Hertfordshire & Middlesex Branch
Saving butterflies, moths and our environment
Small Tortoiseshell King's Mead. 1 Small Tortoiseshell Park Mead, King's Mead near Hertford [Posted by Alex Lewis]
Sightings at Pymmes Park, Edmonton. At Pymmes Park, Edmonton [1615 to 1700 BST] - 1 Holly Blue, male Orange-tip & 2 Red Admiral together. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings. 2 Green Hairstreaks and a single Small Blue on the perimeter footpaths of the old Butterfly World site, Chiswell Green. [Posted by Clive Burrows]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. I wasn't able to go out and enjoy today's sunshine until after four, but the walk was worth it, as I found examples of three new species for the year in the space of around an hour - Brown Argus, Common Blue and Small Heath. Overall numbers seen in the late afternoon sun: Peacock (18), Holly Blue (18), Orange-tip (14), Green-veined White (12), Small White (5), Small Copper (4), Red Admiral (4), Brimstone (2), Brown Argus (2), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Speckled Wood (1), Common Blue (1), Small Heath (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield. At private sites near Trent Park - 2 male Brimstone, 1 Comma, 1 Green-veined White, 2 Holly Blue, male Large White, male Orange-tip, 4 Peacock, female Small Copper & 1 Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Painted Lady at Brickendon. One very timid Painted Lady seen this sunny lunchtime, resting briefly in the meadow then back on the wing in this moderate ESE breeze. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Sightings at Oakwood Park. At Oakwood Park this afternoon [1215 to 1305 BST] - 3 Brimstone [2 males & 1 female], 7 Holly Blue & female Small Copper apparently egg-laying. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. On a very windy but warm and sunny day, I ventured out onto my local patch in the afternoon. White butterflies were being blown around like confetti, but the many Holly Blues seemed to have more control by hugging the hedgerows. A Small Tortoiseshell was flat on the path until it was suddenly energised into accosting a nearby Peacock. I guessed that the low numbers of his own species meant that in the absence of females, the next best thing was a butterfly from the same genus. After that unusual interlude, the highlight was my first Painted Lady of the year. Totals this afternoon: Holly Blue (21), Peacock (12), Orange-tip (12), Green-veined White (9), Small White (6), Brimstone (5), Red Admiral (4), Small Copper (3), Speckled Wood (3), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Painted Lady (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Small Heath and other Butterflies in Royston. Three Small Heath butterflies were seen today in a field at Greys Farm in Royston and another was seen on Therfield Heath (Old Rifle Range). At least three Brown Argus were seen in a field close to my home in south Royston. Also seen in the area today were Holly Blue (lots), Orange-tip (lots), Green-veined White (a few), Brimstone (a few), Peacock (a few) and single Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral. I haven't seen any Comma butterflies locally this spring. [Posted by Martin Johnson]
Sightings at Pymmes Park, Edmonton. At Pymmes Park, Edmonton this afternoon - 1 Holly Blue, male Orange-tip,1 Red Admiral & 1 Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Dingy Skipper at Hatfield. Single Dingy Skipper at private site in Hatfield today [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Green Hairstreak - Hounslow Heath and Feltham Marshalling Yards. In preparation for the 10th May walk, a visit to Hounslow Heath was rewarded with numerous Small Coppers, Orange-tips. Brimstones. Peacocks, Holly Blues, Speckled Woods, Green-veined Whites and a single Green Hairstreak. Onto Feltham Marshalling Yards, similar butterfly species plus a Cinnabar moth, with the highlight of seeing three Green Hairstreaks including a pair around Hawthorn and Oak. [Posted by Paul Busby]
Tracks around Danemead HMWT. Gave the tracks around the local woods a go this lunchtime instead of the usual meadows. Many Peacocks still guard the tracks but they let me pass by. I found a Small Copper feeding on Dandelion and she promptly went about egg laying on a Broad-leaved Dock plant which was barely surviving on the dry dusty track, two eggs placed only an inches apart. Seen on the wing - Green-veined White 1 (pictured), Red Admiral 1, Large White 1, Speckled Wood 2, Orange-tip 2, unidentified Whites 8. (Also seen on the track - Glow Worm larvae 1). [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Perseverance. Missing photos [Posted by steve kiln]
