Butterfly Conservation - saving butterflies, moths and the environment
Butterfly Conservation
40 years of saving butterflies, moths and our environment
   Cambridgeshire and Essex Branch

SIGHTINGS 2023

Please send us your butterfly sightings for inclusion on this page.

Other years' Sightings:

2024  2023  2022  2021  2020  2019  2018  2017  2016  2015  2014  2013  2012  2011  2010  2009  2008  2007  2006  

First Sightings 2023

 Peacock 2nd Jan Red Admiral 31st Jan
 Painted Lady 3rd Feb Small Tortoiseshell 6th Feb
 Brimstone 13th Feb Speckled Wood 12th Mar
 Small White 22nd Mar Comma 22nd Mar
 Holly Blue 30th Mar Orange-Tip 4th Apr
 Large White 7th Apr Green-veined White 9th Apr
 Green Hairstreak 17th Apr Wall 17th Apr
 Small Copper 24th Apr Grizzled Skipper 29th Apr
 Small Heath 30th Apr Dingy Skipper 3rd May
 Brown Argus 4th May Small Blue 14th May
 Adonis Blue 16th May Common Blue 18th May
 Clouded Yellow 24th May Large Skipper 1st Jun
 Marbled White 3rd Jun Meadow Brown 3rd Jun
 Black Hairstreak 7th Jun Heath Fritillary 12th Jun
 Essex Skipper 15th Jun Dark Green Fritillary 15th Jun
 Small Skipper 16th Jun Ringlet 16th Jun
 White Admiral 16th Jun White-letter Hairstreak 17th Jun
 Purple Hairstreak 17th Jun Silver-washed Fritillary 21st Jun
 Gatekeeper 22nd Jun Purple Emperor 25th Jun
 Chalk Hill Blue 26th Jun

To best view photos on this page, JavaScript should be enabled. See also the complete gallery of photos for 2023

We do not post Hummingbird hawkmoth (or other moths) records on this sightings page. Butterfly Conservation UK records sightings of migrant moths centrally at migrant watch

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
December 2023
DateLocationSpeciesReporterDescription
17thFen Drayton Lakes (TL342697)Small TortoiseshellTrevor SawyerVery surprised to see a Small Tortoiseshell flying around between trees above the road near the carpark. Mild but cloudy and very dull at the time
11thEastcliff Footpath, Holland on Sea (TM191162)Holly BlueBrian GoodeyOne flying weakly on ivy, then settling on wife's coat. Placed back on ivy.

November 2023
DateLocationSpeciesReporterDescription
25thNorton Mandeville churchRed AdmiralRosie And Bill Perkins.1, Red Admiral.
25thMarkshall Estate, CoggeshallRed AdmiralDebbie BroomSunny but cold so I wasn't expecting to see a Red Admiral resting on a leaf in the sunshine.
23rdMeadgate Park (TL720058)BrimstoneDavid Lazarus1 M very active in full sun 13C moderate gusts
23rdHobson's field (TL454550)BrimstoneScott BoydOne male brimstone. sunny and breezy 12.45
23rdBobbingworth Nature Reserve, Essex (TL538063)BrimstoneTom Simon1 male and possibly 1 female Brimstone at Bobbingworth Nature Reserve, Essex.
20thEastcliff Footpath, Holland on Sea (TM192159)Red AdmiralBrian GoodeyA single red admiral nectarine on Hebe blossom.
17thWaltham Abbey, Essex (TL380002)Red AdmiralTom Simon1 fresh looking Red Admiral flying around Town Mead this morning. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
17thGarden on Meadgate Avenue (TL718058)Red AdmiralDavid Lazarus
17thDevils Dyke (TL617615)BrimstoneKevin Wilson1 male Brimstone flying around bushes by the July car park side of the Dyke. Sunny light breeze. 1.05pm.
11thThe Naze (TM266236)Small Tortoiseshell, Red AdmiralMartin PeersSmall Tortoiseshell! 5 Red Admirals flew south.
6thEastcliff Footpath, Holland on Sea (TM192159)Red AdmiralBrian GoodeyA couple of red admirals flying and resting on ivy. Amazing they can survive the wind and rain we've had recently.
5thBurnham on Crouch (TQ966954)Clouded YellowBrian Oulds2 settlling on dandelions
5thBraintree, Essex (TL771222)Red AdmiralTom SimonSingle Red Admiral flying around Braintree Village. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
5thBaddow Meads (TL727064)Red AdmiralDavid LazarusOne lone RA in flight southbound midday 12C strong westerly breeze in full sun
4thCow Hollow Wood Clayhithe Waterbeach. (TL500645)Red AdmiralKevin Wilson1 Red Admiral on the wing 1.45 pm.
3rdMeadgate Park (TL719059)Red AdmiralDavid LazarusRed Admiral reaches November in Chelmsford despite the storm. 11.35 12C sunny interval with moderate breeze SE
typo on last entry - winners/losers for 2023
3rdHare Park Six Mile Bottom (TL583588)Red Admiral, Large WhiteKevin Wilson1 Red Admiral on the wing 1.pm. And 1 Large White seen 1.47pm. My latest sighting of a Large White i believe.

October 2023
DateLocationSpeciesReporterDescription
30thHare Park Six Mile Bottom (TL583588)Red AdmiralKevin Wilson1 Red Admiral in flight 1.41 pm.
30thGrange Farm, WitchamHolly BlueDavid HopkinsMy latest ever here (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
30thGrange Farm WitchamHolly BlueDavid HopkinsMy latest ever here. 30th October, not 31st! (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
23rdHare Park Six Mile Bottom (TL583588)Red AdmiralKevin Wilson3 Red Admirals on the wing. 2 basking in weak sunshine. 12.35-1.19pm. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
22ndRiver Chelmer Flood Plain (TL732206)Peacock, Red Admiral, Small WhiteDavid LazarusFinal transect of the year, a 6 mile walk through Baddow Meads and along the River Chelmer with only 10 butterflies, 3 species 1Pe; 8RA; 1SW
Big winner in Chelmsford 2024 Red Admiral
Big losers Small Tortoiseshell and Ringlet
22ndMark's Hall Estate (TL584253)Red AdmiralRichard GreatRex
22ndEastcliff Footpath, Holland on Sea (TM192159)Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Holly BlueBrian GoodeySW2, HB5, RA7, P2. Nice to see five holly blues and nine vanessids around the last patch of flowering ivy. Also a couple of late vapourers nearby.
22ndCoggeshall (TL854226)Red AdmiralRichard GreatRexAt least 5 Red Admirals flying, with one female laying several eggs while we watched.
17thRamsey (TL2785)Red AdmiralTony Lack1 Red Admiral in sunny south-facing front garden.
15thLitlington, South Cambs (TL311428)Peacock, Red AdmiralPhillip Hastings1 x Peacock (photo)
1 x Red Admiral
Both seen in the garden warming up in the sun after a chilly night (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
14thWimpole Hall area (TL510354)Red Admiral, Large WhiteKevin WilsonA walk around the fields and woods on the east side of Wimpole Hall produced sightings of 5 Red Admirals and 1 Large White. 11.37 am-1.56 pm.
14thMiddlewick Ranges, Colchester (TM0023)Comma, Red Admiral, Common Blue, Small CopperRob SmithA fresh male Common Blue on Lesser Calamint by the Mersea Road, 3 Small Copper, 1 Comma, 1 Red Admiral
10thHoughton Mill (TL282719)Comma, Red Admiral, BrimstoneSteve BindingMidday sunny/breezy 23c+.
(17)RedAD.(3)Comma.(1)Brim.
one UN ID White. All
on Ivy of which there is lot
to be found here.
10thEaton Socon garden (TL166594)Red Admiral, Painted LadySteve Bindingsunny/breezy afternoon.
(6)RedAD.(1)Painted lady.
all on Buddleia when not resting
on gravel. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
9thHolland Haven Country Park & cliff walk (TM212167)Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Small CopperDavid LazarusHolland Haven Country Park and cliff top promenade to Clacton-on-Sea along which there were plenty of Small Whites in the grass-covered slopes. 5RA; 64SWh; 1LW; 1SC warmer and more sunlight early afternoon. Also, one White Ermine caterpillar (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
9thGreat Holland Pits NR (TM203191)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Wall, Small CopperDavid Lazarus10.00 to 12.30 20C light breeze nw only sunny intervals with hazy skies; 3 Walls seen in flight early morning from an Oak & scrub edging the heath meadow without settling on ground - returning to bask in canopy [2M; 1F confirmed a few days before]. Also, 5RA; 1 Co; 1 SmW; 1 GvW; 4SpW [with fantastic aerial display]; 2 SC (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
9thEastcliff Footpath, Holland on Sea (TM192159)Red Admiral, Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Holly BlueBrian GoodeyRA12, SWt3, GW1, HB6, SWd2
8thField off Church Lane, North Weald (TL496041)Small White, Brown Argus, Small CopperIan Watts5+ x Small White, and singles of Small Copper and Brown Argus.
8thBlunt's Farm, Theydon Bois (TQ464996)Small White, Common BlueIan Watts2 x male Common Blue, single Small White
7thPaxton Pits (TL195629)Red Admiral, Small White, Speckled Wood, Brown ArgusSteve Bindingsunny/warm 23c+
(16)RedAD (1)SpecW.
(3)SmWht (3)BrnArg
7thDanbury Common (TL783041)Small WhiteDavid Lazarusjust one butterfly within a half-an-hour search 23C light breeze 90 % sunlight; perfect early afternoon conditions
4thPerry Lagoons + meadow (TL157669)Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Brown ArgusSteve Binding12pm/1.45 dull odd sunny moments,
breezy but warm 16c+.
(7)RedAD.(1)PCock. (1)SpecW.
(1)GVWht. (1)fm LrgWht.(5)SmWht.
2 UN ID Wht. (1)BrnArg.
most at not flying due to the conditions (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
3rdMill Green Common (TL637013)Speckled Wood, Small CopperRob Smith2 Small Copper, 4 Speckled Wood and a migrant Vestal moth in the heather
2ndRSPB Ouse Washes (TL471860)Red Admiral, WallChris BrownOne Wall in the car park

September 2023
DateLocationSpeciesReporterDescription
30thWeald Brook (TQ562925)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Small CopperColin Jupp17 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Peacock, 1 fresh Comma, 8 Small White, 2 Small Copper. Nearly all nectaring on Canadian Golden-rod
30thLitlington, South Cambs (TL311428)Red Admiral, Small WhitePhillip Hastings2-3 x Red Admiral feeding on ivy in morning sun (photo)
2-3 x Small White, mainly feeding on asters (photo)
Otherwise now very quiet in the garden butterfly-wise (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
30thKings Dyke nature res. (TL249974)Red Admiral, Small White, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperSteve BindingSunny to begin with 16c,breezy then became overcast.
Looking for Wall Brown but non seen. Others seen
(9)Brown Argus two fresh looking females.
(7)Sm White.1/2 UN ID Wht.
(1)SmCopp.(4)fm ComBlue.(1)RedAD. 10.45am/12pm.
26thMarsh Farm Country Park, South Woodham Ferrers (TQ828963)Speckled Wood, WallChristopher Rawlings14:00-15:00hrs 2 Speckled Wood + 1 Wall Brown 1st one I've seen on this my local patch after 33 years regularly walking the site. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
25thWoodwalton Green Lane (TL209813)Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small WhiteSteve Bindingsunny,breezy 18c
12.15/1.20pm
(6)RedAD.(2)Brimstone
(2)SmWht 8 UN ID Wht. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
25thRSPB Ouse Washes, (TL470859)Peacock, Small White, Green-veined White, WallROSALYN PAYNESunny, breezy, 21 deg. Walk from the visitor centre approx 1 mile north to Stockdales Hide. Peacock 1, several whites, Wall 10+
25thColne Point EWT (TM101124)Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Wall, Small CopperRobert SeagoI chased after what looked like a Wall Brown. In another place I photographed one, think there were 2 and then maybe another. Up to 4 (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
23rdTanholt Pits (TF238016)Red Admiral, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Wall, Common BlueHoward ButlerWall x5 fresh,presumed 3rd brood
23rdRamsey Marsh (TL944060)Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Wall, Small Heath, Small CopperRob SmithEssex Field Club field trip - a female Wall Brown for Peter Harvey. Small Heath 3, Small Copper 1, Red Amiral 3, Peacock 2 (nectaring on Sea Aster), Small White 10+. Star-wort moth caterpillars on Sea Aster
22ndGreat Holland Pits EWT (TM202192)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Wall, Meadow Brown, Holly Blue, Small CopperRobert SeagoShort visit. Wall Brown first for years. I will do details in twitter thread. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
16thLeigh-on-SeaPainted LadyDJ Sullivan11:23: 1 Painted Lady (first of the species sighted in garden this year).
15thPerry Lagoons + meadow (TL157669)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled WoodSteve BindingBetter weather this time 11.55/14.30pm
sun/cloud/slt breeze 21c+.
(41)RedAD.(9)Comma, both of these on blackberries.
(5)SmWht.(4)GVWht.14 UN ID White.
(3)SpecWood. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
15thGreat Holland Pits NR (TM202192)Comma, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperBrian GoodeyC4, RA15, PL1, SW5, GW7, SW8, SH2, MB5, HB1, BA2, CB1, SC3
14thPerry Lagoons + meadow (TL157669)Comma, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled WoodSteve Binding1.15/2.50pm overcast hazy sun 20c.
not ideal, also breezy .
(26)RedAD most on blackberries.
(3)GVWht.(1)SmWht.6 UN ID White.
(1)Brim.(3)SpecW.(4)very fresh looking Comma.
only a small area of the site checked.
10thRiver Cam Bates Bite Lock - footpath (TL487062)Red AdmiralSimon Thomas Ingate20 -30 REd Admirals along the footpath on the other side of the river - very common this year.Also 3 very large Goat Moth Caterpillars on the towpath looking to pupate.
9thPaxton Pits (TL195629)Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Brown Argus, Small CopperSteve BindingFriends of Paxton Pits last survey of the year.
route A only. Too hot for afternoon survey. Route B.
33c sunny.(11)RedAD.(15)GVWht.(18)SmWht.
(3)LrgWht.50+ UN ID white esp nr Allotments.
(12)SpecWood.(1)PCock.(3)BrnArg.(5) SMHeath.

Pre Survey area near Carpark (1)SmCopper.
(2m)pristine BrnArg(6)SmWht.(1)GVWht.(1)LrgWht. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
9thBlunt's Farm, Theydon Bois (TQ461998)Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperIan Watts11 x Small Heath, 6 x Meadow Brown, 5 x Common Blue, 4 x Brown Argus and a handful of Small/GVW Whites. Singles others.
8thGreat Holland Pits NR (TM202192)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperBrian GoodeyC3, P1, RA10, PL2, SW5, LW1, GW15, SWd6, SH20, MB5, GK1, HB1, BA1, CB5, SC3. One final gatekeeper of the season, in pretty good condition.
5thWalton-on-Naze (TM264236)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Common BlueBrian GoodeyOne 2nd generation (autumn) comma, the first we've seen; one rather tatty peacock. Twenty-Odd small heaths, and two gatekeepers. No meadow browns.
5thThaxted (TL6131)Red Admiral, Small White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Common BlueStephen Dutton15 Small White 12Small Heath, 10 Cm Blues mostly males,2 Red Admiral, 2 Speckled Wood
5thLitlington, South Cambs (TL311428)Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Holly BluePhillip HastingsMarked drop-off in species and numbers in the garden since last report from here in early August.Those seen today were mainly feeding on Buddleia, Golden Rod and Asters.
6+ x Small White - all appeared fresh so recent brood?
2 x Large White
4 x Red Admiral
3 x Holly Blue (photo)
2 x Speckled Wood (photo) - first seen in garden this year and for several years previously.
1 x Peacock.
Also one each of Jersey Tiger Moth and Hummingbird Hawk Moth, both feeding on Buddleia. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
4thHolland Haven area (TM226179)Small White, Green-veined White, Clouded Yellow, Small HeathBrian GoodeySW14, GW1, CY1, SH50. A single clouded yellow is our first of the year. Good numbers of small heath.
3rdRayne, nr BraintreeSmall Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Holly Blue, Common BlueAndy Goodey
3rdNorth Weald Station (TL495036)Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Large WhiteTom Simon1 Painted Lady feeding on a small Buddleia.
3rdGreat Staughton Old Cemetery (TL123647)Brimstone, Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Brown ArgusSteve Binding11am/12.30pm V warm sunny 19c+.
(7)SpecWood.(1)SmHeath. (3)GVWht.
(3)SMWht. (1)Brim.(1)very worn BrnArg.
(7)UN ID White.
3rdGreat Staughton Meadow (TL127647)Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Common Blue, Small CopperSteve Binding1245/1.50pm sunny 19c.
Three meadow walk around the hedgerows
and paths. The main meadow has been cut down.
Still (34)SmHeath (3)SmWht.(3)GVWht.
(1fm)ComBlue.(1)RedAD.(2)SmCopper.
(4)MedBrn. Plenty UN ID White. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
2ndHare Park Six Mile Bottom (TL583588)Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Clouded Yellow, Small Heath, Brown Argus, Common BlueKevin Wilson1 Clouded Yellow seen twice 3.20 pm and 3.27 pm. Did not settle. Unable to take a photo. On nearby set aside land[ planted with a variety of 'wild' flowers],butterflies seen,1 Red Admiral, 2 Small Heaths, 45+ whites of which 18 Large Whites, 10 Small Whites identified, 12+ Brown Argus and 6 Common Blues. 4.10pm-4.45 pm. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
1stGreat Holland Pits NR (TM202192)Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperBrian GoodeyRA7, PL1, B2, SW8, GW9, SWd9, SH8, MB4, GK2, HB12, BA7, CB3, SC2.

