Hertfordshire & Middlesex Branch

Sightings 2017 (July-December)

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December 2017

Sunday 31st December 2017
At around 9:45 this morning I saw a Red Admiral fluttering outside my kitchen window (in Islington) for about 20-30 seconds. By the time I got my camera it had disappeared - Philip Aspinall

Saturday 30th December 2017
A Red Admiral at Croxley Green - see photo on facebook - David Allison

Found a new site for immature Red Admirals - at Fairlands Valley Park near the St Vincent de Paul School (TL253247). A larva about 3 inches above ground under a folded nettle leaf - Peter Clarke

Saturday 9th December 2017
Red Admiral larva under nettle leaf feet away from where eggs were found last month in Knebworth Park - see photos of larval tents and larva - Peter Clarke

Wednesday 6th December 2017
My latest ever record of Holly Blue sitting on a large Ivy bush in the centre of Hoddesdon town near where I work. I regularly see both broods each year in this same location right next to a petrol station. I guess a slight rise in temperature has brought it out – Ben Sale

November 2017

Sunday 26th November 2017
1 Red Admiral on our hanging basket plants in Yiewsley - Paul Field

1 Red Admiral, 1 Comma and 2 Large White larvae all active in Ware Park – Andrew Wood

Saturday 25th November 2017
1 Red Admiral basking in early afternoon sun at Fir & Pond Woods near Potters Bar (TL 279 003) at 13:15 hrs - Robert Callf

Thursday 23rd November 2017
1 Red Admiral near Oakwood entrance, Trent Park (TQ 288 962) at 11:53 hrs - Robert Callf

Report from the London Bird Club: at Tottenham Marshes: a very battered Comma on allotments - Quentin Given

Wednesday 22nd November 2017
1 Peacock seen in flight near Oakwood entrance, Trent Park at 10:39 hrs - Robert Callf

Sunday 19th November 2017
A pristine Red Admiral basking on ivy foliage in Pinner garden in chilly but sunny weather - Tony Porter

1 Red Admiral by the old gatehouse at Cranford Park this afternoon - Liz Goodyear and Andrew Middleton

On a Hawfinch search at Wormley West End today, my wife and I saw 2 Red Admirals - map ref TL332061 - Terry Wood

1 Red Admiral sunning itself in an Oak Tree in Ware Park this morning and one in the Rib valley on the edge of Hertford at lunchtime – Andrew Wood

Saturday 18th November 2017
Another late Holly Blue: at Horsenden Hill - see photos - Dave Howdon

Friday 17th November 2017
1 Herald still present at Oakwood Station on wall above the stairwell - appears to be attempting to hibernate here - Robert Callf

1 Red Admiral at Pit Park, Isleworth – Andrew Wood

Thursday 16th November 2017
Third-brooded female Holly Blue feeding on dandelion at Stanwell - see photos on facebook - Dave Miller

A Red Admiral feeding on the flowers of cultivated Viburnum in one of the plush front gardens along Carbone Hill near Cuffley, grid ref TL 295 039 (tetrad TL20 W) at 13:05 hours – Colin Everett

3 Red Admirals in various bits of Ware today – Andrew Wood

Hounslow Heath/Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. A pleasantly sunny walk today with 2 butterflies seen. Frustratingly the first, near the former golf course, moved too fast for me to identify - it more resembled a Peacock than the currently expected Red Admiral. The second one on the Marshalling Yards was definitely a male Brimstone a common sighting here in early spring, more unusual in the latter half of November - Peter Gore

1 Red-green Carpet (a fresh individual) at The Launderette at Bramley Parade, Oakwood (TQ 295 961) - Robert Callf

Wednesday 15th November 2017
Opening and closing its wings briefly on clematis in Bob's garden in Bishop's Stortford was quite a fresh Comma. It was still there at 4pm over 2 hours later - Bob Clift and Peter Clarke

Tuesday 14th November 2017
No further butterflies for me yet, but of interest a female Oak Bush-cricket in Northaw Great Wood today is probably the latest-ever record for Herts. She had her ovipositor inserted into the bark of a mature oak and was thus probably laying eggs. (Definitely this species and not Southern Oak Bush-cricket, as fully winged.) – Colin Everett

Monday 13th November 2017
1 Small Copper - worn and faded in sheltered south facing sunny spot in Trent Park this morning at 11:01 hrs - possibly the latest ever for Herts & Middx? Also a female Common Darter in the same area - Robert Callf

Sunday 12th November 2017
Folly Lane, St Albans - Red Admiral, basking in the morning sunshine, air temperature just 7 degrees! It flew off when disturbed, heading SSW rapidly - Malcolm Hull

1 Red Admiral on Hartham Common, Hertford, 16 Large White larvae on sprouts on a field edge in Ware Park – Andrew Wood

Friday 10th November 2017
1 Red Admiral in Caledonian Road, Islington – Andrew Wood

1 Herald at Oakwood Station (TQ 293 959) - Robert Callf

A Red Admiral landed on a tall dense bush in my Hatfield garden c. 14.00hrs today, sun-bathed for a few minutes, then vanished - John Moss

Hounslow Heath/Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. I'd planned today's walk as primarily a Brown Hairstreak egg-hunt but I was pleasantly surprised to see a Speckled Wood flying in bright sunlight in a favoured spot on the Marshalling Yards - Peter Gore

Tuesday 7th November 2017
We returned today to the London Borough of Hounslow and found 5 more Brown Hairstreak eggs including two on the same joint at last week’s new site. We searched over a period 1 ½ hours but had no further luck at any other areas in the Borough. See Andrew's photo - Liz Goodyear and Andrew Middleton

Monday 6th November 2017
A Red Admiral sunning itself on a hornbeam trunk at Shackledell Grassland - Peter Clarke

Counted 5 or 6 Small Copper at Trent Park (3 or 4 at 'New Fields', 1 University lawns, 1 'Old Golf Course) - a good number for the first week of November, surely evidence of a fourth brood? - Robert Callf

Sunday 5th November 2017
1 Red-green Carpet moth at ASDA Southgate - Robert Callf

Denis was with me today in Panshanger Park. It was sunny, but rather chilly when suddenly we spotted a bright yellow butterfly fluttering along the path. It was my Clouded Yellow again! This time it settled and I finally got some photos. It is rather tattered now, but still bright and clearly recognisable - Christine Shepperson

Comma on mahonia in Bengeo garden today. See photo - Simon Knott

Friday 3rd November 2017
Batford, weedy field – 1 tatty looking Speckled Wood - Darin Stanley

A Red Admiral in flight at Bunkers Park near Hemel Hempstead, grid ref TL 080 055 (straddling tetrads TL00 S and X) at 11:10 hours. It was very warm on the slope at that point but I wasn’t able to stay any later into the day to observe the expected Clouded Yellow. A Red Admiral also flying at Garston TL 118 007 (TL10 A) (the same location as several previous sightings over the past few weeks) at 11:52 hours – Colin Everett

Surprised to be buzzed by a Red Admiral this morning while hanging washing out in my Hatfield garden. Beautiful sunshine but not very warm. Latest sighting ever - John Moss

1 Red Admiral - eastbound bus stop, Woolgrove Road, Hitchin TL19763025 - David Inward

Hounslow Heath/Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. A pleasant sunny afternoon with one Red Admiral seen high in a Marshalling Yards Oak - Peter Gore

3 Red Admiral flew S at Trent Park 'New Fields' at 10:42, 10:54 and 11:19 hrs, 2 Small Copper together nectaring on 'white flowers' 'Old Golf Course' 13:45 hrs, including one very fresh looking individual, so probably fourth brood? I believe this is the fourth year that I have recorded Small Copper in November in Trent Park (but not consecutively), 1 Red Admiral at Park Farm, Enfield at 14:09 hrs - Robert Callf

Red Admiral egg on freshly grown nettles in Knebworth Park - for details see facebook page - Peter Clarke

5 Red Admirals, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Small Copper and 1 Large White seen on a walk in and around Hertford and Ware today – Andrew Wood

Thursday 2nd November 2017
A couple of Red Admirals seen at the Walled Garden, Eastcote House Gardens (TQ 10 88) attracted by the Autumn flowering Korean Chrysanthemums. The Friends of EHG Group mentioned there were more Red Admirals the previous week, attracted to these plants. They seemed to prefer these to the Sedum growing there - Paul Busby

A Brown Hairstreak egg (see branch facebook page) has been found on blackthorn growing in a public park in the London Borough of Hounslow. This suggests an expansion since last winter’s egg discovery in the London Borough of Richmond - Liz Goodyear and Andrew Middleton

Wednesday 1st November 2017
1 Comma at Trent Park 'New Fields' (TQ 286 968) settled at 12:11 hrs - my first sighting of Comma in November and 1 Red Admiral at Parkside Farm, Enfield along Salmons Brook at 14:28 hrs - Robert Callf

October 2017

Monday 30th October 2017
A Clouded Yellow in flight at Bunkers Park near Hemel Hempstead at TL 080 055 (straddling tetrads TL00 S and X) at 13:22 hours. The SW-facing clover-rich slope here (where Field Scabious is currently still in flower) is highly suited to this species. If the forecasted mild day and night temperatures, light winds and occasional sunshine appear as predicted, then this and several other species should continue to fly into November in Herts this year. – Colin Everett

1 Speckled Wood - a fresh individual near Oakwood entrance, Trent Park at 11:10 GMT, 1 Small Copper at 'Old Golf Course', Trent Park at 12:43 GMT - Robert Callf

Sunday 29th October 2017
A Red Admiral in flight at Garston near Watford at TL 118 007 (tetrad TL10 A) at 13:40 hours (same location as on 21 October) - Colin Everett

Hounslow Heath/Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Although there was some afternoon sunshine, temperatures are falling and I'm not really surprised that the only sighting this afternoon was a Red Admiral nectaring on the Pevensey Ivy - Peter Gore

1 Red Admiral at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) at 14:00 hrs - Robert Callf

Nomansland Common, Sandridge - 3 Small Coppers, enjoying the early afternoon sun on the Common - Malcolm Hull

2 Red Admirals feeding on 'Bowles Mauve' in my Stevenage garden - Peter Clarke

Saturday 28th October 2017
A Vestal moth was disturbed (and photographed) by day and then photographed at rest in a garden at Northchurch near Berkhamsted – Colin Everett

Hounslow Heath/Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Not as sunny today but I was pleased to see a Speckled Wood still around as well as the currently usual Red Admirals: Speckled Wood: 1 Red Admiral: 6 - Peter Gore

1 Small Copper edge of Moat Wood, Camlet Hill, Trent Park (TQ 288 980) at 12:19 hrs - Robert Callf

Friday 27th October 2017
Hounslow Heath/Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Another sunny afternoon with slightly more butterflies and variety, the biggest surprise (and smallest!) being a Brown Argus in much the same spot on the Marshalling Yards where I last saw one a few weeks ago: Small White: 1 Red Admiral: 10 Brown Argus: 1 Small Copper: 1 - Peter Gore

Trent Park (12:55 - 14:10 hrs) - 1 Speckled Wood - a fresh individual near Oakwood entrance at 12:56 hrs, 3 Small Copper including two together nectaring on ragwort, 1 Red Admiral and 1 Vestal moth (dead) on the same ragwort as two Small Copper. 1 Red Admiral at Bramley Road, N14 at 14:08 hrs - Robert Callf

I went back to Panshanger Park today. The weather was glorious; not just warm but hot, still and sunny. I saw 2 Red Admirals, a Small White, a Small Copper and not one but two Clouded Yellows chasing each other along the grassland that borders Lady Hughe's Wood!! One briefly stopped to nectar on a thistle, but out of range of my phone camera. Another magic day - Christine Shepperson

Wednesday 25th October 2017
A Red Admiral in flight at Garston near Watford at TL 118 007 (tetrad TL10 A) at 11:09 hours at the same location as the record previously submitted for 21 October - Colin Everett

1 Red Admiral - St Faiths Close, Hitchin - David Inward

A Red Admiral was flitting round Ivy on my garage in bright sunlight today. I found just 3 fading sprays of blossom, low down in heavy shade, attracting no insects. We wonder if the Red Admiral is just roosting here - John Moss

Hounslow Heath/Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. A pleasantly sunny afternoon,almost restricted to a single butterfly species: Red Admiral: 11 Comma: 1 Slightly more than half the Red Admirals and the Comma were visiting Ivy flowers in the Pevensey loop; the remainder were on the move at different points across my walk - Peter Gore

Trent Park (12:45 - 13:55 hrs) - 1 White sp., seen in flight only at 12:48 hrs, 3 Speckled Wood (2 near Oakwood entrance at 12:50 hrs, 1 along board walk near Cockfosters entrance at 13:35 hrs), 3 Red Admiral and 2 Small Copper. 1 Red Admiral at Bramley Road, N14 at 13:58 hrs. 1 Red Admiral at Vicarage Farm, Enfield near Allotments at 16:06 hrs - Robert Callf

Tuesday 24th October 2017
In Balls Wood a Red Admiral on the entrance ride - Andy Brown

Pleasantly surprised to disturb a bright Red Admiral in my Hatfield garden this afternoon. It retreated to a late-flowering Astrantia & seemed to be nectaring. Haven’t seen any butterflies since the Ivy blossom faded. Masses of berries ripening now, ready for wintering Thrushes - John Moss

1 Red Admiral at Bramley Parade, N14 at 12:50 hrs - Robert Callf

Speckled Wood attracted by moth trap today in Bengeo garden - Simon Knott

While walking in a cloudy and blustery Panshanger Park, beside Lady Hughe's wood I saw a Red Admiral and a rather tired Clouded Yellow!! I haven't seen one of those for about 10 years. Really made my day - Christine Shepperson

Monday 23rd October 2017
Three Vestal moths in my Harpenden light trap in the last couple of days, presumably a bounty from Hurricane Ophelia - David Hunt

Sunday 22nd October 2017
Only one fresh looking Red Admiral spotted today at Nicholls Farm, Redbourn sheltering from the wind on weeds behind a hedge - Peter Tallantire

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Two Red Admirals this afternoon, both on Ivy flowers in the much favoured spot on the Pevensey loop - Peter Gore

A Red Admiral in flight and then basking along a footpath through arable land near Piccotts End (Hemel Hempstead), grid ref TL 056 096 (tetrad TL00 P) at 10:47 hours, and a white sp. in flight near Great Gaddesden, grid ref TL 032 107 (tetrad TL01 F) at 12:09 hours. (As with my east Herts white sp. last weekend, it was travelling too fast to show its ID.) – Colin Everett

Saturday 21st October 2017
A Red Admiral in flight and basking in a back garden at Garston near Watford, grid ref TL 1181 0072 (tetrad TL10 A), at 13:00 hours – Colin Everett

3 Red Admiral at Whitewebbs Park and 2 Speckled Wood clashing near North Lodge (TQ 327 998) at 13:29 hrs - Robert Callf

A couple of Red Admirals seen by the banks of the River Pinn, Ruislip (TQ 09 88) by the Friends of Pinn Meadows during morning working party - Paul Busby

A Red Admiral on a low-growing nettle bed in a sheltered spot in tne northern section of Fairlands Valley Park at 10:30 am. Perhaps a female searching for a leaf to lay her eggs? - Peter Clarke

Friday 20th October 2017
Hounslow Heath/Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Some sunshine this afternoon and 3 Red Admirals and 3 Speckled Woods appreciating it - Peter Gore

Thursday 19th October 2017
1 Small White at Park Farm, Enfield at 13:57 hrs - Robert Callf

Tuesday 17th October 2017
Hounslow Heath/Crane/ Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Just one Speckled Wood seen today, flying along the footpath parallel to the former golf course. Very dark clouds contradicted the weather forecast and not surprisingly discouraged any other butterflies - Peter Gore

Monday 16th October 2017
Lunchtime walk before the Saharan dust storm arrived and saw a Red Admiral and a Small Copper at Wood Farm, Stanmore Country Park then into Pear Wood and saw a Comma and further 8 Red Admirals (TQ 17 93) - Paul Busby

Small Copper at its stronghold Little Mead, Kings Meads today. Photos - Simon Knott

2 Red Admiral flew S at Hog Hill, Vicarage Farm at 10:49 and 10:52 hrs, 1 Red Admiral at Parkside Farm, Enfield at 11:37 hrs, 1 Comma nectaring on bramble blossom at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 29 98) at 11:52 hrs, 1 Meadow Brown seen in flight through bins at close range, edge of Moat Wood, Trent Park at 13:09 hrs - looked fresh and quite dark, so probably a male (my latest record ever, but perhaps not too surprising given the weather conditions), 1 Small Copper edge of Moat Wood, Trent Park at 13:11 hrs, 1 Red Admiral nectaring on michaelmas daisies edge of Icehouse Wood, Trent Park at 13:26 hrs, 1 Red Admiral nectaring on michaelmas daisies near Shaws Wood at Vicarage Farm, Enfield at 13:44 hrs - Robert Callf

Hounslow Heath/Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Out in morning sunshine which continued for two thirds of the walk. Butterflies as follows: Speckled Wood: 3 Red Admiral: 5 Small Copper: 2 - Peter Gore

Although mothing in my Harpenden garden has been disappointing of late, the light trap for the night of 15 October had a single example of Ruddy Streak Tachystola acroxantha, a seemingly rather unusual species for Herts, although more common in Middlesex according to the Herts Moth Group distribution map - David Hunt

Sunday 15th October 2017
In Oakwood Park, N14 between 14:55 - 15:45 hrs - 1 Red Admiral and 1 Speckled Wood opposite Saxon Way entrance (TQ 297 953) at 14:57 hrs, 1 Small Copper at 15:20 hrs (TQ 302 952). 1 Red Admiral at Dalrymple Close, Southgate, N14 at 16:20 hrs - Robert Callf

A section of the Hertfordshire Way between Bishop’s Stortford and Hare Street produced an unidentified white sp. in strong flight near Hare Street at TL 394 291 (tetrad TL32 Z), a Comma on ivy blossom at Gravesend near Patmore Heath TL 440 258 (tetrad TL42 M), and Red Admirals at the following locations: in flight at Worsted Lane car park, Hare Street TL 391 292 (tetrad TL 32 Z); in flight at Bogs Cottage near Patmore Hall TL 449 255 (tetrad TL42 M); feeding on ivy at Gravesend near Patmore Heath TL 440 258 (also tetrad TL42 M); in flight north of Albury Hall TL 429 261 (tetrad TL42 I); in flight west of Patient End TL 420 272 (also tetrad TL42 I); in flight at Rotten Row near Patient End, 416 273, and another nearby at 415 276 (both tetrad TL42 D); and in flight at Little Hormead TL 399 291 (tetrad TL32 Z). Also of interest were a Snout moth, a Raven and a Hornet nest in the trunk of an oak – Colin Everett

Small Copper by Yeading Brook, South Ruislip (TQ 10 86) - Paul Busby

Denis and I walked in the warm sunshine in Panshanger Park near Hertford today. On the sunny south facing path alongside Lady Hughe's Wood we saw 2 Red Admirals near late flowering ivy, a Speckled Wood, a male Brimstone and in a sheltered area 2 beautiful Small Coppers - Christine Shepperson

Ashridge - 11 Red Admirals, several of which were demonstrating "hilltopping" behaviour. Also 3 male Brimstones, a Comma and a Speckled Wood. A small orangey brown moth/ butterfly high in the sky could not be identified - Malcolm Hull

Saturday 14th October 2017
Just seen a pristine Large White in the front garden. Moth night was going reasonably well last night; lots of Barred Sallows, until a Noctule bat (Slip slap on the two bat detectors) put in an appearance and put its fangs into practicably every moth that approached the light. We gave up after about 45 minutes of this. Paul Busby was there too - John Hollingdale & M. Huitson

Red Admirals seen at the following sites - 1 at Vicarage Farm (TQ 30 97) at 10:39 hrs, 1 or 2 near Shaws Wood at Vicarage Farm (TQ 29 96), 2 at Long Garden, Trent Park at 11:20 hrs, 1 E edge of Icehouse Wood, Trent Park at 11:31 hrs, 1 flew S at Park Farm at 12:57 hrs, 1 at Parkside Farm, Enfield at 13:42 hrs and 1 White species (Small or Green-veined) E edge of Icehouse Wood. 1 Common Marbled Carpet and 1 Large Ranunculus moths at ASDA Southgate - Robert Callf

Hounslow Heath/Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Warm but not much sun, still a few butterflies this morning: Speckled Wood: 4 Red Admiral: 2 Comma: 2 - Peter Gore

Thursday 12th October 2017
4 Red Admiral nectaring on flowering ivy at Long Garden, Trent Park at 10:48 hrs, 1 Red Admiral and 1 Comma nectaring on michaelmas daisies E edge of Icehouse Wood, Trent Park at 11:00 hrs, 1 Speckled Wood E edge of Icehouse Wood, Trent Park at 11:02 hrs, 1 Red Admiral actively migrating at Ferny Hill Farm, Enfield at 11:48 hrs, 2 Red Admiral actively migrating at Park Farm, Enfield at 11:58 and 12:03 hrs, 1 Speckled Wood at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) at 13:01 hrs - Robert Callf

Hounslow Heath/Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. A pleasantly sunny early afternoon walk with good numbers of active butterflies once again: Speckled Wood: 4 Red Admiral: 6 Brimstone: 1 (m.) Comma: 2 Small Copper: 4 - Peter Gore

Wednesday 11th October 2017
2 Red-green Carpet (moths) at ASDA Southgate - Robert Callf

I disturbed a Red Admiral today which was on a hollyhock flower. I am in Broadfield Place, Welwyn Garden City - Jennie Reed

A Red Admiral at Otterspool near Aldenham, grid ref TQ 1307 9907 (tetrad TQ19 J). The butterfly was flying and basking several metres up in the crown of a young beech tree next to a ride in a small wood. – Colin Everett

Monday 9th October 2017
Whilst out covering a habitat for my next newspaper column I came across 2 Clouded Yellows near Bishop's Stortford at TL 473229 at 1pm on rough ground in light breeze with darkening skies. Both were moving east. My first of the year - Jonathan Forgham

2 Red Admiral settled on bramble at Whitewebbs Park at 11:20 hrs and 1 Red Admiral nectaring on flowering ivy at Hilly Fields Park, Enfield at 12:35 hrs. 1 Speckled Wood at Library Green, Enfield Town at 14:15 hrs. 1 Treble Brown-spot moth at ASDA Southgate - an unusual late record? - Robert Callf

Sunday 8th October 2017
Marshalling Yards: Red Admiral: 1 Speckled Wood: 1; Crane/Pevensey: Red Admiral: 1; Hounslow Heath/Heather: Small Copper: 1 - Peter Gore

1 Red Admiral at Ivy Road Recreation Ground, N14 (TQ 296 946) at 14:47 hrs and 2 Brindled Green moths at ASDA Southgate - Robert Callf

Two Red Admirals, a Comma seen on ivy today in the garden with an unidentified white seen at a distance at Nicholls Farm, Redbourn - Peter Tallantire

2 Red Admiral, 3 Speckled Wood seen at Brent Reservoir - Shailesh Patel

Three Red Admiral on ivy in my Ware garden this morning – Liz Goodyear

Saw a male Common Blue today at Fryent Country Park - Michael Hammond and Michael Robinson

Friday 6th October 2017
Chess Valley, South of Sarratt (TQ 038 978). Two Small Coppers, in cop, on the path leading to the footbridge over the river - Graham and Bridget Elcombe

Hounslow Heath/Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. It was noticeable that several of this afternoon's sightings were very likely also yesterday's. Nevertheless, two more species were identified and the total increased again so not all the same and good for the first week in October: Speckled Wood: 3 Large White: 2 Small White: 1 Comma:1 Common Blue (f): 1 Small Copper: 5 Red Admiral: 6 Peacock: 1 - Peter Gore

