Jason Sargerson

[jasonsargerson]

Yes, David, the Dryad appears to be a later summer species - I usually see at Filisur and Versam in the east in August.

On leaving the Vineyard site (Sunday 11th August), I caught the bus back to Martigny - it seemed a little late (unusual for Switzerland), but I got back to Martigny in good time to take the Mont Blanc Express to Chatelard Frontiere.

Chatelard Frontiere is my top site in Switzerland, this was my first visit in August and I added another two species to the site list: Marbled Fritillary and Dusky Meadow Brown. This brings the total to over 60 species seen on visits in May, June, July and now August.

Also seen were Apollo, Silver-washed Fritillary, High Brown Fritillary, Spotted Fritillary, Titania's Fritillary, Common Blue, Silver-spotted Skipper and Small Skipper. It was a little overcast, the Aiguille de Mesure was hazy in the distance.

[jasonsargerson]

On the fifth day of my holiday in Switzerland (August 12th) rain was forecast across Switzerland.

I took the train from Brig, through the Simplon tunnel to Domodossola in Italy.

From Domodossola, I took the Centovalli train through to Locarno back in Switzerland - normally a very scenic route, but very wet on this day.

At Locarno I boarded the TILO train to Bellinzona, where it was raining even harder.

I ate my lunch in the station waiting room and then took the train to Goschenen - the old Gotthard route. Visibility was severely reduced at times.

At Goschenen, I took the MGB train to Andermatt, only to find there were no trains through to Brig, due to line flooding.

However, bus replacement to Realp and then rejoining the train meant I returned to Brig at the appointed time.

[jasonsargerson]

On the last day of my holiday in Switzerland (August 13th), the forecast was sunny for Geneva.

So I set off from Brig for Geneva, arriving at 1030.

On consulting the display in the station, my limited French told me that there was a replacement bus service to La Plaine.

After swearing a few times, because this meant I would only be able to visit Allondon, rather than both Russin and Allondon, I took the train and then the bus - it took 45 minutes instead of the normal 15 minutes to La Plaine. It was interesting crossing the fields and visiting the small villages. Next year La Plaine will be a rebuilt station and part of the CEVA development of the railways around Geneva.

I took some photos of the trams outside Geneva Cornavin station and then some of the TGV trains passing La Plaine.

It was disappointing to find the bridge over the Allondon stream has had graffit daubed on it.

The butterflies were mainly common ones (found in the UK), including, Small Heath, Dingy Skipper, Small White, Common Blue, Heath Fritillary and Brown Argus.

I also found Gatekeeper, a rare butterfly in Switzerland - it must be the only species rarer in Switzerland than the UK.

[jasonsargerson]

To summarise my three trips to Switzerland this year:

I saw 92 species over the three visits, slightly down on last years 98 species.

The weather was not as favourable as it can be - I think i will have to plan for 4 butterfly days out of 6 in each holiday, rather than 5 out of 6.

Global warming or climate change is making a difference - Switzerland is having very hot spells in the summer and also more wet spells.

My targets next year must be to photograph and film both Cynthia's Fritillary and Swiss Grayling.

I was very pleased this year with Cardinal (first trip), Amanda's Blue, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Mountain Marsh Fritillary (second trip) and Map Butterfly (third trip).

[jasonsargerson]

I have been neglecting UK Butterflies this year unfortunately,

I did not get to Chambers Farm in Lincolnshire to see the Purple Emperors in July.

This last weekend, I did go to Wilberforce Way (Woodmansey) on Saturday (24th August).

There were lots of Peacocks, Painted Ladies, Red Admirals, Small Tortoiseshells on the buddlieas at either end of the walk.

Only a Speckled Wood in the hedgerow - no Small Coppers, Brown Argus or Common Blue now.

Pictures of Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral taken in my garden.

[jasonsargerson]

On Sunday 25th August I managed to visit Kiplingcotes, East Yorkshire.

I was too late in the season for Marbled White and Gatekeeper, but there were some Common Blues and Brown Argus flying.

Fairly common were Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell, Large White and Small White.

I also saw Speckled Wood and several nice Brimstones.

[jasonsargerson]

On Tuesday 17th September I went to Sheffield on the train.

The train going was a very noisy Class 158, very slow to accelerate.

At Sheffield it was sunny, the waterfalls in the Peace Gardens were appreciated by people at lunch.

On returning there were still buddleias in flower, but no butterflies.

The return train was much better, a Class 170, air conditioned and quiet.

On Wednesday I met Peter Cawdell of the Lincolnshire Branch of Butterfly Conservation and gave him copies of Papilio, South West USA and the first issue of European Butterflies (2018). If you are looking for a bargain see the Lincolnshire Branch sales stand.

