The Big Butterfly Count is currently underway from 15th July until 7th August. You can conduct one or more 15 minute surveys of butterflies spotted, giving a location, during this period. A useful identification chart is available as an aid. More details here.
I recorded my first one yesterday: 3 Large White, 2 Small White, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Gatekeeper. Not a lot but it is what appears in a 15 minute period of observation.
'Citizen science' projects can make a useful contribution to current knowledge in areas such as this.
As a matter of interest, here is a list of what I have seen on our smallholding so far this year:-
Large White (lots)
Small White (lots)
Peacock (quite a few)
Orange Tip (quite a few)
Brimstone (quite a few)
Red Admiral (a couple)
Painted Lady (Some)
Gate Keeper (One)
Comma (A couple)
Common Blue (Two)
Meadow Brown (At least one)
Small Tortoiseshell (Several)
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| A Peacock Butterfly, a photo I have previously posted. |
I usually see quite a lot of peacocks in my garden, but this year so far only commas. (Possibly red admirals but I have not managed to get close enough - I know they like buddleias and there are lots round here.) Haven't seen a cabbage white for several years...
ReplyDeleteBuddleias are so attractive to butterflies. Surprised you don't see cabbage whites. They are a bit of a pest for vegetable growers. Plenty of summer left to see more butterflies.
DeleteYesterday I saw one cabbage white, one gatekeeper and a red admiral. Maybe they like the sun when all the other wildlife is lying low...
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