2+ Red Admiral and 1 Comma nectaring on michaelmas daisies at Vicarage Farm near Shaws Wood 13:30 - 13:45 hrs, 2 Speckled Wood at Lakeside, EN2 between 14:00 - 14:15 hrs - Robert Callf

Thursday 5th October 2017
Hounslow Heath/Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Another pleasantly sunny autumn day similar to Tuesday but leading to slightly greater variety and numbers of butterflies: Red Admiral: 6 Speckled Wood: 4 Comma: 4 Large White: 1 Peacock: 1 Small Copper: 3. One unidentified smaller white also seen - Peter Gore

2 Speckled Wood clashing near Rangers' Hut at Grovelands Park, Southgate (TQ 308 943) this afternoon at 12:45 hrs - Robert Callf

1 x Red Admiral at Northwood HQ, Sandy Lane this morning - David Gower

Wednesday 4th October 2017
2 Red Admiral (1 at Parkside Farm near Hadley Road Pump House at 12:35 hrs, 1 at Vicarage Farm near Shaws Wood at 14:08 hrs). Moths: 1 Brindled Green and 1 Garden Carpet at ASDA Southgate - Robert Callf

Tuesday 3rd October 2017
In my Harpenden garden, 2 Red Admiral and 1 Comma on my buddleia bush today plus a migrant Rush Veneer moth in the light trap for the night of 2 October. Photo: Rush Veneer - David Hunt

In Trent Park between 13:20 - 14:40 hrs - 7 Speckled Wood (a good number for October?), 7 Small Copper between 13:43 - 14:36 hrs, 1 Green-veined White - fresh, briefly settled near Oakwood entrance at 13:27 hrs, 1 Red Admiral at 13:53 hrs. 1 Box-tree moth at ASDA Southgate - my first record in the Enfield Area - Robert Callf

Hounslow Heath/Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. A pleasantly sunny early afternoon walk,with Red Admiral the commonest species, including a minimum count of 7 on a single Ivy covered tree on the riverside portion of the Pevensey loop.Here they moved from nectaring on the Ivy to the nettles below, which may well have been an earlier "home" as caterpillars were seen some weeks ago. I have no doubt a higher total could have been reached by staying on site longer or getting closer to the relevant trees. Here are the full details: Speckled Wood: 6 Red Admiral: 10 Small Copper: 1 - Peter Gore

Monday 2nd October 2017
4 Small Copper at Trent Park (3 'Old Golf Course' 1 near Water Garden), 1 Comma nectaring on yew berries E edge of Icehouse Wood, Trent Park (TQ 293 974) at 10:55 hrs, 1 Speckled Wood - faded, near Dew Pond, Trent Park (TQ 293 972) at 11:00 hrs, 1 Comma nectaring on michaelmas daisies at Vicarage Farm near Shaws Wood (TQ 297 972) at 11:17 hrs, 1 Speckled Wood - fresh, at Vicarage Farm near Merryhills Brook at 11:23 hrs, 4+ Red Admiral at Vicarage Farm, Enfield including two nectaring on michaelmas daisies. 7 Small Copper at 'New Fields' Trent Park between 13:45 - 14:15 hrs, 3 Speckled Wood at Trent Park 'New Fields' (1 near Triangular Wood at 13:55 hrs, 1 near Church Wood at 14:04 hrs, 1 near Cockfosters entrance at 14:15 hrs) - Robert Callf

Stopped for a brief lunch visit at Tower Hamlets CP and bumped into Bob Watts (BC member) and Ken, Ranger from THCP admiring a Clouded Yellow. Seems to have been a good year at this site with another Silver-washed Fritillary reported by the Friends Group at this Central London site. Today, also saw at least 2 Small Whites plus others unidentified Whites and a Common Blue at THCP and another Small White along the Limehouse Cut (TQ 37 81) - Paul Busby

Found a Small Copper egg in eastern side of Knebworth Park - See Facebook page for photo - Peter Clarke

September 2017

Saturday 30th September 2017
1 Red Admiral flew S at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 98) at 11:00 hrs, 1 Red Admiral at Strayfield Road, EN2 at 12:00 hrs, 1 Speckled Wood at Flash Lane, EN2 at 12:02 hrs, 3 Small Copper at Whitewebbs Park (TQ 323 991) at 12:38 - 12:40 hrs, 1 Red Admiral at Whitewebbs Park at 12:38 hrs, 1 Speckled Wood at 1 Small White at Whitewebbs Park at 12:40 - 12:41 hrs, 3 Red Admiral together at Hilly Fields Park, Enfield (TQ 318 988) at 12:57 hrs. 4 Small Copper at Trent Park 'New Fields' this afternoon between 15:43 - 15:48 hrs, mostly nectaring on ragwort. 1 Brimstone Moth at Gordon Hill Station (TQ 318 977) - Robert Callf

Friday 29th September 2017
1 Red-green Carpet moth at ASDA Southgate - Robert Callf

Thursday 28th September 2017
1 Red Admiral at Genotin Road, Enfield Town at 13:09 hrs - Robert Callf

Some London Borough of Brent sightings; 2 Small White in flowerbeds at Chalkhill Park, Wembley Park (TQ19 86), a Speckled Wood by the River Brent bridge at Blackbird Hill (TQ 20 86) and another Small White at the Thames21 Environmental Centre, Welsh Harp (TQ 20 87) - Paul Busby

Hounslow Heath/Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Although there was mud and puddles to be avoided and a very high river there was no actual paddling necessary and a pleasantly sunny walk meant a few more butterflies: Speckled Wood: 3 Red Admiral: 3 Small White: 2 Common Blue (f): 1 Comma: 2 Small Copper: 1 - Peter Gore

Wednesday 27th September 2017
1 Small White at Hog Hill, Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 305 975), 1 Small Copper at Parkside Farm/Res., Enfield (TQ 29 98) at 12:35 hrs, 2 Red Admiral at Park Farm including one flying S, 3 or 4 Green-veined White at Park Farm, Enfield near Duncan's Wood, Enfield Chase, including one fresh individual, 1 male Small Copper at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 13:29 hrs, 1 Small Copper at Vicarage Farm near Shaws Wood at 14:02 hrs, 1 Small White along Merryhills Brook at Vicarage Farm, Enfield at 14:14 hrs. 1 Large Ranunculus moth at ASDA Southgate - Robert Callf

A male White-point moth, a migrant to the UK, found in my Harpenden trap for the night of 26 September. Photo: White-point moth - David Hunt

Hounslow Heath/Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Another afternoon walk, not quite as much sun as yesterday: Speckled Wood: 1 Meadow Brown: 1 Red Admiral: 3 Green-Veined White: 1 Small Copper: 1. The Heather here has mostly finished, sundry yellow Composites and Yarrow seem to draw the Small Coppers. Sorrel is looking healthy and plentiful for the next generation - Peter Gore

3 lively Red Admirals round Ivy blossom in my Hatfield garden, plus 1 passing White - John Moss

Tuesday 26th September 2017
Green Park London W1 - Small White and Speckled Wood. Don't recall ever having seen a Speckled Wood this far into central London before - Malcolm Hull

Hounslow Heath/Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. A mixture of sunshine and cloud this afternoon with Small Coppers half the butterflies seen: Speckled Wood: 2 Small Copper: 5 Small White: 1 Green-Veined White: 1 Brown Argus: 1 - Peter Gore

1 Green-veined White settled near Duncan's Wood, Enfield Chase at 10:15 hrs, 1 Large White, 1 Small White and 1 Speckled Wood at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97). 1 Small White and 1 Speckled Wood at Town Park, Enfield this afternoon. Moths: 1 Brindled Green and 1 Gold Triangle at ASDA Southgate - Robert Callf

A pleasant walk which included being beside the Lee Navigation between Pickett’s Lock and Mossops Creek, Brimsdown and back today, produced 4 Speckled Wood, about 9 Red Admiral all on flowering ivy, 1 Comma and just opposite Mossops Creek on Brimsdown Marsh (beneath the King George Reservoir), a Clouded Yellow – Liz Goodyear and Andrew Middleton

Inspired by the reports of 70+ Small Copper on Nomansland Common (by Malcolm Hull) I trudged over there today in rather warm and sunny conditions. There were 30-40 Small Copper, mostly on the north side of the road, happily feeding on the heather and with many females laying eggs on the Sheep's Sorrel, plus a few attempted matings (mostly unsuccessful as far as I could see as the female seemed to have already committed themselves and were distinctly uncooperative). A handful of Small Copper were also on the south side of the road where they were feeding on ragwort. Other butterflies seen were 2 Red Admiral, 1 Comma, 1 Brimstone male and 1 Green-veined White, the nymphalids gorging on ivy blossoms. I examined the Common Toadflax plants for Toadflax Brocade caterpillars or signs of feeding, but found nothing. A pleasant surprise was the sighting of a small Common Lizard was basking on a pile of dried cordwood stacked around a sapling. It looked like a 2017 entry although already with most of the tail missing from a presumed near-death escape. Also of note was a small colony of about 10-12 Dark Bush-crickets basking on a bramble patch. The last time I saw them there was over 2 years ago before the patch was strimmed to the ground by the conservationists, so good to see them back and enjoying the autumn sun. Photos: Small Copper Small Copper  Small Copper - David Hunt

Sunday 24th September 2017
1 Red Admiral along Leeging Beech Gutter at Vicarage Farm, Enfield at 09:24 hrs and 1 flew S at Enfield Road, EN2 at 10:15 hrs. Moths: 1 Marbled Beauty at bus stop shelter at Chase Road/Charter Way, N14 and 1 Willow Beauty at ASDA Southgate - Robert Callf

At Nicholls farm, Redbourn (TL 092 129), I encountered a few late butterflies while pottering around outside during the course of the day including 1 Large White, 1 Green-Veined White, 1 Red Admiral and a Small Tortoiseshell. Elsewhere in the village, I saw a Comma on Ivy - Peter Tallantire

Hounslow Heath/Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. A good sunny day with sightings including a fresh-looking but rather small Peacock nectaring on Hogweed and 5 Small Coppers with yesterday's female with damaged wing once again struggling along the ground at the top of a dry embankment alongside the path. This habitat is also much favoured by large numbers of Mining Bees but I'm don't know what the butterfly finds there. Today's full list: Speckled Wood: 16 Comma: 1 Small Copper: 5 Red Admiral: 2 Small White: 2 Peacock: 1 Brimstone: 1 - Peter Gore

HMBC Butterfly walk at Nomansland Common, St Albans - 5 people joined the last Herts and Middx butterfly walk of the year and were treated to a spectacular display of Small Coppers. 76 (seventy six) individuals were recorded, all on the north side of the common in the areas dominated by heather and Sheeps Sorrell. Individuals were well distributed across the site, with many nectaring on the heather, or sunbathing on bare ground, or perched on the Sorrell close to the ground. We saw a couple of males clashing and a few attempted courtships. Most of these appeared to be unsuccessful, but one couple retreated into the depths of an oak around 15 feet of the ground, to achieve some privacy. In many years of butterfly watching I have never seen this number of Small Coppers at once - the entire walk lasted no more than 90 minutes. Also recorded - Meadow Brown, Red Admiral, Small and Large White and Comma - Malcolm Hull

1 Red Admiral - Burymead Springs Reserve, Hitchin TL18703096, 1 Brimstone - Walsworth Common, Hitchin TL19263040 - David Inward

In my Hatfield garden today 1 Red Admiral, 1 possible Comma, 1 Large White, 1 Small/GV White, all pretty active in bright sunshine. Red Admirals are round most days on Ivy flowering on my garage. Today's possible Comma was also round Ivy blossom - John Moss

Saturday 23rd September 2017
Had a few visitors to my Great Ashby, Stevenage garden today. 1 Comma, 1 Speckled Wood and several fly byes from Large Whites. Photos: -
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevelane56/37265794071/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevelane56/36555980754/in/dateposted-public/
- Steve Lane

Heartwood Forest, Sandridge - Just 1 Large White flying on an overcast day. The big news is that work has started rotovating three plots ready for planting Kidney Vetch, birds foot trefoil and other Wildflowers to attract blue butterflies and a range of other invertebrates. Click for photo - Malcolm Hull

1 Comma near Duncan's Wood, Enfield Chase at 10:46 hrs, 1 Small Heath at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 11:15 hrs, 1 Speckled Wood edge of Williams Wood, Trent Park at 12:03 hrs, 1 Small Copper near Shaws Wood at Vicarage Farm at 12:10 hrs, 1 Red Admiral near Merryhills Brook at Vicarage Farm at 12:16 hrs, 2 Comma together nectaring on thistles near shelter belt at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 301 969) at 12:30 hrs - Robert Callf

Hounslow Heath/River crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Not a lot of sun but the Speckled Woods liked it, together with a few others: Speckled Wood: 16 Red Admiral: 1 Small Copper: 1 Small White: 1. The Small Copper was a fresh-looking female but appeared to be minus much of a hind-wing - all the brighter edging. Not surprisingly this seemed to impede her movements but when I tried to look closer to see if the wing was still partially furled she still managed to rise and fly strongly away - Peter Gore

Friday 22nd September 2017
Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Sunnier this afternoon and there were a few more species around than I managed to identify positively: Red Admiral: 5 Speckled Wood: 8 Comma: 2 Common Blue: 1 Meadow Brown: 1 - Peter Gore

1 Speckled Wood, edge of Moat Wood, Trent Park at 10:04 hrs, 1 female Small Copper 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 10:12 hrs, 1 female Meadow Brown (tatty & worn) at Vicarage Farm near Shaws Wood (TQ 297 972) at 10:50 hrs; near Merryhills Brook at Vicarage Farm 1 Red Admiral at 11:04 hrs, 1 Painted Lady at 11:08 hrs, 1 Small White at 11:10 hrs, 1 Speckled Wood at 11:13 hrs; 1 Comma along Merryhills Brook at Vicarage Farm at 11:26 hrs; at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) 1 Green-veined White at 11:47 hrs, 1 Speckled Wood at 11:48 hrs. 1 female Green-veined White at Bramley Road, N14 at 13:23 hrs; at 'New Fields' Trent Park 3 Comma, 5 Small Copper, 2 female Meadow Brown at 13:34 and 13:50 hrs - Andrew Wood's assertion in his book 'Butterflies of Herts and Middx' that these are unusual after the first week of September seems to be contradicted by finding three different females today! 1 Small Heath near Cockfosters entrance at 14:03 hrs. 1 Red Admiral at Oakwood Station at 15:20 hrs - Robert Callf

A walk in glorious sunshine this afternoon in the sheltered north eastern section of Knebworth Park yielded 13 Commas, 4 Small Copper (all quite fresh so probably from 4th brood), 3 Speckled Wood, 1 Small White and an ageing Peacock. At Burleigh Farm, a Red Admiral was seen and a Large White on the north-western edge of Burleigh Grove - Peter Clarke

Thursday 21st September 2017
1 Speckled Wood at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) at 08:25 hrs, 2 Small White (both worn) at Trent Park - 1 edge of Rough Lot 10:29 hrs, 1 near Water Garden 10:48 hrs, 1 female Green-veined White (fresh) - presumably a third brood individual, edge of Moat Wood, Trent Park at 10:30 hrs, 1 female Small Copper (very fresh) nectaring on thistle head, 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park 10:38 hrs, 1 Red Admiral at Vicarage Farm near Shaws Wood at 11:15 hrs, 1 Painted Lady at Vicarage Farm near Merryhills Brook (TQ 297 968) at 11:20 hrs, also a couple of White specimens which did not settle - Robert Callf

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Out in a little morning sunshine today that soon disappeared in the clouds : Speckled Wood: 10 Green-Veined White: 1 Red Admiral: 3 A single Red Admiral spotted in my own garden on 16th,17th and 18th September - Peter Gore

Wednesday 20th September 2017
1 Red Admiral at Vicarage Farm, Enfield at 11:59 hrs. Trent Park 'New Fields' between 14:05 - 14:45 hrs - 1 Small Copper at 14:18 hrs, 2 Comma and 1 female Meadow Brown at 14:30 hrs - quite late - Robert Callf

Tuesday 19th September 2017
1 Red Admiral at Hilly Fields Park, Enfield (TQ 318 988) at 11:40 hrs and 1 Speckled Wood at Gordon Hill Station (TQ 319 977) at 12:09 hrs. 1 Green-veined White at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) at 14:45 hrs - Robert Callf

Monday 18th September 2017
1 Red Admiral along Leeging Beech Gutter at Vicarage Farm, Enfield at 10:04 hrs, 1 Comma at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 299 982) at 10:30 hrs, 2 Red Admiral at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park, 2 Comma together nectaring on buddleia by lower lake, Trent Park (TQ 289 975) at 11:45 hrs, 1 Small White at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) at 12:18 hrs, 1 Speckled Wood at Vicarage Farm, Enfield at 12:49 hrs, 1 Small Copper at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 11:39 hrs - Robert Callf

Sunday 17th September 2017
1 Green-veined White at Bay Farm, Enfield (TQ 296 986) at 10:30 hrs, 1 Speckled Wood at Town Park, Enfield at 13:05 hrs - Robert Callf

Folly Lane St Albans - Small Copper, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Comma and a couple of dozen Large and Small Whites on my allotment this afternoon - Malcolm Hull

Friday 15th September 2017
1 Large White at Vicarage Farm, 2 Red Admiral at Vicarage Farm, Enfield, 1 Green-veined White at Park Farm, Enfield, 2 Small Copper at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park between 13:57 - 13:59 hrs, 1 Speckled Wood at Vicarage Farm, Enfield at 14:57 hrs - Robert Callf

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. A little sunnier and warmer than expected. The first sighting of the day on the way to the Heath was of a now too familiar Box Moth (previously erroneously identified as Clouded Border). This one was in an Argyle Road garden, likely a different source than those in the garden here where the skeletal remains of a large Box Bush are all the evidence needed. Two more moths seen in the garden on return home but there have no doubt been far more. Butterflies as follows: Speckled Wood: 8 Small Copper: 1 Comma: 4 Green-Veined White: 2 Meadow Brown: 1 Red Admiral: 1 - Peter Gore

Thursday 14th September 2017
1 Speckled Wood at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) at 09:50 hrs, 2 Green-veined White (1 at Park Farm and another near Duncan's Wood, Enfield Chase), 2 Small Copper pair courting edge of Moat Wood, Trent Park 11:57 - 11:59 hrs, 1 Speckled Wood at Water Garden, Trent Park at 12:14 hrs, 1 Comma at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) at 12:36 hrs - Robert Callf

Wednesday 13th September 2017
I was at Gobions in Brookman’s Park with Margaret Nash and her granddaughter and in brief bursts of sunshine we saw at least 20 Red Admirals and a Comma on a hedge that was full of ivy. There were numerous hornets, which tended to ‘buzz’ the butterflies. The ivy also attracted lots of bees including Carder Bees and large Bumble Bees, possibly Bombus lucorum - Christine Shepperson

1 Red Admiral near Hadley Road at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) at 10:24 hrs, 1 Small White near Merryhills Brook at Vicarage Farm (TQ 29 98), 2 Small Heath near Merryhills Brook at Vicarage Farm. Managed to find 4 Small Copper nectaring on thistles and 1 Small White at Trent Park 'New Fields' this afternoon between 13:08 - 13:17 hrs before a shower - Robert Callf

Tuesday 12th September 2017
Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. A mix of cloud and sunshine and the following butterflies: Meadow Brown: 4 Green-Veined White: 4 Speckled Wood: 6 Common Blue: 1 Brown Argus: 1 Small Heath: 1 Comma: 5 Small White: 1. - Peter Gore

1 Blood-vein along Leeging Beech Gutter at Vicarage Farm (TQ 30 97), 1 Green-veined White near Duncan's Wood, Enfield Chase at 11:09 hrs, 1 Small Heath at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 29 98) - slowly opening and closing wings whilst nectaring at 11:15 hrs, 2 Red Admiral at Trent Park (1 'Old Golf Course' 1 near Water Garden), 1 Speckled Wood at Water Garden at 11:49 hrs.  A few sightings for Town Park, Enfield this afternoon near Cecil Road Gate (TQ 324 964) between 14:50 - 15:00 hrs - 1 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Comma and 3 Small White - Robert Callf

On flowering Ivy on the Gutteridge Wood boardwalk TQ 09 84, saw a Red Admiral, then over to Cutthroat Wood, Hillingdon (TQ 08 84) and saw a Green Veined White. - Paul Busby

Monday 11th September 2017
1 Speckled Wood at Vicarage Farm, Enfield at 10:14 hrs, 1 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) at 10:15 hrs, 2 Green-veined White nectaring on late bramble blossom at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 29 98) at 11:39 hrs, 1 Red Admiral edge of Rough Lot, Trent Park at 12:17 hrs, 1 Meadow Brown - looking worn and faded, at Hog Hill, Vicarage Farm (TQ 305 975) at 13:43 hrs, 1 Comma at Vicarage Farm, Enfield at 13:51 hrs - Robert Callf

First spot of a Small Copper today in N10 near Alexandra Park - Dee Cullen (picture on FB page)

At about 6.50pm, I had a Hummingbird Hawkmoth briefly visit the buddleia in my South Harrow garden - Michael Robinson

Sunday 10th September 2017
1 Small Dusty Wave at bus stop shelter at Chase Road, N14 near Charter Way this morning. - Robert Callf

Very breezy and cloudy but found a field with loads of Devils Bit Scabious flowering, whilst surveying Wren Wood Way Ditch, tributary of the River Pinn near Eastcote (TQ 10 89 ). Just 2 Speckled Wood and a Small White but worth another visit - Paul Busby

Saturday 9th September 2017
In my garden in Flaunden, this morning, Hummingbird Hawk Moth on Honeysuckle flowers. Second visit, I reported one last month - Jill Saunders

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/ Pevensey. Morning sunshine encouraged quite a few butterflies to fly: Speckled Wood: 16 Comma: 2 Green-Veined White: 5 Red Admiral: 2 Meadow Brown: 4 Painted Lady: 1 Small Heath: 2 Small White: 1 - Pete Gore

A few sightings for Saturday 9th September 2017 - 1 Small White at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) at 11:50 hrs, 1 Red Admiral at Parkside Farm, Enfield at 09:49 hrs, 2 Small Heath at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park and 1 female Meadow Brown at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) at 12:12 hrs. 1 Red Admiral at Town Park, Enfield at 14:48 hrs - Robert Callf

In my Hatfield garden today 2 Red Admiral round Ivy blossom, 1 pristine Comma sunning on sheltered foliage. These are 1st coloured butterflies for some time. Worst late summer I can remember for sightings, although Whites drift around most days. - John Moss

Friday 8th September 2017
3 Small White and 1 Red Admiral at Town Park, Enfield this afternoon between 15:45 - 16:10 hrs - Robert Callf

Thursday 7th September 2017
A few sightings for Thursday 7th September 2017 - 1 Small Blood-vein in bus stop shelter at Chase Road, N14, 1 Small White at Vicarage Farm, Enfield at 10:05 hrs, 1 Red Admiral along Leeging Beech Gutter at Vicarage Farm at 10:20 hrs, 1 Small White and 1 Green-veined White together at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 29 98) at 10:40 hrs, 1 Red Admiral edge of Moat Wood, Trent Park at 12:00 hrs, 1 female Meadow Brown near Water Garden, Trent Park at 12:15 hrs, 1 Red Admiral edge of Icehouse Wood, Trent Park at 12:39 hrs, 3 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97). 1 Comma nectaring on thistle near Merryhills Brook at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 297 968) at 15:15 hrs, also 1 Small Heath here - Robert Callf

