RSPB Worth marshes. Friday 19th This week’s BMS Transect on the Estate recorded 475 butterflies of 14 species. Gatekeepers, as expected, were the most numerous species with 230 present in the heat. Small/Essex Skippers had a drop…
Friday 29th A WHITE-LETTER HAIRSTREAK was on the Green Wall. Wednesday 27th The best transect of the year with 200 butterflies exactly. Meadow Browns led the way with 75, followed by Small Heath on 50 and Small/Essex Skipper on 35. A few Large Skippers were logged and the first of the next generation of Small Tortoiseshell. Thursday 20th At least…
Thursday 23rd Eight species were on the Estate with Brown Argus the highlight. Friday 17th A good mix around the Whitehouse and Oasis included two Speckled Woods, three Orange-tips, three Red Admirals, one Wall, five Small Coppers, six Small Heaths, two Holly Blues, one Small White, and first Painted Lady and Common Blue. Monday 13th The BMS Transect produced 38…
Monday 29th A good morning on the Estate produced an Orange-tip, two Green-veined Whites, a Red Admiral, a Comma, eight Holly Blues, a Speckled Wood, and our first Wall and Small Coppers of the year. Friday 26th A few Green Hairstreaks were at their usual site in Stonelees. Thursday 18th Six Green-veined Whites were on Worth and a male Brimstone…
Sunday 31st The month ended with Large White and another Brimstone on the Green Wall. Saturday 27th New butterflies continue to come fast with our first Speckled Wood of the year on the Estate today. Wednesday 20th Four species were on the Estate with two male Brimstones of note. Tuesday 19th A Red Admiral was on Worth and there was…
Friday 16th The first day of the year with multiple butterflies, with a Small Tortoiseshell and a male Brimstone on the Estate. Thursday 15th Our first Red Admiral of the year was seen on the hay bales at the back of the Observatory. Friday 2nd A Peacock was seen around the back of the asparagus fields on the Estate.
Wednesday 24th It was some surprise to see a Small Tortoiseshell fly in off the sea. A strange record and our first butterfly to be recorded this year.
Sunday 17th Another Peacock was seen on New Downs. Friday 8th It was a surprise to record two butterflies today, both Peacocks. One was on New Downs and another on the Worth track.
