I have seen 5 Painted Lady in the last few days in west Cornwall. I understand that high numbers have recently been seen in Madrid area. A lot of ifs, but maybe PLs UK will be more numerous this year.

Assuming overseas is allowed, my favourite was taken in a somewhat overgrown garden in south west France where the garden/meadow had not been cut or grazed since pre-Covid days. Although it was rather overgrown and infested with ticks, I observed 30 species within the garden over four days in late J...

I didn’t get a chance to visit The Broads last year so like others my favourites are from overseas. In my case an April trip to La Rioja in N. Spain provided several to choose from, including three of this individual that allowed me to record the fine detail.

My favourite was taken while lying down on a remote section of the coast path. Fortunately, I had plenty of time to observe the fine detail of the underside.

I tend to prefer the underside of the Painted Lady, but my favourites of 2024 are upper side photographs of a fresh individual that visited my garden for a few days and became quite “tame”.

2024 was not a great year for Silver-studded Blue, but for a few weeks there were plenty to enjoy. I came across several feeding on Pyramidal Orchid which were flowering in great abundance. My favourite(s) are two from many of a male that had paid the price of feeding on an orchid. He was completely...

Although this individual was rather shy and did a good job of hiding, it cast a very distinctive shadow.

My first UK sightings were at Cotley Hill Wiltshire following the recommendation by Wurzel, thank you. Plenty about that day including a very fresh and obliging individual who allowed my favourite(s). Neil’s thoughts regarding the effect of provenance on larval food plants also occurred to me, who k...

I only saw Grizzled Skipper at a few sites this year, including their only site in Cornwall which has a deserved reputation for ab.taras.

I had a few encounters with Grayling in west Cornwall this summer, including my first ever sighting at a site I was visiting to look for Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary. However, I have chosen a photograph I took on a sunny calm day at Chapel Carn Brea. A very exposed site that usually takes everyth...

Until this year, I have not had much success looking for Green Hairstreak in West Cornwall. A friend told me of a reliable site but also the need for patience and suggested waiting until June. I followed his advice and saw c. 20 on a visit in June and saw my last (4) on 15 August. Not the best photo...

In August, I watched a Graying laying eggs and was struck by how far she bent her abdomen. I guess a gust of wind and a weak grip could result in sticking an egg on your leg.

A wet day in The Far West today, but a few nice finds early in the week.

It is difficult to imagine what the world would have looked like before bipedal apes started to hunt. Some of the many rewilding projects provide clues. The role of megafauna David refers to are well established and the reference below is as good a place to start as any, for those that are curious. ...

Long before we created the modern landscape, mega fauna, meandering rivers, wild fires and other forces of nature created a diverse landscape over huge areas that would have supported great diversity.

Indeed, SPbF has two broods at coastal sites in w Cornwall. As for GH, the season is much later and protracted here. I am informed that there are records for September and even from October!
What factors cause this is intriguing

Hard to believe it is August in west Cornwall given the unusual phenology of some of species seen yesterday.

I see a fair few Small Pearl- bordered Fritillary and appreciate how variable they can be but not encountered one like this before. Shame I didn’t see it before the damage.