For the penultimate transect of the season, BG was once again flying solo. After days of heavy rain, blustery winds, and a dip in temperatures, the return of wall-to-wall sunshine tempted out the hardy survivors for one last show.
Overall numbers were noticeably down on last week’s 118, a reminder that the season is drawing to its natural close. But there was one curious twist: no fewer than eight Brimstones were recorded – well out of season. Normally these bright yellow butterflies are among the earliest to appear in spring and then vanish into summer dormancy before re-emerging the following year. Their unexpected appearance at this late stage may reflect this year’s unusual weather patterns or the resilience of a species finely tuned to the ebb and flow of seasonal change.

Count details:
​11 Meadow Brown
8 Brimstone
6 Common Blue
4 Small Copper
4 Small White
3 Large White
2 Brown Argus
2 Speckled Wood
1 Small Heath
Count Summary:
41 butterflies from 9 species.
​
For more info on these species visit
​​butterfly-conservation.org

LN and BG walked Transect 24 on a morning of shifting skies – a mix of warm sunshine and passing cloud. The overall species list remained much the same as in recent weeks, but the balance of numbers told a different story.
As expected for late summer, Meadow Browns, Large Whites, Small Whites, and Small Heaths are now gradually declining. However, the downturn was offset by a strong showing from second-brood species. Common Blues were out in good numbers, but the real stars were the Brown Argus and Small Copper, both enjoying an exceptionally strong season. Their late flush added to a count that might otherwise have shown the first clear signs of autumn.

Count details:
43 Meadow Brown
25 Common Blue
15 Brown Argus
15 Small Copper
  8 Small White
  5 Small Heath
  3 Speckled Wood
  2 Chalkhill Blue
  2 Large White
Count Summary:
118 butterflies from 9 species.
​​​For more info on these species visit
​​butterfly-conservation.org    

With the butterfly team short on numbers this week, BG took on the challenge of completing Transect 23 solo. The conditions were kind – warm early autumn sunshine lit the way – and although the overall count dipped slightly from last week’s figures, it still came in above average for the season.
The species list remained much the same, though with a few interesting changes: the Chalkhill Blues and the elusive Purple Hairstreak were absent, but in their place came a welcome addition to this week’s tally – a lone Speckled Wood.

Count details:
53 Meadow Brown
10 Small White
  9 Common Blue
  6 Small Copper
  5 Brown Argus
  3 Small Heath
  1 Speckled Wood
Count summary:
87 butterflies from 7 species.

​​For more info on these species visit
​​butterfly-conservation.org                                                                        

GH and BG set out early for Transect 22 in classic British summer conditions – a mix of sun and cloud, interrupted by a brief rain shower and accompanied by an almost constant strong south-westerly wind. Unsurprisingly, the blustery conditions held numbers down, leaving us with a lower-than-average late-season count. Even the usually reliable Meadow Browns were noticeably fewer than last week.
The day’s highlight, however, more than made up for the dip in numbers: our first Brown Hairstreak of the year, spotted and photographed beneath the oaks on Hill Wood Field. Moments later, a second individual may have zipped past us in the same section – a fleeting but tantalising possibility.
The Brown Hairstreak is always a special find. It is the last of our regular butterfly species to emerge each season, with adults often proving elusive because they spend much of their time high in the treetops. To find one low down is a rare treat – and a memorable reward for a windswept walk.

Count details:
​68 Meadow Brown
10 Common Blue
  5 Small White
  4 Small Heath
  4 Brown Argus
  3 Chalkhill Blue
  3 Small Copper
  1 Brown Hairstreak

​Count summary:
98 butterflies from 8 species.

​For more info on these species visit
​​butterfly-conservation.org