August 2023
DateLocationSpeciesReporterDescription
30thRiver Chelmer (TL738106)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Gatekeeper, Holly BlueDavid LazarusRiver Chelmer 4 mile walk east from Baddow Meads to white willow plantation in search for late summer generation of Green-veined Whites in wet meadows adjacent to river just passed Sandford Lock: 19C, still, 85% sunlight - plenty of Small Whites around Sandford Lock; 50 plus fresh Green-veined Whites searching, courting, coupling & nectaring on Hemp-agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum
Also, fresh Holly Blues at Lock and one perfect Comma - several Speckled Woods & one Small Heath + Gatekeeper (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
28thSandford Mill, Chelmsford (TL738062)Peacock, Holly BlueRob Smith50+ 2nd gen Peacock caterpillars alongside canal. Holly Blue 2. Several unidentified whites (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
28th800 Wood, Madingley (TL399598)Small White, Small Heath, Common Blue, Small CopperTrevor SawyerPleasing numbers of Common Blue, including egg-laying females. Also lots of Small Heath and a single pristine Small Copper
27thThaxted (TL6131)Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Small White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Common BlueStephen Dutton12 Small Heath, 8 Small White, 3 Gatekeeper,2 Common Blue m,
1 Red Admiral, 1 Meadow Brown
26thRSPB Fowlmere Nature Reserve (TL408458)Comma, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled WoodPhillip HastingsIn the reedbed/woodland reserve itself:
8 x Speckled Wood (photo) at various points
2 x Small White
2 x Large White
1 x Green-Veined White
1 x Comma
On large patch of old wildflowers/thistles/knapweed adjacent to southern edge of the reserve:
25+ x Small White. Seen during a 10-min observation of the area but no other species spotted there. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
26thPerry Lagoons (TL157669)Comma, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Common Blue, Small CopperSteve BindingSun/Cloud/Breezy 19c.10.30/12pm.
Only part of the site checked.
(2)Comma Very fresh looking.(3)RedAD.
(8)SpecW.(1)HollyB.(1)LrgWht.
(2)SmWht.(6)GVWht.(1)Brim.
plenty UN ID Wht.(4fm)GateK.
(2)SmCopp.(3m)ComBlue.(2)SmHeath.
Some of the Whites were very fresh looking.
26thOuse Washes (TL489883)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Clouded Yellow, Wall, Small Heath, Gatekeeper, Brown Argus, Common BlueLouise Bacon And Vince LeaOne Clouded Yellow at the Cottier Hide and one Wall at Stockdales, a small number of the other species seen along the wash bank from Welches Dam, hundreds of 'whites' seen over the grassland in the washes reserve area.
25thMill End Green, Great EastonOther butterflyA.AntonopoulosFound this beauty sat on a lavender plant in our garden mid afternoon (2.30pm). Sunny spot with a light breeze. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
25thChilderditch (TQ615895)Painted Lady, Small White, Wall, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Holly BlueColin JuppMy first Wall Brown for 18 years, also 4 Small Heath, 2 Meadow Brown, 1 Holly Blue, 1 Small White, 1 Painted Lady.
23rdWoodham Fen, South Woodham Ferrers (TQ801974)Red Admiral, Small White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Common Blue, Small CopperChristopher Rawlings10:45-11:45 hrs, 13 Small White, 4 Gatekeeper, 3 Speckled Wood, 3 Common Blue, 2 Holly Blue, + 1 each of Small Copper, Red Admiral & Meadow Brown. Suny 18.c.
23rdFassage Green. Lode. Cambs (TL5362)Red Admiral, Small White, Small Heath, Gatekeeper, Brown ArgusPeter WellsRed Admiral 4 on buddleia. Gatekeeper 3. Brown Argus 3. Small White several. Small Heath 5.
23rdColin's Bank. Magog Down. Cambs (TL489529)Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Copper, Chalk Hill Blue, Small BlueEdward Pollard; Andrew Knights3 Male Chalk Hill Blue. 1 Small Blue. 15+ Small Heath. 5+ Common Blue. 5+ Brown Argus. Plentiful fresh Meadow Brown
22ndThorndon Park (south)Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueAndrew Cox
22ndMill Green Common (TL637013)Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Holly Blue, Small CopperRob Smith6pm, really pleased to see 6 Small Heath here this evening. I've never seen more than one 'vagrant' in the past. Also 4+ Holly Blues on the heather, singles of Small Copper and Meadow Brown
22ndFassage Green. Lode. Cambs (TL5362)Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Small Heath, Gatekeeper, Brown ArgusPeter Wells3pm. About half an hour. Bright sun, hot, breezy.
Brown Argus 4. Small Heath 3. Small White 5. Gatekeeper 3. Large White 1. Red Admiral 1.
20thThaxted (TL615315)Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueStephen Dutton23 deg but mostly overcast.
12 Small Heath, 8 Meadow Brown,6Gatekeeper, 4 Cm Blue, 2 Holly Blue, 1 Brown Argus,3 Red Admiral,20 Whites, 2+ Small , 2+ Large, 2+ Green V and several unidentified
20thORWELL CLUNCH PITRed Admiral, Small White, Large White, Gatekeeper, Chalk Hill Blue, Small BluePETER LOUGHLIN
20thNorton Mandeville, Essex (TL5704)Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Large White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Brown Argus, Common BluePeter Merrett (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
20thLangdon Hills (Dunton Plotlands)Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueAndrew Cox
20thEast London Cemetery, Plaistow (TQ398829)Red Admiral, Meadow Brown, Holly BlueRob SmithHoping for some small meadow species, as the grassland isn't mown too harshly, but not much about. Singles of each
20thChingford Plain, Epping Forest (TQ399951)Red Admiral, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Common BlueRob SmithMeadow Brown 7+, Small Heath 2, Green-veined White 2, Speckled Wood 2, Common Blue 1m, Red Admiral 1, Brimstone 1m
20thBeckton District Park (south) (TQ419813)Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Brown Argus, Common BlueRob SmithBrown Argus 4 (3m, 1f), Common Blue 3 (1f egglaying on Birdsfoot Trefoil) Small White 4, Green-veined White 1, Speckled Wood 2, moths: Common Carpet 2+, Silver Y 1
19thHarold Wood (WCS) (TQ5390)Small White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Small CopperRob SmithFirst records of Brown Argus and Small Heath for this Wider Countryside Square and Gidea Park Sports Ground. Both in one small unmown corner past the cricket pitches. Also Holly Blue 2, Speckled Wood 1, Small Copper 1 (same corner), Small White 2, Gatekeeper 4, Meadow Brown 1.
19thFassage Green and Lode Village (TL5362)Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Brown ArgusPeter Wells4pm. Sunny intervals, warm and windy. Several Small White. Eight Red Admirals on buddleia. Gatekeeper 3. Singles of Small Heath, Holly Blue, Peacock, Meadow Brown, Brown Argus. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
17thGreat Holland Pits NR (TM202119)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Purple Emperor, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueDavid Lazarus10.20 to 15.00 19C; 75% to 90% sunlight; mod. breeze NE: 1 PE (male); 33 SW; 6 SH; 89 MB; 39 GK; 1 PH; 26 HB; 14 BG; 6 CB; 2 BS; 15 SW; 3 LW; 2 GV; 2 CO; 4 PC; 8 RA;
16thWoodwalton Marsh (TL212813)Brimstone, Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Brown Argus, Common BlueSteve Binding09.50/11.30am v warm 21c+.
(46)MedBrn.(28)GateK.(13)SmHeath.
(6)BrnArg.(7fm+4m)ComBlue two of the
females were tiny.(1)EssexSkip fresh looking.
(2)LrgSkip v worn.(1)SmSkip v worn.
(2m+3fm)GVWht.(1m+1fm)SmWht. plenty UN ID White.
(1)Brim.(1)SpecW.
16thWoodwalton Green Lane (TL208812)Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperSteve Binding11.40/1.15pm 24c sunny but breezy.
(32)GateK.(12)MedBrn.(18)SmHeath.
(14m+4fm)ComBlue.(18)BrnArg.(2)SmCopp.
(7)GVWht.(9)SmWht.(2)Brim.(1)PCock.
(1)SmSkip v worn. Lots of Common fleabane and ragwortfound here. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
16thGreat Staughton Meadow (TL127646)Peacock, Small White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperSteve Binding2.35/3.30pm 24c+ breezy. Paths and hedges
only.(13)BrnArg.(24)GateK.(10)MedBrn.
(29)SmHeath. (2)SmCopper.(1)GVWht.
(1)SmWht.(2m+1fm)ComBlue. (1)PCock.
Plenty UN ID Whites.
15thThorndon Park ( North)Small White, Speckled Wood, Wall, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Common Blue, Small CopperAndrew CoxOne wall brown, top of Childerditch meadow (nw corner).
One small copper.
Still good numbers of gatekeeper.
15thMagog Down, Cambs (TL488528)Small Heath, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Chalk Hill BlueEdward PollardShort visit to check Chalk Hill Blue. at least 4 males, and 1 female at Colin's Bank. most quite worn, one male reasonably fresh.
15thBurwell Cutting, Cambs (TL574652)Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Copper, Chalk Hill BlueEdward Pollard10 Brimstone, 44 Chalkhill Blue (M), 14 Adonis Blue (M), several female CHB/Adonis. 2 Small Copper. 2 Speckled Wood. Plentiful Brown Argus and Small Heath
14thBurnham CemetryWallBrian OuldsSunning itself on a grave-a nice surprise.Have now
seen a Wall in four different locations,they now
seem to be spreading their wings in Burnham.
12thBarnack Hills And Holes (TF075043)Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Wall, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Copper, Chalk Hill BluePaul FisherA visit midday,23°,100% cloud, very windy (at least it didn't rain). Red Admiral x2; Peacock x2; Brimstone x2(males); Green-Veined White x1; Small White x2; Unident White x6; Speckled Wood x1; Gatekeeper x27; Wall x1(female,found at grid ref); Small Heath x2; Meadow Brown x24; Essex Skipper x2; Common Blue x1(male); Small Copper x2; Brown Argus x27, Chalkhill Blue x34(males)x2(females) (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
11thPaxton Pits (TL199626)Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperSteve Binding10.40/1.20pm not ideal, overcast warm 21c
odd sunny breaks but breezy. Mainly checking
Brown Argus Numbers in only two areas of the reserve. A grand total of (206)BrnArg. there would have been more if the sun stayed out.
Others (5)Brim. (2)RedAD. (2)PCock. (6)SmWht.
(28)GateK.(7m+3fm)ComBlue. (1)SmCopper.
(31)MedBrn.(1)SpecW.(3)SmHeath. some UN ID White.
11thMagog DownPeacock, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Chalk Hill Blue, Small BlueNeil DickinsonBetween about 2 and 3:30 pm. 5 male Chalkhill Blues at Colin’s Bank, looking rather worn, but no females spotted. Many Brown Argus near trees at top of hill. Have noticed this proximity to trees before elsewhere. One Holly Blue by trees also. Quite a few Small Blues in most areas still, mainly worn but one or two fresh looking. Moderate numbers of male Common Blues across site. Absolutely no Red Admirals despite tremendous abundance here three weeks ago.
10thWalk between Lode and Quy Fen (TL5162)Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Common BluePeter Wells7.30 to 8.30am. Warm, bright sun, no wind. Very little activity. Singles of Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Common Blue, Holly Blue. No whites seen at all.
10thTrumpington Meadows (TL4354)Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Green-veined White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Copper, Small BlueDavid BradleyWalked along unmown edge of meadows from Byron's Pool and over the M11 bridge to the unmown patches of Kidney Vetch. Numerous Small Blue and lots of Common Blue (of which I've not seen many this year). Solitary Small Copper on the overbridge side.
10thNewland Grove Nature Reserve (TL715108)Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueDavid LazarusExcellent meadows with a great deal of diversity of flora and woodland edge/scrub, Ash, White Willow, Oak with Blackthorn and Hawthorn understory - ideal conditions for hairstreaks but none seen yet.
Numerous Meadow Brown, 9 Brown Argus and 3 Common Blue with good numbers of Holly Blue and Speckled Wood in the woods.
Also moths: Six-spot Burnet and yellow Shell
10thLode Village (TL532627)Peacock, Red Admiral, Small WhitePeter Wells8.45am Buddleia bush. 6 Peacock. 1 Red Admiral.
1 Small White
10thLittle Waltham Meadows Nature Reserve (TL713118)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Brown ArgusDavid LazarusNot yet a great site for butterflies - managed by Essex Wildlife Trust, the meadows are tall forbs on fertile land with poor diversity
10thFassage Green. Lode. Cambs (TL5362)Small White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BluePeter WellsMid-afternoon. Hot, bright sun, breeze.
Meadow Brown 4, Gatekeeper 9, Brown Argus 8, Small White 11, Common Blue 1, Holly Blue 1. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
10thCombertonPeacock, Brimstone, Large White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperMARK HOUSDENField with small area of herb and birds foot trefoil 1x peacock, 1 brimstone, 1 small heath ( first one seen here) 10+ meadow brown, 10+ Gatekeeper, 5 brown argus, 2 small copper, 8 Common blue
10thChelmer Valley Local Nature Reserve (TL708087)Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Holly BlueDavid LazarusNot great for butterflies, mostly wooded with dense canopy of ash, oak, hornbeam, and willows with fertile wet grasslands and tall forb areas dominated by nettles and willow herb. Large numbers of Small Whites, good numbers of Green-veined Whites. Notable for absence of Meadow Browns, particularly in the open grasslands which might change with some areas with the makings of meadow which seem to be dominated by Daucus carota
10thBedford Purlieus, Wansford (TF0400)Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Dark Green Fritillary, Brimstone, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Brown ArgusDave O'BrienPeacocks and Red Admirals all on the abundant Hemp Agrimony. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
10thBedford Purlieus, Wansford (TF0300)Brimstone, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Brown ArgusDave O'Brien (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
10thBarnack Hills and Holes, Barnack (TF0704)Peacock, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Copper, Chalk Hill BlueDave O'Brien62 Chalkhill Blue (conservative count), inc. 1 mating pair.
51 Brown Argus
23 Brimstone (conservative count)
Weather hot and sunny, but breezy. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
9thgodmanchester pe29 2de (TL252702)Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperMarilyn Read
9thWoodham Fen, South Woodham Ferrers (TQ801974)Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Green-veined White, GatekeeperChristopher Rawlings09:30-10:30 hrs, 16 Gatekeeper, 6 Small White, 2 Peacock + 1 each of Green-veined White & Red Admiral. Sunny 13.c
9thThorndon Park (south)Small White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small CopperAndrew CoxStill good numbers of gatekeeper active.
9thPerry Lagoons + meadow (TL157669)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperSteve Binding11.30/2.30pm 21c sunny/breezy.
(10)SmWht.(7)GVWht.(1)LrgWht.(4)Comma.
(8)HollyB.(9)RedAD.(89)GateK.(5)SpecW.
(34)Brim all feeding on the abundance
of Thistles and Knapweed.(33)PCock.
(17)BrnArg.(11m+4fm)ComBlue.
(4)SmCopper.(7)MedBrn Plenty of UN ID Whites. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
9thLittle Warley Common (TQ606906)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperRob Smithevening stroll. It's getting overgrown at this site, but still enough grassland pockets to get the smaller meadow species. Gatekeeper 5, Purple Hairstreak 5, Small Copper 3, Holly Blue 2, singles others
9thGreat Staughton Meadow (TL127646)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperSteve Bindinglate afternoon. Sunny/breezy26c.Just checked the
meadow edges and tracks and hedgerows.
(36)GateK.(23+)BrnArg.(41)SmHeath.(18)MedBrn.
(5)SmCopp.(11)SmSkip very worn.(1)EssexSkip.
(8)ComBlue.(4)LrgWht.(2)SmWht.(2)GVWht in copp.
(2)Brim.(7)Comma.(4)PCock.(1)RedAD.(1)HollyB.
One of the Small heath had two spots on forewing
as per photo. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
9thFassage Green. Lode. Cambs (TL5362)Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Brown Argus, Common BluePeter WellsSix Brown Argus. Seven Gatekeeper. Numerous Small White. Two Common Blue. Singles of Large White, Red Admiral, Meadow Brown.
4pm for about 45 minutes. Warm and sunny.
9thClaybury Park, Woodford Bridge (TQ430912)Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperIan WattsThe final field trip of the year took place in perfect weather conditions. There was considerable Hairstreak activity to be seen throughout the morning from 8.30am but, sadly no sign of the target species, Brown Hairstreak. 37 x Purple Hairstreak were seen, including many low down and a number seen imbibing sugars from Blackberries. Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown may have been too numerous to count but it was the Lycaenid species that perhaps stood out. 19 x Holly Blue, 4 x Small Copper, 3 x Common Blue and 5 x Brown Argus. Also seen were numerous Small Whites, a smaller number of Green-veined Whites, 5 x Red Admiral, 2 x Peacock and a single Painted Lady. Notable moths seen included 3-5 x Jersey Tiger, 4 x Vapourer and singles of 6-Spot Burnet and Blood-vein.
8thGreat Staughton Old Cemetery (TL123647)Peacock, Red Admiral, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Brown Argus, Common BlueSteve Bindingovercast 16c hazy sunshine.0915/10.15am.
butterflies mostly static due to the conditions. MedBrn(11).RedAD(2).GVWht(5)GakeK(16).
SpecW(2).ComBlue(2).PCock(1).Ringlet(1)
very worn. BrnArgus(31) (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
7thconnaught Lake, Epping Forest (TQ4095)Comma, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly BlueAnthony HareSpeckled Wood 5
Gatekeeper 13
Comma 1
Ringlet 1
Holly Blue 3
Meadow Brown 3
A few white's that wouldn't settle to identify.
7thRussell Green, E of Little Waltham (TL7412)Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueGeorge BrownSunny periods, p.m. Peacock 16 feeding on water mint, Red admiral 1, Brimstone 1 male, Small white c3, Speckled wood 1, Small heath 1, Meadow brown 6, Gatekeeper 9, Holly blue 1, Brown argus 2, Common blue 1 male.
7thHawkwood allotment. (TQ3795)Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly BlueAnthony HareRed Admiral 1
Speckled Wood 1
Gatekeeper 12
Holly Blue 1
Meadow Brown 1
A reasonable number of Small & large whites but can't say how many of each.
7thFassage Green. Lode. Cambs (TL5362)Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Brown ArgusPeter WellsNumerous Small White, Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown. Singles of Red Admiral, Peacock, Brimstone and Brown Argus. Three or four unidentified Blues.
About 45 minutes around midday.
7thBlack Notley (TL7620)Silver-washed FritillaryGeorge BrownSunny periods, a.m. Male Silver-washed fritillary on Buddleia in garden. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
6thRayne, Essex (TL7222)Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Large White, Meadow Brown, GatekeeperAndy Goodey
6thBlack Notley (TL7620)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly BlueGeorge BrownSunny periods. 67'F. Observations in garden. Comma 2, Peacock 3, Red admiral 4, Brimstone 1 male, Small white 2, Large white 1, Meadow brown 2 (worn), Gatekeeper 5, Holly blue 5 - mostly feeding on Snowberry flowers.
4thWoodham Fen, South Woodham Ferrers (TQ801974)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Speckled Wood, GatekeeperChristopher Rawlings10:40-11:40 hrs, 48 Gatekeeper, 6 Small White, 1 each of Comma, Red Admiral & Speckled Wood. 17.c, sunshine & clouds.
4thThe Drove Way. Towards Quy. (TL519619)Speckled WoodPeter Wells8.30 am One Speckled Wood only. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
4thLitlington, South Cambs (TL311428)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly BluePhillip HastingsGarden sightings to date this summer notable for highest ever numbers here of Red Admiral, Peacock, Comma and Holly Blue. But only a single day's sighting of one Painted Lady and several species seen last summer not seen at all this year, including Marbled White, Green-Veined White, Large Skipper, Small Skipper. Today's sightings:
10+ x Red Admiral
10+ x Peacock
4-5 x Holly Blue all feeding on Snowberry bush flowers (photo)
4 x Comma
2-3 x Large White
2-3 x Small White
2 x Gatekeeper
2 x Meadow Brown
2 x Tortoiseshell
1 x Brimstone (f)
Also seen today and fairly regularly daytime feeding on Buddleia, one Hummingbird Hawk Moth and one Jersey Tiger Moth (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
3rdGreat Holland Pits NR (TM202192)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperBrian GoodeyC5, P23, RA32, PL1, SWt4, LW5, GvW5, SWd4, SH2, MB24, GK33, ES1, PH3, HB3, BA9, CB3, SC2.
3rdFassage Green. Lode. Cambs (TL5362)Red Admiral, Small White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Brown ArgusPeter WellsVery few butterflies today. Seven Gatekeepers, four Small White, three Meadow Brown, one Red Admiral, one Brown Argus.
Only a short visit. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
3rdColchester, Blackheath (TM0021)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly BlueSimon Patient2 male Silver-washed Fritillaries in our garden on Buddliea. One very worn the other in quite good condition.
1stconnaught Lake, Epping Forest (TQ4095)Comma, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, GatekeeperAnthony HareSpeckled Wood 1 (interestingly there was another Speckled Wood that had been recently ambushed by a white Crab spider hiding beneath the flower of a thistle & was being eaten head first) Gatekeeper 19,Meadow Brown 3.
1stYate's meadow Epping forest (TQ3895)Green-veined White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Common Blue, Small CopperAnthony HareGreen-veined White 1,Marbled White 1,Gatekeeper 33, Common Blue 4,Essex Skipper 1,Small Copper 1,Meadow Brown 119.
1stThorndon Park ( North)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Brown Argus, Common BlueAndrew CoxOne male silver washed fritillary feeding on thistles. Still in good condition.
Many gatekeeper & meadow brown.
Two brown argus, three common blue.
1stMill Green Common (TL637013)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Small CopperRob Smith17:20-18:00. Peacock 1, Red Admiral 1, Comma 2, Meadow Brown 6, Gatekeeper 15, Small Skipper 1, Holly Blue 1, Small Skipper 1, Purple Hairstreak 1 on bracken

