Declining numbers

17/9/2024

Week 24's transect was on the afternnon of Saturday, the 14th. The weather improved as we proceeded around the transect's route and the clouds soon gave way to full clear warm sun. The butterfly numbers were much reduced by the recent rain and colder nights. All of this week's count, except for a single Brimstone seen in section 12 (Stagbury Field), were recorded in our first six sections (Hither Field to Hill Wood Field – these receive more of the afternoon sun). Despite the terminal decline in numbers having set in, we had two exceptions – we saw more Speckled Woods and Small Whites on this transect than in any other transect this season.

Count details:
16 Meadow Brown
11 Brown Argus
7 Small White
6 Common Blue
5 Speckled Wood
3 Small Heath
2 Brimstone
Summary:
50 butterflies from 7 species.
Click on butterfly names for more info from Butterfly Conservation.

Survey by Brian G, Liz North, Graham H and Graham K submitted to Butterfly Conservation (UKBMS).
Report by Brian Gardner.
Pics by Graham Kenward.