Heat up, numbers down

Monday's transect was walked in an unusually high September temperature that averaged 24 degees during our walk around. Conditions were ideal but with only 38 butterflies recorded, our count was a few down on last week's. As usual, we saw more Meadow Browns than any other species with Common Blues second in the number rankings. As we frequently witness, numbers vary from week to week and one year to the next. Here are previous Week 24 counts for comparison: for 2016, 69; 2018,14;  2019, 46; 2020, 38 (we didn't do a transect on week 24 of 2017).

Here are the details of the count:
15 Meadow Brown
  9 Common Blue
  4 Small Copper
  3 Brimstone
  3 Chalkhill Blue
  2 Small Heath
  1 Large White
  1 Speckled Wood
 Total: 38 butterflies from 8 species.
Click on butterfly names for more info.

Treacle seeking shade with her ball.

Survey by Graham H, Brian Gardner, Graham K and Roger Vye ​submitted to Butterfly Conservation (UKBMS). 
​Report by Brian G. Pics by Graham K and Brian G. 
​Click on pics to enlarge.

Female Common Blue, Fames Rough

Brimstone, Barn Field

Small Copper, Stagbury

Speckled Wood - Brian G

Bonus creature

Young Lizard enjoying the sunshine on Coneyboro Hill