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Most of the outward journey in the morning had some rather dark clouds and no butterflies, the afternoon began with a rather fresh looking male Common Blue and included a more or less exhausted Gatekeeper that could barely fly and a rather surprising Small Tortoiseshell : Common Blue: 1 Speckled Wood: 3 Green-Veined White: 3 Gatekeeper: 1 Meadow Brown: 2 Comma: 1 Tortoiseshell: 1 Small White: 1 - Pete Gore

Wednesday 6th September 2017
Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Just 20 butterflies today on an afternoon walk largely without sun. They came from 9 species though and included a Holly Blue and three fresh looking Red Admirals, all in the Pevensey riverside stretch. One of the latter trio was a particularly impressive large specimen. Although not so far today,the front garden here has played host for several days to some small white moths. Certainly at least a couple at a time, possibly more and although it's not possible to be sure they're all the same species, the species identified twice now is Clouded Border, first with a more or less black border,later with a brown one but very pretty in both versions.I'd wondered if they'd been nurtured here on a small Hazel (Thanks Squirrel!) but last night saw what I presume was one flying diagonally across the road to a lengthy hedge-row and on to a large garden behind. A little further there are some substantial Poplars to which I attributed the source of a Poplar Hawk Moth a few years ago. (They're much bigger indoors than outside incidentally!) So more likely that we're overspill for these moths. I shall look out for caterpillars shortly however. Here are the Butterfly details: Speckled Wood: 3 Green-Veined White: 2 Comma: 3 Meadow Brown: 4 Small Copper: 1 Red Admiral: 3 Small White: 1 Holly Blue: 1 Large White: 2 - Pete Gore (the moths have subsequently been identified at the Box Moth Cydalima perspectalis)

1 Latticed Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield. 1 Red Admiral Sect 1 'New Fields' Trent Park at 13:58 hrs, 1 Meadow Brown and 1 Small Heath near Triangular Wood, Trent Park at 14:11 hrs on Wednesday 6th September 2017. - Robert Callf

Tuesday 5th September 2017
At least 3 Large White and 2 Red Admiral at Oakwood Station on Monday 4th September 2017 between 14:50 - 15:15 hrs. Some sightings for Tuesday 5th September 2017 - 1 Speckled Wood at Vicarage Farm, Enfield at 10:51 hrs, 1 Painted Lady at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 304 972) at 11:00 hrs, 1 male Common Blue at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park nectaring on michaelmas daisies at 12:41 hrs, 4 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield near Shaws Wood (TQ 297 969), 1 Brown Argus at Vicarage Farm, Enfield near Shaws Wood at 13:15 hrs, 2+ Small White and 1 Large White at Vicarage Farm, Enfield near Merryhills Brook, 3 Speckled Wood at South Lodge Farm, Enfield. 3 Speckled Wood at Trent Park between Oakwood entrance and Triangular Wood, 1 Small Heath at 'New Fields' Trent Park at 14:58 hrs - Robert Callf

Monday 4th September 2017
1 Latticed Heath at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 287 983) this morning at 10:30 hrs and 1 Green-veined White here also. - Robert Callf

Saturday 2nd September 2017
Highlights today from the Maple Lodge Nature Reserve regular butterfly survey were a worn Brown Argus and Clouded Yellow recorded by Steve and Sue Place - news via Martin Parr

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. In mostly morning sunshine the highlight was undoubtedly increased numbers of Small Coppers: Speckled Wood: 14 Small Heath: 10 Small White: 3 Meadow Brown: 8 Comma: 1 Small Copper: 5 Green-Veined White: 6 Brown Argus: 1 - Pete Gore

A few sightings for Saturday 2nd September 2017 - 1 Red Admiral flew S at Vicarage Farm, Enfield at 09:30 hrs, 2 Small White at Duncan's Wood, Enfield Chase at 10:26 hrs, 1 female Meadow Brown near Water Garden, Trent Park at 11:08 hrs, 1 Red Admiral at Water Garden, Trent Park at 11:16 hrs, 1 Blood-vein at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 305 975), 1 Small Heath and 1 Green-veined White at Vicarage Farm, Enfield. 1 Large White, 2 Small White and 2 Small Copper including one with row of blue spots on hindwings, at Town Park, Enfield this afternoon between 13:55 - 13:57 hrs - Robert Callf

Friday 1st September 2017
This afternoon in Kings Langley,1st Sept another visit from a Hummingbird Hawk moth around the garden; too fast for a decent pic but fed on valerian. A Speckled wood put in an appearance and some small whites. - Elizabeth Debenham

Just reporting I saw a Hummingbird Hawkmoth today at Hatfield House Herts - Dee Cullen

On a midday walk at Tyttenhanger Gravel Pits today I saw my first Clouded Yellow of the year. I watched as it feed on St John's Wort, but then was trapped in a spider web. Luckily I was close by and able to free it - Terry Wood

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Sun in the morning, cloud after midday: Small Heath: 3 Green-Veined White: 10 Speckled Wood: 8 Meadow Brown: 12 Small White: 3 Comma: 2 Small Copper: 1 Common Blue: 3 Brown Argus: 1 Gatekeeper: 1 - Pete Gore

Checking a few butterflies early this morning at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 304 973) when I noticed a Latticed Heath - a species I have not seen for a number of years! The last one I recall seeing was at Covert Way LNR about 15 years ago - a record not mapped and possibly not submitted at the time. A few early morning butterflies at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) between 09:00 - 09:45 hrs - 1 female Meadow Brown, 1 Small Heath and 1 Comma. 1 Orange Sallow in bus stop shelter at Bramley Road, N14 (TQ 295 961) on Friday 1st September 2017 - a beautiful fresh individual. Only saw my first last October, so nice to get another. 1 Small White at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97), 1 Comma at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 29 98) at 13:10 hrs, 2 female Meadow Brown at Trent Park, 1 Small Heath at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park, 1 Comma nectaring on over ripe blackberry, Shaws Wood, Trent Park at 14:00 hrs, 8 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm near Shaws Wood (TQ 297 969) and 1 Small Copper - fresh 3rd brood individual and 1 worn Brown Argus here too - Robert Callf

August 2017

Thursday 31st August 2017
A few sightings for Thursday 31st August 2017 - 1 Comma at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) at 08:32 hrs, 1 Comma at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 29 98) at 10:10 hrs, 1 Green-veined White at Duncan's Wood, Enfield Chase at 10:20 hrs, 1 Comma at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 10:47 hrs, 1 Red Admiral at Vicarage Farm, Enfield at 11:52 hrs, 4 Small Heath (2 at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park, 2 at Vicarage Farm). 3 Speckled Wood at Trent Park near Equestrian Centre 15:06 - 15:10 hrs - Robert Callf

Lunchtime walk across Ellenbrook Fields today produced six Small Heath, the usual handful of unidentifiable whites (do they never settle?) & one each of Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown & Red Admiral, but then they all had the good sense to hide as it started to spit with rain. Robert Bull

1 Clouded Yellow on King George V Res today - Tony Clancy

Wednesday 30th August 2017
This afternoon, 30th Aug, a humming bird hawk moth fed on buddleia in the rain in Kings Langley - Elizabeth Debenham

Tuesday 29th August 2017
Butterflies I have seen today 29/08/2017: 5 small white - Walsworth Common, Hitchin TL19693026. - David Inward

A few sightings for Sunday 27th August 2017 - 1 Red Admiral near Water Garden, Trent Park at 10:28 hrs, 1 Green-veined White at Water Garden, Trent Park at 10:52 hrs. 1 Brimstone Moth at ASDA Southgate. A couple of sightings for Monday 28th August 2017 - 1 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) at 10:12 hrs and 1 Red Admiral at Southgate Chase Allotments. 2 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) at 10:57 hrs on Tuesday 29th August 2017. - Robert Callf

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Mostly cloudy and very humid this morning/early afternoon. A Small Copper made a welcome change from the current usual sightings: Small White: 6 Speckled Wood: 12 Meadow Brown: 11 Green-Veined White: 4 Comma: 3 Large White: 2 Small Heath: 6 Brown Argus: 1 Common Blue: 2 Gatekeeper: 1 Small Copper: 1 Red Admiral: 2 - Pete Gore

Monday 28th August 2017
Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Hot and sunny: Small Heath: 12 Green-Veined White: 6 Speckled Wood: 7 Meadow Brown: 24 Red Admiral: 3 Large White: 4 Small White: 3 Comma: 5 Brown Argus: 4 Common Blue: 3 Gatekeeper: 2 - Pete Gore

At the pond in my garden in Church Lane, three Small China-mark moths - Graham Elcombe.

Sunday 27th August 2017
Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Sunshine from late morning to mid afternoon. Small Heath numbers still increasing. A new high today also puts the species at the top of today's list; unusual and very welcome: Small Heath: 17 Speckled Wood: 7 Green-Veined White: 6 Comma: 2 Meadow Brown: 16 Red Admiral: 3 Small White: 4 Gatekeeper: 3 Brown Argus: 6 Common Blue: 4 - Pete Gore

3 Speckled Wood and 2 Small White at norman Leddy Memorial Gardens, Wood End, Hayes (TQ 09 81) and a Red Admiral, 2 speckled Wood and 2 Common Blue at Gutteridge Wood pond meadow (TQ 09 84) - Paul Busby

Hummingbird Hawk-moth x 1 first reported on 21st August was also seen on 22nd, 24th and 25th on buddleia in our garden, Colney Heath - Steve Evans and Ann Lee

Saturday 26th August 2017
In the Potwells area today - Painted Lady TL217031, Brimstone, Whites, Speckled Woods and Meadow Browns - Rupert Pyrah

Bricket Wood Common - surprisingly good range of species for this site early afternoon today - male and female Brimstones both feeding avidly on Devils bit scabious, Very faded Small Copper, several Commas, feeding on ripe Blackberries, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, good numbers of speckled woods, plus a few Meadow Browns, Gatekeeper, Small and Greenveined White. Also a rare (for this site) sighting of a Treble Bar - Malcolm Hull

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. A cloudier afternoon with reduced sightings and variety accordingly: Speckled Wood: 10 Small Heath: 8 Green-Veined White: 3 Meadow Brown: 24 Brown Argus: 3 Common Blue: 3 Gatekeeper: 3 Small White: 1 - Pete Gore

Some sightings for Saturday 26th August 2017 - 1 Red Admiral at Park Farm, Enfield at 10:20 hrs, 1 Holly Blue at Parkside House, Enfield (TQ 29 98) at 10:26 hrs, 2 Small Heath at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 10:50 hrs, 1 female Common Blue at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 10:58 hrs, 2 Red Admiral at Trent Park, 1 Small Heath at Hog Hill, Vicarage Farm (TQ 30 97) - Robert Callf

Twelve species of butterfly recorded on my transect (near Jockey End) today - including a Clouded Yellow and a mating pair of Green-veined Whites. - Paul Cross
https://flic.kr/p/WPLAzd
https://flic.kr/p/Xut3yL
Paul Cross

Friday 25th August 2017
Early morning visit in bright sunshine to Shenley Park, Ruislip Manor (TQ 10 87), where the Friends group have planted some good butterfly plants with loads of flowering ivy on edge of park. Only saw a Mint Moth, Large White and 2 Small Whites but worth a re-visit. At nearby Park Way Common, Ruislip Manor saw another 2 Large Whites - Paul Busby

Up to 3 hummingbird hawkmoths, 4 red admirals on my garden buddelia, Great Ashby - Colin Alderman

In my garden at Flaunden. Early evening Aug.25 the Humming Bird Hawk Moth visiting Garden Phlox - Jill Saunders

Some sightings for Friday 25th August 2017 - 1 Red Admiral at Allotments, Vicarage Farm, Enfield at 08:52 hrs, 1 Brown Argus at Vicarage Farm (TQ 30 97) at 09:28 hrs, 4 Meadow Brown at Vicarage Farm, 2 Green-veined White at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 29 98), 1 Red Admiral at Park Farm, Enfield at 10:47 hrs, 1 Red Admiral edge of Moat Wood, Trent Park at 11:10 hrs, 1 Small Heath at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 11:14 hrs, 1 Comma at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park settled on bramble at 11:19 hrs, 1 Painted Lady at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) at 12:19 hrs. Between 14:05 - 15:15 hrs at Trent Park 'New Fields' - 8 Small Heath, 1 Small Copper, 3 Meadow Brown, 1 Comma and 1 Green-veined White. 2 Meal Moth mating at ASDA Southgate - Robert Callf

I was joined by Don Gregory on Pottersheath Road near the Mardley Heath Nature Reserve at around 11 am. We ambled around in the NR and found 1 Speckled Wood, 5 Meadow Brown, 1 Small Heath, 2+ Large White, 10+ Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 2 Red Admiral and 5+ Comma. Unfortunately, we were unable to find our target species, the Brown Hairstreak. Peter Clarke (see Branch FB page for more info on the reason for this visit)

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. A sunny afternoon with overall numbers similar to yesterday but the continued decline in Meadow Browns was compensated for by a notable increase in Small Heath sightings, all the more welcome because they were well distributed across the whole area: Meadow Brown: 16 Speckled Wood: 11 Small Heath: 16 Small White: 3 Gatekeeper: 2 Brimstone: 2 Comma: 2 Red Admiral: 1 Large White: 1 Brown Argus: 5 Common Blue: 4 Green-Veined White: 1 - Pete Gore

Thursday 24th August 2017
Roxbourne Park, Eastcote (TQ 12 87) saw 3 Small White and a Speckled Wood, further along Yeading Brook saw 3 Green Veined Whites (TQ 11 86), then around Buddleia along River Pinn, Ruislip (TQ 08 87) saw 2 Red Admirals, a Comma, a Large White, 3 Small white and 2 Speckled Woods. - Paul Busby

Hummingbird Hawkmoth feeding on Valerian in our garden in Berkhamsted Thursday, 24th. Michael Anderson

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. An afternoon walk with a mix of sun and cloud. Two highlights - A Jersey Tiger Moth was the first I've seen on the Heath whilst a Clouded Yellow was the first this year on the Marshalling Yards.It was also the first to settle, choosing the underside of a Red Clover leaf.It was quite a dark specimen, a female I think, that seemed to want to linger rather than fly.Here's the full list: Meadow Brown: 21 Red Admiral: 1 Small White: 8 Small Heath: 2 Speckled Wood: 10 Gatekeeper: 2 Green-Veined White: 5 Comma: 3 Common Blue: 5 Brimstone: 2 Brown Argus: 2 Clouded Yellow: 1 and 1 Jersey Tiger Moth - Pete Gore

Ellenbrook Fields (Old Hatfield airfield). Not much to see today, half a dozen Small Heath, two tired Meadow Browns and a handful of distant unidentifiable whites.Still, a passing birdwatcher did point out a spotted flycatcher, so that was a first for me. Robert Bull

I was interested to see one Jersey tiger moth in the garden, 6th August 2017 and again a few days later, at Goffs Lane, Goffs Oak - Rchard Wistow

Some sightings for Thursday 24th August 2017 - 4 Meadow Brown at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97), 1 Yellow Shell at Parkside Farm/Res., Enfield (TQ 29 98), 1 Red Admiral at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 10:25 hrs, 1 male Common Blue near Water Garden, Trent Park at 10:55 hrs, 2 Green-veined White edge of Water Grdn., Trent Park at 10:58 hrs, 1 Speckled Wood at Water Garden, Trent Park, 1 Comma at Allotments, Vicarage Farm at 11:54 hrs, 3 Small Heath (1 at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park, 2 at Vicarage Farm). 1 Comma high in Ash tree along New River in Town Park, Enfield this afternoon at 13:47 hrs, also at least 1 Speckled Wood here - RM Callf

Wednesday 23rd August 2017
Some sightings for Wednesday 23rd August 2017 - 9 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (3 at TQ 30 97 and 6 at TQ 29 97), 1 Small Heath at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 287 984) at 11:56 hrs, 1 Small Copper at Vicarage Farm, Enfield near Shaws Wood (TQ 297 969) and 2 Meadow Brown at Vicarage Farm. 1 Purple Hairstreak settled in grass near Williams Wood at Vicarage Farm (TQ 301 974) at 10:56 hrs. 3 Small White at Town Park, Enfield on Wednesday 23rd August 2017 at 15:00 hrs - Robert Callf

Tuesday 22nd August 2017
1 Yellow Shell at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97). A few sightings for Oakwood Park, N14 this afternoon between 15:15 - 15:50 hrs - 1 Small Heath E of 10 km line at TQ 301 952 and 3 female Meadow Brown - Robert Callf

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Cloudy and extremely humid. Butterflies may have felt as enervated as I did: Speckled Wood: 6 Meadow Brown: 24 Small White: 5 Gatekeeper: 3 Common Blue: 3 Brown Argus: 1 Holly Blue: 1 Comma: 3 Small Heath: 1 Green-Veined White:2 - Pete Gore

Some Tuesday sightings. 3 Common Blue, 3 Common Carpet moths, a Speckled Wood and a Small White Meadow Brown at Gutteridge Wood Meadow (TQ 09 84) then 5 Common Blue, a Small Copper, a Speckled Wood and 3 Small White (TQ 08 84). At Little Britain lake river ford (TQ 04 81) disturbed a number of white moths on our working party, in the vegetation, one at least confirmed as Mother of Pearl moth - Paul Busby

Monday 21st August 2017
Hummingbird Hawk-moth x1 on one of our garden Buddleias - Colney Heath - Steve Evans

Sunday 20th August 2017
Brief visit to Batchworth Heath and saw 2 Meadow Browns, a Speckled Wood and 3 Small Whites (including a pair). Then by Yeading Brook, South Ruislip (TQ 10 86) saw a Comma, 3 Speckled Woods and 2 Small Whites and further downstream at Bridgewater Fields Meadow (TQ 10 85) saw a further 4 Speckled Woods and 4 Small Whites - Paul Busby

Millhoppers Reserve...a 10 strong work party had a very productive time this morning clearing the dry stream bed and surrounding areas. Whilst there I saw these Butterflies...7 Speckled wood, 1 Comma, 2 Gatekeeper, 3 confirmed GV White and 8 small/GV white, 2 Large White - Chris Hilling

Two interesting moth captures on the night of 16 August in my Harpenden light trap: 1 Bedellia somnulentella and 1 Scarce Bordered Straw (Helicoverpa armigera), both likely to be migrants. Helicoverpa armigera: https://flic.kr/p/XefLvs - David Hunt

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. No Rain during a morning/afternoon walk, otherwise the usual mix of cloud and sunshine with the following butterflies: Large White: 2 Small Heath: 2 Green-Veined White: 8 Small White: 6 Meadow Brown: 30 Speckled Wood: 14 Common Blue: 2 Brown Argus: 2 Gatekeeper: 3 Small Copper: 1 Painted Lady: 1 Comma: 3 Red Admiral: 2 .Whites increasing slightly so as usual so are unidentified ones - Pete Gore

1 Meal Moth at Asda Southgate on Saturday 19th August 2017 and 1 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield today. 2 male Common Blue at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 10:55 hrs. - Robert Callf

Saturday 19th August 2017
1 Comma at Southgate Chase Allotments on Saturday 19th August 2017 at 15:05 hrs - Robert Callf

Jersey Tiger Moth seen on 11th August 2017 at Hilfield Park Reservoir, northern shore. - Tony Taylor

At St James churchyard, Bushey 4 x small white, 2 x speckled wood, 2 x gatekeeper. Onto merryhill fields seeing 15 x small white, 2 x comma, 3 x speckled wood, 7 x common blue (1 female ), 10 x meadow brown, 3 x yellow shell. Lastly in Bushey garden 1 x red admiral, 2 x small white, 1 x speckled wood - David Gower

1 Small Tortoiseshell at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 29 98) at 09:56 hrs, 1 Common Blue at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 11:20 hrs, 1 Small Heath near Ride Wood, Trent Park at 11:25 hrs and 1 Gatekeeper at Vicarage Farm - Robert Callf

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/ Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. A walk very similar to yesterday even to the extent of a shower of rain at 11.55. Butterflies a little more varied but less numerous. The highlight came on the Marshalling Yards as a result of a small moth's brief encounter with a spider's web. I barely glanced at the escaping moth, the spider however was a fearsome looking Wasp Spider, a first for me and undoubtedly beautiful in an intimidating sort of way. The web was less than perfect (lucky moth!) but it did contain the curious 'stabilimentum.' Here are the butterflies: Green-Veined White: 5 Speckled Wood: 18 Meadow Brown: 21 Small White: 4 Brown Argus: 3 Gatekeeper: 3 Common Blue: 1 Holly Blue: 2 Painted Lady: 1 Comma: 6 Small Heath: 3 Red Admiral; 2 - Pete Gore

Friday 18th August 2017
Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/ Pevensey. A mix of cloud and sunshine this morning but a heavy rain shower around midday rather disrupted things on the return journey with only the last part seeing more sun and butterflies: Speckled Wood: 15 Meadow Brown: 30 Gatekeeper: 6 Small White: 9 Green-Veined White: 4 Large White: 1 Common Blue: 4 Small Heath: 6 Comma: 1 - Pete Gore

5 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) and 1 Small Tortoiseshell at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 29 98) at 11:25 hrs, 1 Red Admiral edge of Rough Lot, Trent Park at 12:33 hrs and still a few Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper - Robert Callf

Thursday 17th August 2017
Jersey Tiger on gate Chestnut Road EN3 16th - Brian Dawton

Regents Park - 3 Common Blues, Comma, 9 Small White, 1 Large White, 1 Speckled Wood and 1 Meadow Brown. Most summer grassland butterflies now gone from this warm central London location - Malcolm Hull

At around 2:45 pm, a Clouded Yellow near Watery Grove - Peter Clarke

1 Red Admiral at Park Farm, Enfield at 09:56 hrs, 1 Small Heath at Old Golf Course' Trent Park, 1 Shaded Broad-bar at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park and about 5 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm. 1 Green-veined White settled edge of Icehouse Wood, Trent Park at 11:03 hrs - Robert Callf

Wednesday 16th August 2017
Left my kitchen window open last night at Dalrymple Close and a Straw Underwing flew in after 23:00 hrs - not seen one of these for a good few years! - Robert Callf.

