Brown Hairstreak at Ifield (1 Viewer)

Clive Watson

Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit ampheta

• Aug 10, 2009

• #1

The area near Ifield, West Sussex is supposed to be excellent for Brown Hairstreak but in a couple of hours on Saturday afternoon I drew a blank. Is there anyone who has visited this site and can give me some tips?

 

Wildmoreway

Well-known member

• Aug 23, 2009

• #2

No reply to my somilar question re Torbay, but reading various books it may be that you were too early in the year and that late august early september might be a better time to see the Brown Hairstreak.

There is going to to a search for this species by members of the local Butterfly Conservation branch at Preston Down near Paignton on Sunday 30th August at 11 AM.

SW

 

Last edited: Aug 23, 2009

Surreybirder

Ken Noble

• Aug 24, 2009

• #3

I saw one near Horsham last summer. It was attracted by golden rod. The only time I've ever seen the species. It was quite flighty!

 

Xenospiza

Distracted

• Aug 24, 2009

• #4

I haven't been there (although I was tempted), but I assume you've seen this?
http://www.sussex-butterflies.org.uk/sightings.html (which shows it’s easy to miss, but does not give any more details, unfortunately).

I had one at Noar Hill last year (found by others), feeding on Hemp-agrimony. It is a very difficult butterfly... but they’re long-living, so you should still have a chance.

 

Wildmoreway

Well-known member

• Aug 25, 2009

• #5

Saw a female Brown Hairstreak laying eggs at Preston Down near Paignton this afternoon.

SW

 

Dipper

Well-known member

• Sep 2, 2009

• #6

It has been an excellent season for Brown Hairstreaks at Bardney Limewoods in Lincs. Pretty much guaranteed every visit, even the low down, open winged shots have been regular.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/3856764315/

 

Bowland Birders

Well-known member

• Sep 5, 2009

• #7

Clive Watson said:

The area near Ifield, West Sussex is supposed to be excellent for Brown Hairstreak but in a couple of hours on Saturday afternoon I drew a blank. Is there anyone who has visited this site and can give me some tips?

Click to expand...

They are often thinly spread and hard to find. Was almost ready to give up last Saturday at Cloatley Farm SSSI in North Wiltshire when we found a nice female at about ST997907 (almost bang on the grid ref for the SSSI!). I wrote some nonsense on my blog about it and BrH in general - a wonderful butterfly!

I have also seen BrH at Noar Hill in the past and at Rew Down in Sussex (mostly males at both) but for wings-open female photos now is the time.

Good luck, BR Mike

 

Surreybirder

Ken Noble

• Sep 6, 2009

• #8

I was at Pulborough Brooks yesterday. As you go round the trail there is a sign pointing to a large ash tree, saying this is a place where brown hairstreaks gather. But I couldn't see any. Further round to the right (beyond the picnic area but before you get to the viewing platform (which I think is called something like Jesse's landing?) there is a small meadow full of knapweed with lots of butterflies. I noticed quite a few brownish butterflies flying around one tree at quite a height. They may have been speckled woods and I could not get a proper look at them, but I have a feeling that they may have been brown hairstreaks. Sorry, this is probably less than helpful! (Interestingly, despite the notice, brown hairstreak doesn't appear on the butterfly checklist that you can pick up in the visitor centre - though green, purple and white-letter do!)
I did at least see a nice small copper.
Ken

 

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Clive Watson

Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit ampheta

• Sep 7, 2009

• #9

Presumably round an ash tree they'd be mating and therefore high up. I was looking for egg-laying females low down on Blackthorn. Had another look yesterday. Nothing.

There are some not very friendly signs on the site, put up by the Homes and Communities Agency. I was speaking to a local about it, there is some dispute about ownership of the land and basically, the Agency want to build 2,500 homes on it. I don't think it's imminent at this stage but it sounds like the whole site might be lost eventually.

I might try Noar Hill, it's not too far away and it's on my to do list for next year anyway for Duke of Burgundy.

 

R

RichardWSymonds

New member

• Jul 2, 2015

• #10

Clive Watson said:

Presumably round an ash tree they'd be mating and therefore high up. I was looking for egg-laying females low down on Blackthorn. Had another look yesterday. Nothing.

There are some not very friendly signs on the site, put up by the Homes and Communities Agency. I was speaking to a local about it, there is some dispute about ownership of the land and basically, the Agency want to build 2,500 homes on it. I don't think it's imminent at this stage but it sounds like the whole site might be lost eventually.

I might try Noar Hill, it's not too far away and it's on my to do list for next year anyway for Duke of Burgundy.

Click to expand...

Dear Clive & All

The Brown Hairstreak is back in force in Ifield Brook Meadows. We have fought off the developers, and the "not-so-friendly" signs are in the process of being dismantled - so 'they' say.

Park behind the Plough in Ifield Village, and enter the Meadows (in northerly direction).