Perseverance pays off. I returned to Rickneys Quarry off Sacombe Road Hertford after disappointing visits last week. As i descended into the quarry there were 3 Grizzled Skippers almost immediately and 2 more at the bottom. Also 2 Small Coppers, 2 Peacock and 2 Green-veined Whites. Need to come soon as area drying up and wild strawberry almost over, They did not hang around last year. Will try and download photos later. [Posted by steve kiln]
Sightings at Enfield. At private sites near Trent Park - male Brimstone, 1 Green-veined White, 4 Orange-tip [3 males & 1 female], 2 Peacock & male Small Copper. At Bay Farm along 'London Loop' - female Brimstone, 3 male Orange-tip & 1 Peacock. At Brooke Wd, Enfield - 1 Speckled Wood. At Rectory Farm, Enfield - male Brimstone, 1 Holly Blue, male Orange-tip & 2 Small White. At Strayfield Rd, EN2 - 1 Holly Blue. At Flash Lne, EN2 - 1 Red Admiral & 1 Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Small Coppers. Pair of Small Coppers seen at Norton Green Stevenage during warm sunny morning [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Sightings at Southgate & Enfield Town. At Dalrymple Close, N14 - 1 Holly Blue this morning. At Town Park, Enfield - male Brimstone along New River near Carr's Basin this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Waterford Heath. Quick safari around Waterford Heath today started at 1.30pm and left around 3pm. Plenty of small dogwoods around and coming into flower soon which made finding a Holly Blue busy egg laying easy enough, 3 seen. This Small Copper (FFY) was seen fiercely defending the skies of a path from all comers, the path down to the Eastside of the pond in the North Heath. I wasn't too focused on Grizzled Skippers but I did see 3 near said pond and 3 on the east bank in the South Heath so 6 in total. Others seen on the wing Brimstone 3, Orange-tip 2, Peacock 3, Green-veined White 1. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Whippendell Woods. A lovely sunny afternoon with Rick Vickers in Whippendell Woods finally kicked off the butterfly season for me. After parking up by Rosebarn lane we had already clocked up a good tally of Holly Blue along with a few other butterflies before we entered the woods. It was neck and neck with Holly Blue and Orange-tip at the end with 29 of each sighted. With both of us sighting Holly Blues before we left home over 30 seen. 13 whites seen were unidentified with a few likely to be female Orange-tip they would probably just topped 30. Other butterflies seen Brimstone 5+, Large White 2. Green-veined White 3, Peacock 12, Red Admiral 2, Comma 1, Speckled Wood 6. [Posted by Peter Fewell/Rick Vickers]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Green Hairstreaks topped the bill again on my local walk near Heathrow today. I found a little colony very close to the M25, and saw a minimum of four individuals. I first saw one fly out of the hedge at low level, and then the Small Copper I'd been following disturbed two more. A Holly Blue then did the same with another. I managed to get reasonable shots of two of these. Overall numbers on the walk, in glorious warm sunshine: Orange-tip (21), Holly Blue (17), Peacock (13), Green-veined White (13), Small White (7), Brimstone (6), Red Admiral (6), Speckled Wood (4), Green Hairstreak (4), Small Copper (2), Large White (1), Small Tortoiseshell (1) [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Trent Park & Enfield. At Trent Park - female Brimstone near Sports Field, 1 Holly Blue at 'New Fields', male Large White edge of Moat Wd, 2 male Orange-tip [1 near Oakwood entrance & 1 near Cockfosters entrance], 7 Small Copper [6 at 'New Fields' & 1 near Water Grdn] - my first of the year [FOY] & 1 Speckled Wood at Snakes Lne. At private sites near Trent Park - 2 Brimstone [male & female], 1 Green-veined White, 1 Holly Blue, 2 Peacock, 1 Small Tortoiseshell - my first of the year [FOY], 6 Orange-tip [5 males & 1 female] & 1 Small White. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Hexton Chalk Pit. I visited late morning and saw about 4 Brimstone, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Orange-tip and 3 Dingy Skippers which were fast flying & I had to wait some time to get my photo. [Posted by Phil Barron]