Harpenden Common on a warm and mostly sunny afternoon: 1 Red Admiral (tatty); 1 Small White; 1 Speckled Wood; 1 Meadow Brown; 1 Small Heath (pristine); and 1 male Common Blue. David Hunt

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. A little more sun this afternoon was the probable cause for slightly higher numbers seen: Comma: 3 Green-Veined White: 7 Small Heath: 9 Meadow Brown: 40 Speckled Wood: 18 Small White: 2 Red Admiral: 3 Gatekeeper: 12 Brown Argus: 3 Large White: 1 Common Blue: 6 Holly Blue: 3 - Pete Gore

Tuesday 15th August 2017
In Bushey garden 1 x large white. Moths encountered in bathroom last night were 1 x brimstone, 1 x small dusty wave, 1 x garden pebble, 1 x twenty-plume - David Gower

A few sightings for Tuesday 15th August 2017 - 5 Common Blue 4 males and 1 female at Oakwood Park between 09:35 - 10:05 hrs. 1 Holly Blue at Grovelands Park - Robert Callf

Ellenbrook Fields - 5 Small Heath, 3 Speckled Wood, 2 Meadow Brown & 2 Common Blue. A very quiet day. Robert Bull

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. A mostly sunny afternoon walk during which the most notable sighting was another Clouded Yellow,this time on the Marshalling Yards.With the absence of Comma and a further decline in Gatekeepers things are becoming less and less orange: Meadow Brown: 29 Speckled Wood: 9 Small Heath: 4 Small White: 5 Green-Veined White: 1 Red Admiral: 4 Common Blue: 12 Brown Argus: 6 Gatekeeper: 7 Clouded Yellow: 1 Small Copper: 1 Holly Blue: 4 Large White: 1 - Pete Gore

Monday 14th August 2017
Red Underwing Moth in our garden here in Berkhamsted late yesterday evening (Sunday 13th). I have not seen one here before. Michael Anderson

We have had this marvellous Jersey Tiger moth hanging around in our garden for the last 3 weeks. EN8 - Geoff Livermore

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. An enjoyable sunny morning/afternoon walk with three small pleasures - after mentioning Holly Blues on the riverside path next to the tunnel yesterday but not actually seeing one, one did appear there today as if summoned. There were no whites to accompany it however. Butterflies were generally good and varied but the next two things of note occurred on the return journey in roughly the same stretch - first a Jersey Tiger Moth flying and settling to nectar on Buddleja as I prepared to enter the tunnel and a little later the opposite extreme as far as colour is concerned, a very faded and tatty Purple Hairstreak which landed at eye level on a bramble leaf on one of those long arching brambles that become a little too familiar at this time of year. As usual it settled with wings tightly closed. All the coloured parts of its wings had been lost and the silvery grey faded to a very dull grey. I had plenty of time to observe it and it struck me that the only sign of colour was orange on the antennae and a hint of blue around the head.It seemed to be doing little except viewing the river and occasionally slightly parting its wings in response to breezes but eventually it turned to face me, walked along the leaf and spread its wings.I wish I could say the effect was beautiful but as expected it was just as worn and dull on the upper-side,seemingly rusting away were such a thing possible. Nevertheless it flew quite strongly back towards the trees having settled initially quite a distance from them. Here are the full sightings: Speckled Wood: 16 Small Heath: 5 Comma: 4 Holly Blue: 4 Red Admiral: 4 Small White: 4 Brown Argus: 6 Gatekeeper: 13 Common Blue: 6 Meadow Brown: 28 Green-Veined White: 2 Large White: 2 Purple Hairstreak: 1 and one Jersey Tiger Moth. More Speckled Woods than Gatekeepers - It's now officially Autumn. - Pete Gore

A few more sightings: Hatch End (TQ 13 91) - 1 Red Admiral, 4 Gatekeeper, a Meadow Brown and a Small White Ickenham (TQ 0787) - 1 Red Admiral, 5 Common Blue, 2 Speckled Wood Cutthroat Wood (TQ 08 84) - 2 Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, 3 Speckled Wood, Small White Gutteridge Wood Meadow - Silver Y, 3 Common Blue, 2 meadow Brown, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Small White, 1 Gatekeeper, 1 Brown Argus Roxbourne Rough, Eastcote - 1 Small Copper, 1 Brown Argus, 1 Common Blue, 1 gatekeeper, 2 Meadow Brown, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Small white - Paul Busby

Some sightings for Monday 14th August 2017 - 1 Comma E edge of Icehouse Wood, Trent Park at 11:22 hrs and 1 Small Tortoiseshell nectaring on thistles at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 300 969) at 11:40 hrs. 2 Brown Argus at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97), 1 Jersey Tiger at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 301 980) at 09:47 hrs, 1 female Brown Argus at Park Farm, Enfield at 10:36 hrs, 1 female Common Blue at Trent Park 'Old Golf Course' at 11:00 hrs, 5 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97), 1 Holly Blue at Enfield Road near Jolly Farmers PH at 12:36 hrs. 2 Holly Blue at Town Park, Enfield this afternoon - Robert Callf

We spotted a jersey tiger moth in our garden in Wheathampstead on Friday - Vanessa Pepper

Sunday 13th August 2017
One battered Silver Washed Fritillary female, Blackwater Wood, Leverstock Green TL 0948 0579 - Ashley Cox

We saw a sSilver-washed fritillary on Thursday afternoon at Amwell, near Tumbling Bay Jenny Sherwen

At Fishers Field nature reserve 3 x speckled wood, 2 x small white, 1 x gatekeeper. In Bushey garden 1 x red admiral, 1 x small white, 2 x mother of pearl moths, 1 x large yellow underwing - David Gower

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Made the best of the morning sunshine. Numbers of whites were boosted by a group of 6 on the path just before the tunnel. The path is always very dry and gritty when they visit but it floods regularly and I imagine the river deposits salts etc which they can extract. Holly Blues use the path similarly but always just 1 at a time, sharing with whites. Here are today's sightings: Meadow Brown: 31 Speckled Wood: 10 Comma: 6 Small White: 11 Green-Veined White: 3 Brown Argus: 8 Common Blue: 11 Red Admiral: 4 Small Heath: 4 Gatekeeper: 11 Brimstone: 1 - Pete Gore

Made the most of the great autumn sunshine and visited two local sites this morning... first Aldbury Nowers.. 16 Gatekeeper, 18 Brown Argus, 11 Meadow Brown, 3 Comma, 5 Silver WF, 4 Small Copper, 6 Small Heath, 14 Small White, 2 Large White, 2 Speckled Wood, 2 Dark Green F, 17 brimstone (8M + 9F), 19 Common Blue (12M + 7F) 4 Ringlet, 4 Red Admiral and 1 Small Tortoiseshell. then on to Millhoppers Reserve... 6 Gatekeeper, 7 Speckled Wood, 5 Large White, 2 Small White, 3 Meadow brown and 1 male Brimstone - Chris Hilling

Saturday 12th August 2017
Brief visit to Batchworth heath (TQ 07 92) on a cloudy and breezy afternoon and saw a single Common Blue, Specked Wood and a Meadow Brown. Then on the wild flower meadow by the railway in Ickenham (TQ 07 87) and saw a Brown Argus, 6 Common Blue, a Meadow Brown and a Small White - Paul Busby

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Today's memorable moment was more a lowlight than a highlight I suppose. It's not unusual to spot a Red Admiral on the Pevensey path and this one looked fine, just ready for take-off as I debated whether to list it after having disturbed another moments earlier (I did). Then, as I wondered if I could avoid disturbing it, I noticed that not only was it surprisingly still but also it seemed to have a few ants in attendance.As you might guess closer inspection revealed this was a butterfly dead before my arrival on the scene and the ants (red ones) were merely harvesting the edible remains. Statistically I was promptly able to 'replace' the deceased with another a little further along the same path.Here are today's live sightings: Red Admiral: 8 Gatekeeper: 6 Meadow Brown: 25 Speckled Wood: 10 Holly Blue: 1 Small Heath: 1 Brown Argus: 1 Common Blue: 6 Small White: 6 Large White: 1 Comma: 2 Green-Veined White: 1 - Pete Gore

Today we saw a Clouded Yellow fly past at Tyttenhanger Gravel Pits - Michael Robinson and Michael Hammond

A nice surprise in my moth trap on Saturday morning with the capture of a male Gypsy Moth in very nice condition. Not too many records in Herts (in contrast to Middlesex) so well pleased - David Hunt

Friday 11th August 2017
A few sightings just off the Roxbourne Rough Nature Reserve transect (TQ 12 87) including a Brown Argus, 3 Common Blue, a Speckled Wood, 8 Meadow Brown and a Gatekeeper around a patch of Fleabane in the centre of the meadow - Paul Busby

A few sightings to report for Friday 11th August 2017 - 1 Comma at Vicarage Farm, Enfield at 10:16 hrs, 1 female Brown Argus at Park Farm, Enfield, 1 Jersey Tiger near Obelisk at Trent Park (TQ 285 980) at 12:18 hrs, 1 Comma near Water Grdn, Trent Park at 12:36 hrs and a few Small Heath seen at Vicarage Farm. 1 Hummingbird Hawkmoth nectaring at buddleia at Oakwood Station (TQ 293 959) this afternoon at 14:44 hrs, also 1 Red Admiral here. 1 Painted Lady and 3 Red Admirals nectaring on buddleia at Oakwood Station at 15:29 hrs. Also a Jersey Tiger - f. lutescens, at Cecil Road, Enfield Town (TQ 326 963) at 15:39 hrs on Thursday 10th August 2017 - Robert Callf

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. A sunny morning followed by a slightly cloudier afternoon with good numbers and a Clouded Yellow which flew strongly across my path on the Heath - the first I've seen there and first of the year otherwise; the last such from species seen in other years here. The small field at the Tunnel entrance has currently attracted one or two Common Blues, Brown Argus, Small Coppers and Small Heaths which makes it quite lively when the sun is shining there. Here are the full details: Small Heath: 2 Speckled Wood: 17 Red Admiral: 4 Gatekeeper: 18 Purple Hairstreak: 1 Clouded Yellow: 1 Meadow Brown: 42 Small Copper: 1 Brown Argus: 11 Common Blue: 7 Comma: 3 Large White: 1 Small White: 3 Green-Veined White: 3 Holly Blue: 1 - Pete Gore

Thursday 10th August 2017
A brief visit to Oxhey Woods southern woodland after work. Around car park area spotted 1 x comma, 1 x red admiral, 1 x small white - David Gower

Some Thursday sightings. 4 Common Blue and 3 Meadow Brown at Gutteridge Wood Meadow (TQ 09 84) then 4 Common Blue, 3 Comma, 2 Brown Argus, 3 faded Gatekeepers, a Meadow Brown, a Speckled Wood and 2 Small White (TQ08 84) then Bridgewater Fields, Ruislip Gardens; 6 Gatekeepers, 5 Speckled Woods, a Small Copper, 5 Meadow Browns, 3 Common Blues and 2 Small White. (TQ10 86) - Paul Busby

An unusual Gatekeeper seen at Norton Green yesterday (10 Aug). The upper hind wings suffused with white but the butterfly refused to open its wings on settling on the grass - Peter Clarke

A few sightings for Thursday 10th August 2017 - 4 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (3 at TQ 30 97 and 1 at TQ 29 97), 3 female Gatekeeper at Park Farm, Enfield, 1 Small White at Parkside Farm, Enfield and 1 Green-veined White at Park Farm, 1 Red Admiral near Dew Pond, Trent Park - Robert Callf

Painted Lady today in Hatfield Park - TL241086. Otherwise just a few Speckled Woods and Whites Rupert Pyrah

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. After missing the morning sun I was lucky to get a sunnier afternoon than forecast and although some paddling was necessary in both of the riverside stretches it was brief and shallow. A Brimstone moth was conspicuous on the flowering Heather,butterflies were varied and reasonably numerous across the whole area: Meadow Brown: 43 (included three mating pairs) Speckled Wood: 10 Gatekeeper: 14 Green-Veined White: 1 Red Admiral: 5 Brown Argus: 5 Peacock: 1 Common Blue: 11 Small Copper: 2 (both female) Small White: 2 Large White: 1 Holly Blue: 3 Comma: 1 - Pete Gore

For the 2nd time this week we had 2 Hummingbird Hawkmoths obligingly nectaring on buddleia close to the landing window of our Hatfield house. They seem to cope as well with windy conditions as do bees, which walk along the flower clusters. Not much in the way of butterflies lately though - John Moss

Wednesday 9th August 2017
We have a Hummingbird Hawk Moth in our house in Ware today - Mike and Bonnie West

Tuesday 8th August 2017
Female Gatekeeper, female Meadow Brown and female Common Blue in Grovelands Park, Southgate this afternoon - Robert Callf

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. A dull morning and butterflies seen almost entirely limited to the Marshalling Yards: Red Admiral: 2 Meadow Brown: 10 Gatekeeper: 7 Small White: 1 Painted Lady: 1 - Pete Gore

Sunday 6th August 2017
News from 4th August, Clouded yellow, Lee Valley Road, Enfield - Brian Dawton

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. An enjoyably sunny walk with good numbers and variety of butterflies but the particularly pleasing sighting came at the start and featured a caterpillar. On the branch walk at the end of May Shailish Patel and John Eborall spotted and photographed a tiny caterpillar which was subsequently identified as Emperor moth. Today's sighting was the much easier to spot and identify fully grown caterpillar. This one was bright green with rows of yellow 'warts',a fearsome looking beast that had chosen to head along the same central gritty path I was using.After a while watching what didn't look like a journey likely to end well I gently encouraged it to the grassy verge which, after the usual defensive jerky reaction, it headed steadily over then away into what I hope was grassy safety for its next stage in life.Now I just have the moth itself to look for next spring. Here are the butterflies: Small Heath: 1 Gatekeeper: 18 Meadow Brown: 28 Holly Blue: 3 Speckled Wood: 7 Small White: 3 Green-Veined White: 2 Comma: 6 Common Blue: 11 Brown Argus: 8 painted Lady: 1 Brimstone: 1 Red Admiral: 2 - Pete Gore

First ever Jersey Tiger in Bengeo garden this afternoon feeding on buddleia - Simon Knott

Hillbrow LGC - 09.30 to 11.30: Meadow Brown(50+); Gatekeeper(20+); Birthstone(3m 2fm); Common Blue(11m 6fm); Brown Argus(6); Small Copper(1); Small Blue(3); Green-veined White(2); Large White(1); Painted Lady(1) - Roger Millard

Bricket Wood Common, St Albans - Silver washed Fritillary, Small Copper (3), Common Blue (3), Red Admiral (2), Peacock, Comma, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, plus all the usual Browns and whites. Common Blues, Small Coppers and Brown Argus all seem to be having a good season in St Albans, but Peacock numbers seem to be well down - Malcolm Hull

Some sightings for Sunday 6th August 2017 - 1 female Common Blue at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park, 1 Peacock nectaring on thistles near Water Garden, Trent Park at 10:06 hrs, 1 Red Admiral at Water Garden, Trent Park at 10:09 hrs, 1 Brown Argus near Shaws Wood at Vicarage Farm (TQ 297 970) at 10:25 hrs, 2 male Common Blue near Merryhills Brook at Vicarage Farm (TQ 297 968), 1 male Small Copper near Merryhills Brook at Vicarage Farm, Enfield at 10:28 hrs, 9 Small Heath (1 near Merryhills Brook at Vicarage Farm, 8 at Vicarage Farm - TQ 30 97), 1 female Small White near Allotments at Vicarage Farm at 11:28 hrs. 1 Comma nectaring on buddleia at Southgate Chase Allotments on Saturday 5th August 2017 at 15:56 hrs - Robert Callf

Saturday 5th August 2017
Visited my allotment this morning for a Big Butterfly Count. Don't forget to complete yours before the recording period closes tomorrow, Sunday 6th. Despite thundery showers I had a good 15 minute session which included Common Blue, Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Peacock (2), Small Tortoiseshell, Holly Blue, Gatekeeper (7), Meadow Brown (3), Large White(2) and Small White (2). Cinnabar Moth caterpillar numbers were well down - now about 70. All leaves on the ragwort and groundsel have been eaten and they are now trying to eat the flowers. Also Mint moth(2), White plume moth and numerous parsnip moth pupa - Malcolm Hull

Whilst carrying out today's Big Butterfly count our first ever Silver-Washed Fritillary (confirmed ID) to be seen in our Pinner garden, perhaps an "escapee" from Ruislip Woods where they can usually be found? Makes a change from the many Gatekeepers this year. Tony and Gill Porter

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. After a rather wet walk through the streets to get there it was a dry and mostly sunny mid-late afternoon walk in my usual haunts. The butterflies were fewer but the following were seen: Red Admiral: 3 Meadow Brown: 9 Painted Lady: 1 Speckled Wood: 6 Gatekeeper: 5 Common Blue: 4 Brown Argus: 1 Small Copper: 1 Small White: 1 Comma: 3 - Pete Gore

A few sightings for Saturday 5th August 2017 - 4 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97), 1 Red Admiral at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) at 11:25 hrs, 1 Jersey Tiger at Vicarage Farm, Enfield near Hadley Road (TQ 301 980) at 11:45 hrs, 1 Red Admiral at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 29 98) at 11:54 hrs, 1 Shaded Broad-bar at Parkside Farm/Res., Enfield (TQ 29 98) 1 Red Admiral at Park Farm, Enfield at 12:10 hrs, 2 female Common Blue at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 29 98), 1 male Brown Argus at Park Farm, Enfield at 12:30 hrs, 1 Small Heath near Shaws Wood at Vicarage Farm. 1 Comma edge of Rough Lot, Trent Park at 12:39 hrs - Robert Callf

Friday 4th August 2017
1 small white (photo on irecord)- St Faiths Close, Hitchin, 1 red admiral - Walsworth Common, Hitchin TL19673012, (plus several unidentified whites and browns). - David Inward

I saw a hummingbird hawkmoth close to my home in Royston - Martin Johnson (photo on FB pages with some other recent images)

Friday 4th Aug 2017 @ 18.00. Small Blue in my Letchworth garden this evening. - Roger Millard

Heartwood Forest, near St Albans - Clouded Yellow, Silver Y, New Brood Small Tortoiseshell, Dozens of Common Blues, Small Heaths and Red Admiral - Malcolm Hull

Thursday 3rd August 2017
A few sightings for Thursday 3rd August 2017 - 1 male Common Blue at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 300 970) at 10:36 hrs, 1 Shaded Broad-bar at Vicarage Farm, Enfield, 1 Comma along Leeging Beech Gutter at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 301 978) at 11:16 hrs, 1 female Brown Argus at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 29 98) at 12:12 hrs, 1 Small Heath at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 12:24 hrs, 1 Red Admiral E edge of Icehouse Wood, Trent Park at 12:45 hrs, 1 male Brown Argus at Vicarage Farm near Shaws Wood (TQ 297 970) at 12:57 hrs, 1 male Common Blue at Vicarage Farm, Enfield near Merryhills Brook (TQ 297 968) at 13:01 hrs, 1 Jersey Tiger along Merryhills Brook at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 302 969) at 13:10 hrs, 3 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 300 970) - Robert Callf

Jersey tiger moth in front garden and Old lady in shed (moth) Chestnut Road Freezywater EN3 - Brian Dawton

A late report but on Tuesday 1st of August had a Clouded Yellow on Bernards Heath near the playground (TL153082) which flew past and then landed briefly in the grass at approx 11:30am - Andrew Steele

Tuesday 1st August 2017
Stocking Pelham - 5 large whites, 1 small white, 2 peacocks, 4 Red Admirals, 2 gatekeepers, 1 Meadow Brown, 2 Small tortoiseshell and one Brimstone - Andy Brown

Visited Rye Meads RSPB on Tuesday 1st August 2017 between 11:25 - 13:35 hrs and recorded the following: 2 Brimstone male and female, 2 Peacock, 2 Red Admiral and 1 Small Tortoiseshell - Robert Callf and Helen Shore

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. For a change a very good start on the Heath this morning including two Small Heaths; sadly cloud seemed to reduce sightings later so the total is similar to recent days even though the distribution was somewhat different: Green-Veined White: 4 Small Copper: 1 Gatekeeper: 30 Small Heath: 2 Brown Argus: 13 Speckled Wood: 11 Holly Blue: 5 Meadow Brown: 36 Common Blue: 8 Comma: 2 Peacock: 1 Red Admiral: 4. Whilst there are typically a few unidentified Whites, numbers are low as they have been all year - Pete Gore

Harpenden Common started off breezy with a few spots of rain, but I was lucky enough to disturb a pristine Painted Lady lurking in the grass. With increasing sun Common Blue were commonplace, mostly males but with a few mating pairs. Small numbers of Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper and a nice group of 5 Comma in the nettle beds. Also seen were a couple of Large White, a Small White, and a second Painted Lady. Diurnal moths included a very battered Six-spot Burnet and a rather fine Ear Moth nectaring on knapweed. The hornet nest is doing well - well enough for me to keep back a few meters! - David Hunt

July 2017

Monday 31st July 2017
Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. A reasonable amount of sunshine this morning and increased numbers of butterflies although they're tending to become tattier. The Small Tortoiseshell is almost certainly the same individual as yesterday, a few yards further along the path above the Crane. A brief glimpse of very bright colours was likely to be a Jersey Tiger in much the same area where two were previously seen but I was unable to follow it out of sight high in trees to confirm. These are the butterflies: Red Admiral: 5 Green-Veined White: 2 Speckled Wood: 14 Gatekeeper: 50 Meadow Brown: 37 Comma: 5 Common Blue: 5 Small White: 8 Brown Argus: 2 Holly Blue: 3 Tortoiseshell: 1 - Pete Gore

Had a male Silver-washed Fritillary visiting my Great Ashby, Stevenage garden today, 5th visit from this species this season all others have been females. He spent time chasing and spiraling with 2 Comma's. Also saw 2 Gatekeepers, several Red Admirals, Hummingbird Hawkmoth, Peacock, Large White and Green-veined White.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevelane56/35894473570/in/photostream/
Steve Lane

Comb's Wood near Whempstead, Brown Argus - Andy Pratt

Some sightings for Monday 31st July 2017 - 1 Red Admiral nectaring on buddleia at Oakwood entrance, Trent Park at 08:53 hrs, 10 Small Heath at Vicarge Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) - my first double figure count at this site this year, 1 female Brown Argus at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) at 09:37 hrs, 2 Shaded Broad-bar (1 at Vicarage Farm, 1at Parkside Farm), 1 Red Admiral at Park Farm, Enfield at 10:38 hrs, 1 Jersey Tiger at Parkside House, Enfield (TQ 289 984) at 10:46 hrs, 1 male Brown Argus at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 288 983) at 10:55 hrs, 1 Peacock nectaring on Burdock edge of Moat Wood, Trent Park at 11:05 hrs, 2 Red Admiral at Trent Park, 1 male Common Blue near Merryhills Brook at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 297 968) at 11:42 hrs, 1 female Brown Argus near Merryhills Brook at Vicarage Farm, Enfield at 11:45 hrs. 2 Small White, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Meadow Brown, 1 Large White and 1 Silver Y at Broomfield Park, Palmers Green, N13 (TQ 302 929) - RM Callf

Sunday 30th July 2017
Jersey tiger Ridgeway Enfield 11am 30/07/17 - Brian Dawton

2 Small Blue on Roughdown Common on Friday - David Kirk

Some sightings for Sunday 30th July 2017 at Oakwood Park between 09:55 - 10:45 hrs - 4 Common Blue 2 males and 2 female (1 W of 10 km line, 3 E of 10 km line), 1 female Brown Argus at 10:22 hrs E of 10 km line, 1 Painted Lady and 1 Red Admiral nectaring on buddleia at 10:35 hrs (TQ 303 954) and 1 Small White. 1 Comma, 1 male Holly Blue and 2 Speckled Wood at Town Park, Enfield this afternoon - Robert Callf

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Despite puddles to negotiate it felt very similar to yesterday's walk with the highlight being a fresh looking Small Tortoiseshell, the first, I think, since the first day of the month. Here's the full list: Red Admiral: 7 Meadow Brown: 45 Gatekeeper: 34 Comma: 4 Speckled Wood: 7 Common Blue: 4 Brown Argus: 5 Small White: 2 Green-Veined White: 2 Small Copper: 1 Tortoiseshell: 1 - Pete Gore

Hummingbird Hawk-moth (3rd seen) , Painted Lady (11th day), Brown Argus (5th day) & Small Tortoiseshell in Bengeo garden today - Simon Knott

Saturday 29th July 2017
Last Tuesday afternoon (25th July) Mike and I saw a White Admiral on a buddleia plant when walking along the Ridgeway towards Ivinghoe Beacon. We were on the look out for Fritillaries, so we crossed over a stile on the left of the footpath, just before the path leaves the woodland and climbs up to the grassland. The grid reference is: SP949139 Chris and Mike Ridley

Some sightings for Saturday 29th July 2017 - 1 female Common Blue at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) at 09:20 hrs, 1 Jersey Tiger at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 302 974) along hedgerow opposite Williams Wood at 10:06 hrs, 1 Peacock at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 29 98) at 10:33 hrs, 1 female Common Blue at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 29 98) at 10:41 hrs, 1 Green-veined White at Parkside Farm, Enfield at 10:45 hrs, 2 Comma at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 29 98), 3 male Common Blue at Park Farm, Enfield, 1 Comma and 1 Peacock nectaring on Burdock edge of Moat Wood, Trent Park (TQ 286 978) at 11:25 hrs, 2 Six-spot Burnet at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park, 2 male Common Blue, 2 male Brown Argus and 2 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield near Merryhills Brook (TQ 297 968) - Robert Callf.

