[gillean55]

Hello

There were plenty of Duke of Burgundies in Township Plantation (Whitbarrow) yesterday. In fact, it was by far the most common butterfly seen, and I stopped counting after I reached 20! Pearl-bordered Fritillaries were relatively scarce during the morning and early afternoon, but I then saw 5 of them between 3 and 4 pm. As these species are both apparently in serious decline in Cumbria it was a pretty good day!

Paul

PS Anyone thinking of visiting Township Plantation for the first time might like to consider parking next to the Lyth Valley Hotel on the A5074 (SD453896) and walking in. The single-track road through The Howe is very narrow, and there is limited parking anyway.

[SteveClifton]

At least 8 Dukes and 10 or more PBFs at Gait Barrows yesterday around the vicinity of post 5. There could have been many more of the latter in perfect sunny conditions, but we had to dash off to other sites after 2-3 hours taking photos at this spot.

Also one or two Green Hairstreaks noted, and lots of Dingy Skippers too (the commonest butterfly of the day).

Steve

[nick patel]

Well done guys with your counts. i went to GB on monday 25th and saw only 1 duke, plenty o pbf's and 3 dingy skippers.

nice weather.

also plenty of (faded) greenstreaks at meathop.

full write up with pics on the blog.

cheers.

[gillean55]

These are the images I should have added to my original post!

[nick patel]

crackers! love the dob.

[gillean55]

Thanks for that Nick.

The Duke was easy to photograph from very close as it was so docile. Most of the day was spent chasing PBFs about!

Good luck with the Small Blues at Workington.

Paul