July 2023
DateLocationSpeciesReporterDescription
31stVange Marsh.Peacock, Small White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Brown Argus, Common BlueAndrew CoxAt least 15 brown argus.
At least five common blue.
One rather faded essex skipper.
30thHorndon on the Hill edge of farmers field.Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Wall, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperPaul Wakeling1.5 hr walk around edge of farmers field sunny & windy 19° saw:
61 G/K, 32 Sm/W, 29 M/Br, 13 Wall , 9 R/Ad, 6 Lg/W, 5 Br/A , 4 H/B,
3 each Es/Sk & Com, 2 P/cock, 1 each Sm Cop & Com Blue .
Another high count of 2nd brood of Wall Brown.
30thHatfield Forest (TL5319)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Holly BlueGeoff Vowles2 white-letter hairstreak, three purple emps- 2 male and a female. >20 silver washed fritillaries. No marbled whites today
30thHanningfield EWT reserve (TQ729970)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, White-letter HairstreakDavid JobbinsOne White-letter Hairstreak feeding on brambles close to Wych Elms.
30thBurnham on Crouch (TQ9695)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Wall, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Common BlueBrian Oulds3xwall.Good numbers of gatekeeper,meadow brown.small
and large white and holly blue when the sun came out
for about an hour.
29thThorndon Park (south)Ringlet, Meadow Brown, GatekeeperAndrew CoxLarge numbers of meadow brown & gatekeeper with the odd ringlet.
29thThaxted (TL615315)Peacock, Small White, Large White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Holly Blue, Common BlueStephen Dutton30 Meadow Brown,16 Gatekeeper, 14 Small Skipper,10 Peacock on Buddleia adjacent to meadow, 4 Small White, 6 Large White,3 Marbled White,15 Common Blue, 6 Holly Blue.2 Small Heath.
29thMarsh Farm Country Park, South Woodham Ferrers (TQ828963)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, GatekeeperChristopher Rawlings13:40-15:40 hrs, 3 mile sea wall peninsula circular walk. 38 Gatekeeper, 25 Small White, 21 Meadow Brown, 4 Speckled Wood, 2 Red Admiral + 1 each of Large White, Small Tortoiseshell & Comma. Sunshine & clouds, very strong S/W wind, 20.c.
29thKeith Wood.Bassingbourn.South Cambs (TL337427)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Brown ArgusPhillip HastingsRevisited this small wood previously visited on July 2 when saw 20 Large Whites and very small number of three other species among a 25m x 10m patch of Wild Marjoram and thistles in a clearing. This time on a sunny breezy morning saw 9 species feeding in same area plus a single Brown Argus feeding on Ragwort on field-edge path running alongside the wood.Sightings (approx numbers):
20 x Small Whites
15 x Red Admirals
12 x Peacocks
2-3 Meadow Browns
2-3 Commas
2 x Holly Blues
2 x Large Whites
1 x Brimstone (f)
1 x Gatekeeper
1 x Brown Argus (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
29thHawkwood allotment. (TQ3795)Red Admiral, Large White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Gatekeeper, Holly BlueAnthony HareRed Admiral 1 Speckled Wood 4,Gatekeeper 23,Ringlet 1,Holly Blue 1,Large White 1, again whites were reasonably plenty full but unable to say if they were small or large as they were on wing constantly apart from the 1 large nectaring on echinacea.
29thBlack Notley (TL7720)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly BlueVALERIE BLAMIRESilver-washed Fritillary seen in garden for the first time.
29thAnglesey Abbey (TL527621)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Brown Argus, Common BlueMike WoodSeveral SW Fritillaries, v mobile
28thHarwich, by Harwich Museum (TM261324)WallBrian GoodeyWall brown today at Harwich, next to the Harwich Museum (TM261324). My first Essex Wall for c.30–40 years. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
27thWoodham Fen, South Woodham Ferrers (TQ801974)Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Meadow Brown, GatekeeperChristopher Rawlings14:00-15:00 hrs, 22 Gatekeeper, 10 Small White, + 1 each of Large White, Red Admiral & Meadow Brown. Sunshine & clouds, a few spots of drizzle, 20.c.
27thMagog DownPeacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small BlueMike Wood
26thnr St Osyth (TM144159)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Meadow Brown, Holly BlueSimon & Pat CoxFinally added Comma to this year's garden list.
All singles except 6 Small Whites & 2 Holly Blues
26thconnaught Lake, Epping Forest (TQ4095)Red Admiral, Brimstone, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly BlueAnthony HareRed Admiral 1,Brimstone 1,Gatekeeper 12,Holly Blue 1,Meadow Brown 2.
26thTanholt Pits (TL237026)WallHoward ButlerMy first wall of the 2nd brood.
26thRaphael Park, Romford (TQ517905)Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperColin JuppNorth end of park: 2 Brown Argus, 2m Common Blue, 3 Holly Blue, 1 Small Copper, 1 Small Heath, 10 Speckled Wood, 40 Gatekeeper, 40 Meadow Brown, 1 Painted Lady, 5 Red Admiral, 3 Peacock, 2 Large White, 4 Small White, 3 Green-veined White
26thMaldon Wick Nature Reserve (TQ839055)Peacock, Small White, Large White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueDavid Lazarus10.30 to 12.00; 21C; gentle SE breeze to 22C still; 95% sunlight. 100+ Meadow Brown & Gatekeeper; Essex Skipper 4; Small Skipper 5; E/S 11 mostly with tatty/worn wings but still coupling (image); Brown Argus 17; Common Blue 1 [low]; Large White 5; Small White 4; Peacock 2; Holly Blue 1; Also, 1 Six-spot Burnet. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
26thLode Village (TL523623)Small White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly BluePeter WellsSingle Holly Blue.
26thLangdon Hills (Dunton Plotlands)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Small CopperAndrew Cox
26thHawkwood allotment. (TQ3795)Comma, Red Admiral, Large White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly BlueAnthony HareRed Admiral 1, Gatekeeper 16,Comma 1,Holly Blue 2,Large White 1,Meadow Brown 2. 9 other whites but they wouldn't settle allowing me to decide if they were large or small.
26thHatfield forest (TL5319)Purple EmperorLaurence DrummondStill just 2 active males at the forest, 5 territories checked , single males at North west and Lodge coppice mid-afternoon.
26thFassage Green. Lode. Cambs (TL5362)Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Common BluePeter WellsNumerous Small White, Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown.
About 20 Peacock.
Singles of Red Admiral, Brimstone, Common Blue
26thElmdon, Essex (TL4639)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large WhiteMaggy DixonA Jersey tiger moth has been sitting on the back of my house for several hours. A hummingbird hawk moth spent several seconds around the buddleia.It is warm with sunny intervals in my South facing garden.
26thDevil's Dyke, July Racecourse end (TL6161)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Dark Green Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Copper, Chalk Hill BlueDavid BradleyWalk from July parking to the racecourse crossover and back - Dozens of Chalk, handful of Brown Argus, Small Copper, Common Blue. 2-3 Dark Green Frits and 2 Marbled White towards crossover (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
26thDanbury Common (TL783043)Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid Lazarus13.00 to 14.30; 22C gentle SE breeze to 23C; 95% sunlight to 50% sunny intervals. Gatekeeper 150-200; Meadow Brown 100-150; Brimstone 6 [lower than expected]; Peacock 11 - both on hawkweed dominated meadow with 2 Common Blue [1F 1M - low abundance] and 2 Brown Argus; Small Copper x 2 high speed courtship display punctuated by nectaring on common heather; 4 Essex, 1 Small and 4 other skippers all with worn wings (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
25thHatfield forest (TL5319)Purple EmperorLaurence Drummond3 Purple Emperors this afternoon, a single male at the North west territory, a slightly tatty Female in the mid-west and a lively male at Lodge coppice that tried to take on a dragon fly.
25thFowlmere RSPB Reserve (TL405445)Red Admiral, Small White, Purple HairstreakDOUG RADFORDFemale on isolated middle-aged Oak (Q.robur); known colony
24thGreat Holland Pits EWT (TM202192)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, White Admiral, Purple Emperor, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperRobert SeagoAnother female PE.
Good to see male Common Blue at last.
23rdLyonshall Wood, S of Great Leighs (TL7314)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large SkipperGeorge BrownBrief sunny spells. Quite strong W wind.2.30-4pm. Comma 12+ concentrated along sheltered brambles beside main ride, Peacock 7, Red admiral 4, S-w fritillary 1, single Small & Large whites, G-v white 3, Speckled wood 2, Ringlet 2, several Gatekeepers & Meadow browns, Large skipper 2. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
23rdHarwich Road, Little ClactonPeacock, Red AdmiralLen Hagon
23rdHadleigh Great WoodComma, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Small White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Purple HairstreakDJ Sullivan17:00-18:45 (sunny midway): 2 White Admiral (area fronting fallen tree by butterfly ride, and corner bramble patch); small number of Purple Hairstreak (Oak-top, Poors Lane entrance area).
23rdDevil's Dyke (TL5864)Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueScott Boyd1.5 km walk from Burwell road carpark, south along Devil's Dyke. windy with sunny spells. 36 gatekeepers, 2 peacock, 4 holly blue, 1 speckled wood, 3 meadow brown, 2 large white, 2 small white, 4 green veined white, 2 small skippers, 3 marbled white, 5 brimstone, 2 common blues, 3 brown argus and 1 red admiral.
23rdDavy Down and Mardyke Valley, Essex (TQ589800)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BluePaul & Barbara BeckettWalk 11am-2pm in bright, breezy conditions. Creeping thistle patches in the Mardyke flood plain were teeming with diverse butterflies, including many fresh peacocks, red admirals, brown argus and golden skippers nectaring (see poorly focussed example brown argus). Also seen a large Oak Eggar Moth. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
23rdBurnham on Crouch (TQ9695)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Wall, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Holly Blue, Common BlueBRIAN OULDS5 Wall -3 Marbled White .Abundant Gatekeeper Small
White Meadow Brown.
23rdBrookes Reserve (TL810267)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple HairstreakKeith WinchTransect amounting to over 300 butterflies with new additions Purple and White-letter Hairstreaks.
23rdBarnack Hills and HolesSmall Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Copper, Chalk Hill BlueSuzanne Nelson1 female Chalk Hill Blue
22ndStour Reserve, Ramsey, DovercourtRed Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, GatekeeperKeith Winch
22ndKingfishers Bridge near Wicken Fen (TL548736)Red Admiral, Meadow BrownKevin WilsonDespite the rain and breezy conditions i was surprised to see 1 Meadow Brown and 2 Red Admirals ion the wing. Meadow Brown 3.26 pm. Red Admiral 3.26 p, and another Red Admiral 3.45 pm.
22ndHatfield Forest (TL532193)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Common BlueIan WattsMostly overcast morning. Very large numbers of Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper (100s) plus plenty of Ringlet. Good numbers (10+) of Red Admiral and Peacock. 8 x Silver-washed Frit. 1-3 of the others, including singles of Common Blue and White-letter Hairstreak.
22ndHadleigh Great WoodRed Admiral, Small White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Purple HairstreakDJ Sullivan09:15-11:30 (some light rain): 1 Purple Hairstreak (f) sighted flying down to Sweet Chestnut where it rested during rain over 20 minutes, alternately opening and closing wings (Poors Lane entrance area). 1 nearby Red Admiral remained with wings open through rain.
22ndHadleigh Great WoodRed Admiral, Small White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Purple HairstreakDJ Sullivan09:15-11:30 (some light rain): 1 Purple Hairstreak (f) sighted flying down to Sweet Chestnut where it rested during rain over 20 minutes, alternately opening and closing wings (Poors Lane entrance area). 1 nearby Red Admiral remained with wings open through rain.
21stgodmanchester pe29 2de (TL252702)Brown ArgusMarilyn Read
21stWickham St Paul (TL831983)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly BlueNeil Murphy1 Purp Emp, 2 P Hairstreak & 2 Sw Frits mating
21stThaxted (TL600302)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Brown ArgusRichard BerryGatekeeper and Meadow Brown too numerous to count, spread all along path and hedgerow
2 Marbled White
1 Painted Lady
1 Purple Hairstreak
1 Brown Argus
21stMagog Down, CambridgeComma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Chalk Hill Blue, Small BlueNeil DickinsonLarge numbers of butterflies in the region of Colin’s Bank in particular. Second generation small blues very abundant everywhere on Magog Down. Photographed seven of them in a very small area just near the car park.
21stLitlington, South Cambs (TL311428)Comma, Peacock, Painted Lady, Meadow Brown, GatekeeperPhillip HastingsIncrease in species and numbers in the garden since previous report just 4 days ago (July 17), specifically:
1 x Painted Lady (first sighting here this year - photo)
1 x Gatekeeper (first sighting here this year - photo)
4 x Peacock (previously 1 - photo)
4-5 x Comma (previously 2)
4-5 x Meadow Brown (previously 2)
Other species - Red Admiral, Large White, Small White, Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell, Holly Blue - same or similar numbers to previous report. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
21stLangdon Hills ( EWT Lincewood & Great Berry).Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Small CopperAndrew Cox
21stHatfield forest (TL5319)Purple EmperorLaurence Drummond2 Males chasing at the Lodge cottage territory 13.00, and a female in round coppice before the sun disappeared, a less than average season made worse by the weather not allowing observation.
21stGreat Holland Pits (TM202190)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Purple Hairstreak, Brown ArgusRobert SeagoI did a limited walk mainly looking for woodland butterflies and despite heavy rain the previous night the SW Fritillary was flying, and I was delighted to see 1 or probably 2 PE in a place I always thought classic, but had never produced a sighting. The first looked like a female that came from a Grey Sallow moved a couple of times and went into an Oak above me. The other was doing the classic territorial flight a slow steady move between trees, so a male I believe. Time and cloud meant I dragged myself away having seen him a few flights.
21stFoxearth Meadows and adjacent railway siding (TL8346)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Brown ArgusLawrence Garside40+ Gatekeepers, Peacocks, Red Admirals
10 Comma
5- 10 each of Meadow Brown, Brown Argus, Whites
Single Brimstone, Painted Lady, Ringlet, SpeckledWood, Purple Hairstreak
21stFingringhoe, Essex. CO57BPComma, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Large White, Gatekeeper, Small BlueAnon
21stClaybury Park, Woodford Bridge (TQ430912)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperIan Watts2 x White-letter Hairstreak (on Bramble below some inconsequential Elms) was unexpected. Purple Hairstreak again active high in an Ash tree. Nice to see some more Lycaenid species, albeit small numbers (3 x Small Copper, singles of Brown Argus and Common Blue). Gatekeeper far and away the most common species here today. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
20thWoodham Fen, South Woodham Ferrers (TQ801974)Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex SkipperChristopher Rawlings14:10-15:10 hrs, 21 Gatekeeper, 18 Small White, 15 Meadow Brown, 5 Peacock + 1 each of Red Admiral, Essex Skipper & Sm/Essex Skipper. Sunshine & clouds, 19.c.
20thWhittlesey (TL274988)Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Wall, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex SkipperSharon HearleSingle Wall butterfly (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
20thThorndon Park (south)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Essex SkipperAndrew CoxMany peacock & red admiral.
Large numbers of gatekeeper.
20thRowney Woods (TL572338)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Brown ArgusRichard BerryLot of small flocks of PH, low in the trees, bushes and on the path
Single tatty WA
Single WLH near center point of woods, initially in with PH, but then broke away to feed on thistle
Two very fresh BA
20thLangdon Hills (EWT Willow Park & Mark's Hill & LinComma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Holly Blue, Small CopperAndrew CoxTwo SWF, male & female, both Lincewood. Female looked to be seeking egg laying sites.
Many peacock, red admiral & gatekeeper.
Still a few marbled white.
Several small copper.
20thHadleigh Great WoodComma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Purple Emperor, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Purple HairstreakDJ Sullivan09:45-13:15 (still, overcast, sunny spells): 1 particularly fulvous Comma; 3 White Admiral; 1, possibly 2, Purple Emperor sighted in flight at 09:53 and 12:22 (Poors Lane entrance area), high first in middle Oak, then in side Oak; 2 Brimstone (m); 1 fine Marbled White (PLea., notably); 1 Purple Hairstreak (PLea.).
20thClaybury Park, Woodford Bridge (TQ428913)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Purple HairstreakIan WattsSome decent warm and sunny conditions around 10am. A Hairstreak was active high in a prominent Ash (not adjacent to oaks) but I'm fairly certain it was of the Purple variety. 20+ x Peacock, 10+ x Meadow Brown, 20+ x Gatekeeper, 4 x Red Admiral and a handful of the others also seen.
20thChipping Ongar (TL0438)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Large White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Holly BluePeter MerrettUnusual Marbled White for Ongar. Red Admiral and Large White continue to be the most abundant species. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
20thBlue House Farm (TQ865973)Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Large White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Common Blue, Small CopperLiz Huxleygatekeeper ++, marbled white 8+, small copper 1, common blue 1 male, painted lady 1, peacock 2
20thBarnack Hills & HolesSmall Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Copper, Chalk Hill BluePete Freeman23 species seen - 3 Small Copper, 2 Painted Lady,, 8 Brown Argus, 46 Marbled White. Not many Chalkhills yet, 6 males noted.
19thGreat Holland Pits EWT (TM202192)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Brown ArgusRobert SeagoRed Admiral, Peacock, Comma, Brimstone, Gatekeeper numerous and Brown Argus good numbers. The Silver Washed Fritillary was last (only)seen 2020, so now 29 species 2023! (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
18thYate's meadow Epping forest (TQ3895)Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Common BlueAnthony HareMarbled White 5,Gatekeeper 19,Small Skipper 4, Common Blue 1,Essex Skipper 1,Large Skipper 1,Meadow Brown 73. Six-Spot Burnet Moth 6.
18thWildlife garden Horndon on the HillSmall Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Wall, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Holly BluePaul WakelingBest day of the year so far for garden sightings . Sunny & warm saw: 39 Pea, 18 Sm/Wh, 17 G/K, 10 M/B, 10 Wall, 7 G/V/W, 5 R/Ad,
4Com, 3 Lg/Wh, 2 Ed/Sk, 1 Brim & 1 H/B . Note this is the highest count of Wall that I ever had in my garden .
18thWest Cambourne (TL300459)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Brown ArgusJohn MurrayAt least 10 painted lady, with numerous red admiral. Three fresh peacocks seen, plus one very worn small tortoiseshell. 4 fresh brown argus also seen. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
18thThorndon Park ( North)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Common BlueAndrew CoxMany newly emerged peacocks feeding on thistles.
Large numbers of gatekeeper.
Good numbers of comma & red admiral.
18thThaxted (TL615315)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Common BlueStephen Dutton30 Meadow Brown, 26 Marbled White, 22 Small Skippers,14 Gatekeeper, 10 Small White, 4 G V White, 2 Large White,2 Ringlet, 4 Red Admiral, 1Comma, 1 Small Tortoiseshell,1 Common Blue- fresh male.
18thThaxted (TL607310)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Essex SkipperRichard BerrySingle slightly tatty White Admiral, initially feeding on Thistle in open grassland, then moved to sunbath on bindweed near a small copse (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
18thMonks Wood (TL2080)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Small CopperG Fletcher & J ElseyHuge numbers of Ringlet, Gatekeeper and Skippers, many Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood and Whites. 34 Red Admiral, 15 Silver Washed Fritillary( 1 Valezina), 7 x Peacock, 7 x Brimstone, 6 x Comma, 4 x White Admiral, 1 x Small Copper
18thLittle Belhus CPSmall Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Large White, Green-veined White, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Small CopperIan Plume (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
18thHolywell, St. Ives (TL3470)Red Admiral, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Brown ArgusDaniel DuffSingle Brown Argus at a private site where singles have been seen in previous years (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
18thHolme Fen (TL2188)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Small CopperPhil Bromley1-3pm
Red admirals seen in very large numbers (500+) while walking around Jackson's Covert & the Middle Covert.
18thHatfield Forest (TL538196)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid Lazarus10.00 to 17.00 17C to 21C, hazy to overcast 30% to 10% sunny intervals, gentle SE breeze
Gatekeeper, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Red Admiral & Essex/Small Skipper each 100+; Small Skipper 22; Essex Skipper 2; Small White 31; Silver-washed Fritillary 40 [eastern ride, including 3 females]; Small Copper 1; Large White 17; Comma 27; Peacock 50; Painted Lady 4; Large Skipper 9; Marbled White 27; Green-veined White 7; Speckled Wood 1; Small Tortoiseshell 1; Brimstone 1; White-letter Hairstreak & Purple Hairstreak 1 each basking lowdown 15.00 & nectaring on bramble respectively glade @ TL 531 201
Also, 6 day-flying moths incl. 9 Six-spot Burnet
18thGt Holland Pits (TM202192)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, White Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Holly Blue, Brown ArgusLiz Huxleyincl 10+ red admiral, 8+ peacock, 6 brown argus, 1 white admiral, 6 fresh brimstone, 1 painted lady, 4+ comma
18thGreat Staughton Old Cemetery (TL123647)Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Brown Argus, Small CopperSteve Binding11.30/1.30pm hazy sunshine, warm , breezy.
(5)SmWht.(13)GVWht.(5)LrgWht.
(19)GateK.(25+)MedBrn.(4)Ringlet.
(40+)Small/Essex Skip (4)ID Essex.
(1)SpecW v worn.(2)PLady.(2)PCock.
(2)RedAD.(1)MarbWht.(17)BrnArg.
(3)very fresh Small Copper (pair in copp) .
Not bad numbers for a small old
cemetery where the plants are left
to grow until late Autumn . (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
18thGergen, Matching, Essex (TL5112)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Small CopperBryan RussellNot brilliant weather - too breezy and no sun …
Red Ad - 40, Sm Tort. 2, Peack 24, P. Lady 1, Sm Skip 5, Gate K. 19, Meadow B 27, Sm W 25, L White 9, Brim 5, Comma 2, Sm Copper 1. Also (for big Butterfly Count) - 6 Spot Burnett 24, SilverY 7
18thGarden in Little EversdenSmall Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Holly Blue, Small CopperJames FowlerMarbled White tailing off but Gatekeeper peaking. For the last few days fresh Red Admiral in big numbers, this morning 26. I assume 2 Holly Blue are start of second brood.
18thFassage Green. Lode. Cambs (TL5362)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Green-veined White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Common BluePeter WellsNumerous Small White, Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper.
Singles of Small Tortoiseshell, Small Skipper and Brimstone.
17thWoodwalton Marsh (TL212813)Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Brown Argus, Common BlueSteve Binding4.20/5.30pm sun/cloud still warm ,breezy.
Brim(5) MedBrn lots of. Ring(8).GateK plenty.
SmHeath(1) v fresh. MarbWht(27+).
SMWht(10). LrgWht(7).GVWht(6) UN ID Wht plenty.
RedAD(1)Small/Essex Skip(50+). ID EssexSK(6).
LrgSkip(5). Comma(1).Pcock(2).BrnArg(5).
ComBlue(2m).
17thWest Canvey Marsh RSPB (TQ775844)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Wall, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex SkipperDavid ChandlerFirst of the second generation of Wall Brown was observed.
17thShoeburynessComma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, GatekeeperSteve DaySat in garden,8+ red admiral 2 comma,2 peacock,1 gatekeeper, 1 small white, 1 speckled wood,all around the 3 buddlieas
17thRowney Woods (TL5733)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Essex Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Brown ArgusRichard BerryAround 10 SWF
1 WA
4 PH
1 BA
Good numbers of other species (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
17thNewland Grove Nature Reserve (TL714107)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid Lazarus14.00 to 17.00 23C 100% sunlight light breeze SE
Gatekeeper 21; Red Admiral 42; Meadow Brown 71; Painted Lady 1; Small White 23; Small Skipper 6; Essex Skipper 3; E/S 27; Large White 4; Comma 5; Peacock 12; Ringlet 2; Brown Argos 20 [roosting in meadow outside reserve boundary @ 16.30]; Common Blue 1; Small Copper 2; Green-veined White 1
17thLitlington, South Cambs (TL311428)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Meadow Brown, Holly BluePhillip Hastings10+ x Red Admiral, all pristine, feeding on Buddleia, by far the most seen in this garden in 20+ years (usually 2-3 max)
4-5 x Large White
4-5 x Small White
2 x Comma
2 x Meadow Brown
2 x Brimstone (1m + 1f), feeding exclusively on Perennial Sweet Pea flowers
1 x Small Tortoiseshell (first seen here this year)
1 x Peacock (also, first seen here this year)
1 x Holly Blue (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
17thLangdon Hills (Dunton Plotlands)Comma, Red Admiral, Large White, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex SkipperAndrew Cox
17thKnapwell Wood (TL339634)Comma, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, White-letter HairstreakJohn MurrayTwo white-letter hairstreaks seen necataring on knapweed beneath Elm. One brimstone and at least three commas seen, as well as good numbers of the other species listed. Bright, but breezy conditions. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
17thHadleigh Great WoodComma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Purple Emperor, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly BlueDJ Sullivan09:15-12:15 (breezy, at times overcast, short burst of rain, sunny spells): 10 Peacock; 3 White Admiral; 1 Purple Emperor, sighted in flight at 09:27 and at 3-5 minute intervals until 09:47 (Poors Lane entrance area), high in Oaks; 3 Brimstone (2m, 1f); 1 Ringlet only (rather worn); 1 Purple Hairstreak (PLea.).
17thDuxfordPeacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Green-veined White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, White-letter Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Small CopperMike GittosSingle White-letter Hairstreak nectaring on marjoram.
17thCockaynes Wood NR (TM056220)Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Brown ArgusLiz Huxleyincl 8+ red admiral, 5+ peacock, 2 holly blue, 1 brimstone, 4 brown argus, 1 silver washed fritillary
17thBedford Purlieus wood (TL041003)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Silver-washed Fritillary, Dark Green Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueSteve Binding + Paul FisherNorthern Area 2pm/3pm. still v warm 25c.
GVwht Plenty. LrgWht(16). SmWht(1).
some UN ID Wht. MedBrn + Ring some.
GateK plenty. Comma(1). ComBlue(1m).
SmTort(2).PCock(2).MarbWht(18+).
PLady(1). Brim(9). Silv Wash Frit(2).
DrkGrnFrit (20+)plenty females.
BrnArg(12).SmSkip(10+).LrgSkip(6).
RedAD(1).HollyB(1). (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
17thBedford Purlieus wood (TL038988)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown ArgusSteve Binding + Paul Fisher11pm/1.35pm Southern Ride, Warm25c breezy.
Silv Wash(13).GVWht(9).LrgWht(7).SmWht(4).
plenty UN ID Wht .Brim(9).MarbWht(1).
WhiteAD(2).PCock(9).HollyB(1). BrnArg(9).
Plenty of Ring an GateK. MedBrn(10).
LrgSkip(18).SmSkip(1).RedAD(16).
Comma(25+).WhtLtHS(19+).PurpHS(8)
remaining high up in trees. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
17thBedford Purlieus (TL0499)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Silver-washed Fritillary, Dark Green Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BluePete Freeman23 species seen, inc 21 Brown Argus,1 Painted Lady, 40 Comma, 22 Marbled White, 62 Red Admiral, 64 White-letter Hairstreak, 24 Dark Green Fritillary, 33 male & 12 female Silver-washed Fritillary, inc 1 valezina.
16thHadleigh Great WoodComma, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, GatekeeperDJ Sullivan16:15-18:15 (fairly windy): 9 White Admiral (perhaps one or two double sightings on return leg).
16thGreat Holland Pits EWT (TM202192)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, White Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Small CopperRobert SeagoLots to see on a windy day of sunny intervals.
The Marbled White was the first I have reliably recorded
16thGarden shoeburynesdComma, Red Admiral, Other butterflySteve Day1 peacock 3 red admiral,2 comma
16thBelfairs/hadleigh great wood,essexComma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Brown Argus, Common BlueSteve Day3 silver washed fritallary,4 white admiral,brown argus 50 meadow brown,2 gatekeeper7 ringlet 2,small skippers,10,red admiral,20 comma,3 peacock,2 common blue
15thWildlife garden Horndon on the HillComma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Wall, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Holly BluePaul Wakeling9:35 sunny & warm saw: 16 Sm/W, 9 M/B, 9 G/K, 3 R/A, 2 Com,
1 each: Pea, GVW, Lg Wh, Es Sk, H/B and a male Wall 1st of 2nd . brood.
15thSea wall Burnham Wick (TQ9695)Marbled White, Meadow Brown, GatekeeperAnthony HareMarbled White 1,Gatekeeper 9,Meadow Brown 2.
15thFingringhoe Wick (TM049193)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Purple Emperor, Large White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Purple Hairstreak, Small CopperLiz Huxleyvery windy day, but still a good range of butterflies incl 2 purple hairstreak, 1 purple emperor
15thBurnham Yacht Harbour (TQ9496)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Common BlueAnthony HareRed Admiral 4,Marbled White 8,Gatekeeper 13,Common Blue 1,Comma 1,Small White 3,Essex Skipper 1,Large White 1,Meadow Brown 5.
13thYate's meadow Epping forest (TQ3895)Red Admiral, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small SkipperAnthony HareRed Admiral 1,Marbled White 4,Gatekeeper 18,Small Skipper 5,Meadow Brown 63.
13thRowney Wood (TL5733)Comma, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Purple HairstreakJohn LandelsTwo PE on the oaks at the junction of all the paths in the centre of the wood.
13thPerry Lagoons (TL157669)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Holly Blue, Brown ArgusSteve Binding3.10/6pm odd sun /cloudy/but warm.
(60)RedAD all on bramble flowers .The most I,ve
seen here, and only half the site checked.
(26)Ring.(2)SmWht.(1)LrgWht.(2)GVWht.
plenty UN ID Wht.(13)Comma.(10)SmSkip.
(46)GateK.(6)MedBrn.(6)BrnArg.(1)HollyB. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
13thHawkwood allotment. (TQ3795)Red Admiral, Meadow Brown, GatekeeperAnthony HareRed Admiral 1,Gatekeeper 9,Meadow Brown 4.
13thHatfield forest (TL5320)Purple EmperorLaurence DrummondAfter a 2 1/2 hour wait 2 male Purple Emperors clashed at the North west territory in a brief bright spell mid-afternoon.
13thGreat Holland Pits EWT (TM202190)Comma, Peacock, White Admiral, Purple Emperor, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Brown ArgusRobert SeagoFreshly emerged female Purple Emperor. Also prob 2 males seen.