Aldbury Nowers...I managed a good couple of hours this morning of warmth/sunshine before the clouds rolled over. 4 large white, 6 small white, 4 GV white, 16 meadow brown, 13 gatekeeper, 6 small heath, 5 red admiral, 4 brown argus, 6 SW fritillaries, 13 male common blue, 2 female common blue plus a mating pair and finally 6 chalkhill blue. Oh....and a pair of yellow shell moth - Chris Hilling

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. A pleasant morning with some sun, once again giving way to light rain on the return journey. Butterflies as follows: Meadow Brown: 37 Gatekeeper: 40 Speckled Wood: 9 Comma: 2 Small White: 6 Brown Argus: 4 Common Blue: 7 Green-Veined White: 1 Red Admiral: 3 Peacock: 1 Holly Blue: 1 - Pete Gore

This morning at Tyttenhanger GP had 1 painted Lady, 1 Small Cooper, 1 Holly Blue,1 Small Heath, 2 Brown Argus, 3 Red Admirals, 1 Peacock 2 Green veined Whites and good numbers of Meadow browns and Gatekeepers - Andrew Steele

Went back to Tring Park this morning and found =. 16 x gatekeeper, 36 x meadow brown, 1 x common blue, 1 x small copper, 4 x peacock, 14 x red admiral, 6 x comma, 6 x silver washed fritillary, 2 x small white, 3 x green veined white, 3 x large white, 2 x brown Argus, 1 x ringlet. Moths 2 x yellow shell, 1 x common carpet, 1 x narrow bordered 5 spot burnet, 1 x shaded broad bar. Went onto Aldbury Nowers afterwards. In lower enclosures 33 x meadow brown, 6 x gatekeeper, 5 x small Heath, 3 x small copper, 1 x painted lady, 1 x brown Argos,2 x small white. Moths 4 x yellow shell, 3 x common carpet. Next was duchie's piece seeing 5 x gatekeeper, 12 x meadow brown, 1 x small copper, 2 x small Heath, 1 x common blue female. Moths 1 x silver y, 3 x garden carpet, 1 x shaded broad bar, 4 x mint moth. Started raining after that leaving no time for higher enclosure - David Gower

Butterflies I have seen yesterday 29/07/2017: 1 small white (photo on irecord)- Walsworth Common, Hitchin TL19683026, several gatekeepers (photo on irecord), 1 red admiral - Panshanger Park, near Hertford. - David Inward

Friday 28th July 2017
3 Jersey tigers, 1 Chingford bus station on side 444 bus 2 Kings Head Hill Chingford zapped by volkswagon van, 3 near Ladysmith Road Enfield 28/07/17 - Brian Dawton

Some sightings for Friday 28th July 2017 - 3 male Common Blue at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 970), 5 Small Heath and 1 male Brown Argus at Vicarage Farm, Enfield near Merryhills Brook (TQ 297 968), 1 Comma nectaring on buddleia at Oakwood entrance, Trent Park at 11:54 hrs - Robert Callf

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Breezier when I started late in the morning but with some sun encouraging butterfly activity in sheltered spots. Cloud and a little rain limited early afternoon sightings.On an additional walk in Crane Valley Little Park I saw no butterflies in gloomy shady conditions but a kingfisher added a splash of colour whilst a great number of very large (14cms) fungi (Parasol-like) rather suited the atmosphere. Fungi of all kinds seem to be doing well at the moment.Here are the butterflies: Gatekeeper: 26 Speckled Wood: 11 Comma: 3 Meadow Brown: 24 Brown Argus: 7 Painted Lady: 1 Small White: 3 Red Admiral: 3 Common Blue: 5 Holly Blue: 1 - Pete Gore

Thursday 27th July 2017
15 fresh looking Holly Blues on 300m metres of byway from Foxholes roundabout to Presdales between Hertford and Ware this morning (pictures on Facebook page). - Andrew Wood

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Another morning walk that ended in rain but there was a little sunshine and more butterflies seen: Gatekeeper: 27 Speckled Wood: 3 Meadow Brown: 14 Small White: 5 Comma: 1 Red Admiral: 2 Green-Veined White: 1 - Pete Gore

Some sightings for Thursday 27th July 2017 - 1 Holly Blue at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 29 98) at 11:27 hrs, 2, male and female, Common Blue together at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 287 983) at 11:48 hrs, 1 Comma edge of Moat Wood, Trent Park at 11:56 hrs, 2 Red Admiral at Trent Park (1 edge of Moat Wood at 11:59 hrs, 1 edge of Icehouse Wood at 12:21 hrs), 3 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield near Shaws Wood, 1 male Brown Argus at Vicarage Farm, Enfield near Shaws Wood at 12:41 hrs, 1 male Common Blue at Vicarage Farm, Enfield near Merryhills Brook, 1 Small Tortoiseshell and 1 Jersey Tiger at South Lodge Farm, Enfield (TQ 297 965) at 13:02 hrs - Robert Callf

Plenty of butterflies in garden and the long grass around adjacent field margins and pony paddocks at Nicholls Fm, Redbourn, including over the past week Brown Argus (4), Common Blue (10+), Small Copper(2), Marbled White (6), Small Skipper (3), Essex Skipper (1), Comma (2), Red Admiral (8), Large White (10+), Small White (4), Gatekeeper (10+) and Meadow Brown (5). - Peter Tallentire

My gardener had a silver washed fritillary in Central Hitchin SG4 near graveyard/Standhill Road in early July and HEXTON CHALK pit 25/7/17 Faded Dark green fritillary shown to me by London visitor to site. I saw hundreds of chalkhill blues, dozens of gatekeepers a few brown argus and a pristine Painted Lady plus comma, peacock, red admiral, small heath, small skipper, meadow brown, marbled white - Stuart Pittman

15 fresh looking Holly Blues on 300m metres of byway from Foxholes roundabout to Presdales between Hertford and Ware this morning (pictures on Facebook page). - Andrew Wood

Wednesday 26th July 2017
Before the rain this morning, I visited Millennium Wood to look for caterpillars among the nettle beds. I didn't find any but just as I was about to disassemble the camera lens I spotted a larva on a hazel leaf. A Comma larva no less, probably in its third instar, but there were no signs of feeding damage on the leaf itself. Went back to the wood in the afternoon and found the caterpillar rolled up in a ball under the same leaf. Later, I saw a nice Brown Argus at Shackledell Grassland, my first of the year there, and an aberration too, ab. snelleni. - Peter Clarke

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Out very early in a not entirely successful attempt to avoid the day's forecast rain. I enjoyed a Painted Lady which landed on the stony path in front of me. With its wings tight closed against spots of rain I could see how beautiful the intricate patterns of the undersides are and how effective they were as camouflage in the chosen spot. I felt quite guilty when I disturbed it in order to continue but it flew strongly away as they do and I suspect it's the same individual I've spotted on several occasions recently. This is today's rather short list: Gatekeeper: 5 Meadow Brown: 6 Speckled Wood: 1 Painted Lady: 1 - Pete Gore

Brown Argus in Bengeo garden today, Painted Lady still in residence. - Simon Knott

Butterflies I have seen today 26/07/2017: 1 red admiral, 1 probable small white - St Faiths Close, Hitchin - David Inward

Enjoyed an hour pottering around Myddleton House Gardens in Enfield today (July 26th). The highlight was seeing four Jersey Tiger moths. We also saw one Large White, two Small Whites, four Meadow Browns, one Gatekeeper, one Comma and two Red Admirals. - Roger Newbold

Some sightings for Wednesday 26th July 2017 - 2, male and female, Common Blue, 2 Small Copper, 5+ Gatekeeper and several Meadow Brown in Grovelands Park, Southgate - Robert Calllf & Bob Husband

Tuesday 25th July 2017
A couple of sightings for Tuesday 25th July 2017 - 1 Small Tortoiseshell nectaring on buddleia at Southgate Chase Allotments at 15:29 hrs and 1 female Holly Blue settled outside No 170 Chase Road, N14 at 15:35 hrs. Also 1 Purple Hairstreak settled on sallow near Ride Wood, Trent Park at 09:19 hrs - Robert Callf

News from Friday 21st July 2017. Golders Hill Park/Hampstead Heath. A possible sighting of Apatura iris. About 3pm, pleasantly warm, mostly cloudy but some sun. Near the Golders Hill Park children's playground and Leg of Mutton Pond flying between large oaks at about 25m up were possibly two Apatura iris. They were certainly large nymphalids that flew in the style of iris and really could not have been anything else. There is the nearby Butterfly Greenhouse and it is possible that they could be escapees. I cannot be certain, this spot would be about 500 to 1000m from Spaniards Road, which is not far to fly and it is almost unbroken woodland between. I will try to see next weekend time and weather permitting . - Prem Roy

6.50pm: Red Underwing x 1 in our back garden Colney Heath - Ann Lee and Steve Evans

Painted Lady again present in Bengeo garden today and been in residence since 20th July. - Simon Knott

Back to Merryhill Fields, Bushey from 6 p.m. Sightings were 1 x large white, 77 meadow brown, 13 x common blue(all male), 3 x brown Argos, 3 x Essex skipper, 2 x small copper, 1 x ringlet (rescued from white spider), 1 x comma, 15 x gatekeeper, 10 x purple hairstreak ( 5 seen at same time on 2 different oak trees, 1 male basking with open wings). Moths were 1 x blood vein, 1 x common wave, 8 x yellow shell, 12 x shaded broad bar. Also in Bushey garden = 1 x peacock, 1 x large white, 1 x least carpet, 1 x small dusty wave, 1 x yellow shell, 4 x mother of pearl- David Gower

A warm if slightly overcast ramble on Harpenden Common; Meadow Brown (~10); Gatekeeper (many); Green-veined White (~10, mostly fresh-looking); Comma (3); Painted Lady (1); Small Copper (1); Common Blue (30+ males); Small Skipper (~10 examined, all female); Six-spot Burnet (1, rather faded). The Common Blue seems to have had a good season on the Common (whereas last year they were few and far between) and certainly their best year since 2014. - David Hunt

A visit to Watery Grove this morning once the sun had warmed things up produced 1 silver washed fritillary, 3 purple hairstreak,2 marbled white 32 meadow brown,.2 comma,6 gatekeeper,3 small skipper,3 small white and 2 ringlet. Also 1 silver y. - Clive Harding

Morning working party at Philpots Farm Meadow, Yiewsley and saw a Clouded Yellow, Painted Lady, a couple of Red Admirals, at least 2 Common Blues, a speckled Wood, Green Veined White, multiple Gatekeepers and Meadow Browns. Also saw a Small Heath and at least 10 common Blues at Bridgewater Fields, Ruislip Gardens during Big Butterfly Count there - Paul Busby

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. A mix of sunshine and cloud from mid morning to early afternoon resulted in higher numbers seen today although the variety is definitely on the decline now. I was pleased to spot some Harebells flowering on the Heath, I can't recall seeing them there before. Here are the butterflies: Small White: 12 Gatekeeper: 73 Meadow Brown: 44 Red Admiral: 10 Speckled Wood: 3 Common Blue: 10 Brown Argus: 3 Small Copper: 1 Green-Veined White: 1 Comma: 2 Holly Blue: 2 - Pete Gore

Walk in Broxbourne Wood started cloudy just a few ringlets, meadow browns, one silver washed fritillary, a painted lady, a very clear Essex skipper, and a blood veined moth. Then suddenly after 11.30 it warmed up. We had 15 silver washed, 8,common blue, 4 small heath, 3 commas, several purple hairstreak, 2 small coppers, and many gatekeepers and meadow browns plus whites and small and large skippers, a good end. When I got home to Bengeo, peacocks and red admirals and gatekeepers out and a humming bird hawk moth - Steve Kiln

2, male and female, Common Blue and 1 female Brown Argus at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 301 970) at 10:40 hrs. 1 Peacock at Town Park, Enfield at 14:43 hrs - Robert Callf

Monday 24th July 2017
Unfortunately the weather for today's butterfly walk couldn't have been worse: driving rain and a cold (13C at 11.00am according to my car's thermometer) wind. One brave lady (Liz from North London) made the journey, having phoned me first, and I was able to show her some chalkhill blue butterflies roosting in long grass on the old rifle range, including a male and a female on the same grass stem (she took their photo using her mobile phone). No other species were seen and we beat a retreat after about 20 minutes - such is life. - Martin Johnson

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Dullest day of the month I should think but I left it late and found some sun and some butterflies: Speckled Wood: 2 Brown Argus: 3 Small White: 1 Common Blue: 4 Gatekeeper: 30 Meadow Brown: 21 Red Admiral: 4 Comma: 2 - Pete Gore

Sunday 23rd July 2017
One sighting of interest from Therfield Heath yesterday (Sunday 23 July): Therfield Heath: one clouded yellow flew across the old rifle range at around 5.00pm - Martin Johnson.

Millhoppers Butterfly Reserve - HMBC Butterfly Walk - Despite the morning showers, ten of is enjoyed the sight of a range of butterflies on this mornings walk. Small Copper, Common Blue, Brown Argus, Red Admiral and Comma were all highlights. We saw and photographed a Red Admiral egg laid on nettles by the village car park. Green-veined White, meadow Browns and gatekeepers were all particularly common, with just the odd few large, small and Essex skippers. On the reserve magpie moth, common carpet silver Y shaded broad bar and straw dot were all recorded along with a range of dragon and damsel flies. A hairstreak like better fly or moth was active above a field maple but couldn't be identified. We were joined by three of our new reserve warden team who had made a great job of clearing the paths and attacking the hogweed - Malcolm Hull and Chris Hilling

A41 Bourne End junction - 3 second generation Small Blues, 5 Common Blues and. Small Copper - Malcolm Hull

Went to Cassiobury Park, Watford today and sightings as follows = 4 x speckled wood, 27 x gatekeeper, 52 x meadow brown, 6 x small copper, 5 x common blue, 4 x Essex skipper, 1 x ringlet, 5 x green veined white, 3 x red admiral, 7 x comma, 4 x small white, 1 x brown Argus, 1 x marbled white. Moths were 1 x silver y, 3 x mother of pearl. Onto Whippendell wood recording 9 x gatekeeper, 8 x comma, 8 x meadow brown, 2 x silver washed fritillary, 2 x green veined white, 1 x red admiral, 1 x large white, 1 x small white Moths were 2 x treble bar, 12 x mother of pearl - David Gower

Sunny and in sheltered position. Berkhamsted Common, Silver-washed Fritillary. Feeding in bramble patch along with Peacock, Gatekeeper and Meadow Browns - Daph and Mike Spittles

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Another morning walk in similar conditions to Saturday.Butterflies similar too: Meadow Brown: 32 Gatekeeper: 47 Comma: 1 Speckled Wood: 6 Small White: 6 Common Blue: 10 Red Admiral: 1 Brown Argus: 3 Large White: 1 Green-Veined White: 2 - Pete Gore

Butterflies I have seen today 23/07/2017: 1 meadow brown/gatekeeper, 2 small white - St Faiths Close, Hitchin - David Inward

A few sightings for Sunday 23rd July 2017 at Vicarage Farm, Enfield - 1 Red Admiral at 11:19 hrs (TQ 30 97), 2, male and female, Brown Argus at (TQ 301 970) and 1 female Common Blue here, 1 Small Heath and 2 Small White. 1 male Gypsy Moth flew around bus stop and then settled on neighbouring garden gate at Enfield Road, EN2 (TQ 309 968) at 13:10 hrs - Robert Callf

Saturday 22nd July 2017
Bricket Wood Common - Herts and Middx New Members Day - Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Copper, Purple Hairstreak and Red Admiral were the highlights of today's butterflies. Earlier John Murray and Andrew Wood shared the contents of last nights moth traps with an enthusiastic group of 12 new members. Too many species to mention them all, but Jersey Tiger, Privet Hawkmoth and Ruby Tiger were particularly memorable - Malcolm Hull

Some sightings for Saturday 22nd July 2017 - 1 Red Admiral at Vicarage Farm, Enfield 09:18 hrs (TQ 301 970), 2 Common Blue male and female, at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 301 97), 6 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm (3 at TQ 30 97 and 3 at TQ 297 968), 1 Small Copper at Vicarage Farm, Enfield near Shaws Wood (TQ 297 968) at 09:32 hrs, 5 male Small Copper at 'New Fields' Trent Park, 2 male Common Blue at 'New Fields' Trent Park, 1 Red Admiral near Oakwood entrance, Trent Park at 10:48 hrs - Robert Callf

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. A pleasant morning walk with a few puddles to avoid but no rain until reaching my own street home. 2 of today's Purple Hairstreaks were flying from a large Oak alongside the river (Brazil Mill Wood to give the area its official name). Observations this year in particular suggest to me that the answer to the question "Which Oaks do Purple Hairstreaks use in this area?" might well be " All of them." In which case my tiny numbers seen are ludicrously understating the true ones. Here are the full sightings: Gatekeeper: 56 Red Admiral: 6 Meadow Brown: 24 Brown Argus: 1 Common Blue: 5 Speckled Wood: 7 Green-Veined White: 2 Painted Lady: 1 Purple Hairstreak: 3 Small White: 1 Comma: 1 - Pete Gore

Friday 21st July 2017
Sightings from Friday 21st July 2017. An extraordinary couple of hours in my Stevenage garden. Between the showers, grey skies and blustery wind, the sun shone and the buddleia worked its magic. Silver-washed Fritillary, Hummingbird Hawkmoth, White-letter Hairstreak, Painted Lady, Peacock, Red Admiral, Comma, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small, Large and Green-veined White.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevelane56/36086116345/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevelane56/35917512452/in/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevelane56/35246197344/in/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevelane56/35246217704/in/photostream/
Steve Lane

Ellenbrook Fields (Old Hatfield Airfield) including old BT Field. 30+ Gatekeeper (including large numbers on somewhat overgrown bridle path down side of BT field), 5 Meadow Brown, 2 Burnet Companion, 1 Peacock (so tatty it could barely fly), 1 Red Admiral, 1 Marbled White, 1 Common Blue & 1 Purple Hairstreak on an oak sapling on the southern edge of Home Covert, the first I've ever seen here. Passing a buddleia bush in CEMEX site, 4 Red Admirals and a Comma. Robert Bull

Some sightings for Friday 21st July 2017 at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 305 975) - 1 Red Admiral at 13:29 hrs, 5 Common Blues 4 males and 1 female, 5 Small Heath, 1 Comma at 15:02 hrs, 1 Small Tortoiseshell at 15:55 hrs, 1 Peacock at 16:03 hrs - RM Callf

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. A walk with a mix of sun and cloud from mid morning to mid afternoon,very good for variety of butterflies and numbers.I think the lasting memory (I'm already beginning to suspect its accuracy) will be of a moth. This was a slender-bodied white moth about the size of a Holly Blue covered with black spots and right now I'm struggling to identify it .I'm either missing something obvious or my powers of observation have gone wrong. I had time to watch the moth and then rescue it from a spider's web so there's no excuse. Here are the butterflies I could identify: Speckled Wood: 6 Gatekeeper : 79 Meadow Brown: 42 Red Admiral: 8 Painted Lady: 1 (A second sighting more than a hour later has been omitted as possibly the same individual) Common Blue: 14 Small White: 7 Large Skipper: 1 Comma: 6 Large White: 2 Brown Argus: 6 Brimstone: 2 Small Skipper: 2 Small Copper: 1 Green-Veined White: 4 Ringlet: 2 Holly Blue: 4 Peacock: 1 Purple Hairstreak: 1 - Pete Gore

Butterfly I have seen today 21/07/2017: 1 large white, 1 Green-veined White, 1 red admiral, 2 gatekeeper, 1 small tortoiseshell (pictures on irecord tomorrow), 1 small white (no pic) - arable field edges NE of White Hart PH, Puckeridge TL3823. - David Inward

Thursday 20th July 2017
Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Still plenty of cloud but no rain and enough sunshine to send numbers up again.For some reason this year I've been getting regular visits from Red Admirals direct to myself,usually on my shirt front.Today one settled, wings closed, for quite some time on my jeans where it was reminiscent of a Grayling (in Surrey in an earlier year.) After a while with nothing much happening I decided to see if I could make the butterfly "dance" to keep facing the sun and although it was not as energetic as Grayling I got the effect including the flick of the wings so tantalizing in Grayling where you never see the upper side, but despite the brighter colours, not quite so exciting in the very familiar Red Admiral.I have to hope that this attraction of connoisseur Red Admirals to me isn't a result of my Essence of Fish Paste 'taste.' It was a good day for Red Admirals but the brown and orange fraternity still dominate as shown: Speckled Wood: 9 Meadow Brown: 38 Common Blue: 7 Red Admiral: 14 Gatekeeper: 48 Purple Hairstreak: 2 Green-Veined White: 2 Small White: 2 Comma: 6 Brown Argus: 4 Ringlet: 1 Small Copper: 1 Large White: 3 (all together these 3 which is unusual here). - Pete Gore

A brief visit to Water Lane, Watford early evening. Recorded 10 x gatekeeper, 4 x common blue, 1 x Essex skipper, 1 x ringlet, 1 x red admiral, 1 x comma. Moths seen 3 x mother of pearl and 2 x shaded broad bar - David Gower

1 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 305 975) this morning Thursday 20th July 2017 at 11:46 hrs - Robert Callf

Stocking pelham today (20th) : 1 small white, 4 large white, 2 Gatekeeper, 1 meadow brown, 1 peacock , 4 red admiral and 1 large skipper and one tatty Elephant Hawkmoth - Andy Brown

Wednesday 19th July 2017
Aldbury Nowers, we saw 1 chakhill blue, 2 comma, 3 small copper and lots of gatekeeper, marbled white, meadow brown on our grassland survey today. Jenny Sherwen

Meadow above Home Farm, Flaunden Bottom. Herts. Recently designated a Wildlife Site by H.M.W.T. 15 minute Butterfly Count on a sunny large patch of Marjoram. 18 different species recorded ...Highlights were 4 Silver Washed Fritillary 2 Brown Argus lots of Common Blue and one pristine Painted Lady. - Jill Saunders

1 Small Tortoiseshell nectaring on buddleia at Southgate Chase Allotments on Tuesday 18th July 2017 at 16:13 hrs. Some sightings in Grovelands Park on Wednesday 19th July 2017 - 1 Small Copper, 3 male Common Blue and 2 Essex Skipper - Robert Callf

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Drizzle on the way out and no sunshine. After last night's thunderstorm the river was high but no floods or puddles to negotiate. Butterflies were relatively unimpressed whichever way you look at it: Meadow Brown: 19 Speckled Wood: 8 Small White: 8 Brown Argus: 1 Gatekeeper: 32 Small Copper: 1 Red Admiral: 4 - Pete Gore

Highgate Wood, Another sighting - this time of an HBH larva on the Yellow Bedstraw in the Wood - spotted by Dan Hackett on July 15th, ten days after I saw the adult - Michael Hammerson

Here are my sightings for yesterday, 18th July: I saw high numbers and a wonderful variety of butterflies on a sunny day at Aldbury Nowers on 18th July, including: Brimstone, Common Blue https://flic.kr/p/WFVnQn, Small Skipper, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Large White, Green-veined White, Red Admiral, Comma, Marbled White, Peacock, Chalkhill Blue and Silver-washed Fritillary https://flic.kr/p/WQ58RE https://flic.kr/p/VE86xk. Moths seen included Six-spot Burnet, Dingy Footman and Common Purple and Gold - Sharon Monahan

On Patmore Heath yesterday (19th) various meadow browns but also 4 small coppers - Andy Brown

Tuesday 18th July 2017
News from Thursday 13th July 10am - 12pm Broxbourne Woods. Broxbourne Woods was alive with butterflies during a guided walk led by the Countryside Management Service last Thursday (13th July). We were delighted to see so many individuals across 16 different species. The majority of sightings occurred within the glade restoration area which is full of wildflowers and along the two main rides. During the walk we saw 2 White Admiral, 18 Silver Washed Fritillary, 1 Purple Hairstreak, 2 Small Copper, 2 Marbled White, 1 Common Blue, 40 + Meadow Brown, 40 + Ringlet, 8 Large skipper, 15 small skipper, 3 Comma, 25 + Gatekeeper, 1 Peacock, 8+ Small White, 3 Green Veined White and 2 Large White. Charlotte Carter with Steve Kiln.

