Rise of the Gatekeepers

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.

Both sides of a Peacock, Fames Rough

Damaged Silver-washed Fritillary, Fames Rough

Purple Hairstreak, HIll Wood Field