Red Ad,Meadow Brown, Peacock numerous and lots emergent Brimstone.
12thnr St Osyth (TM144159)Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Meadow Brown, Brown ArgusSimon & Pat Cox2 Small & 2 Large Whites, single Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Brown Argus and Meadow Brown in our garden
12thWoodham Fen, South Woodham Ferrers (TQ801974)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large SkipperChristopher Rawlings09:30-10:30 hrs, 20 Gatekeeper, 16 Small White, 13 Meadow Brown, 12 Marbled White, 2 Peacock, 2 Sm/Essex Skipper, 1 each of Large Skipper, Small Tortoiseshell & Red Admiral. Sunshine & clouds, strong westerly breeze, 18.c.
12thTrumpington Meadows (TL4354)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Copper, Small BlueTrevor SawyerSecond brood Small Blues now appearing (I saw 7 including a mating pair). In a 1.5hr loop around the Meadows I also saw, numerous Small and Essex Skippers, Red Admirals, Meadow Browns, Gatekeepers, Ringlet, Small/Green Veined Whites... and Marbled Whites (9),Comma (6), Common Blue (3), Small Tortioseshells (2), Small Heath (2), Brown Argus (2), Brimstone (2), Painted Lady (1), large White (1), Holly Blue (1) and Small Copper (1)
12thThorndon Park (south)Comma, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small SkipperAndrew CoxAt least eight sliver washed fritillaries, including a courting pair.
12thSheering, Essex (TL513129)Red Admiral, Brimstone, Large White, Marbled White, Large Skipper, Small SkipperTom Simon
12thHadleigh Great WoodComma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Purple HairstreakDJ Sullivan09:30-12:00: 6 Peacock; 4 White Admiral; 2 Silver-washed Fritillary; 1 Purple Emperor (presumed m), sighted in flight at 09:35 (Poors Lane entrance area), high in Oaks; 3 Brimstone (m); 1 Large Skipper (usual area); 1 Purple Hairstreak (PLea.).
12thGreat Leighs near sewage works beside Essex Way (TL7216)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Small CopperGeorge BrownMainly sunny and warm. Fresh W wind. 11.20am-2pm - Comma 3, Peacock 4, Red admiral 6, Painted lady 2, several Small, 1 Large, & 3 Green-veined whites, Large skipper 2, numerous Small/Essex skippers-both species present, Marbled white 3, several Ringlets, Gatekeepers. & Meadow browns, Purple hairstreak 1, Brown argus 5, Small copper 2. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
12thCaxton (TL296587)Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small SkipperJohn MurrayAt least 10 - 15 marbled whites in the long grass, as well as numerous meadow browns. Good numbers of red admiral and gatekeeper nectaring on bramble flowers. Two female brimstone also seen.
12thBishops Hall Park/ Brentwood CentreRed Admiral, Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small SkipperThomas HydeFirst gatekeepers and Red admirals ..still lots of meadow browns..small skippers ..one Silver Y moth.
11thMagpie Hill, Epping Forest (TQ402954)Comma, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, Purple HairstreakIan WattsThe early evening field trip to Epping Forest was cursed as usual by weather that didn't match the good forecast. It was firmly overcast, breezy with a temperature that felt colder than the predicted 20c. However, the target species of Purple Hairstreak appeared oblivious to the conditions and good numbers were visible in the oak canopy with activity increasing noticeably towards the end of the walk at 7pm. 55 PH were counted. Also seen were 5 x Ringlet, 2 x Comma and singles of the others. Two members of the group also witnessed a probable Purple Emperor or White Admiral.
11thHatfield forestComma, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Green-veined White, Marbled White, Ringlet, Gatekeeper, Small SkipperSteve Day
10thStour Wood (TM189310)Comma, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Large White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow BrownLiz Huxleyincl 9+ silver washed fritillary, 20+ red admiral, 2 white admiral
10thRussell Green, E of Little Waltham (TL7412)Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Brown ArgusGeorge BrownSunny and warm. SW wind. 11.45-12.15. 1 Red admiral, several Small whites including 4 drinking together at muddy pool, 5 fresh Brown argus.
10thPaxton Pits (TL195629)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Brown Argus, Small CopperSteve Binding8/11.40am sun/cloud/breezy v warm.
Plenty MedBrn. GateK. Ringlet. Small skip.
ID Essex Skip (3).LrgWht (2).SmWht(7).
GVWht(1) Plenty UN ID Wht. PCock(3).
Brim(1) SpecW (1) fresh emerge. LrgSkip(2)
Comma(2) MarbWht(1).RedAD(45)a good year for
these. Brown Argus I gave up counting at (250).
Best number for years. SmCopper(3). (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
10thMonks Wood (TL2080)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Small CopperP Bromley, R Payne, R&S Orbell, J Winterbottom Et 10am ~ 12.30pm
On an 'Eccentrics' walk we saw 20 species including a Purple Emperor near Brown's Gate at 10am. (TL201808)
10thLode Village (TL532628)Red Admiral, BrimstonePeter WellsSingles in a garden
10thLatton Street, Harlow (TL472083)Comma, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, GatekeeperIan WattsShort 9.30am visit to check out the (mostly dead or dying) avenue of elms here. No hairstreaks seen but about 6 x Red Admiral, 4 x Comma, numerous Whites (10+), 3 x Gatekeeper and a single male Silver-washed Fritillary.
10thLangdon Hills (Dunton Plotlands)Comma, Red Admiral, Large White, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small SkipperAndrew Cox
10thJuly Racecourse Devil's Dyke, NewmarketSmall Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Dark Green Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Chalk Hill BlueMartin PeersSmall Tortoiseshell 3 (fresh), Comma 5, Peacock 1(fresh), Red Admiral 4, Painted Lady 1, Dark Green Fritillary 3, Brimstone 9 (1 male), Small White 30+,Green-veined White 10, Large White 12, Small Heath 6, Marbled White 100+, Ringlet 2, Meadow Brown c60, Gatekeeper 20, Small Skipper 6,
Essex Skipper 8, Chalk-hill blue 24.
10thFassage Green. Lode. Cambs (TL5362)Brimstone, Small White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small SkipperPeter WellsSeveral Brimstones. Numerous Meadow Brown and Small White
Several Gatekeepers, Small Skippers, Marbled Whites
10thEssex Way east of Stagden Cross, near High Easter (TL648151)White-letter HairstreakPaul Beckett3 White-letter Hairstreak low down on elm tree saplings on the field boundary south side of the Essex Way. Noted during the WCBS survey today - the first time in this OS grid square.
10thDitton Park Wood (TL669573)Painted Lady, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple HairstreakKevin WilsonPassing the wood early afternoon i decided to pop in to see if i could spot any Silver-washed Fritillaries. Pleased to say i saw 4, 3 of which observed nectaring on Brambles. Also several Purple Hairstreaks and 1 fresh Painted Lady. Other species of butterflies noted but did not have the time to count them. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
10thDanbury Common (TL781043)Comma, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Holly Blue, Small CopperDavid Lazarus13.00-14.45 23C mod.breeze ssw; sunny intervals 60% sunlight; clockwise woodland edge circuit from car park, plus inward loop through heathland; 10m wide at slow pace.
Small Skipper 4; Essex Skipper 7; Essex/Small 57; Meadow Brown 91; Red Admiral 3; Large White 3; Comma 1; Brimstone 2; Gatekeeper 27; Holly Blue 1; Small White 2; Also, Small Copper 2 [photographer] not seen by me or any Common Blues *very low number of Brimstone
10thBrampton Wood (TL179702)Comma, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small SkipperJohn MurraySeveral sliver-washed fritillaries on the wing during spells of sunshine. Good numbers of the gatekeepers and ringlets, along with a good few red admirals.
A few six-spot burnet seen, along with numerous silver Y.
9thconnaught Lake, Epping Forest (TQ4095)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex SkipperAnthony HareRed Admiral 1,Gatekeeper 7,Small Skipper 3,Comma 3,Silver-washed Fritillary 1,Small white 3,Ringlet 9,Essex Skipper 2,Peacock 1,Large White 2,Meadow Brown 3.
9thReach Lode by Burwell Fen. (TL550693)Marbled WhiteKevin Wilson2 Marbled Whites along the embankment by Reach Lode Burwell Fen side mid afternoon. I believe it is my first sighting of this species there. Another Marbled White seen by Swaffham Bulbeck Lode by White Fen.
9thPaxton Pits (TL195629)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Green-veined White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Small CopperSteve BindingDragonfly and Butterfly family day. Afternoon
a lot more sunny intervals v warm but breezy.
Route B. RedAD(14). GateK(20+).MedBrn(15+).
Ringlet(15+).BrnArg(40+).Comma(2). SmWht(5).
SmTort(4).PurpHS (3).one on ground.
GVWht(1) SmSkip(40+) no Essex ID.SMCopper(2) one abb ? as per photo. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
9thPaxton Pits (TL195629)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Green-veined White, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Brown ArgusSteve BindingDragonfly and Butterfly family day. Morning.
odd sun /cloudy but warm. Route A. RedAD.(13).
GateK (20+).Ringlet((15+).SmSkip(5).
SmWht(3).MedBrn(20+).GVWht(2).Comma(1).
BrnArg(2).MarbWht(1). Sev UN ID White.
9thMain Street Upton CambridgeshireOther butterflyJohn WrightBlack veined white. Almost certain I spotted a solitary example in my garden on lavender bush. Weather was warm with plenty of sunny spells. Unfortunately, by the time I thought to take a photo it had flown.
9thLode Village (TL532628)BrimstonePeter WellsSingle Male
9thLitlington, South Cambs (TL311428)Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Meadow Brown, Holly BluePhillip HastingsBusiest day for butterflies in the garden so far this summer but still only about half the overall number and species seen this time last year.
3-4 x Large White
3-4 x Small White
2-3 x Red Admiral
2x Meadow Brown
1 x Brimstone (m)
1 x Holly Blue (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
9thHardwick garden (TL372594)Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Small White, Green-veined WhiteTrevor SawyerSome lovely fresh-out-of-the-box butterflies in my garden today... Brimstone (1), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Painted Lady (1), Red Admiral (2 egg-laying on nettle), as well as numerous Green-Veined/Small Whites (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
9thHadleigh Great WoodRed Admiral, Purple HairstreakDJ Sullivan19:00-20:00: 3 Red Admiral; several Purple Hairstreak (Poors Lane entrance area and, especially, upper reaches of Hornbeam off butterfly ride - thanks, DC).
8thThaxted (TL615315)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Common BlueStephen Dutton65 Marbled White (max to date), 50 Meadow Brown,12 Small Skipper probably inc Essex Skipper, 1 confirm by photograph.
4 Painted Lady,fresh, 5 Large White, 5 Small White,3 Common Blue, 4 Small Heath, 3 Small Tort,2 Ringlet,2 Gatekeeper (1st here)
1 Comma
8thMarsh Farm Country Park, South Woodham Ferrers (TQ828963)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex SkipperChristopher Rawlings10:00-12:30 hrs, 3 mile circular walk around sea wall. 150 Small White, 114 Meadow Brown, 40 Sm/Essex Skipper, 15 Marbled White, 8 Large Skipper, 7 Gatekeeper, 3 Small Heath, 3 Essex Skipper, 2 Small Skipper, 2 Green veined White, 1 each of Peacock, Comma, Red Admiral & Speckled Wood. Overcast, humid 24.c. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
8thLode. Harrison's Drove and Dam Drove (TL5262)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small SkipperPeter WellsMany Meadow Browns.
8thLeigh-on-SeaSmall TortoiseshellDJ Sullivan07:37: 1 Small Tortoiseshell (recorded because first personal sighting of season anywhere).
8thLangdon Hills (Dunton Plotlands)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large SkipperAndrew Cox
8thHoughton Meadows (TL293717)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Brown ArgusJeremy Milne
8thHatfield forest (TL5319)Comma, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, Large White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple HairstreakLaurence Drummond5 Purple Emperors around the south,central and west, 4 territorial males and one Sallow searching in bright spells between showers,ffy Painted Lady too.
8thHatfield Forest (TL5320)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Small CopperGeoff VowlesSingle male purple emperor. 6 white-letter hairstreak. >20 silver-washed fritillaries >50 marbled white. Few gatekeepers and a huge number of browns, ringlets, small heath and especially skippers
8thGreat Holland Pits NR (TM202192)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, White Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Small CopperBrian GoodeyOur first green-veined white for five weeks. Three new generation brimstones.
8thDunmow Cutting (TL609214)Comma, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Purple HairstreakAndy GoodeyNo sign of Purple Emperor though does occur but probably more likely a bit later in month.
8thCottenham Lode, Rampton (TL4368)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple HairstreakDavid Bradley"My" Purple Hairstreaks are finally showing again (3-4) this year in the oaks that overlook the Cottenham Lode, 50-100m along from the Rampton bridge. There had been White-letter (as previously reported), not showing today, but there was a solitary specimen nectaring on thistles in a field margin behind this treeline. There are lots of wildflowers (vetch, trefoil, red clover etc) in this margin and it has plenty of Small skipper, Meadow Brown, Smalll Tortoiseshell, occasional Common Blue. Promising for Clouded Yellow there, but not holding my breath. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
7thnr St Osyth (TM144159)Painted LadySimon & Pat CoxPainted Lady on buddleia in our garden in the evening
7thWoodham Fen, South Woodham Ferrers (TQ801974)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, White-letter Hairstreak, Other butterflyChristopher Rawlings14:15-15:30 hrs, 43 Marbled White, 28 Meadow Brown, 13 Small White, 12 Sm/Essex Skipper, 5 Gatekeeper, 2 White Letter Hairstreak + 1 each of Speckled Wood, Large White, Comma, Ringlet & Red Admiral. Sunny 22.c
7thWhite Fen (TL5365)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Large White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter HairstreakVince LeaQuick reconnaissance visit ahead of the National Trust's bioblitz here on Saturday 8th July. Great to see a White-letter Hairstreak on a large elm at the NE boundary of the site.
7thTrack between Quy and Lode (TL5161)Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small SkipperPeter WellsMany Small Skippers on Field Scabious
Many Meadow Brown
Numerous Small White
7thTolleshunt Major (TL901133)Comma, Small White, Large White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly BlueDr Simon Cox6 Meadow Browns, 3 Gatekeepers, at least 2 each Large & Small Whites, single Red Admiral, Comma and Holly Blue in private garden
7thShoeburyness gardenComma, Red Admiral, Large White, Meadow Brown, Common BlueSteve Day
7thRowney Woods (TL570337)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Purple HairstreakStephen Dutton10:30 to 12:30 3 PE, 2 on entrance track to the woods from Carver Side. 1 White Admiral, 8 SWF, Many c50 Purple Hairsteak , widespread as well.8 Red Admiral4 Comma, 1 Small Tortoiseshell
3 Large Skipper, 3 Small Skipper, 2 Brimstone
7thRiver bank Lode to Quy (TL5261)Small White, Large White, Meadow Brown, Small SkipperPeter Wells
7thLode. Old Railway Track (TL5262)Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Small White, Meadow Brown, Small SkipperPeter WellsAgain many Small Skippers on Field Scabious. Very attractive plant for most of these sightings.
7thHockley Woods (TQ833915)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Heath Fritillary, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Holly Blue, Small CopperDavid Lazarus11.20 to 16.00, along southern ride starting position TQ 828 914 looping round to TQ 837 918 back to start then into meadow
Count: Meadow Brown range 150-175; Small White 31; Comma 10; Red Admiral 9; Green-veined White 5; Speckled Wood 5; Heath Fritillary 22; Ringlet 87; Peacock 1; Small Copper 3; Holly Blue 7; Small Skipper 21; Essex/Small Skipper 12; Large White 6; Gatekeeper 13; Large Skipper 4; Silver-washed Fritillary 2; Marbled White 3; Small Heath 2; [possibly 3 Small Blue or very small/damaged Holly Blue - did not see any Kidney Vetch]
7thHardwick Wood (TL3557)Comma, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, Purple HairstreakVince LeaFirst decent total on the weekly transect with 84 butterflies. Three of the four Purple Hairstreaks were at ground level. Five Silver-washed Fritillaries.
7thHadleigh Great WoodComma, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly BlueDJ Sullivan09:30-17:00 (hot, clear): several Red Admiral (more numerous than usual); 5 White Admiral (one of which in Dodd's Grove); 5 Silver-washed Fritillary (1m, 4f); 1 Purple Emperor (m), first sighted at 16:10 (Poors Lane entrance area), high in Oaks, sorties and rests; 4 Brimstone (2m, 2f), greater number of Large Whites than hitherto this season; 1 Marbled White; several Purple Hairstreak (PLea.).
(Possible further PE(m) in PLea., based on direction of flight across canopy.)
7thGt Holland Pits (TM202192)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Brimstone, Small Heath, Ringlet, Gatekeeper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperLiz Huxley8+ red admiral, 10+ comma, 4+ white admiral, 2 brimstone, 1 brown argus, 1+ purple hairstreak, 2+ white letter hairstreak, 2 small copper
7thGreat Staughton Meadow (TL127646)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Common BlueSteve Binding$.45/6.25pm sunny/breezy/30c.
Smskip/Essex?(100+) Essex Skip (24)ID.
MedBrn(100+).MarbWht(100+).GateK(12).
SmWht(13).GVWht(2).Comma(4). PLady(1).
ComBlue(1fm)v worn. Ringlet(5).
LrgWht(1).SmHeath(5).SmTort(2). (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
7thGernon Bushes, Coopersale (TL480033)Comma, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly BlueIan WattsA short visit at 5pm. 4 x Red Ad., 7 x Purple H., numerous Meadow Brown and ones or twos of the others. First time I have seen SWF at this location.
7thCastor Hanglands NNRComma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common BlueMatthew Webb23 species seen. Just the one Purple Emperor seen very briefly high in an oak at the southern end. It doesn't look like a good year for emperors although it could just be late in getting going (hopefully). 2 White Admirals, Silver-washed Fritillaries in modest numbers, 1 Peacock, 2 Brown Argus, plenty of Commas, Large Skippers, Large Whites and Ringlets. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
6thUpwood MeadowsSmall Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Common Blue, Small CopperDiana SpencerOne very fresh Painted Lady, one very old Common Blue, 3 Marbled White, 1 Small Tortoishell 30+ mixed 'cabbage' whites mostly on mud around ponds. Also 20+ Silver Y moths (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
6thRoughtally's Wood, North Weald (TL488037)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly BlueIan WattsMid-afternoon, mostly sunny. 5 x Purple Hairstreak (mostly on ground level vegetation), 3 x Lg. White, 5 x Comma and numerous Meadow Brown. 1-2 others. (No SWF yet).
6thMartin's Farm St Osyth (TM1117)Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Holly BlueDr Simon CoxMeadow Brown 84, S/E Skipper 40 (both id'd), Gatekeeper 18, Small White 18, Large White 7, Small Heath 7, Red Admiral 3, Peacock 2, Holly Blue 2, Painted Lady 1
6thLode. Old Railway Track (TL523623)Small White, Meadow Brown, GatekeeperPeter Wells
6thFassage Green. Lode. Cambs (TL5362)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small SkipperPeter WellsNumerous Marbled White and Meadow Brown
Large White, pair displaying and mating
Brimstone, single female. Singles of Gatekeeper, Peacock, Red Admiral, Green-veined White.
6thBrickles Wood (TL5410)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter HairstreakPeter MerrettMany Meadow Brown, Ringlet and Large White, mainly on thistles. One only of Marbled White and White-letter Hairstreak. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
5thRoyston Meadow, Wanstead (TQ418880)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, Essex SkipperTim Harris19 Marbled Whites was my highest count at the site; 12 Meadow Browns; 2,330 Essex and Small Skippers counted on circular walk - total for site undoubtedly much larger. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
5thHanningfield Reservoir (TQ732975)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Holly BlueChristopher Rawlings10:30-13:30 hrs, Walk from EWT Centre to Waterside Park.(1 mile), 36 Meadow Brown, 5 Comma, 4 Ringlet, 3 Small White, 2 Speckled Wood, 2 Marbled White, 1 each of Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral & Holly Blue. Sunshine & clouds, 19.c. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
5thHadleigh Great WoodComma, Painted Lady, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Large White, Green-veined White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly BlueDJ Sullivan10:45-14:45: 1 Painted Lady (beautiful specimen of orange hue in pristine condition, deep in area fronting fallen tree by butterfly ride - thanks, TA); 4 White Admiral (three at far end of Poors Lane entrance area, one skimming and basking on bramble in afft. aforementioned); 1 Silver-washed Fritillary (m) (at far end of PLea.); 2-3 Green-veined White; 1 Large Skipper (usual area); 1 Purple Hairstreak (high in Oak, PLea.)
5thFridaywoods, Colchester (TM0021)Purple EmperorSimon Patient1 Purple Emperor flew in to investigate the sallows 300ft SE of the gravel crater next to cherry tree lane.
5thFassage Green. Lode. Cambs (TL5362)Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Small SkipperPeter WellsNumerous Marbled White and Meadow Brown.
Several Small Skipper
Single sightings of Brimstone and Red Admiral
4thconnaught Lake, Epping Forest (TQ4095)Comma, Small White, Ringlet, Gatekeeper, Large SkipperAnthony HareGatekeeper 2,Comma 1,Small White 3,Ringlet 14,Large Skipper 1.
3rdShrubbs Marina (TL519668)Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Large White, Green-veined White, Meadow Brown, Small SkipperVince LeaQuite a few butterflies braving the breeze on the banks of the Cam, including my first Painted Lady of the year, a fresh orange specimen.
3rdQuy Fen (TL5162)Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Small SkipperPeter WellsNumerous Marbled White. 13 on one patch of Field Scabious. 20+ altogether.
Also numerous Small Skipper.
3rdNr. Sewage Works, North Weald (TL497047)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Green-veined White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple HairstreakIan Watts10am, sunny and breezy. 7 or 8 Hairstreaks very active on a small but prominent Elm. Difficult to be sure of numbers because Purple Hairstreaks from a nearby oak also joined in the mayhem. I would estimate 3-5 x WLH and 3 x PH.
Singles or twos of the other species.
3rdLode (TL5262)Comma, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Holly BluePeter Wells
3rdLeigh-on-SeaWhite-letter HairstreakDJ Sullivan09:45: 1 White-letter Hairstreak, a garden surprise.
3rdHockley Woods (TQ835916)Red Admiral, Heath Fritillary, Ringlet, Small SkipperDavid PallashAt least 20 Heath fritillaries still on the wing with many already perished. Visited early in day (9-10am) and counted 11 roosting
3rdHatfield forest (TL5319)Comma, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, Marbled WhiteLaurence Drummond4 Purple Emperor around a "short" walk mid-morning, Silver Washed Fritillary 20+ but just one female (being mated)Marbled White well in the 50+ range, 10 Comma.
3rdHadleigh Great WoodComma, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Holly BlueDJ Sullivan12:00-14:45: 4 White Admiral; 1 Large Skipper (usual area).
3rdBelton Hills Nature Reserve, Leigh-on-Sea (TQ828858)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Holly BlueDavid Pallash6+ white letter hairstreak seen coming down to brambles.
2ndconnaught Lake, Epping Forest (TQ4095)Comma, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Small SkipperAnthony HareSmall Skipper 2,Comma 3,Ringlet 8,Meadow Brown 3.
2ndWellhead Springs.Bassingbourn.South Cambs (TL329432)Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small SkipperPhillip HastingsWildflower meadow near Wellhead Springs, Bassingbourn. Large increase in number and species of butterfly seen compared with previous visit on June 18.
30+ x Marbled White
30+ x Meadow Brown
30+ x Small Skipper (some appeared to have darker antennae tips to maybe Essex Skipper?)
6+ x Gatekeeper - all pristine so recent brood?
5-6 x Large White
3-4 x Small White
2 x Red Admiral
1 x Small Tortoishell (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
2ndThrift Wood Nature Reserve (TL794017)Red Admiral, Large White, Green-veined White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Holly BlueDavid Lazarus39 Meadow Brown, 42 Ringlet, 1 Holly Blue, 2 Green-veined White, 5 Large White, 4 Essex Skipper, 5 Small Skipper, 12 Essex/Small, 1 Red Admiral
2ndPods wood (TL9017)Purple EmperorLaurence DrummondA chain of 3 chasing males around tall pines here!, I was even more delighted when a 4th joined in!!.
2ndMaldon Wick Nature Reserve (TL840055)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Holly Blue, Common BlueDavid Lazarus56 Meadow Brown, 9 Essex Skipper, 8 Small Skipper, 30-40 Essex/Small Skipper, 2 Ringlet, 3 Small White, 1 Common Blue, 1 Red Admiral, 8 Large White, 1 Comma, 1 Large Skipper, 2 Holly Blue, 1 Green-veined White
2ndKeith Wood.Bassingbourn.South Cambs (TL337427)Red Admiral, Large White, Meadow Brown, Small SkipperPhillip HastingsA 4-acre Woodland Trust wood half a mile from Wellhead Springs, Bassingbourn. First time I've seen more than three or four butterflies there. All butterflies seen today in a small clearing on or around a clump of wild marjoram just coming into flower.
20+ x Large White
2 x Small Skipper
2 x Meadow Brown
1 x Red Admiral (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
2ndHoughton Meadows (TL293717)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, White-letter HairstreakJeremy MilneSingle White-letter Hairstreak nectarine on bramble flowers.
2ndHazeleigh Wood (TL840044)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex SkipperDavid Lazarus150+ Meadow Brown in 100m long N/S woodland ride, 11 Small Skipper, 6 Essex Skipper, 15 Essex/Small Skipper, 3 Large White, 14 Small White, 2 Ringlet, 1 Comma, 1 Small Tortoiseshell 1 Large Skipper
2ndHawkwood allotment. (TQ3795)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Small White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex SkipperAnthony HareSmall Tortoiseshell 1,Gatekeeper 1,Small Skipper 1,Small White 3,Ringlet 4,Essex Skipper 1,Peacock 1,Meadow Brown 3.
2ndHadleigh Great WoodComma, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly BlueDJ Sullivan11:15-16:30: 10 White Admiral (possible small number of double sightings); 1 Brimstone (m) (Belfairs Woods); 2 Green-veined White in cop. (Prittle Brook, off Manchester Drive, on return), 1 Marbled White (unusual for HGW itself), 1 Large Skipper (usual place), 3 Small Skipper and 6 Essex Skipper (plus others undifferentiated) (both species in Belfairs Woods and Belfairs Park), 1 Purple Hairstreak (on uppermost leaf of tall Sweet Chestnut on butterfly ride, visible in profile in bending wind - thanks, LE).
2ndGreat Wigborough (TL9615)Purple EmperorLaurence Drummond1 male holding territory in the church yard at St Stephens,holding on in the wind early afternoon.
2ndGreat Holland Pits NR (TM202192)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, White Admiral, Small White, Large White, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueBrian GoodeyST2, RA8, C12, PL2, P1, WA3, SW5, LW1, R2, SH1, MB30, SS5, ES7, LS1, CB1, WH5, PH5, HB1, BA1. A freshly emerged six-belted clearwing amongst trefoil was a wonderful sight.
2ndFriday Woods, Colchester (TM005216)Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Essex Skipper, Small CopperDoug And Tina HoldenSun and cloud, breezy. 9:45 - 12:00
RA 1
WA 2
MB 50+
Ringlet 9+
L Skipper 2
Essex Skipper 6
SW Fritilary 1
S Copper 1
Gatekeeper 1
2ndFairmead Meadow, Epping Forest (TQ407961)Comma, Small White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small SkipperIan Watts4pm. Cool and overcast.
15 x Meadow Brown
25 x Small Skipper (could have counted 100+ if inclined to)
5 x Ringlet
1-2 others.
2ndEversden Wood (TL3453)Comma, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small SkipperRob PopleGrid ref. for principal 1-km square, but some time also spent on rides in TL3452. c.10:00-12:50; partly cloudy (3-6/8), c.17-18*C. c.5 Comma, 2 Red Ad., c.23 S-w Frit., 1+ Small, 1 Large & 20+ Gr-v. Whites, 3 Sp. Wood, 1 Marbled White, c.165 Ringlet, c.50 Meadow Brown, 2 Gatekeeper, c.7 Large & 1 Small Skippers. Also 4+ Silver Y moths.
2ndCastor Hanglands NNRSmall Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Purple HairstreakMatthew Webb6 Silver-washed Fritillaries and 2 White Admirals were the highlights. Large Skippers were common as were Ringlets and Commas. No sign of any Purple Emperors although the conditions were cloudy and windy, so not ideal. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
1stRowney Wood, Debden (TL570337)Comma, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Purple HairstreakIan WattsLate afternoon, sunny intervals and breezy. 2 x White Admiral, 30+ Ringlet, 5 x Meadow Brown, 5 x Comma, 8 x Red Admiral, 3 x Large Skipper, 3 x Purple Hairstreak and 4 x Speckled Wood.
1stLayer Breton heath (TL9418)Purple EmperorLaurence DrummondSingle male holding territory here mid afternoon.
1stFingrinhoe wick EWT (TM0419)White Admiral, White-letter HairstreakLaurence Drummond4 White Admirals at the west end, 2 WLH over Elm at the west end,also a probable Purple emperor briefly around Oak's at the west end.
1stChipenham fenComma, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small SkipperLOUISE BACONList from the branch field trip
1stArmigers Lake, near Thazted (TL596289)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow BrownDr Simon Cox6 Meadow Browns, single Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Ringlet, Small, Large & Marbled White & Speckled Wood
1stAbberton reservoirPurple EmperorSimon Patient1 male Purple Emperor following a larger female over sallows and over road near Layer de la Haye Causway car park at 14:15. 1 male over oaks at entrance to old road.
1stAbberton reservoir (TL9617)Purple EmperorLaurence Drummond4 males lurking at the Old road territory mid afternoon,but no interaction noted.