Some sightings for Tuesday 18th July 2017 - 1 male Common Blue at Vicarage Farm, Enfield, 2 Red Admiral at Vicarage Farm, Enfield and 2 Red Admiral at Park Farm, Enfield, 1 female Green-veined White at Hadley Road near Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 302 980) at 12:20 hrs, 1 Comma at Park Farm, Enfield, 1 Small Copper and 1 Common Blue at 'Old Golf Course' at 13:19 - 13:20 hrs, 2 Brown Argus set-aside field near Dew Pond, Trent Park (TQ 294 973), 5 Purple Hairstreak around Ash edge of Williams Wood, Trent Park 13:50 hrs, 1 male Oak Eggar edge of Williams Wood, Trent Park, 4 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield near Shaws Wood, 1 Peacock at Vicarage Farm, Enfield near Merryhills Brook at 14:08 hrs, 1 Yellow Shell at Trent Park - Robert Callf

Painted Lady in my Stevenage back garden today. Peter Clarke

We saw purple hairstreaks mating at Hertford Heath. There were also good numbers of gatekeepers and a couple of small coppers. Jenny Sherwen

1 Clouded yellow this afternoon. In field by the old railway bridge, Kettle Green Road, Hadham Cross, Much Hadham - Christopher Benton.

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. A good sunny afternoon walk with moths mentioned first for a change. It's hard to miss a Jersey Tiger when one does fly. I was just thinking that the first one I saw as vividly orangey pink in flight looked a little like a Painted Lady with colours enhanced to 110% when a second one flew past, this time a much deeper red in flight and resembling no butterfly whatsoever as far as I'm concerned.Both settled on Brambles where the stripes were wholly distinctive. Interestingly these two were in approximately the same part of the Marshalling Yards as last year's first ever. I also got my wish for a larger gathering of 6-Spot Burnet moths - 10 of them on a small group of Thistles although there was no mating going on. The species total was probably at least 15 today, a new high for this year although I plead guilty to not recording solitary specimens seen earlier. All were on the Marshalling Yards. Amongst butterflies Common Blue reached a new high and the Small Coppers and Brimstones were one of each sex albeit at widely separate locations.The single Large Skipper I keep recording is undoubtedly the same individual every day. I feel as though we meet by appointment at a Bramble patch and shall be sad when quite soon he no longer appears. Here are the full details: Gatekeeper: 94 Holly Blue: 4 Meadow Brown: 36 Red Admiral: 8 Speckled Wood: 5 Purple Hairstreak: 1 Small Copper: 2 Small White: 4 Common Blue: 16 Brown Argus: 8 Small Skipper: 4 Brimstone: 2 Green-Veined White: 1 Comma: 4 Peacock: 1 Large Skipper: 1 - Peter Gore

I walked through Tunnel Gardens Bounds Green on way home from work at 6.00pm, 12 gatekeepers, 2 small white and 1 small skipper still active. - Miles Attenborough

Went to Merry Hill fields, Bushey at 6 p.m. today. Sightings were 58 x meadow brown, 8 x marbled white, 6 x essex skipper, 4 x ringlet, 40 x gatekeeper, 2 x common blue, 4 x purple hairstreak at least. First one spotted at 7.30 around oak tree from previous years but 3 seen at same time on larger oak nearby. Moths = 34 x shaded broad bar, 24 x yellow shell, 2 x straw dot, 1 x magpie, 1 x dingy footman, 1 x blood vein - David Gower

Monday 17th July 2017
A perfect day for a butterfly walk was waiting for 14 of us this year, and we weren't disappointed. As soon as we set off at 10.35 we saw the first of many Gatekeepers and an area of nettles with over a hundred Small Tortoiseshell caterpillars mostly in groups of 20 or more. Large Whites, Commas, Meadow Browns and Ringlets accompanied us to the sheep enclosure, where most of the group had the first sighting of 8 sheep recently introduced to the area. We also came across the first of the Small and Essex Skippers, male and female Common Blues, a Red Admiral, Ringlets, a Small White and a freshly hatched 6-spot Burnet close to the cocoon and pupa shell it had recently emerged from. Just outside of the sheep enclosure we came across several more Common Blues, the first of the Brown Argus and a surprise Small Copper, which I haven't recorded in the park for 4 years. We saw several more Brown Argus on the way to our next stop which was the fenced off dog-free area. More of everything here (except the Small Copper) plus a couple of Marbled Whites, a new brood male Brimstone and many more 6-Spot Burnets. Next stop the chalky bank, absolutely covered this year in field scabious, which had attracted some freshly emerged Peacocks and a few Large Whites plus the usual selection of browns and Common Blues. Also along the way we saw Silver-Y and Shaded Broad-bar day-flying moths, and a Yellow Underwing moth. Finally, at the small pond in the reed bed, and along the reed bed board walk we were entertained by patrolling Emperor dragonflies plus Brown Hawkers, Broad-bodied Chasers, Black-tailed Skimmers and several Common Blue Damselflies. A total of 14 butterfly species, 4 moth species and 5 dragonfly/damselfly species were seen. Approximate counts of the species were: 6+ LW, 4 SW, 1 GVW, 1 B, 15+ MB, 50+ G, 4 MW, 8+ R, 4 C, 3 RA, 3 P, 15+ CB, 3 SS, 1 ES, 10+ S/ES, 1 SC. 3 Silver-Y, 15+ Six-spot Burnet, 1 Shaded Broad-bar, 1 Yellow Underwing. - Bob Clift with Peter Clarke

Therfield Heath - butterflies seen during visits to both ends of The Heath as follows: chalkhill blue (600+), common blue (30+), brown argus (40+). Also seen: small skipper, Essex skipper, gatekeeper, small heath, meadow brown, large white, small white, green-veined white, peacock (fresh), brimstone (fresh), red admiral, marbled white, dark green fritillary (one very worn specimen). Also lots of 6 spot burnet moths. No painted ladies seen on The Heath, but several around the Royston area. Hopefully the weather (and butterflies) will be similar for next Monday's walk - Martin Johnson

Bower Heath near Batford. Weather: sunny. Alas, despite bumbling around on Bower Heath for more than 5 hrs! I was not able to repeat my finding of a Purple Emperor on site, 2 weeks ago. This is a situation where a drone would have come in very useful. For my troubles I located a few Purple Hairstreaks, male Brimstones, 2 Marbled Whites, an abundance of Red Admirals, Holly Blues plus the usual suspects, with a brown Hawker, a hornet mimic hoverfly and best of the bunch a HUMMINGBIRD HAWK MOTH on Buddleia outside someones property by the heath - Darin Stanley

Bushey garden today 3 x comma, 1 x gatekeeper, 1 x large white - David Gower

Another Purple Emperor sighting today near Wildhill, plus 8 common species in my Brookmans Park garden - Rupert Pyrah

Some more sightings for Monday 17th July 2017 - 1 Red Admiral at Bramley Road, N14 at 15:04 hrs, 3 Brown Argus, 3 Common Blue - 2 males and 1 female, 1 Small Copper and 7 Small Heath at Vicarage Farm, Enfield near Merryhills Brook (TQ 297 968), 4 Common Blue (1 male near Shaws Cottages, 2 males near Water Grdn, 1 female 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park), 1 Small Copper nectaring on thistles near Shaws Cottages at 15:34 hrs, 2 Red Admiral near Dew Pond, Trent Park, 1 Peacock at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 15:57 hrs, 1 Comma edge of Moat Wood, Trent Park, 1 Peacock edge of Rough Lot, Trent Park at 16:07 hrs, 1 Red Admiral near Obelisk, Trent Park at 16:09 hrs, 2 Green-veined White - pair copulating edge of Moat Wood, Trent Park at 16:13 hrs, 1 Comma and 1 Brown Argus at Duncan's Wood, Enfield Chase (TQ 287 984), 1 Green-veined White at Park Farm, Enfield at 16:30 hrs, 1 Red Admiral at Park Farm, Enfield, 1 Comma and 1 male Common Blue at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 29 98), 1 Shaded Broad-bar at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 29 98), 4 Six-spot at Parkside Farm/Res., Enfield (TQ 29 98), 3 Comma along Salmons Brook at Parkside Farm, Enfield, 2 Small White at Parkside Farm, Enfield, 1 Small Copper nectaring on ragwort at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 302 981) at 17:05 hrs, 2 male Common Blue at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 305 975) - Robert Callf

11 species of butterfly in my Ware garden today including Painted Lady and Holly Blue also a brief appearance from a Hummingbird Hawkmoth - Liz Goodyear

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Sunshine throughout and the highest numbers of the year,mainly thanks to the no doubt under-counted Gatekeepers but encouraging numbers and spread of Common Blue,Brown Argus and Red Admiral in the latter case territories are starting to overlap leading to skirmishes which is unusual for the species here.A solitary Small Copper was a late sighting as if to remind me that its species still seems to be struggling whatever is happening to the rest.I've seen several Gatekeepers which are very small - presumably males - they resemble Small Heaths when they're like this.Here's the full list of sightings: Gatekeeper: 116 Large White: 2 Speckled Wood: 14 Red Admiral: 15 Comma: 9 Purple Hairstreak: 3 Meadow Brown: 36 Small White: 11 Holly Blue: 1 Common Blue: 8 Peacock: 3 Brown Argus: 8 Small Skipper: 4 Ringlet: 2 Green-Veined White: 2 Brimstone: 2 Large Skipper: 1 Small Copper: 1 - Pete Gore

A three hour ramble over to Heartwood Forest proved rewarding, despite a lack of White-letter Hairstreak around the numerous regenerating elms in the hedgerows. Butterflies: Meadow Brown (many); Gatekeeper (not sure I've ever seen so many in my life); Marbled White (10+); Small White (many); Green-veined White (Many); Large White (many); Brimstone (4); Peacock (5); Red Admiral (20+, all in fresh condition so either an emergence or maybe a migration); Comma (10+); Common Blue (many, males and females); Brown Argus (1); Small Skipper (10+, all female); Purple Hairstreak (1); Holly Blue (2); Painted Lady (1). Moths: Dusky Sallow nectaring on knapweed, one near East Common (TL142199) the other near Pipers Lane (TL155130), the latter accompanied by a Smoky Wainscot, also nectaring in full sun; Six-spot Burnet (5+ in the northwest flower meadow at Heartwood). The Painted Lady was the first I've seen this year and the Holly Blue seems to be much less frequent than last year. - David Hunt

Visited Frogmore Meadow H.M.W.T. Reserve in Chess Valley for 15 minute butterfly count this morning. On patch of flowering creeping thistle by the woodland edge. 2 Silver Washed Fritillary, 8 Meadow Brown, 2 Large White, 2 Peacock, 1 Red Admiral, 3 Common Blue, 2 Small Skipper, 1 Large Skipper, 2 Comma, 1 Marbled White, 6 Gatekeeper, 2 Brimstone - Jill Saunders

Some sightings for Saturday 15th July 2017 - 3 Brown Argus and 1 male Common Blue at Vicarage Farm, Enfield near Merryhills Brook (TQ 297 968) 15:45 - 15:55 hrs, 1 Red Admiral along Leeging Beech Gutter at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) at 16:45 hrs. Some sightings for Sunday 16th July 2017 at Oakwood Park - 1 Small Copper at 17:39 hrs W of 10 km line which divides the site and 1 male Common Blue at 17:45 hrs E of 10 km line. Some sightings for Monday 17th July 2017 at Trent Park between 12:05 - 13:30 hrs - 1 female White-letter Hairstreak nectaring on ragwort near Oakwood entrance (TQ 291 961) at 12:06 hrs - my fifth sighting in Trent Park this year! 7 male Common Blue, 5 Six-spot Burnet, 4 Shaded Broad-bar, 16 Small Copper - a good count given the low numbers last year! 2 Red Admiral, 3 Peacock, 4 Comma, 2 Painted Lady beautifully fresh individuals nectaring on thistles, 1 Essex Skipper, 2 Green-veined White pair copulating edge of Church Wood, 12:53 hrs, 1 Large White edge of Church Wood, 1 Purple Hairstreak low down on oak near Sports Field at 13:14 hrs - Robert Callf

Sunday 16th July 2017
Good variety of butterflies seen (13 Species seen today) in Eastcote and South Ruislip and starting to see small numbers of Brown Argus, Small Copper and Common Blue emerging at various locations. By Yeading Brook banks (TQ10 86) saw a Holly Blue, Red Admiral, 2 Comma, a Gatekeeper, 2 Green Veined White, a Large white, 2 Small White and 4 Speckled Wood. Then further along by the re-rooted pond dredgings saw 4 Gatekeepers, a Small White and a male Common Blue. Added more Common Blues, a Brown Argus, large numbers of Gatekeepers, Essex and Small Skippers, Whites, Meadow Browns and Speckled Wood during my Big butterfly Count on the small rough meadow behind Ruislip Gardens station. - Paul Busby

11:00 am just north of the "scraped" patch on Aldbury Nowers (SP 94892 13802). Found a "busy" patch of wild marjoram and in the big butterfly count 15 minutes, saw 10+ meadow brown, 15+ gatekeeper, 3 peacock, 1 red admiral, 1 ringlet, 5 marbled white, 2 large skipper, 1 brown argus, 2 large white, 1 painted lady, 1 comma, 3 silver washed fritillary, 1 chalk hill blue, 2 common blue and 2 essex skipper. I don't remember seeing such variety in so little time in such a small area before - and it wasn't even sunny! - Colin Sturges

Brent Reservoir, Red Admiral, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Green-veined White, Holly Blue, Meadow Brown, Small Copper, Small Skipper, Large White, Comma and Marbled White - Shailesh Patel

Butterfly I have seen today 16/07/2017: 4 small white, 1 red admiral - Walsworth Common, Hitchin TL196302. 1 meadow brown - St Faiths Close, Hitchin TL19873030. 1 small white - Woolgrove Road TL1930. - David Inward

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Despite the continuing lack of sunshine this was a good day for both numbers and variety. A Brimstone on Perennial Sweet Pea seems to be an annual occurrence but still feels "wrong." Here are the full details: Speckled Wood: 8 Meadow Brown: 45 Small Skipper: 4 Gatekeeper: 61 Green-Veined White: 4 Red Admiral: 5 Common Blue: 2 Ringlet: 3 Brown Argus: 3 Holly Blue: 5 Comma: 7 Painted Lady: 1 Peacock: 2 Small White: 3 Large White: 1 Large Skipper: 1 Purple Hairstreak: 1 Brimstone: 1 - Pete Gore

Saturday 15th July 2017
A few sightings for Saturday 15th July 2017 between 12:45 - 14:00 hrs (cloudy and drizzly conditions): 1 male Common Blue, 4 Red Admiral, 1 Small Copper, 4 Six-spot Burnet including a pair mating - not as many around as this time last year, 1 Shaded Broad-bar - Robert Callf

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Started out in afternoon drizzle and although things improved a little, cloud remained. In the circumstances numbers and variety still quite good: Gatekeeper: 48 Meadow Brown: 26 Brown Argus: 2 Green-Veined White: 3 Small White: 4 Ringlet: 1 Comma: 2 Holly Blue: 1 Speckled Wood: 2 Red Admiral: 1 Small Skipper: 1 Common Blue: 1 - Pete Gore

Number of grass moths and a Cinnabar flew up from grass during the Scythe festival at Pinn Meadows, Ruislip (TQ09 88). Bit overcast and damp but saw 8+ Meadow Brown and a Gatekeeper - Paul Busby

2 jersey tiger moths on ivy in Painters Lane Freezywater Enfield EN3 - Brian Dawton

Ventured off to Tring Park today. Weather mostly breezy and cloudy with outbreaks of sun. No sign of emperors but 8 x silver washed fritillary, 6 x comma, 9 x red admiral, 6 x large white, 4 x small white, 1 x green veined white, 44 x meadow brown, 7 x ringlet, 3 x large skipper, 1 x essex skipper, 1 x small skipper, 2 x marbled white, 26 x gatekeeper, 2 x yellow shell moth - David Gower

Friday 14th July 2017
Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. After mentioning my inability to spot any Ringlets yesterday it was no doubt inevitable that 3 of them would choose to present themselves to me at widely separate locations today (Perhaps I should just mention the complete absence here of Fritillaries and Purple Emperors...) Conditions were actually cloudier and breezier today but still overall reasonable numbers: Gatekeeper: 57 Red Admiral: 10 Purple Hairstreak: 1 Small Skipper: 1 Small White: 6 Green-Veined White: 4 Holly Blue: 1 Brown Argus: 2 Common Blue: 2 Speckled Wood: 4 Meadow Brown: 25 Ringlet: 3 Large Skipper: 1 Comma: 3 Peacock: 1 - Pete Gore

Some sightings for Friday 14th July 2017 in Oakwood Park, N14 between 14:15 - 15:10 hrs - 6 Common Blue 5 males and 1 female egg laying, 6 male Small Copper, 5 Six-spot Burnet - all E of 10 km line which divides this site. Boxer's Lake, Enfield between 15:20 - 15:45 hrs - 1 Comma, 1 Green-veined White, 2 Speckled Wood, 1 Red Admiral. Lakeside, EN2 - 1 Red Admiral at 15:52 hrs - Robert Callf

We saw 4+ silver washed fritillaries, 2 small copper, lots of meadow brown and ringlet while surveying at Danemead today Jenny Sherwen

A good July in Highgate Wood - saw a Marbled White there this afternoon - another first record from the Wood. - Michael Hammerson

Afternoon tube from Eastcote Station and saw a Mint moth on Sage and a very ragged Speckled Wood in the station flower bed (TQ 11 87). Onto Wembley Park, walked through Chalkhill Park (TQ 19 86) with good wildlife interpretation boards spoilt by recent brush-cutting of all wild flowers and brambles on fence line leaving just shredded rubbish, just 3 Gatekeepers, a Meadow Brown and a Small White had escaped the carnage. Finally, 15 minutes at Welsh Harp EEC (TQ 20 87) and saw a Marbled White, a very tatty Ringlet, 12+ Gatekeepers and 6+ Meadow Browns - Paul Busby

I was crossing Rickneys Quarry this afternoon when a large dark butterfly with white wing bands did two circuits over the path before disappearing into the shrubs beyond the fence, as this point is about 300m from the assembly point in Bardon Clumps and there was a big Sallow in the shrubs I'm inclined to think it was a Purple Emperor. – Andrew Wood

Thursday 13th July 2017
Recorded in Bushey garden this evening were 1 x least carpet, 1 x single dotted wave, 1 x green oak tortrix, 1 x endotricha flammealis - David Gower

At Danemead on Tuesday we saw 3 silver washed fritillary, 2 fresh red admiral, 1 large white, 2 comma and lots of meadow browns and ringlets. At Alpine Meadow we saw c5 silver washed fritillary, 2 dark green fritillary. There were good numbers of common blue, marbled white, meadow brown, ringlet, small and large skippers. We were grassland surveying on both days so unable to record exact counts - Jenny Sherwen

A surprise visitor arrives during our Norton Green walk this morning. Although it was sunny when seven of us started at 10:30 it was predominantly cloudy after 11:30. Nevertheless we encountered a good number of butterflies including 2 Large Skipper, 20+ Small Skipper, 2 Green-veined White, 2 Small White, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 6 Red Admiral, 3 Comma, 4 Silver-washed Fritillary, 30+ Gatekeeper, 30+ Meadow Brown, 20+ Marbled White, 20+ Ringlet, 5 Purple Hairstreak, 3 Common Blue and 2 Small Copper. At around 11 am, a large white-banded black butterfly was flitting over some shrubs west of the open area at the common. For a moment it fed on bramble but it was too far away to be absolutely sure what it was. It was only when we looked at one of Bob's photos that, to our amazement, it was a White Admiral, a species not recorded here since 2014 so fantastic news. Moths seen include Blood-vein, Shaded Broad bar and Common Carpet - Peter Clarke with Don Gregory and Bob Clift

A couple of hours in the morning on Nomansland Common, starting off sunny then clouding over: Meadow Brown (many); Gatekeeper (very many); Ringlet (a few); Marbled White (a few); Red Admiral (1); Comma (2); Small White (many); Green-veined White (many); Large White (2); Purple Hairstreak (10+); Common Blue (10+); Small Skipper (1 female); Essex Skipper (1 female). Good numbers of Cinnabar larvae on the ragwort in various places on the common - David Hunt

Some sightings for Thursday 13th July 2017 - 2 Gatekeeper and 1 Meadow Brown at Rectory Farm, Enfield, 1 Comma and 3 Green-veined White at Flash Lane Aqueduct (TQ 322 993) at 12:55 hrs, 1 Red Admiral at Whitewebbs Park at 13:08 hrs, 1 Comma and 2 Gatekeeper at Guy Lodge Farm, Enfield (TQ 330 999), 1 Small Copper nectaring at convolvulus flower at Maiden's Bridge, Forty Hall CP (TQ 342 987) at 14:30 hrs, 1 Large White at Forty Hall CP at 14:35 hrs, 1 Red Admiral at Forty Hall CP at 14:42 hrs - Robert Callf

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. With the river back in its normal location this was a much drier afternoon walk than yesterday.Actually tried to find a Ringlet today but failed completely again.6 Spot Burnet moths are increasing though -11 today but I'm still not seeing the orgiastic gatherings on Knapweed familiar in other years.I did see one attractive light coloured moth conspicuously nectaring on Greater Knapweed -the nearest I can get to an identification is Bordered Straw but I could well be wrong. - Pete Gore

Visited Clothall Common and Baldock bypass area today. There were 15 male and 2 female Chalkhill Blues at the north end of the common most fairly close to the bypass. At the point where the Icknield Way crosses the bypass there were 5 males and a female. These look like a proper establishment down the A505 from Therfield Heath establishing new colonies on the abundant Horseshoe Vetch along this road. I have previously only seen odd males here in strong dispersal years. Also hundreds of Six Spot Burnets, the relatively rare Sitochroa verticalis and palealis moths and Shaded Broad-bar moths. Gatekeepers the most frequent butterfly but also around Common Blue, Small Copper, Small and Essex Skipper, Meadow Brown, Marbled White, Small Heath, Ringlet Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and Brimstone. Pictures to follow on Facebook - Andrew Wood

Had an about 1.5km return trip exploratory walk up over Belmont Hill ( TQ16 91 )through Stanmore Golf Course fenced off either side. All I saw was a solitary Speckled Wood. Then onto Long Meadow at Eastcote House Gardens ( TQ 10 88) and had a more productive short 15 minute stroll. In the new Prairie style flower bed by the recent Archaeological dig and saw 2 bright Commas, a male Common Blue, a Small White, a Gatekeeper and a Meadow Brown. Over the River Pinn into the main meadow and saw a stray Marbled White (rare here), another male Common Blue, at least 3 Essex Skippers, a Speckled Wood and about a dozen of each Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown - Paul Busby