Sightings from Church Hill, Therfield Heath. A nice hour in the sunshine 2.30-3.30pm with a lovely fresh Brown Argus, 2 Small Coppers, Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Peacocks, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Holly Blue, 3 Orange-tips and 5 Brimstones. Day-flying moths included several male Emperors checking me out as I must still have pheromones on me after using the lure three weeks ago, plus female Muslin Moth, several Elachista argentella and most surprisingly a Small Purple-barred, seemingly Herts' earliest ever by a week. [Posted by Andy Symes]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. The wind was gentler today on my local patch, and after another very chilly start the temperature rose rapidly around lunchtime. I found yesterday's Green Hairstreak again, sitting in the same spot, and discovered another Small Copper once again occupying a territory used by its ancestors over many previous years. Orange-tips and Holly Blues once again dominated the sightings here today: Orange-tip (24), Holly Blue (23), Peacock (17), Green-veined White (16), Small White (10), Brimstone (6), Red Admiral (6), Small Copper (2), Comma (2), Small Tortoiseshell (2), Speckled Wood (2), Large White (1), Green Hairstreak (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
second time lucky. I decided today to walk most of the Rickneys gravel pit to look for Grizzled Skippers in particular. I got there at 11am, it was a lovely sunny day but still the cold east wind was blowing. Temperature about 14. There were large patches of wild strawberry flowers and swathes of common storksbill but no Grizzled Skippers. The highlight were three Small Coppers and a Mint Moth. This site used to be so good. I thought it was probably too cold and popped back after lunch and found only one Grizzled Skipper, but a newly hatched one. Maybe they will come out once the cold east wind stops as this site is very exposed from the east wind. In contrast I went to Waterford Heath North which is more protected from the wind, and saw 6 Grizzled Skippers east of the pond . That is the place to go. [Posted by steve kiln]
Sightings at Trent Park & Enfield. At Trent Park - 1 Green-veined White, 1 Holly Blue & male Orange-tip along bridle-path near Merryhills Brook, 1 Speckled Wood at Icehouse Wd, 1 Green-veined White at 'Old Golf Course', 2 male Orange-tip together & 1 Peacock edge of Moat Wd. At private sites near Trent Park - 1 Green-veined White, 2 Orange-tip [male & female], female Large White, 1 Small White, 2 male Brimstone, 1 Peacock & 2 Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. I only had a relatively brief window for a local walk today, which was a shame as it was warming up nicely and the annoying wind was starting to drop. However, I managed to squeeze in some good sightings, including another Small Tortoiseshell, one of the Small Coppers seen a few days ago, and the icing on the cake, another Green Hairstreak. This one was a male, and I found it nowhere near the female I'd seen on 21st (or indeed the locations of any of my 2024 and 2025 sightings). Eleven species seen today, despite the brevity of my walk. Orange-tip (23), Peacock (15), Green-veined White (10), Holly Blue (7), Small White (4), Brimstone (3), Speckled Wood (3), Comma (1), Small Copper (1), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Green Hairstreak (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Palmers Green, Edmonton & Southgate. At Aldermans Hill, Palmers Green, N13 - 1 Holly Blue. At Statham Grove, N18 - 1 Holly Blue & male Orange-tip. At Pymmes Park, Edmonton - male Brimstone & 1 Comma. At Silver Street Station - 1 Holly Blue. At Southgate Chase Allotments - 1 Holly Blue. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Waterford Heath south. Spent over 2 hours walking (my watch recorded 2.3 miles) around the south pit, with absolutely NO Grizzled Skipper sightings. The nearest thing seen was 2 Pyrausta aurata. A HMWT work party was on site, working on the east slope, but I was told that the only one they had seen was whilst they stopped for lunch over on the other side of the pond. Somewhere, in the past I have tended not to look. Only highlight was a Comma, my first for the year! (Please, everyone keep looking at the south pit, as we need the records including negatives) [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Grizzled Skipper at Waterford Heath north. Visited this afternoon, for the first time since Grizzled Skippers were reported this year and spent just under 2 hours searching. I was delighted to find 7 after a slow start. First was at the far end of the area between the pond and conifers and as I walked back, I saw another which flew up and clashed with a third individual. I then walked slowly around the pond by the track towards the north end of the pit and found two more well apart on the area just before the northern gate on the east side. I checked the other side of the track but nothing was seen, but then returned to the cliff area where I found one, not seen on my previous search there and to my surprise as I walked up the track to the seat, I encountered one more. All sightings were very brief but definite! Also encountered was a Pyrausta aurata and what I think was a manic Silver Y moth. Otherwise, I just followed bees and flies! [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