June 2023
DateLocationSpeciesReporterDescription
30thHadleigh Great WoodComma, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, Holly BlueDJ Sullivan10:00-14:30: 4 White Admiral; 2 Green-veined White; 1 Small Skipper.
30thGreat Holland Pits EWT (TM190202)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, White Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Common BlueRobert SeagoFirst Common Blue (2) Very tatty females
First Gatekeeper, First confirmed Essex Skippers
Also a 6 Belted Clearwing Moth (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
30thBrookes Reserve (TL810267)Comma, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small SkipperKeith WinchTransect walked. My first sightings of Ringlet, Gatekeeper, Silver-washed & White Admiral here. Over 200 butterflies seen over the walk with the majority being Ringlet
29thRowney Woods (TL568338)Comma, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, Small White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Purple HairstreakRichard BerrySingle Purple Emperor sat feed on dog excrement.
Two Silver-wash Fritillary
Five very fresh Purple Hairstreak (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
29thMonks Wood (TL2080)Comma, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large SkipperBob Chappell2 or 3 white admirals, several silver-washed fritillary, marbled whites on the pond meadow (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
29thMarsh Farm Country Park, South Woodham Ferrers (TQ807959)Marbled White, Large SkipperChristopher Rawlings19:30 hrs, A gathering of 9 Marbled Whites, made up of 2 threesomes, 1 pair & 1 individual + 1 skipper trying to get in on the act. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
29thGreat Holland Pits (TM190202)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, White Admiral, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Holly BlueRobert SeagoGood to report >6 White Ad, Ringlet 2, Painted Lady, First 2, New Small Tort ~6, On a muggy cloudy day.

I have personally not seen a single Common Blue for first brood.
28thWARG Field, Cottenham (TL445665)Large White, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Small SkipperDavid BradleyA couple of Marbled White on this relatively new meadow project. Seems to be just one tiny patch of knapweed.

NB There is no parking at the site.
28thMartin's Farm St Osyth (TM1117)Comma, Peacock, Small White, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex SkipperDr Simon Cox30+ Meadow Browns, c40 S/E Skippers (both id'd),15+ Small Heaths, 2 Small Whites, single Comma, Peacock, Gatekeeper & Ringlet
28thLark Rise Farm, Barton (TL412553)White-letter HairstreakVince Lea3 WLH clashing on elms in the layby at the entrance to Lark Rise Farm at 9am.
27thThorndon Park (south)Small Tortoiseshell, Large White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Essex Skipper, Purple HairstreakAndrew Cox
27thThames Chase, Harold Court (TQ562907)Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, Essex SkipperColin JuppSouthern and East section: 4 Marbled White, 18 Ringlet, 143 Meadow Brown, 52 Small Skipper, 18 Essex Skipper
27thLangdon Hills (Dunton Plotlands)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Large White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Holly BlueAndrew Cox
27thJermaines Wood/Tylers Common (TQ571907)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Holly BlueRob Smithtransect: Small Skipper 16, unidentified skippers 29, Large Skipper 11, Small White 2, Holly Blue 2, Red Admiral 1, Comma 2, Speckled Wood 7, Meadow Brown 185, Ringlet 11, Small Heath 2, moths: Blackneck (only seen once before here in 15 years), Blood-vein, Cinnabar, Silver Y
26thWoodham Fen, South Woodham Ferrers (TQ801974)Comma, Small White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, White-letter HairstreakChristopher Rawlings14:00-15:00hrs, 22 Meadow Brown, 4 Marbled White, 4 Small White, 2 White Letter Hairstreak, 1 Comma, 1 Large Skipper + 2 Sm/Essex Skippers. Temp 20.c, sunshine & clouds, light breeze.
26thRowney Woods (TL569336)Comma, White Admiral, Purple Emperor, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large SkipperRichard Berry2 Purple Emperor and a White Admiral flying together along path. Very active, occasionally landing and feeding on minerals (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
26thNorthey Island (TL873058)Red Admiral, Small White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Holly BlueRob Smithwith permission, I surveyed the main track. 22 White-letter Hairstreaks on a superb 200m run of Elms from the causeway northwards. Nearer the house, some bramble patches revealed 50+ Meadow Brown, 2 Holly Blue, 3 Essex Skipper, 1 Small Skipper, 1 Small Heath, 1 Red Admiral, 5+ Small White
26thJuly Racecourse Devil's DykeDark Green Fritillary, Large White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Common Blue, Adonis BlueRay LudfordAlmost certainly had a Small Blue in addition to the above butterflies.
26thJuly Racecourse Devil's Dyke NewmarketChalk Hill BlueRay Ludford (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
26thHadleigh Great WoodRed Admiral, Heath Fritillary, Meadow Brown, Holly BlueDJ Sullivan17:15-18:45: 1 Heath Fritillary.
26thGodmanchester (TL252702)Marbled WhiteMarilyn Read
25thWoodwalton Fen (TL230849)Comma, Red Admiral, Purple Emperor, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple HairstreakPhil Bromley & Rosalyn Payne2 male purple emperors seen in the vacinity of the bungalow but never landing on it. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
25thThaxted (TL615315)Painted Lady, Small White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Common BlueStephen Dutton60+ Meadow Brown, 30 Marbled White,12 Small Heath.
4 Small Skipper( first here, unable to check for any Essex)
2 Large Skipper, 2 Small White, 1 Painted Lady, 4 Common Blue
25thStour Wood, Wrabness (TM192314)Comma, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Large White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Brown ArgusBrian GoodeyC1, RA1, PL1, WA3, SwF4, LW1, SWd1, SH28, R5, MB37, LS5, SS20, PH1, BA1. Our first large white for a month. Good numbers of small skipper and small heath on adjacent fields.
25thRaveley Wood (TL244817)Comma, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, White-letter HairstreakPhil Bromley & Rosalyn Payne3 white-letter hairstreak seen along the entrance ride near to the young elms. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
25thMonks wood (TL2080)White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Black HairstreakScott BoydWalk around the butterfly trail. 11.30 sunny
50+ meadow browns, 40+ whites, 10+ marbled whites, 20+ skippers, mixture of large and small/Essex, 5 silver washed fritillaries, 2 black hairstreaks, 10+ ringlets, 1 white admiral, 5 speckled wood, 1 small heath.
25thMartin's Farm St Osyth (TM1117)Peacock, Small White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Essex Skipper, Holly BlueDr Simon Cox60+ Meadow Browns, c20 Small Heaths, 1 Peacock, 2 Holly Blues, 6 S/E Skippers (one Essex confirmed),
2 Small Whites
25thLangdon Hills (Dunton Plotlands/Great Berry)Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex SkipperAndrew CoxEarly morning visit. Large numbers of meadow browns active, with a few skippers & marbled whites. One ringlet.
25thHoughton Meadows (TL293717)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, White-letter HairstreakJeremy MilneMale Silver-washed Fritillary patrolling tree line separating meadows from thicket path. 2 White-letter Hairstreak. 3 Marbled White.
25thHavering Country Park (TQ509930)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Purple Emperor, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Common BlueColin Jupp1 male Purple Emperor on territory 2.45-4pm, briefly clashing with another male on two occasions. Elsewhere in park: 1 Gatekeeper (my earliest record by a day), 2 Marbled White, 6 Ringlet, 200+ Meadow Brown, 12 Small Heath, 8 Large Skipper, 80+ Small Skipper, 10 Essex Skipper (many unidentified S/E), 7 White-letter Hairstreak, 3 Holly Blue, 4 Common Blue, 4 Comma, 2 Red Admiral, 1 Small Tortoiseshell
25thHartswood, Brentwood, edge of metalled roadWhite AdmiralJoy DunnOne white admiral.8.30 a.m, warm and sunny
25thHadleigh Great WoodComma, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Heath Fritillary, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Holly Blue, Common BlueDJ Sullivan17:00-18:45: 5 White Admiral; 10-15 Heath Fritillary (including two in Poors Lane entrance area); 1 Large Skipper (area fronting fallen tree by butterfly ride; hereafter "usual area").
25thFowlmere.RSPB (TL4046)Comma, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Holly BlueAde Cooper250 individuals counted. 100 Marbled White, 50+ Small Skipper, 25+Ringlet, 40+ Meadow Brown. Smaller numbers of other species.
25thCastor Hanglands NNRComma, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Large White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Black HairstreakMatthew Webb5 White Admirals in the NE section. Also 2 Silver-washed Fritillaries, 3 Black Hairstreaks and a Red Admiral. Mating pair of Marbled Whites was a first for me here. Increasing year on year at CH. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
25thBeckton, Newham (TQ4382)Comma, Small White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Holly BlueRob Smitha male Marbled White was unexpected. 2 each of Small and Essex Skipper. 10 Meadow Brown, 4 Speckled Wood, 3 Holly Blue. 2 male White-letter Hairstreak clashing on Elm near church at East Ham NR (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
24thYate's meadow Epping forest (TQ3895)Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, Essex SkipperAnthony HareMarbled White 7,
Small Skipper 1,
Essex Skipper 1,
Small Heath 1, Meadow Brown 43.
24thWat TylerComma, Red Admiral, Small White, Marbled White, Meadow BrownAndrew Cox
24thVange Marsh.Large White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Common BlueAndrew Cox
24thPole Hill Hawkwood Epping Forest (TQ3894)Comma, Meadow Brown, Holly BlueAnthony HareComma 2,
Holly Blue 1,
Meadow Brown 10.
24thHawkwood allotment. (TQ3795)Red Admiral, Small White, Meadow BrownAnthony HareRed Admiral 1,
Small White 3,
Meadow Brown 3.
24thGreat Holland Pits NR (TM202192)Comma, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, White Admiral, Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Holly BlueBrian GoodeyTwo white admirals, a painted lady and five white-letter hairstreaks were highlights.
24thEWT Langdon Hills (Lincewood & Great Berry).Comma, Red Admiral, Large White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Common BlueAndrew CoxMarbled white: at least five.
23rdSpellbrook (TL4917)White-letter HairstreakLaurence Drummond2 males clashing over Elm in Dell lane lunch time.
23rdMonks Wood (TL2080)Red Admiral, White Admiral, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Black Hairstreak, Holly BlueJohn MurrayCool and damp morning initially, but warmed up. At least 3 white admirals seen nectarine on bramble. Numerous ringlets and large skippers. Black hairstreaks still in good numbers, although high among the blackthorn. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
23rdHockley Woods (TQ834916)Heath Fritillary, Meadow BrownDavid Glover40+ Heath Fritillary
2x Meadow Brown (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
23rdHatfield Forest (TL5320)Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Common BlueGeoff Vowles1st silver washed fritillary of the year. Large hatch of marbled whites
23rdFoxearth Meadows and adjacent railway cutting (TL8346)Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Holly BlueLawrence GarsideVery large numbers of meadow browns, at least 50 + 3 small tortoiseshell, 1 red admiral, 2 Brimstone, 3 Large skippers, 1 speckled wood, 1 Holly Blue, 2 small white, 1 Large white
23rdFoxearth Meadows and adjacent railway cutting (TL8346)Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Holly BlueLawrence GarsideVery large numbers of meadow browns, at least 50 + 3 small tortoiseshell, 1 red admiral, 2 Brimstone, 3 Large skippers, 1 speckled wood, 1 Holly Blue, 2 small white, 1 Large white
23rdCastor HanglandsRed Admiral, Large White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Black Hairstreak, Common Blue, Small CopperDiana Spencer5+ Black Hairstreak, 2 Purple Hairstreak, 1 Red Admiral, also Bee Hawkmoth (prob Broad Bordered) (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
22ndWalton-on-Naze (TM264236)Red Admiral, Small White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Holly Blue, Common BlueBrian GoodeyGood numbers of ringlet, small heath, meadow brown and small skipper. A single gatekeeper was our first for the year.
22ndThaxted (TL607310)Comma, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Brown ArgusRichard Berry2 very fresh White-letter Hairstreak feeding on thistle (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
22ndSt. Ives / Green Leys (TL309721)Meadow Brown, White-letter Hairstreak, Holly BlueDan DuffChecked elms along northern part of elm-lined historical town footpath/alleyway connecting Green Leys and Thicket path on 19th, 20th and 22nd June and saw White-letter Hairstreaks on each date, maybe up to 6 in total, flying round the elm crowns. Is this a known site? (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
22ndRampton (TL432680)White-letter HairstreakDavid BradleyNumerous White-letter flitting about the tops of the oak and elms at ///squares.brimmed.conclude

