Slow start for the slow down

The forecast fine warm day got off to rather a slow start and we headed out for today's proceedings into a stiff breeze with some threatening-looking clouds but, as we progressed, conditions improved steadily so that we completed today's walk-around in warm sunshine.
 
The seasonal decline in butterfly numbers seems to be under way and whereas we counted 317 butterflies last week, today's total was a mere 135, 101 of which were Meadow Browns. The previously moderate numbers of Common and Chalkhill Blues, Small Heaths and Gatekeepers were also much lower. We were, however, surprised to find a Marbled White in Section 12 – it's been 4 weeks since we counted our last pair. 

Here's what we saw: 
101 Meadow Brown
  10 Small Heath
    9 Chalkhill Blue
    9 Common Blue
    1 Brimstone
    1 Brown Argus
    1 Gatekeeper
    1 Marbled White
    1 Small Copper
    1 Small White
 Click on butterfly names for more info.
Total: 135 across 10 species.

In season: Devil's-bit Scabious, Coneyboro Hill

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

Female Common Blue

Small White on Ragwort