PhilBWright wrote:The Purple Emperor has had a very early flight season this year so if you have had one of those holidays pre-booked and are disappointed by not seeing one, then why not do some more research?
i have started re-making a video originally made in 2014-2015, removing some "special effects" and with a voice-over that more fully explains my understanding of this butterfly (which is site specific). Please make sure the volume is on and turned to an appropriate level for you to hear. Constructive criticism given in feedback to myself is very welcome as it can help my understanding as well as yours.
https://youtu.be/UJu8BejHorY
Kind Regards.
"One for all who care and all who care for more who care"
"A problem with my scientific understanding occurred when a chap who found "The Hill Farm Territory" and co-author of a Surrey Book was quoted the need for keeping the Turkey Oaks on the Commons (many of which are found near the highest point on the Commons)"
This is what The National Trust have said:
“Turn left before the wood edge and go up Broadway. This leads to the Mark Oak 'master tree' on the left, just before the ride junction at the top. Purple emperors fly around the tall turkey oaks here but can be difficult to spot. Patience is needed....
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bookha ... erfly-walk
Me- "If one studies the O.S. map provided, The Hill Farm Territory (Hill Farm is obscured by No.6) looks to be a local high point approximately 50-55m high at ground level with the highest point on the Commons (obscured by No.5 on the map) appearing to be at approximately 71m near the Mark Oak Car Park".
"Master trees" - National Trust & possibly "Butterflies of Surrey, revisited"
"In the 1970s, two purple emperor 'master tree' situations were discovered at Bookham Commons. These are special groves, usually oaks and the tallest trees in a wood where males fight to protect their territory, and females come to mate".
"Spend some time at the Hill Farm territory and at the second 'master tree' (a hornbeam) located on the north side of the path on the summit, just south of the farm"
Me-
"I am not sure how much willow was located very near the Hill Farm Territory in the 1970s, but there was plenty of willow near the top of the hill very, very near "the Mark Oak Territory" in 2015.
I remember the "good old days" when observers stood at the "Hill Farm Territory" having not seen anything for a long time, then Rob Hill would turn up like "Gandalf" (not dressed like him) and a Purple Emperor would then appear in the Canopy almost immediately just before or just after 12:30pm (weather dependent).