No sign of the Purple HS there yet. Both species present early July 2022, in this modern woodland.
22ndLeverington (TF4511)Other butterflyKathleen Roach-SmithCinnabar moth
22ndLes King Wood, Cottenham (TL433680)Red Admiral, Large White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Common BlueDavid BradleyHave seen one Marbled White on this bridleway previously, but there were four on the patch today at ///twitching.lobbed.income
21stStour Wood, Wrabness (TM194311)Silver-washed FritillaryJulian SidneySilver-washed Fritillary, many seen around woods. All other sightings recorded on IRecord Butterflies
21stPaines Brook, Harold Wood (TQ551912)Purple HairstreakColin Jupp11 m Purple Hairstreaks 7.40-8pm and 4 on the Harold Hill side of A12 7.30pm
21stGt Holland Pits (TM202192)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Holly BlueLiz Huxley120+ meadow brown (everywhere!), 2 speckled wood, 2 small heath, 4 red admiral, 1 small skipper, 3 holly blue, 1 small tortoiseshell, 1 comma, 1 large skipper, 1 brimstone
21stFairlop Waters CP (TQ453906)Comma, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Holly BlueColin Jupp & Alan Bell8 male White-letter Hairstreaks on elms near clubhouse late am, lots of clashing activity. Elsewhere 1 Marbled White, 100+ Meadow Brown, 6 Speckled Wood, 2 Small Heath, 20+ Essex Skipper, 5 Small Skipper, 1 Large Skipper, 1 Comma, 7 Holly Blue
21stDanbury Country Park (TL768049)Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Holly BlueChristopher Rawlings11:00-13:00hrs, 22 Meadow Browns, 2 Speckled Woods, 1 Holly Blue + 5 Silver Y Moths. Sunshine & clouds, very humid and a very disappointing tally for the time of year.
21stColchester, Blackheath near cherry tree laneRed Admiral, Meadow Brown, White-letter HairstreakSimon PatientOur first White-letter Hairstreaks of the year in Elms next to our garden this morning.
20thYate's meadow Epping forest (TQ3895)Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, Common BlueAnthony HareMarbled White 2,Small Skipper 1,Common Blue 2,Small Heath 2,Meadow Brown 31.
20thHawkwood allotment. (TQ3795)Peacock, Small White, Marbled White, Ringlet, Holly BlueAnthony HareMarbled White 1,Small White 1,Ringlet 1,Holly Blue 1,Peacock 1.
19thWeeleyhall Wood (TM158211)Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow BrownLiz Huxley8+ meadow brown, 2 speckled wood, 1 small heath
19thPerry Lagoons (TL157669)Comma, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Holly Blue, Common BlueSteve BindingSun/cloud/breezy v warm.
(26)MedBrn.(4)SpecW.(1m)Brim.
(3m)ComBlue.(1fm)SmWht.(1)UNID Wht.
(2)RedAD.((8m+1fm)LrgSkip. Female egg laying.
(1)HollyB. (1)SmSkip 1st of year here.
(3)2nd Gen Comma. Sadly this site will soon be
too overgrown in places. The meadow is now
full of shrub.
19thLangdon Hills ( EWT Lincewood & Great Berry).Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, Holly Blue, Common BlueAndrew CoxRed admiral- 2
Holly blue- many.
Meadow brown- many.
19thGt Holland Pits (TM202192)Red Admiral, Brimstone, Meadow Brown, Large SkipperLiz Huxley20+ meadow brown, 4 red admiral, 2 large skipper, 1 brimstone + 2 caterpillars
19thClacton, sea front (TM185151)Essex SkipperBrian GoodeyTwo Essex skipper on the esplanade wall.
19thBrampton Wood (TL179702)White AdmiralTim FryerAt 1515, 25C, north side of Cross Ride. Photo is screen shot from brief video. Other species seen but not recorded.
18thWellhead Springs.Bassingbourn.South Cambs (TL329432)Small White, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, Common BluePhillip HastingsWildflower meadow on the south-west edge of Bassingbourn, sunny, humid morning.
20+ x Marbled White, most feeding together on small area of Tufted Vetch (photo)
2 x Small Skipper, also feeding on Tufted Vetch (photo)
2-3 Meadow Brown (photo)
2 x Common Blue
1 x Small White
3 x Ringlet in nearby wood (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
18thWellhead Springs.Bassingbourn.South Cambs (TL329432)Small HeathPhillip HastingsShould have been included in earlier report today from Wellhead Springs, Bassingbourn:
! x Small Heath on footpath alongside meadow (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
18thVange Marsh.Small Tortoiseshell, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Brown Argus, Common BlueAndrew Cox
18thThe Naze at Walton (TM265240)Red Admiral, Small White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Holly Blue, Common BlueMartin PeersRed Admiral 2, Small White 1, Small Heath 4,
Meadow Brown 24, Holly Blue 2 females, Common Blue 4 males.
18thThe Naze (TM265240)Red Admiral, Large White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Holly Blue, Common BlueLiz Huxley12+ red admiral, 2+ holly blue, 12+ meadow brown, 2 large white, 8+ small heath, 1 speckled wood, 4 common blue (2 male, 2 female), 8+ small skipper, 2 Essex skipper
also silver Y, burnet companion & mother shipton moths
18thThaxted (TL615315)Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Common BlueStephen Dutton22 Meadow Brown, 20 Small Heath, 4 Common Blue, 2 Marbled White, first for me this year at the location
18thPaines Brook, Harold Wood (TQ550913)White-letter Hairstreak, Purple HairstreakColin Jupp4 White-letter Hairstreak over A12 central reservation elms in dull weather and fresh male Purple Hairstreak on ground nearby
18thMonk's Wood (TL2080)Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Black Hairstreak, Holly BlueAlbert York12 Black Hairstreak just after rain between 12:30 and 13:30
Also recorded 6 Speckled Wood, 2 Large Skipper, 1 Meadow Brown, 1 Holly Blue
18thHarold Wood, Kersey Gardens (TQ545910)White-letter Hairstreak, Holly BlueColin Jupp2 male White-letter Hairstreak Kersey Gardens near the A12 on elm/ash 12.45pm + 2 Holly Blue
18thHarold Hill/A12 (TQ555917)Red Admiral, White-letter Hairstreak, Holly BlueColin Jupp2 White-letter Hairstreak over elm near bus stop 10am, 3 Holly Blue, 1 Red Admiral (all as grid ref). Also 7 White-letter Hairstreak over A12 elms further along at TQ553915
18thGreen Lane Woodwalton (TL210081)Black HairstreakRosalyn Payne & Phil BromleyBlack Hairstreak 4 at Green Lane, 1 opposite the gate to Woodwalton Marsh
18thGreat Leighs near sewage works beside Essex Way (TL7216)Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Holly Blue, Common BlueGeorge BrownSunny and warm, S wind. 11a.m.-1p.m. Small heath 2, Meadow brown numerous, Holly blue 1 female in Greater birdsfoot trefoil, Common blue 2 males. Also c6 small type skippers - probably Small but not seen well enough to distinguish from Essex. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
18thGidea Park Sports Ground (TQ532904)White-letter HairstreakColin Jupp5 White-letter Hairstreaks clashing over elm and adjacent maple/horse chestnut near bowling green 11am onwards
18thFields & woods north and west of Bassingbourn, Sou (TL327438)Small White, Speckled WoodPhillip Hastings5-6 Speckled Wood along woodland path (photos)
1 x Small White along field edge
But no sign of any of the other five species, several in substantial numbers, seen on a walk in this area on April 29. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
18thDevil's Dyke (TL5864)Brimstone, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Common BlueScott BoydWalk from Burwell carpark to A14. Sunny and a bit windy. 38 Marbled Whites, 21 small heath, 6 meadow brown, 4 brimstone, 2 common blues, 2 large Skippers and 2 unidentified Whites.
18thCastor Hanglands NNRSpeckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Black Hairstreak, Holly BlueMatthew WebbDespite the cloudy weather, the Black Hairstreaks were active at Castor Hanglands this afternoon. It's looking like a good year now with many seen e.g. 10+ in one small area of blackthorn thickets alone and almost always on view in flight wherever I walked in the right habitat. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
17thWalton-on-Naze (TM264236)Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, Holly Blue, Brown ArgusBrian Goodey24 small heath, 16 small skipper and 2 brown argus in the lee of a sea wall, sheltered from the breeze. Also 6 ringlet in meadow higher up, our ffy.
17thPaines Brook, Harold Wood (TQ551912)Comma, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Holly BlueColin Jupp4 Large Skipper, 5 Holly Blue, 2 hutchinsoni Comma, 2 Red Admiral clashing, 15 Meadow Brown, 2 Speckled Wood. Also 1 Silver Y moth
17thPaines Brook, Harold Hill (TQ549914)Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Holly Blue, Brown ArgusColin Jupp1 Brown Argus, 3 Holly Blue, 4 Large Skipper, 5 Meadow Brown, 4 Speckled Wood + 1 Silver Y moth
17thHarold Hill/A12 (TQ553915)White-letter Hairstreak, Holly BlueColin Juppafter several days searching, Colin reports: 4 male White-letter Hairstreaks on central reservation elms mid afternoon, viewed settled on foliage and clashing. Also 6 Holly Blues
17thGreat Staughton Meadow (TL127646)Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Brown Argus, Common BlueSteve BindingHazy sunshine still warm and breezy.
(48)SmHeath.(89)MedBrn.(1)SpecW.
(9m+1fm)ComBlue.(1)LrgSkip.
(2)BrnArg. (1)Brim. Only 2/3 of the meadow
checked.4.10/5.20pm (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
17thCastor Hanglands ,North Meadow (TF117021)Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Black Hairstreak, Holly BlueHoward Butler14 Black Hairstreaks were noted , with reports of a similar number from the old quarry area, from a known local enthusiast.
17thBrampton WoodPurple HairstreakAlistair Grant2 seen on Main Ride, just before Cross Ride, on right hand side. Newly emerging on grass. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
17thBrampton Wood Site 1 & 2Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Black HairstreakAlan ColesBetween 9.30 & 10.45 am Thirty plus Black
Hairstreaks (Site 1 & 2) and Two White Letter Hairstreaks(Site 2)
Also a Red Admiral, One Large Skipper at least
six Speckled Wood and one Meadow Brown along
main ride
17thBedford Purlieus (TF041004)Dark Green Fritillary, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large SkipperAlbert York10 Dark Green Fritillary, 10 Large Skipper, 4 Meadow Brown, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Marbled White
Recorded between 14:00 and 15:00 (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
16thWeeley Hall Wood (TM1521)Red Admiral, White Admiral, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Holly BlueRichard GreatRexFirst White Admiral of the season. 6 Meadow Brown, 4 Speckled Wood, 2 Holly Blue and a single Red Admiral.
16thLes King Wood, Cottenham (TL440679)Red Admiral, Small White, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Common BlueDavid BradleyMy first Ringlet of the year.
16thLangdon Hills (Dunton Plotlands)Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueAndrew Cox
16thHolland Haven (TM216170)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueBrian GoodeyC1, P1, RA5, PL1, SWh6, SWd2, SH9, MB12, HB8, BA1, CB5. A fine and unusually large painted lady.
16thHockley Woods (TQ832916)Heath FritillaryRichard BerryStrong numbers of Heath Fritillary, multiple groups of 30+
Feeding on Blackberry
Very active
Many breeding pairs (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
16thFoxton garden (TL414480)Red Admiral, Large White, Holly BlueGuy MannersA small drop in lunchtime temperature brought first Large White (female) of the year to the garden, plus a Red Admiral, a Holly Blue (first gen still flying!) and a Cinnabar (unfortunately, no ragwort in my garden this year)
16thCastor Hanglands NNRBrimstone, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Green Hairstreak, Black Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Common BlueMatthew WebbApproximately 35 Black Hairstreaks seen from 2-7pm. Sunny and warm with Hairstreaks often landing in shade when not restlessly active mostly high up in trees and bushes. 7 was the most seen at one time. 3 Green Hairstreaks also seen. Small numbers of everything else apart from Speckled Wood which remains common at the moment. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
16thBrookes Reserve (TL810267)Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Holly BlueKeith WinchTransect recording over 1.5 hours
16thBrampton Wood (TL184698)Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Black HairstreakSteve Binding + Roger Orbell+ Paul Fishervery warm day, possibly too hot. Black Hairstreak
Survey from 10am.1hr at each site.
Site 1 (44). Site 2 (55). Site 3 (64).
Site 4 non. Site 5 (10).
Elsewhere (10). TOTAL Sightings (183). others
found along the way. (13)SpecW.(1)RedAD.
(7)LrgSkip. (6) MedBrn.
15thWoodwalton Marsh (TL212812)Red Admiral, Dark Green Fritillary, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Grizzled Skipper, Common BlueJohn Winterbottom11:30 to 12:00, hot, sunny
One very flighty Dark Green Fritillary settling briefly on Knapweed
Many Small Heath, Meadow Brown & Common Blue
3 or 4 Grizzled Skipper (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
15thWoodham Fen, South Woodham Ferrers (TQ801974)Small White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Holly BlueChristopher Rawlings14:15-15:30hrs 7 Meadow Brown, 2 Speckled Wood, 2 Holly Blue, 1 Small Heath, 1 Orange Tip & 1 Small White. Suny 20.c. light easterly breeze.
15thThe Greenway, Beckton (TQ420823)Essex Skipper, Holly Blue, Common BlueRob SmithEssex Skipper 1m, Common Blue 2m, Holly Blue 1. Allowed temporary access to nearby Beckton Alps (TQ431819) where we (+ Steve Bolton) saw another male Essex Skipper, male Brown Argus and Common Blue
15thMonks Wood (TL198802)Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Large Skipper, Black Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown ArgusRichard Berryaround 25 Black Hairstreak along main rides (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
15thGreat Holland Pits NR (TM202192)Red Admiral, Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Holly BlueBrian GoodeyLS2, B1, HB5, RA5, SW5, MB11, SH2. Nice to see our first large skipper of the year but only seven species seen. Grim.
15thBarnack hills And Holes (TF075043)Red Admiral, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Black HairstreakPaul FisherMidday'ish visit, 10.50-12.00, 26 degrees.
Very few Species seen: Red Admiral x1; Small Heath x16; Meadow Brown 30+ Large Skipper x2; Black Hairstreak x1 which was located at grid reference.
14thWoodwalton Marsh (TL212813)Brimstone, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Grizzled Skipper, Large Skipper, Black Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperSteve Binding11.30/12.45pm 30c sunny .
(2)BlackHS on privet flowers poss two more
in the hedgerow.(2)MarbWht first of year here.
(36+)SmHeath.(18+) MedBrn.(2m+1fm)Brim.
(3)SmCopp.(3) duelling Grizz.(9m)ComBlue.
(6)BrnArg one very fresh.(2m+1fm)LrgSkip
with the female egg laying(2)HollyB 0n
privet flowers.
14thMonk's Wood (TL2080)Black HairstreakAlbert YorkCounted 8 individuals between 3pm and 4pm (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
14thAlconbury Flower bank (TL190761)Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Brown Argus, Common BlueSteve Binding1.35/2pm 30c sunny.
(20+) Marbled White.
(12+) Sm Heath.
(2) worn BrnArg.(1)LrgSkip.
(1m)ComBlue. for such a small area
there is a great amount of Butterflies.
13thThaxted (TL615315)Peacock, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Holly Blue, Common BlueStephen Dutton20 Small Heath,8 Meadow Brown, 8 Common Blue, 2 Holly Blue, 2 Speckled Wood, 1 Peacock 1 Large Skipper
12thWoodwalton Marsh (TL212813)Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Grizzled Skipper, Large Skipper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperSteve Binding + Paul Fisher12.20/1.30pm v warm 30c.
(2)Brim.(1m)OrgTip.(7)MedBrn.
(20+)SmHeath.(3)SmCopp.(4)BrnArg.
(2fm+7m)ComBlue.(1)LrgSkip.
(3)poss 4 GrizzSkip. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
12thWivenhoe Sailing ClubHolly BlueBruce GantHolly Blue, I believe, settling on a bramble Bush on edge of WSC car park. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
12thJohn Weston Reserve EWT (TM2624)Red Admiral, Small White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow BrownSimon & Pat Cox3 Small Heaths, 2 each of Small White, Meadow Brown, Red Admiral & Speckled Wood
12thHockley Woods (TL0438)Heath Fritillary, Holly BluePeter MerrettAbout 50 observed flying in clearings and logged areas. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
12thDevils Dyke Reach cutting West to bridge (TL5765)Brimstone, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Common Blue, Adonis BlueStephen Dutton30 Marbled Whites, 20 Brimstone, 18 Small Heath, 3 Meadow Brown, 3 Adonis Blue, very worn, 1 Common Blue, 1 Large Skipper
12thBrampton Wood (TL184698)Red Admiral, Small White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Black HairstreakSteve Binding + Paul Fisher08.35/1.30pm warm/sunny 20c+.
(1)RedAD.(1)SmWht.(1)MedBrn.
(36)Black Hairstreak. Most at Site2 the rest
at other sites + two in car park. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
11thGreat Staughton Meadow (TL127646)Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Brown Argus, Common BlueSteve BindingQuick visit 11.15/12pm
sunny v warm but breezy.
(28)SmHeath. (1)BrnArg.
(6m+1fm)ComBlue. (2)MedBrn.
first of the year here.
11thGarden shoeburynesdSmall White, Speckled Wood, Holly BlueSteve Day8 holly blue,1,speckled wood,1 small white
11thBrampton Wood, Cambs (TL181702)Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Black Hairstreak, Holly BlueIan WattsThe branch field trip enjoyed some excellent close views of the target species on an otherwise quiet morning's walk.
13 x Black Hairstreak (4 near entrance gate, 2 in Site 1, 5 in site 2 and 2 elsewhere)
20+ x Speckled Wood
7 x Large Skipper
5 x Brimstone
2 x Red Admiral
2 x Meadow Brown
1 x Small White
1 x Holly Blue (seen after the field trip)
11thBrampton Wood (TL184698)Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Black Hairstreak, Common BlueSteve Binding07.30/11am sunny but breezy.
(18)BlackHS 15 at Site 2.
3 between site 1+2. (10)Spec wood.
(1)SmHeath.(2)ComBlue males on the
eastern field edge.
11thBlack Notley (TL7620)Red Admiral, Meadow Brown, Holly BlueGeorge BrownVery warm and sunny. SE wind. 1 Red admiral feeding on dogwood blossom, 1 Meadow brown, 3 Holly blue. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
10thMonks WoodBrimstone, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Large SkipperDiana Spencer1 Large Skipper, 1 fresh Meadow Brown, 15+ Speckled Wood (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
10thMonks Wood (TL2080)Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Black Hairstreak, Common BluePhil Bromley, Rosalyn Payne, Catherine & Mike WeigWe saw a Black Hairstreak male & female join at 9.10am, they eventually parted at 11.40!
In the photo note that the male is feeding as well.
Also seen & photographed by Jeremy Milner on the Stocking Close ride was a recently emerged Norfolk Hawker. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
10thMartin's Farm St Osyth (TM1117)Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Holly BlueSimon Cox2 Red Admirals, 2 Speckled Woods, 6+ Holly Blues, 7+ Small Heaths
9thCold War AA site, Roydon (TL417087)Brimstone, Small White, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Holly Blue, Common BlueIan Watts5pm in very warm sunshine. 21 x Holly Blue, 8 x Brimstone (M), 2 x Common Blue, singles of the others.
9thBishops Hall Park/ Brentwood CentreSmall White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Holly BlueThomas HydeFirst Small Heath's
9thBedfords Park LNR (TQ5192)Comma, Red Admiral, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Holly Blue, Common Blue, Small CopperColin Jupp(3 sections) TQ5191: 1 Large Skipper, 3 Small Copper, 20 Holly Blue, 8m Common Blue, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Comma, 25 Small Heath, 20 Meadow Brown, 2 Speckled Wood. Also 12 Burnet Companion & 3 Mother Shipton.

TQ5292: 1 Green-veined White, 6 Holly Blue, 4 Speckled Wood, 8 Small Heath, 4 Meadow Brown. Also 2 Burnet Companion, 1 Mother Shipton.

TQ5291: 1 Large Skipper, 2m Common Blue, 4 Holly Blue, 10 Small Heath, 1 Meadow Brown. Also 3 B. Companion, 1 Brown china mark.
8thWoodwalton Marsh (TL212813)Peacock, Small Heath, Grizzled Skipper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperSteve Binding + Paul Fisher5.25/6pm sunny.
(6)SmCopp.(5)Grizz.(6)SmHeath.
(1m+2fm)ComBlue.(1)BrnArg.
(1) very worn PCock. sev UN ID White. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
8thThaxted (TL613315)Brimstone, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Holly Blue, Common BlueRichard BerrySingle Meadow Brown feed on ox eye daisy
Large numbers of small heath (>50) around paths in meadow.
15 Common Blue
3 Holly blue - egg laying on trefoil
8thDevil's Dyke (Reach Cutting) (TL5765)Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Green Hairstreak, Adonis BlueBob ChappellSeveral brimstone, adonis blue and small heath, one male orange tip. Sunny but breezy, late afternoon. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
8thBrampton Wood (TL184698)Comma, Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Large Skipper, Holly BlueSteve Binding + Paul FisherMid afternoon sunny but windy.
Looking for Black Hairstreak non seen.
Sites 1,2,4.
(36)Spec Wood.(5)HollyB.(1)Comma.(2m)Brim.
(1)SmHeath.(2)LrgSkip. both first of the year here.
(note a hour or so later Black HS seen by Roger
Orbell at 1 and 2)
7thThaxted (TL605312)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Holly BlueRichard Berry1 tatty painted lady
8 Brimstone
5 Speckled Wood
2 Green-veined white
3 Holly Blue
1 comma
1 peacock
5 Red Admiral
2 Orange tip
7thRHS Garden Hyde Hall (TQ781994)Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Wall, Holly Blue, Small CopperRichard And Sandy GreatRexA single Wall sunning itself on rocks in the dry garden. 2 Brimstone, others single.
7thMonks Wood (TL2080)Black HairstreakPhil Bromley & Rosalyn Payne3~4pm 19C Sunny
1 male Black Hairstreak (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
6thWarley, old Fords HQ (TQ593914)Brown ArgusRob Smitha Brown Argus in the newly-planted wildflower area at the converted old Fords building
6thMartin's Farm St Osyth (TM1117)Small Heath, Brown Argus, Common BlueSimon Cox2 Brown Argus, 2 Common Blue, 1 SmallHeath
4thMarylands Wood and Nature Reserve, Hockley (TQ837932)Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Wall, Holly BlueDavid Glover8x Holly Blue
5x Speckled Wood
2x Peacock
2x Small White
2x Orange Tip
1x Large White
1x Red Admiral
1x Wall (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
4thDevil’s Dyke (TL5765)Brimstone, Small Heath, Large Skipper, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Adonis BlueScott BoydWalk from Burwell road car park and along Burwell cutting. Sunny, and a fresh breeze. 14.30. 15 brimstone’s, 6 small heath, 8 Adonis blue, 4 Holly blue, 1 large skipper, 1 green hairstreak.
3rdThaxted (TL615315)Small Heath, Common BlueStephen Dutton18 Small Heath, good increase on last week
2 Common Blue , no change.
3rdStow Maries Aerodrome (TL817000)Marbled White, Meadow BrownDr Simon CoxNoticed 15 Marbled Whites and c15 Meadow Browns plus one S/E Skipper while checking owl boxes
3rdMagog Down (TL489533)Brimstone, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Holly Blue, Small BlueScott Boyd21 small blue, 8 holly blue, 13 brimstone, 3 small Heath and 1 meadow brown
3rdGreat Holland Pits NR (TM202192)Red Admiral, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueBrian GoodeyRA3, B7, GvW1, OT6, SW7, SH2, GH3, CB1, HB24, BA4.
3rdDevil's DykeBrimstone, Marbled White, Common Blue, Adonis BlueAndrew TerrellMidday. 10's of Brimstone, Common and Adonis Blue. Solitary Marble White.
2ndRoswell Pits, Ely (TL5580)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Wall, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueDavid BradleyA couple of Wall spotted darting along on a sunny patch leading down to an angling platform. Vaguely possibly Skipper sighting, but not sure, nor of specific species.
2ndMarsh Farm Country Park, South Woodham Ferrers (TQ807959)Small White, Small HeathChristopher Rawlings14:00-15:00hrs 1 Small Heath + 3 Small White. Sunshine & clouds, light northerly wind, 14.c.
2ndDevil's dyke (July racecourse)Brimstone, Dingy Skipper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Adonis BlueJohn MurraySunny, but breezy evening. Good numbers of adonis blue, plus several dingy skippers and brown argus. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
2ndBurwell Cutting CAMBSPeacock, Brimstone, Small White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Copper, Adonis BlueSteve Binding + Paul Fisherwindy/sunny warm 15c+ .11.50am/1.30pm.
(26)HollyB.(21)Brim.(16)SmHeath.
(12)Adonis.(2)PCock.(2)ComBlue.
(3)BrnArg.(4)Grn HS.(1)SmWht.
(1)GVwht.(1)SmCopp.
1stWoodham Fen, South Woodham Ferrers (TQ801974)Small White, Orange-Tip, Holly Blue, Common BlueChristopher Rawlings14:30-15:30hrs, 4 Common Blue, 3 Holly Blue, 1 Orange Tip male + 1 Small White. Sunshine & clouds, light northerly breeze, 15.c.
1stSt Faith's Country Park, Brentwood (TQ586938)Red Admiral, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Large Skipper, Holly BlueBarbara Beckettabout 20 holly blue, 4 speckled wood, 4 male orange tip plus 1 female, 1 red admiral, 2 small heath and 1 large skipper. 2 Mother Shipton moths.
1stMagog Down (TL4853)Brimstone, Small White, Small Heath, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small BlueRichard BerryStrong numbers of small blue (>100) all around the edges of the meadow
Still lots of Brimstone
2 brown argus
Male and female common blue (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
1stLittle Warley Common (TQ606906)Small Heath, Large Skipper, Holly BlueRob SmithSmall Heath 5, including 2 clashing for a couple of minutes over scrub, Holly Blue 2, Large Skipper 1. a Mother Shipton moth
1stField, North Weald (TL496041)Brown ArgusIan Watts3 x Brown Argus. First time I've seen this species in this location (a 'derelict' former agricultural field frequented mostly by dog walkers).

