Glad to hear things improved down in Andalucia David. It is a wonderful part of the world, and loved my trip there with you last year. Interesting to know the Lorquin's Blue's were much easier to see this year, there were very few around last year. Thanks, Paul. The season was ahead of what I would...

You've done really well with those Wall Browns, Mike, especially capturing that extreme ab.

Never seen anything like that in this species. In fact, I'm not sure if I've even seen a mild aberration in megera.

Small Blues have been especially late to emerge this year, dilettante.

As ever, you have captured some fantastic images.

14 species at this time of year is an excellent return, Neil. So pleased that it was a success.

Nice to see you also saw double figure PBFs at Siccaridge, ernie. Thanks once again for the tip-off.

Yes, it's absolutely the highlight of any UK spring.

Nice to hear that they are doing well round your way. Not too many round here compared to previous years, but they are holding their own.

Thursday 16th PM, Oxwich Bay Dunes, Gower:

Orange Tip 10 (5 fem)
Brimstone 7 (5 fem)
Large White 3
Small White 2
Small Heath 2
Dingy Skipper 2
Small Blue 2
Peacock 1
Common Blue 1
Brown Argus 1
Small Copper 1

Thursday 16th, Rhossili Head, Gower:

Small White 20-30
Large White 7
Peacock 5
Wall Brown 1
Red Admiral 1
Brimstone 1 (fem)

Neil Hulme wrote: ↑Thu May 16, 2024 6:04 pmPink Hairstreakers?

Katrina wrote: ↑Sun May 12, 2024 10:06 pmThat Green Underside Blue is very attractive - good shot!

Certainly a species that lives up to its English name, Katrina.

They are exceptionally beautiful when fresh.

22 April to 8 May – Spain cont… West of the city of Granada, the landscape transformed into a green utopia, and I spent three extremely enjoyable days exploring it. Southern Marbled Skippers were seen regularly: 8.SMSk(1).JPG This morning roost of an amazing 9 Black Veined Whites was quite a sight ...

Wednesday 15th, Crymlyn Burrows, Swansea:

Orange Tip 7 (1 fem)
Small Copper 3
Small Heath 3
Green Veined White 2
Small White 1
Common Blue 1
Painted Lady 1
Speckled Wood 1

Very nice, Katrina! May wouldn't seem the same without seeing Pearl Bordered Fritillaries against a setting of last year's bracken.

This species is drawn to anything with rotting sugar. They'll take near anything from fruits that are going over.

Great images of the Dukes, Neil. You're right, certain species have swapped emergence times with others this year. Small Blues are late, but Brown Argus are on cue, for example. No sign of Marsh/Small Pearl Bordered Fritillaries yet either.

Nice Wood Whites, Dave. I wish I could spend time with this species in the UK, but their spring flight period coincides with a busy time for me away from home.

22 April to 8 May – Spain cont… Finally, on 2nd May, the weather warmed up, the sun came out, and the rest of my trip was an absolute delight. Desert Orange Tips were about in Castell de Ferro and the following day, plenty of Common Tiger Blues were seen in Retamar: 3.CTBfemups(1).JPG 3.CTBmaleups(...

Few contrasts finer than a Green Hairstreak on a bluebell, Trevor.

Nice find with the PBF pair too.

Some great early stage images there, Ben. I suspect your hypothesis is spot on vis-a-vis the bases of the street trees. Good luck with the rearing.

That is a majestic sequence of images dilettante.