Highest numbers so far

6/7/2022

GH and BG walked this week's transect on Monday in fine weather that gave us the highest butterfly count so far this year. This was due mostly to the annual high summer boom in numbers of Meadow Browns, Marbled Whites, Ringlets and Small/Essex Skippers. We also saw our first Gatekeepers and Silver-washed Fritillaries. Once again, we recorded more butterflies on Hill Wood Field (Section 7) than on any of the other sections, including the previously reliable Fames Rough – this is a new finding for 2022.

We understand that work is planned for clearing the overgrown path through Section 3, the lower path of Fames Rough. Some of the thorn bushes on the upper path (Section 4) have already been removed. See pic below.

Although Coneyboro Hill (Section 2) continues to have fewer butterflies than in previous years we were pleased to see a spectacular Hummingbird Hawk Moth flitting about in its distinctive flight.

Count Details:
104 Marbled White
91 Meadow Brown
69 Ringlet
21 Small/Essex Skipper
(1 confirmed Small)
5 Silver-washed Fritillary
3 Gatekeeper
3 Large White
3 Small White
2 Comma
1 Painted Lady
1 Red Admiral
1 Small Heath
1 Speckled Wood

Summary:
305 butterflies from 13 species.
Click on butterfly names for more info.

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