www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/ ... weeks.html

If it does happen, it will be a couple of weeks later than 2009. In 2009 I think the big day was 28th May. It will also be interesting to see if they follow the same routes. If they do, don't waste your time on high ground like Stockbridge Down, There will still be hundreds, if not thousands there. But head to somewhere like Stockbridge marsh, as they followed the main rivers valleys, flying between 10-30ft from the ground. If its like 2009, they could be in the 100s of thousands there. Huge numbers do split off at each tributary, so the nearer the south cost you are, the more spectacular the spectacle. If you are at work, and start seeing big numbers of Painted Ladies flying by, take an immediate sickie, as in 2009, the big influx was all over in one day. Fingers crossed it happens.

Regards Gruditch

Interesting!

In 2009, the vanguard arrived in Switzerland about three weeks ahead of the normal schedule, in late April, then the big wave hit in the second week of May, when I was seeing hundreds on a typical local dog-walk. So far this year everything has been normal. The first arrived a little early, but nothing special, and numbers now are pretty average. I see them whenever I go out, but that is normal for Switzerland. On the other hand, a friend in Lyon reported seeing them at a rate of about one a minute a few weeks ago. It would be great if it really did happen again (unless you happen to be a thistle farmer).

Guy

We saw a handful today Guy, one or two refuelling in gardens, the others following the valleys as in 2009. That was either it, a very sad invasion compared to that of 2009. Or these were the trail blazers, for what may turn up in the next couple of days.

Regards Gruditch

I've seen the odd one but if it's an invasion it's one Dads Army could see off.

Susie wrote:I've seen the odd one but if it's an invasion it's one Dads Army could see off.

Cheers,

- Pete

We saw the odd few passing through on most days last week, so while the numbers will be good compared to most years, no invasion. I always suspected this thread would end with these words, and a grumpy face, maybe next year

Regards Gruditch