At the start of a new season I am never sure where it will take me. This season I had hoped to expand my knowledge and try to maximise new experiences. I wanted to build on my new found interest in the immature stages (including rearing) and moths, and seek out new sites to explore. Unfortunately, animal problems curtailed my activities a little (losing 3 of my foxes in a year was a blow), but without going out of my way, I was surprised to realise I have seen 44 species (to date) and reared 6. It was a little disappointing that I did not get to see the SPB, Wall Brown or Lulworth Skipper as I find all of these very attractive and on sites I enjoy visiting. I had hoped to see at least one butterfly species I haven’t seen before but it was not to be. Perhaps next season.
Early in the season I was able to visit Wisley to see some very exotic butterflies, the likes of which I am only ever likely to encounter on a few diaries on this site. Amazing to see them for real.
Naturally I can’t just ignore that very disappointing and misplaced anonymous allegation that I consider photography more important than the subject matter – however, the aspect that stays with me is the support and encouragement I received both privately and publicly, both at home and out in the field. Thank you all for that. I can’t even begin to imagine who would be so cowardly as to hide behind UKButts, unable to raise the issue with me personally, but I feel sorry for the individual concerned.
I have had a few regrets and challenges this season certainly. Yes, I regret getting the timing wrong with the WLH but to see them mating and egg-laying, for them to be able to contribute to the next generation instead of dying on the ground, was some compensation. The rearing of the Glanvilles wasn’t totally trouble free either but Martin was on hand every step of the way with help and advice – a brilliant mentor. Hutchinson’s Bank was also the only new site I managed to get to due to the animal problems at home.
As always there are highlights and for me this season 3 or 4 spring to mind. The first was my very personal and prolonged encounter and interaction with the PE which I was delighted to share with Hazel. Perhaps of even more significance was the behaviour displayed recently by 5 Brown Hairstreaks, the likes of which I doubt I shall ever see again, shared with Ern. The Brown Argus that floated down into my garden from nowhere, landing on a slice of bread, will stay in my memory simply because I have never seen them in this area; the mating pair of SWF which somehow, miraculously escaped from the clutches of a Dragonfly, the likes of which I had never seen before. Aberrations are always memorable. I have been lucky enough to see a few of them this season but the one at the forefront of my mind was the stunning PBF seen at Bentley Wood. Observing the Graylings egg-laying was another first for me and there have been discoveries which have raised more questions than they have answered – the Common Blue larva, for example, which was being plastered with chalky soil by the ants, the WLH’s which persisted and insisted on pupating in soil, contrary to what is documented, to name a couple.
The Green Hairstreaks which I reared – well it is early days but getting them to the pupal stage was plain sailing and the little Ringlet made it safely through. Most of the Large Whites made it too but surprisingly I had few subsequent sightings. The White Admiral both emerged safely and I was lucky enough to be there at the time having missed their emergence last year.
On the moth front I have viewed some spectacular moths even though the moth trap has not had as much use as I’d hoped due to time constraints. The gorgeous Burnished Brass, the amazing Poplar-hawk moth and the Pale Tussock to name but a few. I’ve a long way to go with these creatures as the sheer numbers, similarity between species and variations within species, has caused me difficulty in identification. I would like to thank all who have helped me with this aspect and should mention Neil F’s cracking photos which have inspired me to try harder.
My summary however, is largely in photographic format. I have compiled shots of my favourite photos and recent activities, either just because I like them, or because of what they remind me of, or because they represent a major activity such as rearing or moths. Each season I am drawn to the Hairstreaks and have come to the conclusion that this is my favourite group. To that end they have a compilation to themselves. I have also included a shot of the Black Hairstreak which I reared a couple of years ago, but is just too attractive a butterfly to leave out and completes the British Hairstreak group.
I am hopeful that my photography is improving over the years and I was delighted to be informed recently that one of my photos had been selected for the HIOWWT calendar. As this was the first competition I have entered I was stunned. Now seems like an appropriate time to call it a day for this season. I shall miss everyone but there are other things to attend to as usual – and of course I shall be back next year.
See you all soon
. It's all very clever.
Simple stuff to folk like you I'm sure but I still have to look this stuff up 