grizzled skipper etc.. I saw my first Grizzled Skipper in Rickneys Quarry this afternoon.. I was unable to find any though on the South Heath at Waterford Heath but I had plenty of Orange-tips and Green-veined Whites and my first Holly Blue and Speckled Wood all there. [Posted by Steve Kiln]
Sightings at Enfield. At private sites near Trent Park this morning - female Brimstone [my first female of the year], 1 Comma, 2 male Orange-tip, male Small White & 2 Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. It seems at the moment that every time I wander round my local patch near Heathrow there is always something new and/or interesting to report. Today was no exception! After watching a lovely female Holly Blue laying on dogwood, I decided to look at some other areas where Small Coppers have appeared in the past. No Small Copper, but down on the new grown vetch plants I found a female Green Hairstreak. I saw the first of this species here in 2024, and in 2025 I counted just four, all widely separated. Today's butterfly was not too far from one of those. After that excitement, I saw another Small Tortoiseshell too. Seen today in all: Orange-tip (12), Red Admiral (10), Peacock (10), Holly Blue (10), Green-veined White (8), Small White (5), Brimstone (3), Comma (2), Large White (1), Speckled Wood (1), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Green Hairstreak (1). No Small Coppers today, and overall numbers were down in the chilly wind and diminishing sunshine. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield. At a private site near Trent Park - 1 Speckled Wood & 1 Green-veined White. 1 Small White near Brooke Wd. At Strayfield Rd, EN2 - 2 male Orange-tip, 1 Peacock & 1 Red Admiral. At St John The Baptist, Clay Hill - male Holly Blue settled. At Flash Lane, EN2 - 2 Orange-tip [male & female], 1 Green-veined White & 1 Speckled Wood. At Gordon Hill Station - male Brimstone. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Enfield & Southgate. 1 Peacock this morning at a private site near Trent Park. 1 Lunar Marbled Brown at ASDA Southgate this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Distinctly chilly again first thing, but a local walk before the sun disappeared was productive. A third Small Copper appeared (yesterday's pair were around again as well), and two Small Tortoiseshells - the extensive nettlebeds by the River Colne seem to be a suitable habitat for them as well as the many Peacocks. Orange-tips were the most frequently seen butterfly of the morning. The totals seen today: Orange-tip (22), Peacock (12), Holly Blue (10). Green-veined White (7), Red Admiral (6), Small White (4), Speckled Wood (3), Small Copper (3), Small Tortoiseshell (2), Comma (2), Brimstone (1), Large White (1). I also spotted half a dozen Silver-Y moths, and with the increase in the number of Red Admirals, I suspect there may be some immigrants arriving so will be on the lookout for Painted Ladies in the coming days. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A cool sunny morning became distinctly hazy by the end of the afternoon. The butterflies were a bit slow to appear today on my local patch near Heathrow, but they did include my first Small Coppers of the season (appearing a week earlier than last year). They were a long way apart, but both were occupying territories used by their forebears in previous years. Sightings today: Peacock (22), Orange-tip (20), GVW (13), Holly Blue (13), Brimstone (8), Small White (7), Comma (5), Speckled Wood (5), Red Admiral (4), Small Copper (2) [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield. At Glenbrook wetlands, Lonsdale Drive, EN2 - 1 Speckled Wood this morning. At Chase Green, Enfield Town - 1 Holly Blue & 1 Green-veined White. At Chase Green Grdns, Enfield Town - male Holly Blue settled. At River View, EN2 - male Orange-tip. At Town Park, Enfield - 1 Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Grizzled Skippers at Waterford Heath. This morning, one towards the northern end of the east bank of the south heath and two individuals (in view at the same time) on the north heath between the pond and the east bank [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Large White on Harpenden Common. Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-tip, Holly Blue, Peacock, Comma and Speckled Wood on Harpenden Common this afternoon. [Posted by David Hunt]