Today, Friday 20th September, there was a nice Painted Lady on the Verbena bonariensis - it has lasted much longer than buddleia.

[millerd]

I've only just seen your report from Kiplingcotes from 23rd August, Jason - interesting to look at as strangely enough I was there just a couple of days later (on 25th). There was quite a bit flying, as you describe, but the icing on the cake was a surprise appearance of a Clouded Yellow - just the left of from where your view was taken. It's a great site.

Dave

[David M]

...The train going was a very noisy Class 158, very slow to accelerate...

Clearly, you were no longer in Switzerland, Jason!

[jasonsargerson]

I have updated my Pinterest account with my photos of Switzerland and the UK taken this year.

They range from Schaffhausen to the Simplon Pass in Switzerland and from Marsh Fritillaries in Lincolnshire to Mountain Marsh Fritillaries on Muottas Muragl in Switzerland.

[jasonsargerson]

I met with Sean Clough of Yorkshire Butterfly Conservation today.

I passed on to him copies of South West USA and the first issue of European Butterflies Magazine (2018).

The Yorkshire Branch will have Papilio, South West USA and European Butterflies magazine for sale at bargain prices on their sales stand at their members meeting in late October and subsequently.

[jasonsargerson]

If you are following my diary regularly then you will know of my interest In Swiss Railways as well as Swiss Butterflies.

I have just received the first proof of my latest book: Swiss Standard Gauge.

There are quite a few adjustments to make, but I hope to have it published in early December.

This will possibly be my last book for some time as I have used the 10 ISBN numbers I bought in 2012.

Never say never, so I expect I will probably buy some more ISBNs and start publishing again.

I intend to keep publishing European Butterflies magazine, as this does not require ISBN numbers.

[jasonsargerson]

My book Swiss Standard Gauge has now been printed.

I attach a couple of sample pages. It has 40 pages, 140 colour photos.

I appreciate that only a few readers will be interested in Swiss Railways.

Price is £10.00 direct from me.

[jasonsargerson]

I have found an explanation why there are fewer birds using my bird bath.

Yesterday there was a Sparrowhawk in the bird bath!!

I only managed the one photograph before it flew away.

[jasonsargerson]

European Butterflies Magazine is part way through its design process now.

I hope to have it printed in the middle of March.

More information about the magazine is in Forums: Overseas: European Butterflies Magazine.

This is the cover of the third issue - cover photograph by James Gibbs.

[David M]

Very striking, Jason. I will look forward to receiving a copy and the cover is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful European butterfly species

[jasonsargerson]

The new issue of European Butterflies Magazine is now available from me for £8.00, including postage.

More details are in the Forum: Overseas: European Butterflies Magazine.

[jasonsargerson]

It looks as if we will not be travelling overseas this year and probably not even to visit local sites.

I certainly would not like to travel in a crowded train, the underground or on an airplane unless I was confident everyone had been vaccinated against the Coronovirus. So, I don't expect to travel abroad until summer next year at the earliest.

For my personal diary, I had the idea I would describe my proposed trips at the appointed times. For example, I was intending to visit Switzerland at the beginning of June - so at the beginning of June I will post photos of the sites and butterflies, similarly for local visits - Kiplingcotes in May - I will post site and butterfly photos. I will try to use photos not previously displayed on UK Butterflies.

I have copies of my magazines, books and DVDs that I can still post out if ordered.

I have 3 copies of the DVD Swiss Butterflies: East and 5 copies of the DVD Swiss Butterflies: West in stock if you would like to see some Swiss Butterflies in action and their locations.

I attach two photos - High Brown Fritillary and Titania's Fritillary at Murren - (DVD West) and Southern White Admiral at Bergun (DVD East).

[David M]

It looks as if we will not be travelling overseas this year and probably not even to visit local sites.

I certainly would not like to travel in a crowded train, the underground or on an airplane unless I was confident everyone had been vaccinated against the Coronovirus. So, I don't expect to travel abroad until summer next year at the earliest.

Sadly, Jason, I think you're right regarding travelling abroad, though I'm hopeful we'll be able to move around domestically fairly soon, although I doubt the hospitality industry will be allowed to go back to normal, meaning the distance we travel will be limited if we can't stay overnight in hotels/guest houses.

Good idea to post previously taken images at the times of year you would have visited. I shall look forward to seeing them.

[jasonsargerson]

I usually visit Woodmansey near Kingston upon Hull at the end of April or beginning of May for the spring butterflies.

This is a large meadow and hedgerow beside the Barmston Drain - the path is part of the Wilberforce Way.

Orange Tips fly on and on and are difficult to photograph, as are Brimstones.

I often see Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and Large and Small Whites.

Here are some previous photographs (not all at Woodmansey).

It sounds as if the travel restrictions may be lifted soon, so I may visit later in May.