2024 was a truly awful year for butterflies - the weather during the summer months was very hit and miss and numbers were well down.
This year however, has definitely seen an improvement on both fronts thank goodness! As such, I've got my butterflying mojo back a bit for sure, particularly after my lovely Black Hairstreak encounter in early June.
I was therefore excited for the 2nd half of June to arrive as the interest peaks in our local woods. A handful of visits to Bucknell Wood, just ahead of the Silverstone Grand Prix produced most of the usual favourites - a decent Purple Emperor encounter (19/06), nice views of multiple Silver-Washed Fritillary, White Admiral, Purple Hairstreak, the usual Wood Whites and a beautiful, fresh Painted Lady, as well as a good range of other, more commoner species.
Several Spotted Flycatcher territories were again in situ and in line with a slight Crossbill influx this year, I enjoyed a single bird over my head on 01/07, as well as calling birds heard during a couple of other visits too.
No comments:
Post a Comment