May 2023
DateLocationSpeciesReporterDescription
31stLangdon Hills (Dunton Plotlands)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Holly BlueAndrew Cox
31stBenfleet Downs Transect (TQ785856)Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Wall, Small Heath, Holly Blue, Common BlueKathryn ChandlerThree Wall on the Benfleet Downs making seven in total over the first flight period to date.
28thMagog DownPainted Lady, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Grizzled Skipper, Common Blue, Small BlueMike Wood31 small blue on North Down, 2 common blue, 1 grizzled skipper, 1 p lady
28thKeats Avenue, Harold Hill (TQ524909)Peacock, Small White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Common BlueColin Jupp2 Green Hairstreak on oak and hawthorn near A12, my first record for the site. Also 10-12 Holly Blues, 1 m Common Blue, 2 Speckled Wood, 1 Peacock, 1 Small White, 3 Orange Tip (2m & 1f)
28thEastcliff Footpath, Holland on Sea (TM192159)Holly BlueBrian Goodeyc.40 holly blue along the third of a mile course of this footpath.
28thDevil's Dyke, July racecourseBrimstone, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Adonis BlueKerry ReeveGood numbers of male and female Adonis Blue. A warm and sunny afternoon. Also present Rob Reeve, Steve and Anne Green, Debbie Broom.
28thDevil's Dyke (TL617617)Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Dingy Skipper, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueEdward PollardBranch field trip. 11am - 1:30 pm. Sunny and warm. Plentiful Adonis Blue, At least 4 Green Hairstreak, and 6 Dingy Skippers.
28thAbberton reservoir (TL9618)Small Heath, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Common Blue, Small CopperLaurence Drummond10 Small Heath, 1 Green Hairstreak,1 Holly Blue, 2 Common Blue and 1 Small Copper around the visitor center lunchtime.
27thTrumpington meadowsCommon Blue, Small BlueAdrian SargeantEarly morning visit, Haston side of Trumpington Meadows. 2 Small blue and 2 Common blue butterflys warming in the sun before taking flight. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
27thThaxted (TL615315)Small White, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Common BlueStephen Dutton2 male Common Blue, first this year for me at this location
2 fm Orange Tips
27thSwaddywell Pit NRPeacock, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Grizzled Skipper, Dingy Skipper, Green Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperMatthew WebbGrizzled Skipper - approx. 8 seen. 2 Green Hairstreaks, 4 Dingy Skippers and 15+ Common Blues. Also, 2 Small Heath, 3+ Small Coppers, 4+ Brown Argus, Green-veined White, Brimstones, 2 Peacocks and a Speckled Wood. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
26thThaxted (TL615315)Small White, Small Heath, Holly BlueStephen Dutton8 Small Heath, 1 Holly Blue, 1 Small White
26thPages Farm, Thames Chase (TQ557901)Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Holly BlueColin Jupp1 female Brimstone, 1m Orange Tip, 2 Holly Blue
26thMagog Down Stapleford (TL489533)Small Heath, Small BlueChris BrownAt least 18 Small Blues in a half hour walk 9.15-9.45. Mostly beside path on NE side. 4 Small Heath.
26thHarold Wood Park (TQ553901)Peacock, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Green Hairstreak, Holly BlueColin Jupp4 or 5 Green Hairstreak including 2 clashing males. Also 15 Small Heath, 1 Speckled Wood, 6 Holly Blue, 1 Peacock, 1m Orange Tip, 1 Green-veined White, 1 Large White, 4 Small White including mating pair.
26thGarden, Northumberland Avenue, HornchurchBrimstone, Holly BlueDebbie BroomBrimstone x 1
Holly Blue x 2
25thMagog DownSmall BlueNeil DickinsonSmall Blue. Rather dull weather, but small blues aplenty in the North Down area at least. Very few other butterflies, so it’s just as well our visit to find small blues was amply rewarded.
24thTrumpington MeadowsPeacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Holly Blue, Small BlueDavid Roger DamantAt least 4 Small Blues (2 each on both sides of the M11), several Holly Blue, 6+ Orange Tip, 4 Brimstone & 2+ Small Heath (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
24thRoxwell, nr Chelmsford (TL633086)WallMartin HeywoodMartin reports a rare substantially inland sighting, "A nice sight in my garden this morning was a Wall butterfly nectaring on daisies in the lawn. Unfortunately, it didn't stay long enough for me to photograph it. This is the second Wall in my garden in recent times - the first was in September 2021."
24thRHS Hyde Hall (TQ784994)Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Small HeathChristopher Rawlings14:00-15:45hrs 1 each of Small Heath, Speckled Wood & Male Brimstone. Sunshine & clouds, light breeze, 17.c.
24thPaxton Pits (TL199628)Peacock, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Grizzled Skipper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueRichard Berry7 grizzled skipper, mix of freshly emerged and some tatty ones. Feeding on wild strawberry and creeping trefoil
Large numbers of brown argus, quite a few mating pairs (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
24thMarsh Farm Country Park, South Woodham Ferrers (TQ807959)Peacock, Small White, Small Heath, Holly BlueChristopher Rawlings09:30-10:45hrs, 1 Small Heath, photo attached + 2 Holly Blue, 2 Small White & 1 Peacock. Sunshine & clouds, light breeze, mild. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
24thKings Dyke Nature Reserve (TL248974)Small White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Wall, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperPhil Bromley & Rosalyn Payne10 ~ 11.30am, 19C, Sunny.
On one complete circuit of the Nature Trail we saw:
Wall Brown 4, Small White 1, Orange-tip 3, Speckled Wood 1, Holly Blue 5, Brown Argus 18, Common Blue 8, Small Copper 2 & 5 unidentified whites. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
24thGarden in Ramsden BellhouseClouded YellowWendy SwiftFlew through the garden. Didn’t settle.
24thDevil's Dyke (Reach Cutting) (TL5765)Peacock, Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Copper, Adonis BlueBob ChappellWarm and sunny, at least 3 Adonis Blue including a pair mating.
Possibly one Dingy Skipper.
23rdTrumpington Meadows (TL4354)Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Small BlueTrevor SawyerSmall Blues now starting to appear - I found 5 this afternoon. Also 15 Holly Blue, 3 Orange Tips, 2 Peacock, 2 Small Heath, 2 Brown Argus, 1 Small White and 1 Brimstone
23rdDevil's Dyke (TL6162)Brimstone, Small White, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Dingy Skipper, Brown Argus, Small Copper, Adonis BlueDavid BradleyDozens of Adonis, lots of Brimstone, a couple of Dingy Skipper, 4 or 5 Small Copper, handful of Brown Argus (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
23rdCanvey island Dutch cottageWallDave BlackwellTwo wall brown bathing in sun
22ndWest Bergholt (Manor Farm) (TL9628)Small White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Holly BlueSimon Cox3+ Holly Blues, 3+ Orange Tips, 3+ Small Whites,
1+ Green-veined White
22ndSt. Thomas of Canterbury Church, BrentwoodHolly BlueDebbie BroomHolly Blue x 4 in the churchyard
22ndMarsh Farm Country Park, South Woodham Ferrers (TQ807959)Peacock, Small White, Holly BlueChristopher Rawlings1 each of Small White, Peacock & Holly Blue along field/scrub boundary footpath. Overcast northerly breeze 16'c.
22ndGarden, Northumberland Avenue, HornchurchHolly BlueDebbie Broom
22ndFloat Fish Farm, Farcet (TL226946)WallPhil Bromley2 ~ 2.15pm, 17C, Sunny & breezy
Wall brown 1
I thought I had previously seen wall brown here whilst fishing and came back for a quick search.
I am not surprised, given that there are a number of colonies of wall brown just to the north at King's Dyke NR, Bradley Fen & the working brick quarries. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
22ndCathedral Place, BrentwoodHolly BlueDebbie Broom
21stWoodwalton MarshPeacock, Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Grizzled Skipper, Green Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Small CopperDiana Spencerc10 Brown Argus in total, 1 Small Copper, 3 Grizzled Skipper, 1 v worn Green Hairstreak (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
21stTrumpington Meadows, Cambridge (TL4354)Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Holly Blue, Small CopperPhillip HastingsSimilar sightings to those reported by Trevor Sawyer yesterday but fewer species, possibly due to the stronger breeze as nearly all the butterflies spotted today were in sheltered spots.
1 x Small Copper (photo) by the river on west side of the M11
15+ x Holly Blues, including several on and around a muddy stretch of path (photo)
6+ x Orange Tips, mainly male
4 x Red Admirals
3 x Brimstones (2m + 1f)
1 x Peacock
Also three or four large mainly white butterflies but flying too fast to identify. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
21stRSPB Ouse Washes (TL470859)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Wall, Small Heath, Brown Argus, Small CopperPhil Bromley & Rosalyn Payne11am ~ 1pm, 19C, sunny & windy.
Wall Brown 14 (9m, 5f)
The females were more obliging than the males when it came to taking photos.
Starting at the RSPB visitor's centre and walking the bank of the River Delph for 2 kilometers SW to TL458842. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
21stMartin's Farm St Osyth (TM1116)Peacock, Orange-Tip, Small HeathSimon Cox5 Small Heaths, 3 Orange Tips, 2 Peacocks
21stGreat Staughton Meadow (TL127646)Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperSteve Binding2pm/3.40pm V windy but warm 18c.(13)Sm heath
numbers increasing from last visit.(3)SmCopp.
on the paths.(2m)OrgTip.(1m+1fm)ComBlue.1st of the year here ,the female had interesting markings as per photo.(1)BrnArg.(1)GVWht.(4)HollyB one female
laying on Birds foot trefoil. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
21stDevils Dyke (TL5765)Peacock, Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown ArgusSimon IngateGreen Hairstreaks x 2, Orange Tips x 3, Holly Blue very many, Brimsone very many, Speckled wood, possible grizzled skipper, Brown Argus x 1 (newly hatched since perfect) (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
20thnr St Osyth (TM144159)Small White, Orange-Tip, Holly Blue, Brown ArgusSimon & Pat CoxBrown Argus a new species for our garden list (now 24 species). Also 2-3 Holly Blues, Orange Tip 7 Small White
20thWanstead Flats, NE London (TQ405862)Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Speckled Wood, Green Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Small CopperIan WattsThe first branch field trip of the season took place in warm sunny, albeit breezy, conditions. 15+ Green Hairstreak seen, 20+ Holly Blue, 3 Speckled Wood and singles (or small numbers) of the other species listed. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
20thTrumpington Meadows (TL4354)Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperTrevor SawyerA 1.5hr morning loop around the Meadows (both sides of motorway) in breezy conditions produced Holly Blue 10+, Brimstone 3, Orange Tip 3, Red Admiral 2, Peacock 2, Small Copper 2, Common Blue 1, Brown Argus 1, Small Heath 1 and a surprise Green Hairstreak. No Small Blues seen, but they must be imminent.
20thThaxted (TL615315)Small HeathStephen Dutton2 Small Heath, first this year at this location for me
20thTanholt Pits nr. Eye Peterborough (TF237016)Red Admiral, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Wall, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Common BlueHoward ButlerThe WALL count of 7 individuals equals my best ever 1st brood number.4 were on bank of the Cat's Water Dyke.
20thPaxton Pits (TL195629)Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Small CopperSteve BindingFriends Of Paxton Pits Survey route B.
still sun/cloud but breezy.
(3)SmCopp. easily(20+)BrnArg.(1)RedAD.
(1)PCock.(4)Brim.(1m)OrgTip.(3)HollyB.
20thPaxton Pits (TL195629)Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Grizzled Skipper, Holly Blue, Brown ArgusSteve BindingFriends Of Paxton Pits.
survey route A 11.10/1.20pm.sun/cloud/warm.
(1)RedAD.(1)PCock.(5)HollyB.(2m+2fm)OrgTip.
(5)Brim.(10)BrnArg.(12+)Grizz.
20thMonks Wood (TL200803)Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled WoodRosalyn Payne & Phil BromleyA couple of hours searching, found one Black Hairstreak Pupa (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
19thThaxted (TL6131)Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Holly BlueStephen Dutton2Red Admiral,2 Speckled Wood,3 Brimstone inc1fm, 3 Orange Tips inc 1 fm, 3 Small White pr mating , 2 Holly Blue, no Sm Heath on this visit.
19thTer Valley (TL6918)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Holly BlueGeorge BrownSunny and warm where sheltered from NE wind, 3.15-4.30pm. 1 Comma, 2 Peacocks, 2 Red admirals feeding on hawthorn blossom, 1 f. Brimstone, 1 Green-veined white identified of 4 or 5 whites flying about, c.5 Orange tips, 1 Holly blue. (Also 1 Mother Shipton moth)..
19thPages Farm, Upminster (TQ560902)Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Small HeathColin Jupp1 Painted Lady, 2 Small Heath, 1 Large White, 2m Orange Tip, 2 Green-veined White on charlock, 1 Small White. Moths: 1 Silver Y, 3+ Mother Shipton
19thHarold Wood Park (TQ553901)Brimstone, Small White, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Small CopperColin Jupp1 Green Hairstreak, 3 Small Copper, 8 Small Heath, 4 Holly Blue, 2 m Brimstone, 2 m Orange Tip, 1+ Small White. Moths: 3 Mother Shipton + Clouded Border
18thWoodwalton Marsh (TL212812)Comma, Brimstone, Small Heath, Grizzled Skipper, Brown ArgusRobert ChappellMostly dull, at least 4 grizzled skippers, 2 small copper (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
18thWalton-on-Naze (TM264236)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperBrian GoodeyOur first brown argus (x3) and common blue of the year. Searched for wall brown, but none seen. Single painted lady.
18thTanholt Pits (TF237016)WallHoward Butler2 seen, my first of the year
18thTanholt Farm, Peterborough (TF242016)Red Admiral, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Wall, Holly Blue, Brown ArgusAlan OwersOvercast but bright, quite warm. At least 4 male wall brown seen all alongside the Cats Water drain. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
18thTanholt Pits (TF237016)Brimstone, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Wall, Small Heath, Green Hairstreak, Holly BlueHoward ButlerWall x 2 My first of the year (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
18thGreat Nort Fen Drove (TL443688)Small Tortoiseshell, Red AdmiralSimon Thomas Ingate
18thDevils Dyke Race course end (TL607623)Brimstone, Small White, Orange-Tip, Dingy Skipper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Small Copper, Adonis BlueSteve Binding + Paul Fisher10.30/12.30pm hazy sun to begin with
but warming up.(25m+1fm)Adonis Blue.
(12)Dingy.(53)BrnArg.(4m+1fm)OrgTip.
(1 SmWht.(5)Brim.(2)HollyB.(2)Sm Copp. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
18thCoe Fen New Bit, Cambridge (TL451571)Brown ArgusKeith Edkins (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
18thBurwell CuttingPeacock, Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Wall, Small Heath, Dingy Skipper, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Copper, Adonis BlueSteve Binding + Paul Fisher12.48/2.30pm sunny/warm.
(1)Wall brown.(7)HollyB.
(3)Sm Heath.(4)Adonis. (6m+3fm)Brim.
(3)BrnArg.(3)Com Blue inc pair in cop.
(3)GrnHS.(2)SmCopp. (3m)OrgTip.
(1)PCock.(2)UN ID Wht. Also plenty of day flying moths. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
17thThaxted (TL631319)Peacock, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Small HeathRichard Berry3 Small Heath - very flighty

Good numbers of other species
17thPeldon, green (TL987163)Orange-Tip, Holly BlueRob Smitha male Orange-tip and my first Holly Blue
17thLong Drove Cottenham (TL463677)Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Orange-TipSimon Thomas IngateRed admiral, 2-3 Orange Tips, 1 Small Tortoiseshell
17thGreen Lane, Chigwell (TQ449937)Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Holly BlueIan Watts12+ Holly Blue (seem to be having a strong spring brood), 2 x Peacock, 3 x Small White, 1 x Speckled Wood, c.10 Orange Tip (1 female, the rest males) and a Red Admiral.
16thnr St Osyth (TM144159)Red Admiral, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Holly BlueSimon & Pat CoxFirst Green-veined White today in our garden this year. Red Admiral seen daily since 13/05, 2 Holly Blues & 2 Orange Tips present since 14/05
16thSt. Faith's Park, Brentwood (TQ586938)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Large White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Holly BluePaul & Barbara BeckettSunny intervals 3:30-4:30pm. Singles except 2 Holly Blue. Most seen on the northern edge of the park near Weald Road.
16thOuse Washes Welches DamSmall Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Painted Lady, Large White, Orange-Tip, WallRoger BuissonSeen while walking along the track between the hides on the RSPB Reserve. Count of Wall: 4 or 5.
16thMartin's Farm St Osyth (TM1117)Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Holly BlueSimon CoxAt least 3 Orange Tips, single Brimstone, Small Heath, Red Admiral, Peacock, Small White (+ one G-v/Small White), 2 Speckled Woods
16thGreat Staughton Meadow (TL127646)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Small CopperSteve Binding11am/1.30pm Sun/Cloud/Breezy.
(2m=1fm)OrgTip.(2m)GVWht.(6)SmHeath
1st of the year here.(2)Smtort.(6+)HollyB.
(2m+1fm)Brim.(2)PCock.(1)SmWht.(6)SmCopp.
incs one female laying on Dock .(2) GrnHS.
A first for here females on Birds foot trefoil. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
16thDevils Dyke Transect (TL615617)Peacock, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Dingy Skipper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Adonis BlueSharon HearleAt last a reasonable number of Dingy with 12 seen, 6 Adonis Blue and 31 Brown Argus. Single Holly Blue but no Common Blue and Burnet Companion. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
16thCanvey Wick (TQ7882)Peacock, Small White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Wall, Green HairstreakDavid ChandlerDespite the wildfires damaging the habitat it was good to find four Wall and two Green Hairstreaks at their usual places. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
15thLitlington, South Cambs (TL311428)Comma, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Orange-Tip, Holly BluePhillip Hastings6+ x Holly Blues flying round holly bushes and ivy - most ever seen at one time in this garden
1 x Brimstone (m)
1 x Brimstone (f)
1 x Small White (first seen in garden this year)
1 x Orange-Tip (m)
1 x Red Admiral (first seen in garden since February)
1 x Comma (first seen in garden since March) (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
14thSwaddywell Pit Nature ReserveSmall Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Dingy Skipper, Green Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Small CopperMatthew WebbSwaddywell Pit late morning/early afternoon. 11 species of butterfly seen. Dingy Skippers (6+) Green Hairstreaks (2-3), Brown Argus (3+), Small Heath, Orange-tip, Brimstone, Small White, Comma, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and Small Copper. No confirmed sighting of Grizzled Skipper unfortunately, although 2 possibles seen in a spiral fight were not relocated. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
14thNorthey Island (TL878062)Peacock, Orange-TipRob Smitha single Peacock and lots of male Orange-tips doing the rounds all afternoon 10-20. Moths: Silver Y 2, Epichnopterix plumella 1
14thMagog Down (TL488534)Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Small Copper, Small BlueEdward Pollard; Andrew KnightsSun came out finally. One mating pair of Small Blue.
3 Small Blue, 1 Small Copper, 1 Large White, 5+ Brimstone, 1 Green Hairstreak, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Peacock, 1 Green-veined White, 5+ Holly Blue
14thM25 Embankment (W.Side) Brentwood (TQ571913)Peacock, Small White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Green Hairstreak, Holly BlueColin Jupp2 Green Hairstreak, 1 Holly Blue, 1 Peacock, 1 Speckled Wood, 2 Orange Tip m & fm, 1 Small White.
14thM25 Embankment (E.Side) Brentwood (TQ573914)Peacock, Small White, Large White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Green Hairstreak, Holly BlueColin Jupp1 Green Hairstreak, 3 Holly Blue, 2 Peacock, 1 Speckled Wood, 4 Orange Tip (3m & 1f), 1 Large White, 3 Small White
14thHaynes Park, HornchurchBrimstone, Orange-Tip, Holly BlueDebbie Broom
13thPaxton Pits (TL195629)Grizzled Skipper, Brown ArgusSteve BindingFREINDS OF PAXTON PITS
Grizzled Skipper survey.
conditions far from ideal 12c cold/overcast.
(4)Grizz found roosting after extensive
searching by the team, plus (3) Brown Argus
also at rest. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
13thHolme Fen (TL198895)Grizzled Skipper, Small CopperSteve Binding + Paul Fisher2.47/5.20pm cold /overcast 12c.
(9)Grizz and(17)SmCopper all
roosting due to the conditions. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
11thEaton Socon garden (TL166594)Painted Lady, Small White, Holly BlueSteve Binding(1) Painted lady on Ceanothus flowers.
(1)Sm White. Lots of Holly Blues
throughout the day in the front and rear
garden including 3 to 4 males in aerial combat.
11thBlack Notley (TL7620)Holly BlueGeorge BrownSunny spells before thunderstorm later. Female Holly blue at holly in garden, noon.
10thThaxted (TL605312)Comma, Red Admiral, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Holly BlueRichard Berry4 Common Blue (3 male, 1 female) attempting mating, moving between blackthorn and floor (feeding on minerals)
5 Red Admiral
6 Green veined White
Large numbers of orange-tip
1 comma
2 Speckled wood
10thSt Osyth Heath (TM1317)Orange-TipSimon Cox2 Orange Tips noted from car whilst driving
10thHolme Fen (TL1989)Peacock, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Grizzled Skipper, Holly Blue, Small CopperRoger OrbellGood numbers of G S and Sm C
Green Tiger Beetle and Hairy Dragonfly also seen (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
10thGreat Holland Pits NR (TM202192)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Small CopperBrian GoodeyOur first painted lady, red admiral (x2) small copper and green hairstreak (x3) of the year. The first two undoubtedly because of the recent southerly air flow
10thCottenham (TL457316)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Large White, Orange-Tip, Holly BlueDavid BradleyThree Red Admirals together, first I've seen this year, incredibly. Lots of Holly Blue.
10thBalls Green, Gt Bromley (TM0824)Orange-TipSimon CoxMale Orange Tip in meadow from pub carpark
9thnr St Osyth (TM144159)Small White, Orange-TipSimon & Pat CoxMale Orange Tip (female briefly on 07/05) and Small White in our garden
9thChelmsford Central Park (TL700067)Orange-TipChristopher Rawlings11:00 - 12:00 hrs. 2 Orange Tip males on the wing + 2 Orange Tip eggs on Garlic Mustard flowerheads beside The River Can. Photo attatched. Sunshine & clouds, mild. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
8thSouth Woodham FerrersSmall White, Holly BlueChristopher Rawlings1 Holly Blue + 1 Small White flitting lazily about in our garden. Overcast sky 16.c.
8thNorthern edge of Gustedhall Wood, Hockley (TQ840990)Peacock, Small White, Orange-Tip, WallDavid Glover3x Orange Tip
2x Peacock
1x Small White
1x Wall (2nd seen in the local area this year, after yesterdays spot at St Peter's Church - species now a regular in the area) (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
7thWoodwalton Marsh (TL211812)Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Orange-Tip, Grizzled Skipper, Green HairstreakDiana Spencer4-5 Grizzled Skipper, also 2 Green Hairstreak by the railway bridge (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
7thWillow Park (TQ6887)Peacock, Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Speckled WoodRob SmithPeacock 5, singles others. Several Silver Y moths, all faded, plus a Latticed Heath moth
7thThaxted (TL6131)Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Holly BlueStephen Dutton1 of each on a walk through at Thaxted Church
7thSt Peter and St Paul's Church, Hockley (TQ825993)Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, WallDavid Glover3x Red Admiral
2x Peacock
2x Small White
1x Wall (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
7thSawtry (TL164830)Peacock, Orange-Tip, Holly Blue, Small CopperRosalyn Payne3.30pm, Sunny 20 deg. peacock 1, orange-tip 1, holly blue 5, small copper 1
7thOne Tree Hill, Johnson's Meadows (TQ700863)Peacock, Orange-Tip, Wall, Small CopperRob Smithsome strange species lists at the moment - Peacock 3, Small Copper 1, Orange-tip 3m, Wall Brown 1m, Speckled Wood 1. moths: E. plumella 3, Silver Y 2, Burnet Companion 1, Grass Rivulet 1
7thHaynes Park, HornchurchOrange-Tip, Speckled WoodDebbie BroomOrange Tip (male) x 3
Speckled Wood x 4
7thGunners park,shoeburyness essexPeacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Orange-Tip, Wall, Small CopperSteve Day
7thGarden shoeburynessOrange-Tip, Holly BlueSteve Day
7thFairlop Waters CP (TQ4590)Red Admiral, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Green Hairstreak, Holly BlueColin Jupp & Alan Bell2 Green Hairstreaks clashing south of lagoon. Orange-tip 5 (3m, 2f), Green-veined White 3, several other whites, 2 Red Admirals clashing, Holly Blue and Brimstone north side of Forest Road
7thComberton Garden (TL387563)Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Holly BlueTony RobertsBrimstone 1. Orange Tip 1. Holly Blue 2.
5thTerling (TL7615)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Painted Lady, Green-veined WhiteViki PatersonFirst Painted Lady of the season. All butterflies seen in the sunny spells between the rain.
5thMaldon Promenade Park (TL861064)Small White, Holly BlueChristopher Rawlings1 Holly Blue + 1 Small White flying over perennial borders. Sunshine & clouds 16.5.c.
5thLark Rise farm (TL4054)Red Admiral, Small White, Orange-Tip, Holly BlueVince LeaYou wait for ages then six come along at once. My first Red Admirals of the year, presumably migrants.
5thGarden….Barton Road CambridgeOrange-Tip, Holly BlueJeffrey RileyOne female Orange Tip and one Holly Blue between showers
4thWoodwalton Marsh (TL211812)Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Orange-Tip, Grizzled Skipper, Brown ArgusAlan Owers2-3 pm. At least 3 grizzled skippers. 3 brimstone (2 m), 2 orange tip. First brown argus of the year. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
4thWanstead Flats, NE London (TQ408866)Green Hairstreak, Holly BlueIan WattsNo shortage of Green Hairstreak. Maybe a dozen or more, despite a chilly breeze in the late morning sunshine. Also 2 x Holly Blue. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
4thSouth Woodham FerrersHolly BlueChristopher Rawlings1 Holly Blue disturbed up from a Field Maple Pollard in our back garden. 1st Holly Blue sighting of the year for me. 17:45hrs, sunny & calm.
4thPaxton Pits (TL195629)Peacock, Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Grizzled SkipperSteve Binding11.50/1.15pm v breezy not ideal.
Warm 17c
(4) Grizzled Skip of which a female ovipositing.
(3)PCock. (1m)OrgTip.(4)Brim. sev UN ID White (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
4thLittle Warley Common (TQ606906)Peacock, Orange-Tip, Small CopperRob Smith2 of each. Small Coppers showing courtship behaviour (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
4thLitlington, South Cambs (TL311428)Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Holly BluePhillip HastingsSunny afternoon in the garden:
3-4 Holly Blues variously flying round/landing on Holly bush, Ivy and Honesty (photos)
1 x Brimstone (m)
1 x Brimstone(f)
1 x Orange-Tip (m)
NB: Yesterday walked a similar route round Bassingbourn to one walked on April 29 when saw/reported large numbers of several species - but in cooler, windier weather this time - and saw precisely one butterfly, a Speckled Wood! (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
4thHaynes Park, HornchurchOrange-TipDebbie BroomOrange Tip (male) x 1
Despite the warm and sunny weather, this was the only butterfly I saw.
4thGarden…Barton Road CambridgeBrimstone, Orange-Tip, Holly BlueJeffrey Riley1 male Brimstone, 1 male Orange Tip, 2 Holly Blues
3rdWoodwalton MarshSmall Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Orange-Tip, Green HairstreakDiana Spencer
3rdDevil's Dyke July Race Course TransectBrimstone, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Dingy Skipper, Small CopperSharon Hearle2 Dingy Skipper and 13 butterflies in total
3rdDanbury Country Park (TL768049)PeacockChristopher Rawlings2 Peacocks, 1 in walled garden and 1 in woodland glade. Sunshine and clouds with a stiff easterly breeze.
3rdCanvey West Marsh (TQ775842)Peacock, Small White, Green-veined White, Orange-TipPeter Jackson6 Peacock,1 G.V.White,4 Small White,3 Orange Tip (all males )
2ndJermaines Wood/Tylers Common (TQ571907)Peacock, Orange-Tip, Speckled WoodRob Smithsub-optimal conditions but saw 2 male Orange-tips, 3 Peacock and 3 Speckled Wood. Also saw 3 Orange-tip ova on cuckooflower in Jermaines Wood
1stShoeburynessSmall Tortoiseshell, Comma, Brimstone, Small White, Wall, Holly BlueSteve Day
1stRamsey Marsh (TL944060)Peacock, Small White, Orange-TipRob SmithPeacock 4, incl a pair in courtship (photo), Orange-tip - 1 male and 1 female, Small White 1, probable Green-veined Whites. Hummingbird Hawk-moth on gorse (Photo(s) supplied: photo )

