A foretaste of Summer (1 Viewer)

honeym

Well-known member

• Feb 18, 2012

• #1

Hi

At the London Wetland Centre, Barnes, Surrey this morning one of the staff found a Hummingbird Hawkmoth flying around in the Observatory.

Almost certainly it had over-wintered there and was either disturbed or became active due to the milder weather.

It was good to be reminded that summer is on its way (but some time off!).

Martin

 

Davebutterflyman

Well-known member

• Feb 18, 2012

• #2

Interesting find there Martin. Hopefully more of the same over the summer months.

 

SHowarth

Stephen Howarth

• Feb 20, 2012

• #3

I actually saw one on Boxing Day, flying in amongst the crowd at a football match! Wasn't exactly tropical either. They are obviously tough little things and seem to be getting commoner all the time.

 

J

James Bean

Well-known member

• Feb 22, 2012

• #4

Could that be what I saw today flying over next door's roof? I glanced out of an upstairs window and noticed what looked like a medium-sized orange-brown leaf floating above the ridge tiles of the house next door. I soon realised, to my amazement, that it was a butterfly or moth! I didn't expect to see anything like that at this time of year, and certainly not so high. It fluttered away within a minute, at a height of about 80 feet (25 metres). Weather in Chester was unusually mild today. Anyone able to provide likely identity?

 

Ronayne88

Seán Ronayne

• Feb 22, 2012

• #5

Fluttering flight and colour suggests a small tortoiseshell. I had one today in Cork City

 

Davebutterflyman

Well-known member

• Feb 24, 2012

• #6

Either that or possibly Comma,of which a number appear to be out at the moment.

 

J

James Bean

Well-known member

• Feb 25, 2012

• #7

Thanks for your responses. It's a wonder they survive in such variable weather. Yesterday was overcast and chilly, but today is bright sunshine, although the forecast is one degree tonight. They appear frail, but perhaps are more hardy than they look?

 

Gerry Hooper

Certified User

• Mar 4, 2012

• #8

My Father was suprised to see a Hummingbird Hawkmoth on 24th feb in his garden in Romsey (Hampshire).!!

 

Geoff Brown

Well-known member

• Mar 4, 2012

• #9

Well that was last week, right now it is trying to snow again outside!!

 

S

Seatallen

Well-known member

• Mar 4, 2012

• #10

Blimey though- just goes to show how tough they are especially as they're on the edge of their range in the UK I believe?

They do seem to be getting more common however. I've seen them in our garden several summers running and was surprised to see one in the Lake District the summer before last.