Hertfordshire & Middlesex Branch
Saving butterflies, moths and our environment
Speckled Wood in Stevenage. A very worn Speckled Wood spotted in Fairlands Valley Park, NW of the Environment Lake at 1pm. Apparently the latest record ever in the TL22 square beating previous record in 2022 on 18 October at Watery Grove [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Small Copper at Oakwood Park. 2 Small Copper this morning in Oakwood Park ['very fresh looking' female at 0840 GMT & another one 'faded' at 0900 GMT - presumably 4th brood individuals?] [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Butterfly Conservation launch Youth Panel. The new Youth Panel aims to involve young people in BC’s activities and make our activities more accessible to younger participants. Watch their new YouTube video here https://youtu.be/RXZFhMdg_0o?si=nXD5T-zeLP9PXD6o [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
West Hendon Playing fields. Thirty two Brown Hairstreak eggs found and West Hendon Playing Fields. [Posted by Rohan Harris]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 1 Speckled Wood at Duncan's Wd/Enfield Chase at 1000 BST & 2 Red Admiral [1 along Leeging Beech Gutter near Water Grdn/Trent Park & 1 at a private site near Trent Park]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 1 Red Admiral at a private site near Trent Park, 2 Comma at Trent Park [1 edge of Moat Wd & 1 nectaring on Michaelmas daisies by lower lake] & 1 Small Copper nectaring on Michaelmas daisies by lower lake, Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Feathered Thorn at Gordon Hill Station. 1 Feathered Thorn at Gordon Hill Station this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Speckled Wood - Northaw. Very faded out in the sun [Posted by Sam Fuller]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 1 Red Admiral nectaring on Ivy blossom at a private site near Trent Park & 1 Comma nectaring on Michaelmas daisies by lower lake, Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Regents Park. Three Brown Hairstreak eggs found at Regent’s Park. [Posted by Rohan Harris]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 3 Red Admiral flew S at private sites near Trent Park, 2 Comma at Trent Park [1 nectaring on Michaelmas daisies by lower lake & 1 nectaring on Ivy blossom, edge of Water Grdn], 3 Red Admiral nectaring on Ivy blossom, edge of Water Grdn/Trent Park, 1 Peacock at a private site near Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 2 Comma at private sites near Trent Park, including one nectaring on Ivy blossom, 2 Red Admiral flew S at a private site near Trent Park, male Brimstone at a private site near Trent Park, 1 Speckled Wood at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park & 1 Green-veined White at a private site near Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Feathered Thorn & Red-green Carpet at Enfield. 1 Feathered Thorn & 1 Red-green Carpet at Lavender Hill Cemetery this afternoon at the office window. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Mutton Brook Barnet. In a newly planted ’tiny forest’ three Brown Hairstreak eggs found. [Posted by Rohan Harris]
Welsh Harp. Ten Brown Hairstreak eggs found. [Posted by Rohan Harris]
Small Copper. In flight at Sandbridgebury Riding School (next to Heartwood Forest) [Posted by Sam Fuller]
Small Coppers survive first frost. We had a sharp frost last night, followed by bright sunshine this afternoon. I revisited Nomansland to see what impact the weather had on Small Copper numbers. I counted 16 today, slightly down on last week, which is expected as the season is reaching its end. The butterflies were in small groups, most nectaring on Ragwort, a few on heather and one on Gorse. Three were exploring egg laying opportunities on Sheeps Sorrel. It seems one frosty night is not a problem for this species, which sleeps overnight in trees and bushes which provide good shelter [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings at Enfield. 9 Red Admiral [2 nectaring on Ivy blossom at Allotments near Enfield Rd, 1 at Bay Farm, Enfield, 3 at Rectory Farm, 1 at Strayfield Rd, EN2, 1 at Brayside Farm, Enfield & 1 at Hilly Field's Park], 3 Speckled Wood [1 at a private site near Trent Park, 1 at Bay Farm, Enfield & 1 at Flash Lane, EN2]. Most of the Red Admirals were actively migrating South. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Common Marbled Carpet at Southgate. 1 Common Marbled Carpet near outside light at ASDA Southgate this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Northwick Park. Forty one Brown Hairstreak eggs found at Northwick Park. [Posted by Rohan Harris]