Grizzled Skipper at Waterford Heath. Popped into Waterford Heath today before the big shop. Whilst I scoured the East bank of the South Heath from the path hoping for a sighting, my daughter who is seven went with her mum to do a loop around. I didn't see any Grizzled Skippers the entire walk (very dry) but my daughter was extremely smug as she had found one basking amongst a large patch of Ground Ivy, SW side near the small exposed steel pipe. Mum helping to provide the photographic proof. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Clouded Yellow. Whilst walking my transect today at Greenwood Park I was very surprised to see a Clouded Yellow flying in my first section. I didn’t get a photo as it wasn’t settling much, but definitely a Clouded Yellow. Is this very early? [Posted by Mandy Floyd]
Sightings at Enfield, Edmonton & Southgate. At a private site near Trent Park - male Orange-tip & 1 Speckled Wood. At Statham Grove, N18 - 1 Holly Blue, 1 Green-veined White, male Orange-tip & 1 Speckled Wood. At Tanners End Lane, N18 - male Brimstone. At ASDA Southgate - 1 Holly Blue. At Southgate Chase Allotments - 2 Holly Blue together. At Dalrymple Close, N14 - 1 Holly Blue. My first sightings of Holly Blue this year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Grizzled Skippers. I walked my transect at South Heath Waterford Heath and saw a small butterfly on the purple ground ivy after settling twice I realised it was a Grizzled Skipper. There was plenty of wild strawberry on the south heath but in exposed positions. This was a nice sheltered area from the north wind near the steps up in the middle. With optimism I went to the North Heath, which is under renovation but in a scrubby area to the west of the pond near the wood I spotted another Grizzled Skipper, quite flighty. I got no pictures of either one. Saw both about 2pm. [Posted by steve kiln]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A mixed bag weatherwise today near Heathrow, with a bright warm morning, a cloudy afternoon and the a fine end to the day. Butterflies were around early and late, with the morning being mostly Holly Blues and the early evening Orange-tips going to roost. Numbers seen today: Orange-tip (19), Peacock (14), Holly Blue (13), Green-veined White (10), Small White (6), Comma (4), Speckled Wood (3), Red Admiral (2), Brimstone (2). I found a Green-veined White laying on hoary cress (and an Orange-tip was doing the same thing close by). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Trent Park & Enfield. At Trent Park - 2 male Orange-tip [1 at Shaws Wd & 1 near Shaws Wd Cottages] & 1 Speckled Wood at Icehouse Wd. At a private site near Trent Park - 1 Small White. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Some spells of intermittent sunshine today locally after a drizzly start - not cold, but the warmth of the sunny spells was tempered by a cool breeze. However, there were a lot of butterflies around, and all eleven of the species I've seen here this year made an appearance. In particular, Holly Blue numbers rose dramatically - good news after two comparatively poor seasons. Orange-tip numbers were high too, a new set of Red Admirals were occupying the favoured spot, and another Small Tortoiseshell appeared today. The totals: Peacock (34), Orange-tip (31), Holly Blue (25), Green-veined White (14), Brimstone (12), Small White (11), Speckled Wood (4), Comma (4), Red Admiral (3), Large White (2), Small Tortoiseshell (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield. At Enfield Rd, EN2 - male Orange-tip & female Small White. At private sites near Trent Park - male Brimstone, 1 Comma, male Orange-tip, 3 Peacock & 1 Painted Lady at Hog Hill/Vicarage Farm - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
UKBMS 2025 results. How did our butterflies fare in 2025? Check the results from the UKBMS here [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Peacock at Enfield. 1 Peacock at a private site near Trent Park this morning. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. It felt warmer today, but the very limited sunshine only came in short bursts in the afternoon. It was enough to bring out a few dozen butterflies on my local patch near Heathrow. Holly Blue (7), Orange-tip (7), Peacock (6), Small White (4), Green-veined White (4), Brimstone (3), Large White (1), Speckled Wood (1), Red Admiral (1), Comma (1). The Holly Blues were the most noteworthy with half a dozen appearing within a minute or two of home, including a mating pair. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Peacock at Enfield Town Station. 1 Peacock at Enfield Town Station at 1537 BST - seen from the train carriage. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. After a few chilly days away in Devon with very few butterflies, I returned to my local patch near Heathrow and a sunny morning with quite the opposite. Seen today: Peacock (31), Orange-tip (18, inc. 4 females), Green-veined White (15), Small White (10), Holly Blue (8), Brimstone (6), Comma (3), Speckled Wood (2). One of the Holly Blues was a beautiful new female. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Painted Lady!. Just seen a fresh Painted Lady, two Holly Blue and a Peacock in a garden in Berkhamsted. [Posted by Sue Taylor]
