March 2020

[David M]

..Providing we are actually allowed to travel, I can see no problems, provided we keep a "socially-acceptable" distance apart should we meet, especially as many members of this forum fall into "at-risk" categories In fact, it could provide an unexpected bonus. Imagine you find yourself with a bi-lateral gynandromorph, mating with an aberrant female in front of you; now, the scrum that would normally form behind will have to keep a respectful CV-determined distance away from you, and each other. Just you and your camera to enjoy, marvel and record the moment...

Yes, every cloud has a sliver lining, Nick, although the pairing you described above would more suitably be referred to as a 'platinum lining'.

Glad you got a nice array of adult hibernators before lockdown arrives!!

[Wurzel]

Middle Street - 2 Brimstone, 1 Peacock and between 9-16 Small Tortoiseshells.

Five Rivers - 2 Small Torts, 3 Brimstone, 4 Peacocks and 5 Commas.

Not a bad haul - very happy with all the Small Torts

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[David M]

Welsh Torties are out:

[Buchan Boy]

Oh,I so want some Small Torts,better get searching my local nettle beds!

All on my own as well......

Anyways, a wander round the old brickworks at Newdigate, Surrey,did produce x 3 commas and a lonely Peacock,also a day flying bat and a Great Crested Newt(didnt even know there was a colony here).

Newdigate Comma

Newdigate Peacock

Heres to Spring
Dave

[aeshna5]

Finally species number 2. A comma initially on a muddy track but as I approached flew onto a blackthorn low down & seemed to enjoy the flowers.

[Chris L]

Fantastic photos. Thank you for sharing.

My tally of 1 butterfly for 2020 increased to 4 today with the sighting of 3 Brimstones. All 3 were very purposefully flying to wherever they had decided they wanted to be and did not stop to say hello to my camera.

[Jack Harrison]

They are indeed good photos but so are many posted here. You can't expect to be able to reach that standard for some while Otep. But don't be disappointed when you don't - all part of the fun.

Jack

[Matsukaze]

Brimstones, Comma and Peacock at Chewton Wood, Somerset, yesterday.

[Wurzel]

Peacock and Small Tort at Lulworth Cove today.

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[maverick]

Off the mark in sunny Warrington, I was surprised to see my first brimstone before lunch and then decided to have a good look on the canal bank alongside my house, plenty of commas in flight, three to four at a time fighting and displaying, also spotted two pristine peacocks.

[David M]

Brimstones, Comma and Peacock at Chewton Wood, Somerset, yesterday.

Looks like it's kicking off everywhere, Chris.

Glad you notched up a few.

[Padfield]

First non-hibernator of the year flying in our Woodbridge garden this morning - a female holly blue:



Also, despite the cold, a peacock and a couple of commas:





Commas were on the wing elsewhere in the afternoon, though the chill wind is keeping things at bay.

Guy

[Vince Massimo]

A walk around the butterfly hot-spots in Crawley today produced 4 Brimstone, 1 Large White (f), 1 Small White (m), 1 Small Tortoiseshell,
3 Peacock and 7 Comma.

Peacock - Crawley, Sussex 23-March-2020

Small Tortoiseshell - Crawley, Sussex 23-March-2020

Vince

[Pete Eeles]

I had a male Orange-tip in the garden today, flapping around as if on its first flight (it crash-landed onto the lawn).

Spring is here!

Cheers,

- Pete

[Chris L]

7 for me in South Derbyshire today - 5 Tortoiseshell and 2 Brimstone.

[David M]

First non-hibernator of the year flying in our Woodbridge garden this morning - a female holly blue..

Oh, that's proper lifted my spirits, Guy.

I saw a male fluttering around the Gower coast yesterday but to see a fresh female pose like that....heaven!

[David M]

I had a male Orange-tip in the garden today, flapping around as if on its first flight (it crash-landed onto the lawn).

Spring is here!

Just the tonic after the events of today, Pete! Given that we are still allowed out once per day to 'exercise', I shall ensure I go looking for them myself before this mild, sunny spell ends.

[Medard]

Yesterday was warm and sunny here in sunny Somerset so I  sat in the garden camera at the ready ,didn't have long to wait ,clocked up three species visiting the spring polys that are now in full bloom.
Spring is bustin' out all over.

[petesmith]

My first garden Small Tortoiseshell of the year here in central Lincolnshire yesterday. Brimstones and a Comma also on the wing around the village. Much needed sunshine and a lifting of the spirits!

[Matsukaze]

Brimstone flying through the garden - I must put in a buckthorn shrub or two to try to encourage them to stay. A Peacock stayed for rather longer, nectaring on grape-hyacinth. Its open wings were bigger than the plant and from time to time would obscure it, giving the impression that the butterfly was suspended in the air. It grew annoyed with a large bumblebee that was nearby and chased it off with some vigour, pursuing it high into the air, before returning to bask on a rock for a while and then recommencing nectaring.