Wednesday 12th July 2017
Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. After much rain this afternoon's walk included some paddling in both overflowing sections of the Crane. Although the sun shone only intermittently numbers seen still quite high: Gatekeeper: 50 Meadow Brown: 40 Small White: 7 Large Skipper: 1 Red Admiral: 6 Speckled Wood: 2 Small Skipper: 3 Small Copper: 2 Green-Veined White: 5 Common Blue: 6 Brown Argus: 2 Tortoiseshell: 1 Comma: 9 Holly Blue: 1 Small Heath: 1 - Pete Gore

9th July - Ellenbrook Fields - Silver Washed Fritillary TL201088. Today - Redwell Wood - Purple Emperor . Also around North Mymms Park - plenty of Meadow Browns, Marbled Whites, Gatekeepers, Ringlets, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Large White, GV White, and small Skippers (presumably Small rather than Essex). Rupert Pyrah

Butterfly I have seen today 12/07/2017: 1 small white (pictures on irecord) - St Faiths Close, Hitchin TL19873030. - David Inward

Batford, weedy field - 1 WLH, 1 Brown argus, several common Blues, Marbled whites & 2 PURPLE HAIRSTREAKS (in oak by public footpath beyond the weedy field) - Darin Stanley

Margaret Nash and I were walking in the East Garden at Hatfield House today. It has lots of wild grassy areas where we saw numerous Small Skippers on the plentiful Knapweed together with fresh bright orange Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns and Ringlets. There was one fast flying Red Admiral and a single Marbled White and Green veined white, also a solitary Common Blue. Beside the croquet lawn was several patches of marjoram where we saw three fiery Small Coppers - Christine Shepperson

Sandridge Road, St Albans. The first Painted Lady I've seen in our garden this season visited buddleia bushes today (12 July). Also 2x Comma and one each of Red Admiral, Peacock, and Small Tortoiseshell. A Ringlet on 3 July was the first I can ever recall finding in our garden. - David Utting

Saw a Red Admiral, Small White, Comma, Speckled Wood and a couple of Meadow Browns by the River Pinn Ickenham (TQ07 86) with a team of students volunteering from "The Challenge" - Paul Busby

A mid afternoon walk around the meadows of Greenwood Park. I started near the Midway Surgery entrance to the Park and walked parallel to the Watford Road, A414 and A 405. I was rewarded with the most Small Coppers I have ever seen in one walk, over 25 mainly enjoying the ragwort, I also spotted Marbled Whites, Meadow Browns, Gatekeepers, Small and Essex Skippers, Large and Small Whites, Common Blue and Comma. Also 6 spot Burnet Moths and Cinnabar Caterpillars, and one huge Blue Dragonfly that I was unable to identify! Credit to St Stephens Parish Council who have been managing this meadow for many years and are now seeing the benefits of all their hard work. - Mandy Floyd

A few more sightings for Wednesday 12th July 2017 - 1 Red Admiral at The Bourne, N14 at 13:41 hrs. Some sightings for Trent Park 'New Fields' between 15:30 - 16:30 hrs - 9 Small Copper including a pair copulating, 8 Comma, 1 Essex Skipper, 6 Six-spot Burnet, 2 Marbled White, 3 male Common Blue, 1 male Large White, 2 Large Skipper, 2 Purple Hairstreak and 1 Red Admiral Snakes Lane at 16:42 hrs - Robert Callf

Ellenbrook Fields, including old BT site and surrounding bridle paths. Lots more Gatekeepers than last week, 30+ and about 15 Small Skippers, but others down. 15 Meadow Brown, 15 Marbled White, 8 Ringlet, 3 Red Admiral (including the tattiest butterfly seen so far this year), 2 Comma and a solitary Common Blue. Robert Bull

Harpenden Common on a sunny if rather breezy afternoon: Meadow Brown (many); Gatekeeper (many); Ringlet (few); Marbled White (few); Comma (1); Small Copper (2); Brown Argus (1); Common Blue (10+); Purple Hairstreak (1 female); Small White (6); Large White (1); Small Skipper (many); Six-spot Burnet (5). No sign of Essex Skipper - all the skippers I managed to get close enough to for an ID were Small Skipper, mostly females. The Purple Hairstreak female was laying eggs on the lower branches of an oak in the usual Cricket Pavilion location. The hornet nest is doing well with frequent comings and goings - David Hunt Some sightings for Wednesday 12th July 2017 at Grovelands Park, Southgate: 10+ Gatekeeper, 2 Meadow Brown, 1 Purple Hairstreak, 1 Large Skipper, 1 Red Admiral, 2 male Common Blue, 2 female Small Copper, 10+ Small Skipper, 1 Small White, 3 Speckled Wood and 1 Ear Moth nectaring on thistle head near sports courts (TQ 307 946) - my first record of this species and 3 Common Sandpipers settled on the island at the lake. - Robert Callf

Tuesday 11th July 2017
News from Diane Andrews, 1 Hummingbird Hawkmoth on 5th July at Gillespie Park and 1 Jersey Tiger (yellow hindwing)overnight in her garden on 9th July

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. A shower of rain began as I crossed the river on the way back but despite the absence of sun butterflies had been easy to see before then: Meadow Brown: 18 Gatekeeper: 71 Speckled Wood: 8 Ringlet: 4 Brown Argus: 1 Small White: 3 Comma: 2 Common Blue: 1 Small Skipper: 2 Peacock: 2 Green-Veined White: 1 Red Admiral: 4 Large White: 1 plus 5 6 Spot Burnet moths. - Pete Gore

Morning working party clearing invasive non-native Himalayan Balsam along River Pinn in Ickenham, (TQ 07 87) disturbed about a dozen moths, but only recognised one when settled, a Magpie Moth. On the fields by the railway with lots of Betony flowers saw 2 Meadow Browns before it rained! - Paul Busby

At Northwood HQ 1 x gatekeeper, 1 x red admiral - David Gower

Monday 10th July 2017
2 Comma at Oakwood Station on Monday 10th July 2017 at 16:50 hrs - Robert Callf

Batford, Weedy Field - Numerous common blues, 1 Small Copper, Marbled whites still - Darin Stanley

Female Dark Green Fritillary seen on a St Albans allotment by Edie Jolley!

Butterflies I have seen today 10/07/2017: 1 probable large white - Walsworth Common, Hitchin TL19683025. 1 meadow brown, 2 probable large white - St Faiths Close, Hitchin TL19863029. 2 probable, 1 definite meadow brown, 1 probable large white - horse fields off Purwell Lane, Hitchin TL2029. 1 red admiral - bridge over River Hiz, near Sainsburys, Hitchin TL18682950. 2 probable large white - Meadowbank, Hitchin TL196300. - David Inward

Bob Husband reported a Hummingbird Hawk-moth at buddleia in his garden in Carson Road, Cockfosters on Friday 7th July 2017 before 10 am - Robert Callf.

Visited Archer's Spring, a brownfield site west of Hertford's Sele farm estate, this morning and found: Ringlet 22, Gatekeeper 9, Meadow Brown 20, White-letter hairstreak 1, Common Blue 1, Red Admiral 10, Gatekeeper 12, Large Skipper 1, Marbled White 4 Painted Lady 3, Peacock 7, Small Tortoiseshell 2, Small Heath 1, Large White 1, Essex Skipper1, Six spot Burnet Moth 4. Also earlier at Goldings a White-letter Hairstreak sitting in an oak tree - confusing. (See Facebook) - Andrew Wood

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Perhaps it's a consequence of looking at too many brown and orange butterflies but today's Peacock looked really black flying in bright sunshine and continued to do so at rest with wings closed. I was slightly disappointed when it finally spread its wings to reveal a perfectly ordinary Peacock. Here are the mostly brown and orange details: Speckled Wood: 3 Gatekeeper: 81 Meadow Brown: 43 Comma: 6 Purple Hairstreak: 3 Small Skipper: 16 Green-Veined White: 4 Red Admiral: 5 Common Blue: 5 Small White: 6 Ringlet: 8 Brown Argus: 1 Peacock: 1 Holly Blue: 1 Brimstone: 1 plus 4 6 Spot Burnet moths again. - Pete Gore

1 Comma nectaring on buddleia at Dalrymple Close, N14 on Sunday 9th July 2017 at 11:32 hrs and 1 Red Admiral at Southgate Chase Allotments on Sunday 8th July 2017 at 14:45 hrs. Some sightings for Monday 10th July 2017 - 1 Marbled White at Vicarage Farm, Enfield (TQ 30 97) at 12:07 hrs, 1 Comma and 1 Red Admiral at Vicarage Farm, Enfield, 1 Peacock and 1 Red Admiral at Parkside Farm/Res., Enfield (TQ 29 98), 1 male Small Copper at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 29 98) at 12:48 hrs, 1 Purple Hairstreak at Park Farm, Enfield, 1 Comma and 1 Marbled White at Park Farm, Enfield, 2 Marbled White at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park, 1 Six-spot Burnet at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park, 1 Purple Hairstreak settled on Sallow at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 13:43 hrs, 1 Red Admiral near Shaws Wood, Trent Park at 14:17 hrs, 3 male Common Blue at Vicarage Farm, Enfield near Merryhills Brook (TQ 297 968) and also 3 Small Copper here and 1 female Brown Argus - with a crumpled left hind wing - my first of the year! - RM Callf

Sunday 9th July 2017
I went up to Tring Park early morning ( Sunday July 9th) and was again pleased to see butterflies in abundance including 5/6 Silver Washed Fritillaries,several commas and Red Admirals as well as lots of Meadow Browns and Marbled Whites. However I was again delighted to see at about 10.40 a Purple emperor (purple sheen so a male) which settled on the ground on the woodland path at the top of the escarpment by the Natural play area at the bottom of the lime tree. It stayed there for a full 15 seconds so I got a good look at it before it flew away but a real bonus to see one again - Phil Woodward

Bricket Wood Common, St Albans - 25 people on today's HMBC Butterfly walk. A few of us had a brief glimpse on White-letter Hairstreak at the assembly point St Stephens Parish Centre. On to the Common and along the main ride, we soon found Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Speckled Wood and Gatekeeper. The first two of these species were by far the most numerous today. We then saw a Comma and had the first of several glimpses of Purple Hairstreak in the oak tree canopy. The bramble had nearly finished flowering, but we found a White Admiral and female Silver-washed Fritillary amongst the many Browns. The Large Skippers were looking rather tatty and the few smaller skippers we checked were all Small rather than Essex. Further along the ride we saw 2 male Silver-washed Fritillaries nectaring. The ride was quite dry and there were large cracks in the ground. Entering the clearing, this area now dominated by short grass and bracken. We added Red Admiral, Brimstone and Marbled White to the days list. More glimpse of Purple Hairstreak, more skippers ( mostly small and a few large) another White Admiral and 5 more Silver- washed Fritillaries. A Silver Y moth seen at rest and a pristine Small Copper which posed obligingly for photos. After the morning walk finished 7 of us went to Mutchetts Wood searching for Purple Emperor. We added Holly Blue to the days list, but the sky clouded over and although we glimpsed a large butterfly in the canopy there were no clear views of our quarry - Malcolm Hull

Sights from my Great Ashby, Stevenage garden - Friday 7th to Sunday 9th July 2 Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Large and Essex Skipper, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Small and Large White, Ringlet and Meadow Brown. Nice variety, but lower numbers. Photos attached.
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- Steve Lane

Good day for butterflies with a number of Summer firsts, a Brimstone in my Eastcote garden, put record on BC Garden Survey (only 1070 gardens nationally recorded to date) but it is a great survey for storing garden records and comparing, worth a try. On Hillingdon Trail by the Yeading Brook from Freezeland Covert (A40) through Elephant Park and into Cutthroat Wood (all these at TQ 08 84) saw my first Summer Small Copper on the grass by cycle path by A40, a Purple hairstreak low down in Oak along Blackthorn hedge, first 2 Summer Peacocks, as well as 2 Speckled Wood, 17+ Gatekeeper, 2 Ringlet, 11+ Meadow Brown, 7 Comma, 7+ Small Skipper, 2 Green Vein White, 2 Large White, 3+ Small White. In square (TQ 09 84) on the boardwalk out of Gutteridge Wood by the pond/meadow area saw a solitary Marbled White, 2 Comma, 3 Ringlet, a pair of Speckled Wood, 4+ Small Skipper, 13+ Gatekeeper, 11+ Meadow Brown and a solitary 6 spot Burnet Moth. Also a Magpie Moth on the Gutteridge wood transect - Paul Busby

3 male Gatekeeper, 1 female Meadow Brown and 1 Speckled Wood at Town Park, Enfield this afternoon between 12:45 - 13:10 hrs - Robert Callf & Dobrina Dobreva

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. A little later and sunnier than yesterday, a small increase in several second brood numbers is welcome: Gatekeeper: 60 Comma: 9 Speckled Wood: 9 Small Skipper: 25 Meadow Brown: 45 Purple Hairstreak: 5 Small White: 7 Red Admiral: 6 Ringlet: 7 Brown Argus: 4 Green-Veined White: 3 Common Blue: 2 Small Copper: 2 Large White: 2 Holly Blue: 3 Brimstone: 2 also 4 6-Spot Burnet Moths was something of a surprise after little sign till now and throughout last year. Pete Gore

Millhoppers Reserve SP900148...A very productive mornings work at the site in preparation for the walk later this month. With one eye on the Hogweed I still managed to see the following...2 Speckled Wood, 1 Comma, 10+ Large Skipper, 10+ Small Skipper, 40+ Meadow Brown, 10+ Ringlet, 10+ Large White, 10+ Gatekeeper, 1 Small Copper and finally the most disheveled Red Admiral I've ever seen...its flight still remarkably strong despite barely half its wings remaining - Chris Hilling

Today in Stocking Pelham 9th July - several large whites, gatekeepers, one ringlet, two Meadow browns and a Marbled white - Andy Brown

On a short walk round Balls Wood this afternoon I saw 3 silver-washed fritillaries, 6 comma, 5 large white, 1 marbled white and lots of meadow browns, ringlets and large skippers. - Jenny Sherwen

Butterflies I have seen today 09/07/2017: 6 large white , 1 probable meadow brown - Walsworth Common, Hitchin TL1930. 2 large white - railway adjacent to Walsworth Common TL192303. 1 meadow brown, 2 large white Hitchin - St Faiths Close, Hitchin TL19863029. - David Inward

Saturday 8th July 2017
Some sightings in Trent Park on Saturday 8th July 2017 between 16:20 - 17:45 hrs - 9 Comma, 7 Small Copper, 3 Marbled White, 2 Large Skipper, 7 Six-spot Burnet, 4 Small Heath, 1 Purple Hairstreak settled on Ash Sect 5, 1 White-letter Hairstreak settled on Wych Elm Sect 4 edge of Church Wood at 17:14 hrs, 1 Red Admiral Snakes Lane at 17:44 hrs - Robert Callf

One Hummingbird Hawkmoth in our garden, Lemsford, this evening. Alex and Janet Lewis

Afternoon Sports Day in school field next to Park Wood, Ruislip (TQ10 88) and saw a Large White, Red Admiral, a couple of Commas, a Speckled wood and a Meadow Brown. Then onto field next to St Vincents, Haste Hill (TQ09 89), late afternoon, Emperors must have been asleep but did see 3 worn Large Skippers, at least 7 Small Skippers, 40+ Meadow Brown, 2 Ringlets and 2 Commas. - Paul Busby

In Bushey garden today spotted 1 x ringlet, 1 x red admiral, 1 x small tortoiseshell, 2 x comma, 1 x large white & 2 mother of pearl moths on nettles. At St James churchyard, Bushey encountered 1 x small white, 2 x large white, 18 x gatekeeper, 7 x ringlet, 2 x speckled wood, 1 x red admiral, 2 x meadow brown, 2 x marbled white - David Gower

Denis and I had a magical afternoon in Broxbourne woods today. We saw 20 SW Fritillaries throughout our walk also one White Admiral, a Purple Hairstreak, a Red Admiral, a single Marbled White and lots of Ringlets, Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, Large and Small Skippers, numerous Whites and a Comma. The rides were alive with butterflies, which was such a delight to see. Christine Shepperson.

Visited three brownfield sites on the western edge of Ware today and saw 1 Small Copper, 26 Brown Argus, 1 Common Blue, 1 Small Heath, 4 Marbled White, 5 Peacocks and many Ringlets, Meadow Browns, gatekeepers, Small and Essex Skippers, Commas and Red Admirals. Only one Six Spot Burnet moth and found a Six Belted Clearwing moth without needing to use a pheromone lure. On my Ware Park Transect a White-letter Hairstreak low down the first here for about 10 years. (I've seen more at eye level or lower this year than all my recording years previously, put together) - Andrew Wood

Harpenden Household Waste Recycling Centre. Weather: sunny. 1 SILVER WASHED FRITILLARY passing through, landing temporarily near one of the containers - Darin Stanley

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Another enjoyable morning walk and although not as sunny as yesterday there were good numbers and variety. The highlights were two females a Small Copper,perhaps a little larger than usual as I was 'expecting' a Gatekeeper and hence briefly disconcerted by spots on fore-wings until my brain slipped fully into gear.Another beautiful fresh-looking female was a Common Blue which had quite a lot of blue merging in to brown.A Small Tortoiseshell was the first for a week whilst a Peacock was the first of the new brood.Here are the full details: Red Admiral: 9 Green-Veined White: 4 Speckled Wood: 12 Gatekeeper: 60 Small Heath: 1 Small White: 6 Meadow Brown: 19 Ringlet: 6 Small Skipper: 13 Small Copper: 1 Large Skipper: 1 Painted Lady: 1 Common Blue: 1 Tortoiseshell: 1 Peacock: 1 Holly Blue: 1 Purple Hairstreak: 2 Comma: 2 - Pete Gore

First Jersey Tiger of the year in my Ware garden this morning - Liz Goodyear

A Silver-washed Fritillary was photographed in Malcolm Newland's Hemel Hempstead garden on July 3rd by David Newland - picture on the branch facebook page

Friday 7th July 2017
Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Out early today for a much pleasanter walk than yesterday. Butterflies similar with Gatekeepers effectively replacing the declining Ringlets: Red Admiral: 5 Speckled Wood: 12 Green-Veined White: 2 Meadow Brown: 34 Purple Hairstreak: 5 Large Skipper: 3 Gatekeeper: 60 Small Heath: 1 Small White: 14 Small Skipper: 33 Comma: 6 Ringlet: 12 Marbled White: 1 Brown Argus: 2 - Pete Gore

Batford, Weedy field - weather: solid sun again. 2 WLH in usual spot. 1 possible SWF in same spot, flying fast passed the large patch of Bramble - Darin Stanley

Hexton Chalk Pit afternoon July 7th. At least 20 Chalk-hill Blues, 8 Dark Green Fritillaries, 10 Marbled Whites, 2 Small Skippers, 1 Small Heath. - Jill Sawyer

At Northwood HQ, Sandy Lane 1 x gatekeeper, 1 x meadow brown, 1 x green veined white, 1 x ringlet. In bushes garden 1 x comma, 1 x green veined white - David Gower

Red Admiral seen at lunchtime in Eastcote car park (TQ110879). - Paul Busby



Went to Hexton Chalk Pit this morning 0945 to 1030 am to find Chalkhill Blues. I was not disappointed - found about 20 (all males) plus 15+ Meadow Brown, 5+ Marbled White, 15+ Gatekeeper, Small Skipper (+1 unidentified S/E Skipper), Large Skipper, 2 Small White and 10+ Ringlet. Peter Clarke

I saw a Silver Washed Fritillary in my local wood this afternoon. It was feeding on bramble flowers In a woodland ride by the footpath. Location ......Plantation Wood Flaunden. Tetrad TL00 - Jill Saunders

St Albans - In my garden today, two small whites and one ringlet - the latter a rare sighting in this location. Also a single Small Tortoiseshell in flight. Inside my shed there has been a big increase in hibernating Small Tortoiseshell - up to 22 this lunchtime. - Malcolm Hull

Thursday 6th July 2017
In Bushey garden 3 x comma, 2 x large white, 1 x gatekeeper - David Gower

I made a brief visit to the Hexton area on Thursday afternoon (6 July). Here are some sightings: Hexton Chalk Pits: 5 chalkhill blues (all males) on the wing and 20+ dark green fritillaries - almost the commonest butterfly there! Also lots of ringlets and marbled whites and a supporting cast of meadow brown, small heath, small tortoiseshell and various skippers. Across the Lilley road at approx. TL 105 294 one male silver-washed fritillary - Martin Johnson

Some sightings for Thursday 6th July 2017 - 1 Red Admiral and 3 Gatekeeper at Dalrymple Close, N14, 5 Large White at Trent Park, 8 Small Copper at Trent Park (7 'New Fields' and 1 'Old Golf Course'), 5 Marbled White at Trent Park (4 'New Fields' and 1 'Old Golf Course'), 2 Comma at Trent Park, 2 Six-spot Burnet at 'New Fields' Trent Park, 1 Peacock nectaring on thistles near Sports Field car park (TQ 289 968), 3 Red Admiral at Trent Park, 1 Painted Lady edge of Moat Wood, Trent Park (TQ 286 979) at 12:47 hrs, 1 Purple Emperor seen briefly twice at 12:58 and 13:02 hrs NW edge of Rough Lot, Trent Park, 1 Green-veined White NW edge of Rough Lot, Trent Park at 13:36 hrs, 1 Comma at Park Farm, Enfield at 14:00 hrs, 1 Small Copper along Salmons Brook at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 298 984) at 14:30 hrs, 1 Red Admiral at Parkside Farm, Enfield at 14:38 hrs, 1 Small Tortoiseshell at Barracks, Vicarage Farm, Enfield at 14:57 hrs, 1 Comma at Vicarage Farm, Enfield at 15:00 hrs - Robert Callf

PLASHES WOOD, 3 Purple emperor, 1 Silver washed fritillary(male) 1 Marbled white, numerous Purple hairstreak, Comma, Red admiral, Ringlet and Meadow brown. Laurence Drummond

Some Wembley, Brent sightings; Chalkhill Park (TQ 19 86) at least 4 Gatekeepers, a Small White, pair of Meadow Browns and a Large White. Chalkhill Open Space (TQ 20 86) 2 Gatekeepers and a Small White and then Welsh Harp EEC (TQ 20 87) saw at least 6 Small Skippers, a Comma, a Ringlet, at least 3 Meadow Brown and 5 Gatekeepers - Paul Busby

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Mid afternoon to early evening, horribly hot and humid: Gatekeeper: 20 Ringlet: 10 Speckled Wood: 4 Meadow Brown: 34 Comma: 10 Red Admiral: 4 Small Skipper: 24 Small White: 2 Brimstone: 1 Holly Blue: 2 - Pete Gore

Wednesday 5th July 2017
The field meeting at Ruislip NNR was very well supported with 17 attendees, although not all were able to stay for the whole trip. The usual start was made in the field behind the Ruislip Lido main car park where Meadow brown; Ringlet; Gatekeeper; both Small and Essex skipper and Marbled white were found. A pair of the latter 'in cop' giving excellent views and photo opportunities. On into Copse Wood and Speckled wood; Purple hairstreak; Red admiral; Comma and the sought after White admiral found their way onto the list for the day. The latter kept the group waiting until almost the last moment (the Leader was already formulating Plan B!) but up to 3 performed well both in flight and perched. It was then up the steep hill to St Vincents for the hoped for Purple emperor. It was here that one of the group produced one of the approved attractants - namely one of those fish pastes! It was probably an ambitious attempt to get a PE down from the canopy but proved irrestible to dogs (I don't think the owner(s) were equally thrilled). Anyway, his lordship kept us waiting and trying to out guess which was likely to be the best viewing point. Eventually at least two were observed, much to the relief of those who had stuck it out. My thanks to everyone for their support and help. - Dick Middleton

