Butterflies: June
Friday 27th There were 342 butterflies on the BMS Transect. Of particular note were 92 Small Whites, part of a large arrival seen along the Eastern coasts of England this week. Ten Commas and 29 Small Coppers were both noteworthy and three Gatekeepers were seen. Wednesday 25th Our first Gatekeeper was on RSPB Worth marshes. Monday 23rd The Estate held…
Butterflies: May
Tuesday 27th Cloudy, windy, but warm and humid conditions meant a handful of butterflies were on the Estate and Royal Cinque Ports Golf Course. A Small Skipper at the latter was our earliest ever sighting. Wednesday 21st Our first Large Skipper was in the Dragonfly Fields. Tuesday 20th There were 13 species on the Estate. Totals of 16 Common Blue,…
Butterflies: April
Wednesday 30th The best day of the year so far. Seven Walls, five Orange-tips, three Large Whites, two Red Admirals, two Holly Blues, ten Green-veined Whites, one Small Heath, one Speckled Wood, two Small Coppers, one Common Blue, and six Peacocks on the Estate. Monday 28th Two Peacocks, three Red Admirals, four Speckled Woods, three Orange-tips, and seven Small Coppers…
Butterflies: March
Monday 31st Our first Orange-tip of the year fluttered along the Observatory entrance track. Thursday 27th Two male Brimstones, five Peacocks, a Green-veined White, and a Small Tortoiseshell were on the Estate. Tuesday 25th Another impressive butterfly day provided 20 Peacocks, two Small Tortoiseshells, and our first two Green-veined Whites of the year on RSPB Worth marshes. Thursday 20th Two…
Butterflies: January
Thursday 16th A Red Admiral sunning itself at New Downs New Pool was our first butterfly of the year.
Butterflies: December
Thursday 30th Just when we thought the butterfly season was over, a Peacock was flying strongly around Waldershare Avenue on the Estate, our latest ever record.
Butterflies: November
Tuesday 26th A Red Admiral was seen on RSPB Worth marshes, perhaps the last of the year? Sunday 24th It was some surprise to see a male Brimstone on the Green Wall today. Thursday 14th Another Red Admiral was on the Estate. Monday 11th After weeks without any butterfly to report it was surprising to see two in two days.…
Butterflies: October 2024
Thursday 24th A Painted Lady was on the Estate. Perhaps just in on the southerly winds? Thursday 17th Conditions were not too dissimilar from yesterday and singles of Wall and Small Copper joined the party. Wednesday 16th Warm conditions on the Estate. There were singles of Comma, Peacock, and Small White and four Speckled Woods. Friday 11th Four Speckled Woods,…
Butterflies: September 2024
Saturday 28th Walls continue to do well. At least six were flying around the Estate along with a few Small Coppers, Speckled Woods, and Large Whites. Saturday 21st A good count of nine Walls was on RSPB Worth marshes. Friday 20th The buddleias have been busy recently with various vanessids and Speckled Wood seem to be getting more numerous. Sunday…
Butterflies: August 2024
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…