Day one - Part 2 I landed at Entebbe airport on the 23rd of December and we stayed in a hostel in Entebbe for the first night. During the afternoon though, we explored the coast of Lake Victoria in Entebbe and the Botanical Gardens, which were a charming contrast to the city. Butterflies seen in En...

Uganda, Christmas 2017 Over the Christmas period of 2017, I took up a friend’s offer of an open invitation of coming to out to Uganda, where they were working for 18 months. My own work in education necessitated travelling outside of term time, so Christmas it was. I visited for a week, which wasn’...

Thanks, David.

My DEET arrives tomorrow, hopefully!

Otep - you are a brave man; I never venture out in shorts, either in the UK or the 30 degrees plus temperatures in Europe, for that very reason.

Best wishes,

Lee

Until this week, I have never been troubled by ticks. Even I am surprised by this, given the amount of time I spend in the field. However, in a spectacular jinx on myself, after relaying the above to a local butterfly colleague a couple of days ago, I have had one bite and removed three ticks from m...

Last in the UK for 2017
Normally, this would wrap up the year. However, not this year. Next up: Uganda!

Denbies Hillside, Surrey, 24th September 2017

A late female Meadow Brown and an exquisite third brood Small Copper.
Small Heath, Brimstone, Red Admiral and Comma also seen.

Sheepleas, Surrey, 6th August 2017 Sheepleas Nettle Meadow, the adjacent Cowslip Meadow and the wider woodland complex are well worth a visit at any time of year. Good for Vanessids, Dark Green Fritillary and Brown Hairstreak; I was surprised to find Chalk Hill Blue there on my early visits. They a...

Evening Common Blues, 5th August 2017

A late evening walk near home found two different types of common blue roosting.

Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 30th June 2017 A return visit to Dawney's Hill for Grayling normally has a few Silver-studded Blue still flying, as was the case on this day. IMG_2041.JPG IMG_2055.JPG IMG_2120.JPG IMG_2141.JPG IMG_2208.JPG IMG_2094.JPG It was the first time I had experienced a Gra...

Thank you, both.

Apologies on behalf of the White Admiral, David

Chiddingfold Forest 25th June 2017

Late June, early July and it is time to go to the woods.

Juniper Bottom, Surrey, 11th June 2017 On arrival at this lovely, wooded, valley site in the Surrey Hills, I was greeted by a grisly murder scene, with the prime suspect still there, gloating at the crime scene :shock: IMG_1665.JPG The mood lifted though, with some of the butterflies this site is k...

One of my favourite spots, Lee, and my prime "go to" location for Grayling every year. I didn't see the ponies last year, and though some of the gorse has been cleared, the heather hasn't taken advantage and replaced it, and the gorse is returning. Nevertheless, there were Silver-studs to...

I'm lucky that Magdalen Hill Down in Winchester in within walking distance. I have seen Green Hairstreak, Grizzled Skipper and Dingy Skipper over the last few weeks. Also seen this week, although not by me, have been Small Copper and Painted Lady. I saw my first Brown Argus and Small Heath of the ye...

Dawney's Hill, Pirbright, Surrey, 10th June 2017 Dawney's Hill, or Pirbright Common, is a lovely site, with Silver-studded Blue and Grayling its speciality. On the occasions I have visited since this day though, the Silver-studded Blue has been much harder to find and gorse has taken over much of t...

Agreed, Lee, that SPBF image is excellent; in fact, they all are. I'm quite taken by your Common Blue female too - I've seen 'bluer' ones than that but the markings on yours are most unusual. Thank you, David, that's kind of you. I must admit, there is something special about that female. I do like...

Brilliant catch-ups Lee - the Small Blue from HB is sublime 8) :mrgreen: It's good to see the Wiltshire contingent featuring on your PD - fingers crossed for a save easing of Lockdown which will mean you might be able to make a repeat visit :? :) Thanks, Wurze. If that is the case in time for MF an...

Neil Freeman wrote: ↑Fri Apr 24, 2020 7:44 am Some great photos in your catch up posts Lee

Thanks, Neil!

Hutchinson's Bank, Surrey, 28th May 2017 I remember this day well. I don't think I've ever seen so many Small Blues in one place: my notebook says 250. The chalk scrapes habitat management was really paying off. I also saw my first Meadow Brown of the year. IMG_1294.JPG IMG_1315.JPG I have a spot f...

Wiltshire Weekend Wonders, 27th May 2017 - Part 2

After a fill of downland delights, I headed to the woods.

The first image below remains one of my favourite photographs.