Spent 30 mins at St Vincents this morning hoping for emperors without success. Joined Dick's guided walk afterwards which was very enjoyable including sightings of several purple hairstreaks, 2 or 3 white admirals and eventually Purple emperors! After a pint I went back to where admirals seen earlier and nearby footpath seeing at least 9 probably more flying low above path, on brambles etc (3.50 - 4.30 p.m.) A lot more than usual amount I've encountered last few years. Also at Bushey station 2 x comma and in Bushey garden 1 x comma, 2 x yellow shell - David Gower

Tring HP23 ...new moth activity for me...came home from work at around 6pm to find 6 'Old Lady' (Mormo maura) moth attached to top of my front door and frame. It is north facing and set back in alcove so fairly dark. Unfortunately I had to gently dislodge two of them so I could get in...the remaining four are still there at 10.20 - Chris Hilling

In Bushey garden on 4th July have seen 2 x comma, 1 x large white, 2 x small magpie moths. 1 x silver y at northwood HQ - David Gower

Gained access to private wood in TL41 near where I have seen Purple emperor, early evening visit 6 White letter hairstreak, around Elm, two worn samples landed on grass in front of me, 8 Comma, 2 Large skipper and 1 Silver washed fritillary that zoomed through - Laurence Drummond

Nice surprise on the Gutteridge Wood transect when a White Admiral flew along hedge line, briefly stopping, then away over the hedge, I think the last transect record of a White Admiral here was 1998. Then at Gutteridge Wood Pond Meadow (and boardwalk TQ 09 84), saw another wandering Marbled White, a Small Skipper, a Small White, a Red Admiral, at least 8 Meadow Browns, 5 Gatekeepers and a Ringlet. Then over to Cuttthroat Wood, Hillingdon (TQ 08 84) and saw at least 8 Ringlets, at least 20 Meadow Browns, 2 Gatekeepers, a Comma, 9 Small Skippers and a Small Tortoiseshell - Paul Busby

Ellenbrook Fields (Old Hatfield airfield) & Old BT site - 30+ Meadow Brown, 20+ Marbled White, 20+ Ringlet, 10+ Gatekeeper, 5+ Small Skipper, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Burnet Companion. Robert Bull

Bower Heath near Harpenden. Weather: solid sun. Thanks to Liz Goodyear for her prediction, Located 1 tatty PURPLE EMPEROR around 2 small oaks in open area on opposite side of road to Bower Heath at 11.25. Must be coming to the end of the season already. Remained on view for approx 40 mins before flying to the top of both trees, out of view. Unable to locate the master tree on site. Also 1 fly through of a SILVER WASHED FRITILLARY on the heath itself, not recorded at this site as far as I am aware & numerous purple hairstreaks in same location. 1 Brimstone, many marbled whites & Commas, Red Admirals, Gate Keepers & skippers plus a PAINTED LADY. - Darin Stanley

Just seen a Humming-Bird Hawk Moth in the new flower meadow area at Highgate Wood; first record for the wood. It was flying round the Bedstraw flowers. Moth trapping has been reasonably good so far this year, with 8-10 species not recorded before - total over the years approaching 400. They also found a Gypsy Moth larva there recently, though the moth has been seen twice in the wood in the last 4 years - Michael Hammerson

A hot and sunny walk through Symondshyde Great Wood proved very productive with 16 butterfly species on show: Meadow Brown; Ringlet (the most abundant butterfly); Marbled White (3); Gatekeeper; Large White; Small White; Green-veined White; Brimstone (1 male); Peacock (3; Red Admiral (1); Comma (many); Small Tortoiseshell; Silver-washed Fritillary; White-letter Hairstreak (3); Large Skipper (2); and Small Skipper (1).Good to see so many SWF, mostly males but with several females laying eggs. No sign of White Admiral, unfortunately. Of the three WLH, two were nectaring on bramble and the other was in the lower canopy of an elm tree:
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David Hunt

Three hours in Symondshyde Great Wood and nearby fields today yielded 43 Silver-washed Fritillaries but only 2 White Admirals. As far as possible the SWF count is of individuals as I was on the move the whole time and not covering the same ground twice. I've never seen so many at once in a Hertfordshire wood, they could not be over looked (video of a female on the Facebook page). The White Admiral count is disappointing as they seem to be doing better this year at some sites but not here. Also present in varying numbers summer brood Brimstones and Peacocks, Red Admiral, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Large, Small and Essex Skipper, Large, Small and Green-veined White, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Marbled White, Holly Blue, also fresh Common Blue in nearby fields. - Andrew Wood

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Lots of sunshine, lots of butterflies: Gatekeeper: 44 Ringlet: 24 Small Skipper: 43 Red Admiral: 9 Speckled Wood: 9 Brimstone: 4 White-letter Hairstreak: 1 Comma: 11 Large White: 2 Purple Hairstreak: 2 Large Skipper: 1 Meadow Brown: 44 Small White: 6 Marbled White: 2 Small Heath: 1 Holly Blue: 3 Painted Lady: 1 - Pete Gore

Butterflies I have seen today 05/07/2017: several large white (picture on irecord), 1 speckled wood, several meadow brown - Walsworth Common, Hitchin TL197300. Several meadow brown, at least 1 ringlet (pictures on irecord) - Purwell Meadows, Hitchin TL197299. - David Inward

A good few interesting sightings to report today Wednesday 5th July 2017 at Trent Park between 14:25 - 15:50 hrs - 2 White-letter Hairstreak nectaring on thistles along hedgerow near Triangular Wood - a male at TQ 286 963 without tail streamers at 14:37 - 14:40 hrs and a female with long tail streamers at TQ 287 964 at 15:34 hrs - the first time I have seen two in one day here for many years! 2 Small Heath, 1 Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet nectaring on ragwort Sect 6 - a worn specimen, but my first for the year! 5 Comma (1 nectaring on buddleia Sect 5, 1 Sect 2, 2 Sect 4 and 1 near Oakwood entrance), 1 Hummingbird Hawkmoth hovering over a bramble patch near edge of Church Wood (TQ 285 966) at 15:08 hrs - my first of the year! 1 Marbled White Sect 3, 1 Six-spot Burnet nectaring on thistles near Triangular Wood - my first for the year! Also 6 Small Copper at Trent Park 'New Fields' - 5 males and 1 female with row of blue spots on hind wings and Shaded Broad-bar at Sect 4 'New Fields' Trent Park - RM Callf

Butterfly Walk at Horsenden Hill (Saturday 1st July). A successful event as usual. We quite quickly got onto the target species White-letter Hairstreak and everyone got a good view through the telescope and in flight. We also got a decent view of Purple Hairstreak allowing people to see the difference. Other butterflies in reasonable numbers with lots of Marbled Whites particularly noticeable. Moth trap produced the usual haul, a highlight for me being two specimens of the nationally scarce Waved Black (Parascotia fuliginaria) - a species not previously recorded locally. Full species list will follow in full course once I've databased them. One participant stayed on the join the Selborne Society event that afternoon which was similarly successful - Dave Howdon

Tuesday 4th July 2017
On the buddleia and valerian in Kings Langley on 4th July, I saw 2 red admiral, 3 small tortoiseshells, 1 battered meadow brown having an argument with a red admiral, 1 comma and 1 very fresh small white nearby. Elizabeth Debenham

The field south of Watery Grove is private but a public footpath is now in place along the eastern edge of Cannocks Wood, the northern edge of Newton Wood and all the way round Cowley's Corner Wood towards Lake Lodge near Wintergreen Wood. Today I decided to walk all of this footpath for the first time. On Thursday, I saw two male Purple Emperors, one high up on the tall oak at the south-eastern tip of Cannocks Wood and one at eye-level a yard or two in front of me 50 yards further north. I had a quick look around this area at the start of the walk at around 10:30 am today and saw nothing. After completing the walk through Burleigh Farm and Pigeonswick I returned to the site at around 12:55 pm. It had been cloudy for at least an hour but the clouds were breaking up again. At 12:58 pm the sun shone through and I immediately saw a male PE gliding in the gap south of the oak. Through the corner of my eye on the left I saw something flutter over a tall tree and sure enough it was another male Purple Emperor. In the 15 minutes until 1:13 pm there were 7 instances of single males in roughly two-minute intervals and I would think at least 4 different individuals - Peter Clarke

Went to BARDON CLUMPS territory 14.00-14.30 and saw at least 1 Purple emperor making regular flights around the canopy gap,also on path through RICKNEYS QUARRY 1 Marbled white, 1 Small heath, 4 Gatekeeper and 2 new brood Peacock. At SANDON CHURCH YARD, 15.10-16.15 1 Purple emperor briefly but I think taken by a Spotted flycatcher that was hunting from treetops,I saw no sign of anymore after that, also there 1 Male Brimstone, 2 Marbled white, 1 Small tortoiseshell, 2 Red admiral. Laurence Drummond

Some sightings for Tuesday 4th July 2017 - 1 Red Admiral at Chase Road/Merrivale, N14 at 09:55 hrs, 3 Small Skipper at Vicarage Farm, Enfield, 1 Essex Skipper at Vicarage Farm, Enfield, 1 Small Tortoiseshell and 13 female Meadow Brown nectaring on thistles at Barracks, Vicarage Farm at 11:08 hrs, 2 Purple Hairstreak at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 299 982) and (TQ 302 983), 1 Comma at Parkside Farm, Enfield at 11:49 hrs, 1 Red Admiral at Park Farm, Enfield at 12:12 hrs, 1 Large White at Park Farm, Enfield, 1 Comma at Parkside House, Enfield at 12:23 hrs, 1 Small Tortoiseshell at Park Farm, Enfield at 12;30 hrs, 1 Comma at Park Farm, Enfield at 12:33 hrs, 2 Red Admiral at Ferny Hill Farm, Enfield , 1 Marbled White at Ferny Hill Farm, Enfield, up to 3 Purple Emperor NW edge of Rough Lot, Trent Park (TQ 283 978) from 13:25 - 15:00 hrs, c6 Purple Hairstreak NW edge of Rough Lot, Trent Park1 Small Copper at Ferny Hill Farm, Enfield (TQ 282 979) at 14:02 hrs, 1 Small Tortoiseshell at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 15:08 hrs, 1 Red Admiral E edge of Icehouse Wood, Trent Park at 15:20 hrs - Robert Callf, Liz Goodyear and Andrew Middleton

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Back to a mid-morning start and cloudier conditions overall. A male Brimstone was the first I've seen of the new brood and today's Brown Argus was probably not the same individual as yesterday. : Gatekeeper: 26 Ringlet: 29 Speckled Wood: 9 Green-Veined White: 3 Small Skipper: 26 Small White: 10 Holly Blue: 5 Brown Argus: 1 Meadow Brown: 35 Red Admiral: 9 Comma: 4 Small Heath: 1 Brimstone: 1 Purple Hairstreak: 2 - Pete Gore

Butterflies I have seen today 04/07/2017: 2 unidentified whites, 1 red admiral - Walsworth Common Hitchin TL19693026. - David Inward

Stopped on the way home from North Wales for a late afternoon walk around the Elm and Oak lined fields at Breakspear, Harefield (TQ05 89). No Hairstreaks seen but saw a Painted Lady, 3 Marbled White, 9+ Comma, 30+ Meadow Brown, 15+ Ringlet, 5+ Gatekeeper and at least 1 Small White - Paul Busby

Weedy Field, Batford - weather: cloudy but warm - Usual lunchtime sprint found me 1 WLH (usual spot), 2 PURPLE HAIRSTREAKS in oaks further along the public footpath leading to Mackeyre End, just beyond weedy field. - Darin Stanley

Monday 3rd July 2017
I visited Broxbourne Wood for the first time this year and was rewarded with a male Purple Emperor (my first sighting there in four years of monitoring). I also recorded 12 Silver-Washed Fritillary, 2 White Admiral and 2 Purple Hairstreak along with Ringlet (70+), Meadow Brown (40+), Large Skipper (20), Small Skipper (12), Comma (6), Marbled White (6), Red Admiral (3), Large White (1) and Speckled Wood (1). There was probably lots more skippers in the grassland area which is thriving from recent conservation work compared to a few years ago. Dan Cooper

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Mid afternoon to early evening,a mix of cloud and sun but humid and warm. A Brown Argus was a welcome sighting - few seen here earlier in the year so I hope this is the first of a larger brood.Absence of Hairstreaks is probably a result of time of day and conditions,reduction in Ringlets is likely time running out for them and Marbled White not seen for similar reasons. (There are an awful lot of hungry-looking Dragonflies!) Here are the full butterfly details: Ringlet: 17 Speckled Wood: 6 Small Skipper: 28 Comma: 22 Red Admiral: 6 Meadow Brown: 34 Holly Blue: 2 Large Skipper: 1 Large White: 1 Small White: 3 Gatekeeper: 23 Green-Veined White: 3 Brown Argus: 1 Small Copper: 1 - Pete Gore

Butterflies I have seen today 03/07/2017: 1 large white, 1 small tortoiseshell - King George Playing Field, Whitwell TL182208, 1 large white - St Faiths Close TL19863030. - David Inward

Weedy field, Batford - 2 WLH on the large patch of bramble toward the SW corner of the weedy field - Darin Stanley

3 Comma together nectaring on buddleia at Southgate Chase Allotments (TQ 294 945) at 14:45 hrs on Sunday 2nd July 2017. Some sightings for Monday 3rd July 2017 - 1 male Gatekeeper at Parkside Farm, Enfield along Salmons Brook, 1 Red Admiral at Parkside Farm, Enfield at 09:56 hrs, 1 Blood-vein at Parkside Farm, Enfield (TQ 297 983) - my first for the year! 1 male Gatekeeper at Park Farm, Enfield, 1 Red Admiral at Park Farm, Enfield at 10:20 hrs, 1 male Gatekeeper at Duncan's Wood, Enfield Chase, 2 Marbled White at Park Farm, Enfield, 3 Red Admiral at Trent Park (1 near obelisk, 1 'Old Golf Course' and 1 E edge of Icehouse Wood), 3 Marbled White at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 10:45 hrs, 2 Purple Hairstreak at Trent Park, 1 female Large Skipper E edge of Icehouse Wood, Trent Park at 11:15 hrs, 1 Painted Lady near Shaws Cottages, Trent Park at 11:26 hrs, 2 Small Skipper edge of Shaws Wood, Trent Park at 11:28 hrs, 1 Small Skipper at Vicarage Farm near Merryhills Brook, 1 Comma near Merryhills Brook at Trent Park at 11:40 hrs - Robert Callf

Nectaring Purple Hairstreak on bramble seen NW side of Coms Wood, nr Benington - Andy Pratt

Sunday 2nd July 2017
News from Ellenbrook Fields: Silver-washed fritillaries at Ellenbrook Fields: I managed several quick walks along eastern wood edge - about 12:00: Monday 26th June: 5 SWF, Friday 30th: 5 SWF, Sunday 2 July: 12 SWF, including 2 mating pairs seen at same time. Spread out right along the woodland edge with over several hundred metres between. Very active in the sun - Martin Webb

Nicholls Farm, Redbourn - Plenty of butterflies around over the weekend with dozens of Ringlet, and plenty of small tortoiseshell (15+) feeding on thistles, meadow brown (10+), marbled white (6+), gatekeeper (3+), large skipper (5+), small white (8+), comma (3), large white (2+), red admiral (1). Peter Tallantire

Therfield Heath (east side) and Icknield Way: an amazing morning in which 19 species were seen, including very early second generation common blue and brown argus butterflies. The species (in roughly descending order of abundance) were: meadow brown, marbled white, small heath, small skipper, ringlet, gatekeeper, chalkhill blue (9 males), small tortoiseshell, green-veined white, large white, dark green fritillary, Essex skipper, white-letter hairstreak, common blue, comma, large skipper, speckled wood, brown argus and small copper. The small copper was the first that I have seen on The Heath for 3 years. The white-letter hairstreaks were along the Icknield Way towards Therfield. I saw a dark green fritillary close to Royston Hospital, not far from my home - Martin Johnson

A few sightings for Sunday 2nd July 2017 at Oakwood Park, N14 between 08:00 - 09:30 hrs - 3 Large Skipper including two E of 10 km line, 1 Holly Blue E of 10 km line at 08:42 hrs, 2 male Gatekeeper W of 10 km line, 1 Comma, 1 Purple Hairstreak at 09:19 hrs and 1 Red Admiral at 09:20 hrs at TQ 300 951. 1 Gatekeeper, 1 Small Tortoiseshell and 1 Peacock at Boxer's Lake, Enfield at TQ 305 961 - Robert Callf

One White Letter Hairstreak on brambles on the north side of Norton Common, Letchworth, today. It's the first time I've ever seen one. - Jill Sawyer

Bower Heath nr Harpenden - plenty of Purple hairstreak activity around the heath/ open area itself. No sign of Purple Emperor (yet), but was only there 20 mins. More time required! Marbled white and Meadow Brown about too - Darin Stanley

Bricket Wood Common near St Albans - Purple Emperor, Silver-washed Fritillaries, White Admirals, Purple Hairstreaks, Brimstones, Marbled Whites plus many more widespread butterflies flying this afternoon. Join me on the public butterfly walk next Sunday 9th July, details on the Walks and Talks section of this website - Malcolm Hull

Butterflies I have seen today 02/07/2017: 1 red admiral (picture on irecord), 5 meadow brown, 2 small tortoiseshell - Purwell Lane, Hitchin TL2029. - David Inward

In my Hatfield garden today, 2+ Comma, Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Small White, 2 Large White, Small Tortoiseshell. Also 1 possible Gatekeeper (the only one which kept flying round & round the garden without stopping to sunbathe, rest or nectar). John Moss

After yesterdays exciting day at Knepp in the company of 56 Emperors it was wonderful today to just kick back and watch the butterflies enjoying the fruits of my labours...feeding on my Tring Buddleia, Salvia and Wallflowers this afternoon were 3 small Tortoiseshell, 1 Comma, 1 Large White and a Red Admiral - Chris Hilling

Hillbrow LGC (13.30 to15.00) - Marbled White (120+); Large Skipper (2); Small Slipper (50+); Ringlet (80+); Meadow Brown (60+); Small Tortoishell (1); Gatekeeper (5); Brimstone (1m); Small Blue (1 well worn); Six-spot Burnet (2); Shaded Broad-bar (6). Roger Millard.

In Kings Langley on 2nd July, a surprise visitor on my valerian; a humming bird hawk moth. Two or three small tortoiseshells, meadow brown and a fresh comma on buddleia and valerian. - Elizabeth Debenham

Harrow Cemetery, 5 Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Ringlet and Meadow Brown - Shailesh Patel

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. A good sunny day with lots of butterflies, highlights 2 Purple Hairstreaks on separate trees on the return part of the Pevensey loop, followed by a Small Copper in the grassy area nearby which has lots of Sorrel but seldom many butterflies.I've now seen Purple Hairstreaks on Oaks on every part of my walk and despite a low count I suspect there could be hundreds around or many more.I think that Ringlets are heading deeper into suburbia and could turn up in local gardens here. In 20 years of Hounslow garden butterfly watching I never saw one so this represents real change if correct. I've omitted a couple of Hairstreaks seen on the Elm site because I couldn't be certain which species they were.I've discovered a second Elm site on my walk which may have potential,well away from the first one.Here are today's sightings: Small Skipper: 35 Ringlet: 46 Meadow Brown: 36 Purple Hairstreak: 11 Comma: 20 Small White: 4 Speckled Wood: 4 Red Admiral: 7 Holly Blue: 3 Gatekeeper: 12 Green-Veined White: 1 Marbled White: 2 Large White: 1 Small Copper: 1 Small Heath: 2 - Pete Gore

Saturday 1st July 2017
For today trip to Heartwood forest had 16 people on a enjoyable walk around the woodland with high numbers of Meadow Brown, Ringlet and Small Skipper and good numbers of Small Heath, Marbled White. Also seen were Gatekeeper(5+), Large Skipper(5+) Essex Skipper(3+), Large White (3+), Green- veined White(1), Small Tortoiseshell (1) Peacock (1), Red Admiral (3+), Comma (5+), 5 spot burnet (4+) Cinnabar (2+ and a loads of caterpillars). After leaving Malcolm also had a SWF by the pond at wells wood - Andrew Steele

I would like to report a record of Purple Emperor in my garden this afternoon in Benington north Herts. I was surprised to see this butterfly come into the garden. It only stayed for a couple of minutes and then went up into a silver birch tree where I lost it from view. - Paul Roper

I went to Sandon Church today in the hope of seeing the Spotted Flycatchers. Alas I didn't see them but whilst looking I noticed a couple of butterflies flying high around the top of a sycamore tree. the light wasn't great and couldn't really see their markings/colour. One then settled - they were towards the back of the main churchyard - Tom Speller

Monken Hadley, Purple Emperor over canopy at a high point viewed from cricket pitch. Later probably 2 Purple Emperor viewed from Hadley Road on hill over Trent Park near obelisk - Andrew Middleton

Norton Rd, Baldock(TL237344). 16.45 to 18.00. Walked the north side from the A1M to the Stotfold road. White-letter Hairstreak at least 9. Roger Millard.

Some sightings for Saturday 1st July 2017 at Trent Park between 12:50 - 14:15 hrs - 4 Comma, 1 male Oak Eggar at 13:02 hrs at approx TQ 286 963, 24 male Gatekeeper, no females seen yet, 1 female Small Copper form caeruleopunctata - with row of blue spots on hind wings at 13:12 hrs, 1 Silver Y, 1 male Large Skipper Sect 5, 1 Small White Sect 4, Cinnabar caterpillars edge of Church Wood on ragwort, 1 White-letter Hairstreak seen in flight then settled on oak edge of Church Wood at approx TQ 285 967 at 13:45 - 13:50 hrs, particularly pleased to see this as I did not manage to see any last year! 1 Purple Hairstreak edge of Church Wood at 13:51 hrs, 1 Red Admiral edge of Church Wood at 12:53 hrs, Volucella zonaria on buddleia flowers at Oakwood entrance. Also 2 Small Heath at Trent Park this afternoon. 1 male Oak Eggar at Bramley Road, N14 at 15:23 hrs, 1 Essex Skipper set-aside field near Dew Pond, Trent Park at 15:47 hrs, 3 Comma, one near Dew Pond at 15:50 hrs and two together near Water Garden, Trent Park, 1 Marbled White by lower lake, Trent Park, 2 male Gatekeeper near lower lake, Trent Park, 5 Marbled White at Park Farm, Enfield (TQ 29 98), 3 Red Admiral at Park Farm, Enfield, 3 Small Tortoiseshell at Park Farm, Enfield, 2 male Gatekeeper at Park Farm, Enfield, 1 Small White and 1 Large White at Park Farm, Enfield, 1 Small Tortoiseshell at Parkside Farm, Enfield at 16:51 hrs, 1 Red Admiral at Parkside Farm, Enfield AT 16:58 hrs, 1 Small Tortoiseshell at Vicarage Farm, Enfield at 17:16 hrs, 1 Red Admiral at Salmons Brook at Enfield Road, EN2 at 17:40 hrs - Robert Callf

Hounslow Heath/River Crane/Marshalling Yards/Pevensey. Cloudier than yesterday,highlights included a Painted Lady - only the second I've seen this year- and a Gatekeeper which greeted me appropriately enough as I entered my own front garden. Gatekeeper numbers are increasing now after a slow (but early) start.: Ringlet: 41 Red Admiral: 7 Small Skipper: 30 Comma: 10 Meadow Brown: 21 Green-Veined White: 4 (2 mating) Speckled Wood: 4 Holly Blue: 4 Small White: 7 Painted Lady: 1 Gatekeeper: 13 Small Heath: 1 Marbled White: 1 Tortoiseshell: 1 Purple Hairstreak: 2