April 2023
DateLocationSpeciesReporterDescription
30thWoodwalton Marsh (TL211812)Brimstone, Small White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Grizzled SkipperTim Knight10.15-12.30. Grizzled Skipper 2 (possibly 3), Orange-Tip 2 male, Brimstone 5 (1 female), Green-veined White 2 male, Small White 1 male. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
30thKelvedon Hatch (TQ5798)Holly BlueDavid JobbinsIn garden
30thHolme Fen (TL198895)Peacock, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Grizzled Skipper, Small CopperPhil Bromley & Rosalyn Payne1 ~ 2pm
Grizzled skipper 7, small copper 20+, peacock 15+, green-veined white 4, orange-tip 2, brimstone 1.
30thECC Register Office, Epping, Essex (TL459021)PeacockTom SimonPeacock sunning itself o the front of the ECC Register Office, St. John's Road. They all count 😎
30thDevils Dyke Newmarket Racecourse (TL607628)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Green HairstreakRichard BerrySingle small heath
8 Green Hairstreak
3 Small Tortoiseshell
5 Orange-tip
Numerous peacock and brimstone (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
30thDevil's Dyke July racecourse (TL6161)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Green Hairstreak, Small CopperPaddy GroveJust one Green Hairstreak seen. No skippers. Lots of Brimstones and Orange-Tips. A single Small Copper. Also a couple of Emperor Moth fly-bys, and a Nightingale singing near the car park
30thBlack Notley (TL7620)BrimstoneGeorge BrownSunny and warm, 11.30a-11,40a.m. 1 Brimstone egg laying on both Buckthorn and Alder buckthorn in garden.
29thWoodwalton Marsh (TL212813)Peacock, Brimstone, Grizzled Skipper, Small CopperSteve Binding2.35/3.45pm sun/some cloud
(2)Grizz duelling.(4)Brim.(1)Pcock.
(1)SmCopp.(2)UN ID wht. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
29thWoodwalton Marsh (TL211812)Peacock, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Grizzled Skipper, Green HairstreakPhil Bromley & Rosalyn PayneOur first grizzled skipper & green hairstreak of the year. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
29thUpwood (TL2582)Orange-TipDiana SpencerFirst Orange Tip seen this year, Upwood and Upwood Meadows
29thThe Strood, Mersea Island (TM006141)Peacock, Brimstone, Small CopperRob Smitha mile walk along the sea wall and back - 1 Small Copper, a male Brimstone and 12 Peacocks
29thMaldon, A414 Causeway (TL841069)Orange-TipRob Smitha male seen from the vehicle. My first sighting of the year and the only one of the day
29thLes King Wood (TL441967)Peacock, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Green Hairstreak, Holly BlueSimon Ingate1 Green Hairstreak, 7 Peacocks, 1 Green Veined White , 2 Holly Blues, 2 Speckled Woods. Managed a couple of photos of the Green Hairstreak - sun behind it so difficult to see the green. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
29thHaynes Park, HornchurchSmall Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Orange-Tip, Speckled WoodDebbie BroomWarm, sunny afternoon
29thGreat Holland Pits NR (TM203191)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Holly BlueBrian GoodeyAround 20 brimstones, including females ovipositing. Our first orange-tip and holly blue of the year
29thGarden, Northumberland Avenue, HornchurchBrimstoneDebbie BroomWarm, sunny afternoon
29thDevil's Dyke (TL5765)Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Wall, Green Hairstreak, Holly BlueScott BoydSunny. No wind. 1 Wall brown seen at the south end of the Burwell railway cutting. 4 green hairstreaks seen at Reach end of Devil's Dyke path. 1 speckled Wood near Burwell road carpark. 32 Brimestones, 4 orange tips, 5 Holly blues, 5 Peacocks, 2 small whites (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
29thCudmore Grove CP, Mersea Is (TM066147)Peacock, BrimstoneRob Smithmale and female Brimstone met whilst nectaring on Bluebells, but soon parted. Also 5 Peacocks
29thCambridge (TL459575)Orange-Tip, Holly BlueTim KnightMale Orange Tip - first of year for garden - plus several Holly Blues
29thBassingbourn, South Cambs (TL332438)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Holly BluePhillip HastingsAll spotted on a 5-mile circular walk round Bassingbourn - mix of cultivated fields, open grassland, streams and woodland; sunny morning:
15+ x Brimstone (m) and approx 6 x Brimstone (f)
20+ x Orange-tip (m) and approx 8 x Orange-Tip (f)
20+ x Holly Blue (inc several flying low over open grassland some distance away, i.e. behaviour more likely of Common Blue but too early in the year for them?)
6 x Peacock
4 x Small Tortoishell
2 x Speckled Wood
29thBarnack Hills+holes (TF075044)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Green Hairstreak, Holly BlueSteve Binding1020am/12.30pm/15c sunny.
(5m+1fm) OrgTip.(4)Green HS.
(18m+fm)Brim. (1)HollyB.
(3)PCock.(1)SmWht.(1)GVWht.
(1)SmTort.
26thHighwoods Country Park (TM0027)Small Tortoiseshell, PeacockClaire Harrington
25thThaxted (TL605312)Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Holly BlueRichard BerrySpeckled wood x 7
Brimstone x 2
Orange-tip x 1
Peacock x 5
Holly Blue x 1
Comma x 4
25thRoughtalley's Wood Local Nature Reserve (TL488036)Green-veined WhiteTom SimonSingle Green-veined White near one of the angle iron barrage balloon anchors.
25thFootpath between RHS Hyde Hall & Woodham Ferrers (TQ793995)Comma, PeacockChristopher Rawlings1 Comma + 1 Peacock patrolling along field/hedge boundary beside public footpath. Sunshine & clouds varying between warm and cool.
25thComberton Garden (TL387563)Orange-TipTony RobertsOrange Tip 1.
24thMiddlewick Ranges, Colchester (TM0122)Peacock, Small CopperRob Smitha Small Copper for Dougal Urquhart, a Peacock for Simon Wood. moths: Least Black Arches, Rob Smith, Incurvaria masculella for Mags Rufus
20thLinder's Field Local Nature Reserve (TQ416945)Peacock, Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Speckled WoodTom Simon (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
19thLes King Wood (TL440678)Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Large White, Speckled Wood, Green Hairstreak, Holly BlueDavid BradleyAn hour in Les King Wood, Cottenham along a stretch where Green Hairstreaks have been seen in previous yields just one pristine GH at What3Words ///shade.dustbin.messing

Also, Brimstone 2, Large White 14,
Speckled Wood 2, Peacock 22,
Comma 1, Holly Blue 3
19thHarold Park, River Ingrebourne (TQ559913)Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Orange-TipColin Jupp2 male Orange Tip, 1 male Brimstone, 2 Small White, 1 Comma, 1 Peacock
19thDevils Dyke Newmarket Racecourse (TL6161)Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Green Hairstreak, Holly BlueRichard BerryLarge numbers for brimstone (males and female) females laying eggs.
2 green hairstreak on the wing
around 10 orange tip (8 male, 2 female)
large numbers of peacock
1 comma
1 speckled wood
1 holly blue
2 female green-veined white
19thChigwell Row Wood (TQ461930)Orange-TipTom SimonA single male Orange tip on the north western edge of the wood.
17thchadwell st mary thurrock (TQ6379)WallRob Layfemale wall brown
17thPerry Lagoons + meadow (TL157669)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled WoodSteve Binding2pm/4.30pm Sun/Cloud 14c
(5)SpecW.(11)PCock.(1)SmTort.
(1m)Brim.(1m)OrgTip.(1m+1fm)GVwht.
(1)RedAD.(1)Comma. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
17thLitlington, South Cambs (TL311428)Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Holly BluePhillip Hastings1 x Brimstone (m); 1 x Orange Tip (m); 1 x Holly Blue (first seen this year - compared with March 25 last year); all flying round the garden on a sunny day.
17thHarrisons Drove Wicken Fen (TL555695)Green HairstreakKevin Wilson1 Green Hairstreak flying around a sheltered sunny area of a Hawthorn 4.15 pm.
17thFleam Dyke (TL5454)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Green Hairstreak, Holly BlueVince LeaMating pair of Green Hairstreaks near the gate to the A11 crossing (south of the A11 at TL549541). First time I've seen mating Green Hairstreaks. Part of the regular weekly transect count which produced a total of 38 butterflies of 6 species, 28 of which were Brimstones. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
16thnr St Osyth (TM144159)Large White, Holly BlueSimon & Pat CoxSingle Holly Blue 7 Large White in our garden this afternoon
16thWoodham Fen, South Woodham Ferrers (TQ801974)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Brimstone, Orange-TipChristopher Rawlings6 Peacock, 2 Brimstone, 1 of which was nectaring on Red Dead Nettle, 1 female Orange Tip & 1 Small Tortoiseshell on a warm sunny afternoon. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
16thUpwood Meadows (TL250825)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Brimstone, Holly BlueRosalyn Payne11am, Sunny. Small Tortoiseshell 4, Peacock 2, Brimstone 3, Holly Blue 1
16thTerling (TL7615)Peacock, Brimstone, Orange-TipViki Paterson1 Peacock, 1 Female Brimstone, 1 Orange Tip
16thRussell Green, E of Little Waltham (TL7412)Orange-TipGeorge BrownQuite warm sunshine at times. 1 male Orange tip, 3.15pm.
16thRaveley Wood (TL244818)Peacock, Brimstone, Speckled WoodRosalyn PayneAfternoon Visit, sunny, Peacock 3, Brimstone 1, Speckled Wood 1
16thPaxton Pits (TL199626)Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Speckled WoodSteve Binding12.30/2.30pm sun/cloud but warm.
(2m+1fm)Brim. (1m)OrgTip.
(2)SpecW.(7)PCock.(1)Comma. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
16thMonks WoodComma, Peacock, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Speckled WoodDiana Spencer3 Speckled Wood, 1 GVWhite, 10 peacocks, 1 Comma, male and female Brimstone mostly along main ride
16thGreat Holland Pits NR (TM202192)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Speckled WoodBrian GoodeySingles of each apart from comma (X5) and peacock (x11).
15thWat Tyler CP (TQ738866)BrimstoneRob Smitha male Brimstone
15thJermaines Wood/Tylers Common (TQ571907)Comma, Peacock, Speckled WoodRob SmithPeacock 11, Comma 3, Speckled Wood 2
15thEastcliff Footpath, Holland on Sea (TM192159)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Speckled WoodBrian GoodeyFive speckled wood, our first for the year (two weeks later than usual for our patch). Checked this footpath yesterday but without success so these are probably freshly emerged today.
15thAversley Wood (TL164822)Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-TipRosalyn PayneComma 1, Peacock 3, Brimstone 4, Green-veined White 1, Orange-tip 1
13thFen Creek, South Woodham Ferrers (TQ793965)PeacockChristopher Rawlings1 Peacock basking on footpath beside creek, Warm in sun, cool in shade.
11thStort Navigation between Burnt Mill Lock and Harlow (TL4511)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Orange-TipPeter Merrett
9thRamsey (TL2785)PeacockTony Lack3 flew over the garden together. Sunny with light breeze.Temp 14C.
9thMonks Wood (TL198802)Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-TipRosalyn Payne & Phil BromleyOn transect. First sightings of orange-tip, Green-veined White and large White.
9thMarsh Farm Country Park, South Woodham Ferrers (TQ807959)Small Tortoiseshell, PeacockChristopher Rawlings2 Small Tortoiseshell + 1 Peacock patrolling along field/scrub boundary margin. Warm in sheltered sun but cool in breeze.
9thLitlington, South Cambs (TL311428)Peacock, Brimstone, Orange-TipPhillip Hastings1 x Brimstone (m), 1 x Peacock, 1 x Orange Tip (m), 1 x Orange Tip (f). All flying through/round the garden at different times on a warm sunny day. First sighting of Orange Tips this year.
9thGreat Holland Pits (TM190202)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, BrimstoneRobert SeagoAround 20 Brimstones and Peacocks. 4 Comma, 1 Sm Tort.
8thWoodham Fen, South Woodham Ferrers (TQ801974)Comma, PeacockChristopher Rawlings2 flighty Peacock + 1 basking Comma on Nature Reserve. Warm in Sun, cool in shade, light breeze.
8thHawkwood allotment. (TQ3795)Peacock, Small WhiteAnthony Haresmall white 2,peacock 1.
8thCottenham (TL446673)Large White, Orange-TipDavid BradleyFirst garden Orange Tip of the year here
7thnr St Osyth (TM144159)Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Holly BlueSimon & Pat CoxSingle Small White & Peacock in our garden
7thTerling (TL7615)Peacock, BrimstoneViki Paterson2 peacocks, 1 female brimstone
7thNaze Nature Reserve (TM265235)PeacockChristopher Rawlings1 Peacock on footpath leading out from Naze Tower into Naze Nature Reserve. Suny with clouds, light northerly breeze.
7thEpping Upland (TL445037)BrimstoneTom Simon1 Brimstone just to the west of Cobbin's Bridge.
7thCottenham (TL0438)Peacock, Brimstone, Large White, Holly BlueDavid Bradley
7thCopperas Wood NR (TM209317)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Small WhiteBrian GoodeyST2; Cx3; B5; SW1, P11 - including five on a flowering cherry.
7thChelmsford CM@ (private garden)Comma, Peacock, Large White, Orange-TipDoug HoldenFull sun in private garden
7thCambridge (TL459575)Peacock, Holly BlueTim KnightSingle female Holly Blue in Mawson Road garden (first for this year), plus Peacock.
7thAlresford Creek (TM0619)Brimstone, Large White, Holly BlueSimon CoxSingle Brimstone
5thLynderswood Lane, beside Pauls Wood (TL7418)BrimstoneGeorge BrownSunny, 1pm. 2 male Brimstones flying along edge of wood.
5thHighwoods Country Park (TM0026)Peacock, BrimstoneC. Roberts
5thDagnets Lane, Black Notley (TL754194)Peacock, Speckled WoodGeorge Brown1.30-2pm. Sunny. 1 Peacock feeding on primrose, ! male Speckled Wood further along towards Snakey Lane.
4thThaxted (TL6131)BrimstoneStephen DuttonFirst garden record this year
4thThaxted (TL604313)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, BrimstoneRichard Berry6 Brimstone
3 Peacock
1 Comma
1 Small Tortoiseshell (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
4thPerry Lagoons + meadow (TL157669)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Orange-TipSteve BindingWarm and sunny 15c.
14.25/15.45pm
(6)PCock. (1)Comma.(1)SmTort.
(8)Brim.(1)OrgTip male 1st of year here.
4thBrampton Wood (TL183704)Peacock, Red Admiral, BrimstoneSteve BindingSunny 14c 12.50/14.15pm.
(7)Brimstone.(2)P Cock. (2)RedAD. (1)UN ID White.
4thBlack Notley (TL7620)BrimstoneGeorge BrownSunny 52'F. Female Brimstone flying round in garden, 2.15pm.
4thBabraham Research Campus (TL507506)BrimstoneBill MansfieldFlew past at lunch time. Was visible 2-3mins
3rdnr St Osyth (TM144159)Small Tortoiseshell, PeacockSimon & Pat CoxSingle Peacock & Small Tortoiseshell in our garden
3rdPerry Lagoons + meadow (TL157669)Comma, Peacock, BrimstoneSteve Binding1.50/4pm sun/cloud/ breezy.
11c (2)Comma.(5m)Brim.(4)PCock. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
3rdPaines Brook, Harold Wood (TQ551912)Comma, Peacock, Small White, Speckled WoodColin Jupp2 Speckled Wood, 3 Comma, 3 Peacock, and a Small White in the adjacent allotment (same grid ref)
3rdLitlington, South Cambs (TL311428)BrimstonePhillip Hastings2 x male Brimstones flying through/round the garden in afternoon sun.
3rdEly West (TL536801)Holly BlueFrancis WoodroffeDarting around a bush in the front garden late afternoon.
2ndPaines Brook, Harold Wood (TQ551912)CommaColin Jupp2 Comma
2ndPaines Brook, Harold Hill (TQ549914)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Small WhiteColin Jupp2 Small White, settled on bramble, 1 Comma, 1 Small Tortoiseshell
2ndKingfishers Bridge (TL548728)PeacockKevin Wilson1 Peacock on a bare patch of ground basking in the sun. 3.40 pm.
2ndJermains Wood (TQ571907)Small Tortoiseshell, PeacockRob Smith3 Peacock and a Small Tortoiseshell at the bottom of the wood on first transect of the season
2ndHarold Hill (TQ548926)CommaColin Juppfirst garden sighting of the year
2ndEWT Langdon Hills (Lincewood).Peacock, Red Admiral, BrimstoneAndrew CoxOne of each. Male brimstone.
2ndCentral Park, Harold Hill (TQ546922)Comma, PeacockColin Jupp2 Comma, 1 Peacock
2ndAversley Wood (TL163819)CommaRosalyn PayneComma 2, disturbed from the ride, flew up and basked on nearby trees. Sunny 10 deg no wind.

March 2023
DateLocationSpeciesReporterDescription
30thThaxted (TL604313)Comma, Peacock, BrimstoneRichard BerrySingle specimens of each flying around a sheltered sunny patch of dry scrub
30thPe39xuHolly BlueR ChurchSeen in back garden on conifer
30thPapworth Everard (TL2863)BrimstonePatricia CleggThree male Brimstone on roundabout and verge at north end of the village
30thOakington Cambridge (TL414376)BrimstoneJulie GroveBright sunny day, two Brimstone first sightings for this year.
30thMill Green Common (TL637013)Peacock, BrimstoneRob Smith & Martin HeywoodBrimstone 2m+, Peacock 1
30thLordsbridge (TL3954)Brimstone, Small WhiteVince LeaOne of each
30thElmstead Wood (TM058255)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, BrimstoneRobert SeagoOnly day this year with more than 1 species. Brimstone 4 f 1m
Peacock 3, Comma 1, SM Tort 1
30thEastcliff Footpath, Holland on Sea (TM192159)Peacock, BrimstoneBrian GoodeyDuring a brief sunny spell.
30thComberton Garden (TL358563)BrimstoneTony RobertsBrimstone 2
30thBedford Purlieus Woods NNR (TL0499)Comma, Peacock, BrimstoneGuy MannersMinima: Brimstone 5, Peacock 7, Comma 3
27thSt Osyth nr Martin's Farm (TM116170)Small TortoiseshellSimon CoxSingle Small Tortoiseshell on footpath separating Priory from Martins's Farm
27thPaines Brook, Harold Wood (TQ551912)CommaColin Juppa single
27thHaslingfield (TL4052)Small TortoiseshellJoanne Sinclairhedgerow-edged arable footpath
27thGreat Holland Pits NR (TM202192)CommaBrian GoodeyOne example sunning itself in a sheltered position near the car park.
25thLitlington, South Cambs (TL311428)CommaPhillip HastingsOne Comma apparently drinking from mud in sheltered corner of the garden, sunny but breezy morning. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
25thGamlingay Wood (TL245536)BrimstoneJames Bonfield5 Brimstone spotted on a walk around the wood, 3 together in one spot (where grid ref is).

Weather: estimate 12C, but out of the wind and in bright sun.
25thBlounts Farm betwen Hullbridge and Hockley (TQ814927)BrimstoneChristopher Rawlings1 very active and flighty Brimstone in sunny woodland ride just west of Blounts Farm between Hullbridge and Hockley. Max temp 13.5.c, suny spells and showers.
25thAlbany Gardens, Clacton on Sea (TM186153)CommaBrian GoodeySingle specimen nectaring on Viburnum sp.
24thWalthamstow Marsh (TQ3487)BrimstoneAnthony Hare1 brimstone.
24thHolland on Sea (TM205170)Comma, Small WhiteAdrian Doling1 Comma and 1 Small White in front Garden along Park Boulevard. Sunny with showers.
24thEastcliff Footpath, Holland on Sea (TM192159)Small WhiteBrian GoodeyA single male investigating ivy
24thAbbotts Wood, Waltham Abbey (TL402004)BrimstoneTom Simon1 bright and vibrant male Brimstone.
23rdMagnolia Park, Hockley, EssexPeacockNicholas BarnettThrilled to see my first Peacock of the year. Actually my first 8!!
23rdBishops Hall Park/ Brentwood CentreBrimstoneThomas HydeFirst butterfly of the year male Brimstone
22ndThorpe-le-Soken (TM179210)Small TortoiseshellRichard GreatRexSmall Tortoiseshell walking around on our garage floor. Transferred to Daphne bush, and last seen taking to the wing.
22ndSutton (TL095987)BrimstoneVince LeaMale. My first butterfly of the year.
22ndPerry Lagoons + meadow (TL157669)Comma, Peacock, BrimstoneSteve Binding11.22am/13.00pm sunny very warm til 12.30pm
(1) PCock.(2)Comma.(3) Brimstone
22ndLongstowe, CambsBrimstoneAnthony RobertsBrimstone 1
22ndHolme Fen (TL2188)Brimstone, Small WhiteRosalyn Payne & Phil BromleyWarm and sunny. Brimstone 2, Jackson's Covert. Brimstone and Small White, which obligingly stopped for id, Middle Covert
22ndFordham (TL633690)BrimstoneNick Milne3 patrolling males in sunny but breezy conditions.
22ndCountryside near Harlton (TL388517)BrimstonePhillip HastingsMale Brimstone flying along the edge of woodland and open fields just south of the village of Harlton, south Cambridgehsire, in warm, sunny weather, while on a walk to/from Barrington. First seen this year.
22ndCountryside near Barrington (TL499393)PeacockPhillip HastingsPeacock apparently drinking from mud on footpath just north of the village of Barrington, south Cambridgeshire, in warm, sunny weather, while on a walk to/from Harlton. First seen this year.
22ndComberton Garden (TL387546)BrimstoneAnthony RobertsBrimstone 1
22ndBillericay (TQ660957)BrimstoneAlan WaddoupsOur first visitor to the garden this year, a male Brimstone.
21stThaxted (TL605431)PeacockRichard BerryOne peacock flying over hedgerow on farmland
21stRiver Granta bank opposite research campus (TL507507)BrimstoneJo Sinclair
21stCottenham garden (TL4467)BrimstoneDavid BradleyNot been able to leave the house for a while...so Brimstone in the back garden is incredibly my first sighting of the year!
21stBabraham (TL509501)BrimstoneJo Sinclairflying around ivy-covered wall on high st
20thRamsey (TL2785)BrimstoneTony LackSingle male in garden.
19thLongthorpe, Peterborough (TL160983)BrimstoneDon Gardener
12thWanstead Flats SSSI (TQ403866)Speckled WoodNick Croft

February 2023
DateLocationSpeciesReporterDescription
20thWoodwalton Fen (TL234984)Peacock, Red AdmiralRosalyn PayneRed Admiral in the parking area. Peacock near Gordons Hide. Sunny, no wind
20thThaxted (TL606031)BrimstoneRichard BerrySingle male Brimstone flying around in the sun occasionally landing on ivy
20thSwaffham Prior (TL567636)BrimstoneKevin Wilson2 male Brimstones flying along a sunny verge by the B1102 at Swaffham Prior. 12.28 pm.
20thBabraham Research Campus (TL509506)BrimstoneBill MansfieldBrimstone flying in morning sun
19thnr St Osyth (TM144159)PeacockPatricia CoxSingle Peacock in our garden
19thThorpe-le-Soken (TM179210)Red AdmiralRichard GreatRexOne very battered Red Admiral feeding on Viburnum and sunning itself on our garage door.
19thLitlington, South Cambs (TL311428)Red AdmiralPhillip HastingsOne Red Admiral flitting around the garden in warm afternoon sunshine. First butterfly of any type seen in this garden (or anywhere else) since mid-October!
19thHolland on Sea (TM1915)Small TortoiseshellBrian GoodeyOne seen briefly on crocuses in our garden.
17thCambourne (TL3059)BrimstoneIan Dillon2 on footpath towards Caxton
17thBARTON (TL3954)BrimstoneLouise Bacon
15thGreat Warley (TQ589917)Red AdmiralRob Smith11:30 a Red Admiral nectaring on Viburnum in complete shade. 11C. seen later basking on heather
15thCoton CR (TL416587)PeacockRob PopleSingle Peacock basking in sunshine (c.12°C?) near Countryside Reserve info board, c.14:10.
14thHaynes Park, HornchurchPeacock, Red AdmiralDebbie BroomBetween 11 am. and 12 noon, Red Admiral x 1 and Peacock x 1 seen in the warm sunshine.
14thFordham (TL633690)PeacockNick MilneSingle Peacock in good condition enjoying the lunchtime sunshine
14thChippenham Churchyard (TL663969)BrimstoneNicholas Keep3 males on ivy on back wall of churchyard at lunchtime
13thPerry Lagoons + meadow (TL157669)Red AdmiralSteve Bindingquick afternoon visit 11c sunny .
just the one Red ad sunning on the ground
first butterfly of the year here.
13thPaines Brook, Harold Hill (TQ549914)Small Tortoiseshell, Red AdmiralColin Jupp1 of each
13thCambridge - along river Cam near Graduate Hotel (TL447457)PeacockTrevor SawyerPeacock butterfly seen at lunchtime
It flew along riverbank and landed on dark soil under tree where it was attacked by a Dunnock which picked it up by wings. Butterfly escaped and flew across river and appeared unharmed (but with possible wing damage)
13thBarrington Road Foxton (TL0438)Red Admiral, BrimstoneSimon RaschBoth a male Brimstone and a Peacock seen briefly flying past the ivy by the railway line.
6thSouth BenfleetSmall TortoiseshellKaren Macesouth facing Back garden. Bright sunshine. 7 degrees (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
6thHare Park Six Mile Bottom (TL583588)Red AdmiralKevin Wilson1 Red Admiral basking in the sunshine 1.28 pm.
3rdHill Rd Benfleet SS71HLRed Admiral, Painted LadyDavid ChandlerIn warm 13 degree sunshine I spotted a tatty Painted Lady in my garden and my neighbour Mrs Gardener a Rad Admiral in her garden.

January 2023
DateLocationSpeciesReporterDescription
31stMill Green Common (TL637013)Red AdmiralRob Smitha Red Admiral in good condition, basking. I later disturbed it from roost nearby, whilst clearing bramble
2ndHolland Haven (TM213168)PeacockBrian GoodeyOne flying between huts, then away over the beach. Lovely still, sunny day.


 
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