Sightings at Enfield. At a private site near Trent Park - 1 Speckled Wood, 2 male Orange-tip & 1 Green-veined White - my first of the year [FOY]. At Bay Farm along 'London Loop' - 1 Peacock & 1 female Orange-tip. At Brooke Wd - 1 Speckled Wood. At Flash Lne, EN2 - 1 Peacock. At Hilly Fields Park - 2 male Orange-tip. At Enfield Chase Station - 1 Lunar Marbled Brown - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Millhoppers Reserve footbridge Opening. This morning saw the official opening of the new footbridge at Millhoppers Reserve. This was also the unveiling of a plaque to the memory of John & Margaret Noakes, the first wardens of the reserve. Event attended by branch committee members, reserve wardens, volunteers, plus family and friends. [Posted by Chris Hilling]
Orange Tip in Chelsea. I had a random and unexpected sighting of a Male Orange-tip on the Kings Road this afternoon during a brief window of sunshine when the wind dropped momentarily. i record used. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A warm morning locally, with hazy sunshine until the middle of the day. It obviously wasn't good enough for the Brimstones today as I saw none (by contrast they were flying till gone five yesterday afternoon). However, they were made up for by the abundance of Peacocks, and by the welcome appearance of a single Small Tortoiseshell. Today's totals: Peacock (39), Orange-tip (11m; 2f), Green-veined White (10m; 1f), Small White (5); Holly Blue (2m; 1f), Speckled Wood (3), Comma (2), Small Tortoiseshell (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Northaw sightings. Brimstone, Peacock, Holly Blue, Orange-tip and Small Whites in the garden today [Posted by Sam Fuller]
Sightings at Broomfield Park, Palmers Green, Pymmes Park, Edmonton & Southgate. 1 Peacock & 1 Small White at Broomfield Park, Palmers Green, N13 this morning & male Orange-tip & male Brimstone at Pymmes Park, Edmonton this afternoon. 1 Double-striped Pug at ASDA Southgate this afternoon - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Pair of Orange-tips. Lots of Orange-tips around Great Gaddesden today - including this pair [Posted by Paul Cross]
Sightings at Enfield, Trent Park & Edmonton. At private sites near Trent Park - 2 Peacock, 2 Orange-tip [male & female] - my first of the year [FOY] & 1 Comma. At Trent Park - 1 Peacock near Obelisk, male Brimstone, 1 Comma & 13 Adela reaumurella settled on Hornbeam leaves in clearing in Rough Lot - my first of the year [FOY], 2 Orange-tip [male & female] near Water Grdn, male Brimstone & 1 Peacock along Leeging Beech Gutter near 'Three Bridges' & male Brimstone at Williams Wd. At Pymmes Park, Edmonton - female Small White & 1 Comma & several other white sp [probably Small White]. At Warwick Rd, N18 - 1 Peacock. At Church Street, N9 - female Large White - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Merry Hill and more. Taking advantage of a fine day, I decided to go on a long walk following the blackthorn from Merry Hill and other local places, where the Brown Hairstreak has been seen, and we've returned the eggs, and, also, to satisfy my curiosity of a few footpaths as well. Starting from Attenborough Fields, where there isn't any, but I did see 1 Brimstone and 1 Peacock. Then to Merry Hill where its everywhere, and I saw 10 Peacocks, 3 Commas, 16 Brimstones, 13 Orange-tips, including a mating pair, and 6 Speckled Wood. Exiting there I came out by Carpenders Park nursery, and down Little Oxhey Lane where there is a good scattering of blackthorn along the hedges. Crossing the rail line, via the bridge, across the road and there was the footpath that goes in the direction too Hatch End. I didn't go that far, just to Prestwick Road Meadows. Our ribbons and returned twigs with BHS eggs are still there. Also, 5 Speckled Wood, 1 Brimstone, 6 Orange-tips, 1 Peacock, and an unknown White. Back out the way I came in, and on to Oxhey Woods, 1 Brimstone, no blackthorn seen but it could be around the edges, I went through the middle. There was plenty of honeysuckle, so must go and have a look for White Admirals there one day - been saying that for a while now... Finally through the woods and on to South Oxhey Playing Fields, but it was getting on and nothing seen there. Past Hampermill Lake and Farm, and more blackthorn, unfortunately it gets cut regularly here. Then to the Ebury Way and 3 Speckled Woods. Through Riverside Park and Watford Fields and home. That was a long walk, I probably won't be doing it again for a while, but it was fascinating to see these places linked up - in a very green way that you wouldn't really expect from Watford. [Posted by Rick Vickers]
