Butterflies 2016, a personal perspective. (1 Viewer)

Hi, I thought given that the season is drawing to a close I would offer a review of my butterfly season for this year I didn't want to clog up the birding thread (for a change) so thought it better to put it here instead. If anyone else fancies doing the same then please weigh in with your own sightings/experiences.

I saw a total of 30 species in the county with the first sightings on the 25th of March. many of my butterfly observations were a bit of a bonus on birding days, I didn't tend to make trips just to watch them. One of the highlights for me was seeing Silver-washed Fritillaries at several places where I did not expect them and I saw this spectacular species at a total of five sites. Amongst the other high points good views of Purple Emperor, a Small Copper, seeing Black Hairstreak again after many years and a very good showing of Small Tortoiseshells stand out.

Most species appeared to do quite well, Speckled Woods and Red Admirals seemed rather late but made up for it later and while 2016 was not a vintage year for Painted Ladies it was by no means the worst.

The list of species for this year (and you may want to skip this) were; Dingy, Grizzled, Essex, Small and Large Skipper, Red and White Admiral, Comma, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady, Purple Emperor Silver-washed Fritillary, Holly and Common Blue, Brown Argus, Small Copper, Green and Black Hairstreak, Large, Small and Green-veined White, Orange-tip, Brimstone, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Small Heath and Marbled White.

As is now normal I've included some pictures of my favourite pictures, I'll stick a few more in other posts

James.

I'm sticking a picture of every species that I managed to photo, you have been warned. This post is the five Skippers.

James.

Drat, I stuck a picture of another Large in instead of a Small. I should have my specs on when doing this kind of stuff. Mistake resolved and a few other familiar characters.

James.

Hope that you're not getting bored yet, it's time for the whites, I really should try and get a pic of Large White. I've bunged a Small Copper in too just to add a splash of colour.

James.

We're slowly getting there, a few pics of browns this time. Next year I'm going to try and get Marbled White pictures, they're such a stunning butterfly.

James.

Thank goodness I don't do this for a living, I've noticed the same Painted Lady pic was posted twice...oops. Last pictures are of the blues, I didn't manage a picture of every species but it gives me a target for next year.

James.