The changeable weather has an effect on our butterfly surveys. The two Grahams began Transect 17 beneath an ominously darkening sky that did not bode well. But by the time we reached section 2 (Coneyboro Hill) the sun was blazing again, with conditions continuing to change throughout the walk.
Our counts this week featured fewer numbers and a larger variety of species. Gatekeepers continued their rise while Marbled Whites declined, with Meadow Brown still prominent in the high period of their flight weeks. Although Chalkhill Blues are scheduled to be out and about just now, they failed to put in an appearance in their usual patch on Stagbury Field.

​Survey by Graham H and Graham K
​submitted to Butterfly Conservation (UKBMS).  ​
​Report and ​pics by Graham K
 ​​Click pics to enlarge.

Count details:
176 Meadow Brown
   99 Gatekeeper
    14 Marbled White
    14 Peacock
    14 Brimstone
    11 Large White
    10 Small White
    10 Silver-washed Fritillary 
      7 Common Blue
      6 Holly Blue ​
      6 Brown Argus
      4 Ringlet
      3 Small/Essex Skipper
      3 Red Admiral
      3 Comma
      2 Small Copper
      1 Dark Green Fritillary
Summary:
383 Butterflies from 17 species.
Click on butterfly names for more info.

Last Thursday's transect was walked by the two Grahams (H and K), on a mainly sunny day, starting near the Ramblers Rest. 
Once again, we recorded a substantial tally of Meadow Browns right across the transect, with the largest numbers in Hither Field and Fames Rough.
Fewer Marbled Whites were seen this week. They were outnumbered by a surge of Gatekeepers, particularly in section 1 (Hither Field) and section 7 (Hill Wood Field). The latter also provided the high spot of the day with three of the elusive Purple Hairstreaks appearing beside the oak-lined path.

Survey by Graham H and Graham K
​submitted to Butterfly Conservation (UKBMS).  ​
​Report and ​pics by Graham K
 ​​Click pics to enlarge.

Count details:
286 Meadow Brown
  70 Gatekeeper
  45 Marbled White
  22 Brimstone
  13 Small/Essex Skipper
   9 Small White
   9 Silver-washed Fritillary     
   7 Large White
​   4 Red Admiral
   4 Peacock
   4 Small Heath
   3 Purple Hairstreak
    2 Common Blue
    2 Comma
Summary:
480 Butterflies from 14 species.
Click on butterfly names for more info.

Count details:
298 Meadow Brown
232 Marbled White
  59 Small/Essex Skipper
  22 Ringlet
    9 Small Heath
    9 Dark Green Fritillary
    8 Brimstone
    5 Large White
    4 Common Blue
    3 Gatekeeper
    2 Small Copper
    2 Small White
    2 Speckled Wood
    1 Red Admiral
 Summary:
656 Butterflies from 14 species.
Click on butterfly names for more info.