Couple of firsts on Knebworth transects. My firsts of the year for Speckled Wood and Orange-tip in and around Norton Green Common in mid afternoon plus a nice Green-veined White in Wintergreen Wood, Knebworth Park [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Speckled Wood. Speckled Wood seen outside Main Hide at Lemsford Springs [Posted by Rose Newbold]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Wall-to-wall spring sunshine today and an unsurprisingly enthusiastic response by my local butterflies. Numbers were more than twice those of any previous day, and nine species were seen: Peacock (35), Brimstone (14), Orange-tip (11), Green-veined White (8), Speckled Wood (8), Comma (4), Small White (3), Red Admiral (1), Holly Blue (1). The abrupt emergence of the GVW to outnumber the Small Whites was notable, as was the large number of Peacocks. They were everywhere and my count might well have been an underestimate. After my comment yesterday, the appearance of the Holly Blue was very welcome. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Peacock at Edmonton & Brimstone at Southgate. 2 Peacock at Edmonton this afternoon [1 at North Middx Hospital & 1 at Park Avenue, N9] & male Brimstone at Dalrymple Close, N14 this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
First 4 Transects completed. The weather was finally favourable to do my transects, so I completed all 4 today, clocking up 7 miles. Species seen : Speckled Woods, Brimstone, Small White, Peacock. Photo is of Speckled Wood in Highgate Cemetery. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. More sunshine today near Heathrow, but it was cooler and breezy. There were more butterflies though: Peacock (10), Orange-tip (6m+1f), Small White (4), Speckled Wood (4), Brimstone (3m), Green-veined White (1), Comma (1), Red Admiral (1). It was good to see a few more Orange-tips, though I am concerned about the lack of Holly Blues here so far this year. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Speckled Wood. I visited Batchwood near St Albans this afternoon. Amongst the amazing display of Bluebells, I saw my first Speckled Wood of the year, two Peacocks and a Brimstone [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Quite warm, quite windy, largely cloudy - not ideal for butterflies, but I did manage to encounter a few this afternoon on my local patch near Heathrow. The roosting male Brimstone was a bit of a lucky find, and the brief spells of sunshine kept a few Orange-tips from snoozing too. Today's relatively slim pickings: Orange-tip (3), Peacock (2), Speckled Wood (1), Brimstone (1), Small White (1), Red Admiral (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Peacock & Speckled Wood at Edmonton. 1 Peacock at Haselbury Road near Westerham Avenue & 3 Speckled Wood including two together at Pymmes Park, Edmonton this afternoon - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
First Orange Tip in my garden. One of the great delights of Spring and a good chance to try out my new phone camera. Two more spotted at my allotment. [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
First Green-veined White of the year. Spotted my first Green-veined White of the year in this afternoon’s sunshine along with my first Speckled Woods and some Peacocks [Posted by Julia Hawkins]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A cool and cloudy morning was followed by a very sunny (but still cool) afternoon. The sun brought the butterflies out again on my local patch, though the Brimstones soon disappeared again as it wasn't really warm enough for them. The highlights today were my first Green-veined White of the season and a lovely fresh female Orange-tip nectaring on the plant from which it got its etymological name. 36 butterflies overall: Peacock (15), Small White (7), Brimstone (5), Red Admiral (2), Comma (2), Orange-tip (2), Speckled Wood (2), Green-veined White (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Moth trap at Heartwood Forest. The weather was freezing cold on the evening of Saturday 28th March. However, we did manage to get one trap in sufficient shelter from the wind and had around 40 moths of 13 species in it including 2 Blossom Underwings, the third and fourth records for Heartwood of this scarce and local species. I must have seen around 10 Light Orange Underwings at Heartwood in the past week or so. Another benefit of all the Aspens which have been planted on the site. The Orange Underwing also occurs there but it is much scarcer at that site. If you want to see that one then you need to go to Bricket Wood. [Posted by News from Mark Sterling]