Big Butterfly Count

[AB Editor]

I wondered if anyone was doing this this weekend and if they'd like a thread to share their pictures on?

Link to their site here: http://www.bigbutterflycount.org/

and there is a pdf of an identification chart here:
http://www.bigbutterf.../files/ID%20Guide.pdf

[daffy654]

I just downloaded the ID chart and shall be studying the buddleia in our back garden at the weekend, we usually get dozens of varying types of butterfly on them in nice weather when they are in bloom.

[rowanwitch]

I will do the open land beside Bartley Reservoir weather permitting ... normally loads there as it has open grassland and woodland edge as well as some low scrub
Ought to send Redman up to do the clifftop at Moelfre last time we were there it was swarming with them

[AB Editor]

Excellent! Let me know if you get any snaps.

[Barmaid]

I downloaded the chart too. We do get quite a few, but mainly peacocks and red admirals. My problem is knowing whether I've double counted one cos they flit about so much.

[Frank97]

Sounds interesting, I think I'll have a go over the weekend, weather permitting.

[rowanwitch]

I think I might have more than those on the sheet...certainly have elephant and privet hawk moths and I might be lucky and get white admiral on a good day not sure about pics though I only have a basic 10mp point and shoot camera

[ladybirder]

I'll be doing it but not decided where yet.

[SpikeyBush]

Thanks for sharing this. It is the first I have heard of it and with all the wildflowers I have in my garden I have a heap of butterflies. You can count on my participation.

[sherrardk]

We've had hummingbird moths here this week.

[gen2]

Most of the newspapers have been covering this and the DT is including free ID posters this weekend.

My only complaint is that in Scotland, we are about a month behind the south of England so will have fewer sightings. Additionally, there are many species tht don't even make it to the north of England, let alone Scotland.

One species that HAS made it up here in recent years is the comma.

At the present time, I can see whites, small tortoiseshell, red admiral, common blue, ringlet and small heath butterflies, but not all in the one location. Two weeks ago, there was a glut of 6-spot burnet moths.

[gen2]

I did a recce today in order to choose the best site for the survey tomorrow (wet) or sunday (showery).

The hihlight of the day was this bright small copper
http://www.flickr.com...103515/in/photostream

Other butterflies and moths taken within the last two weeks follow it in my Flickr photostream.

[Eve]

Aww what a lovely idea! I'd love to do it but never see butterflies round here (too city probably).

Will keep an eye out though.

[gen2]

Thunderstorms all around but it kept dry here until 6pm. Butterflies must have been afraid, been very afraid, because none at all came out to play this afternoon.

[Frank97]

Am I right that we have a fortnight in which to do the count? The weather here is lousy again today so I can't see there being any.

[redman41]

The Count (16th-31st July 2011).

[Frank97]

Thanks redman, I'll wait for a better day.

[SpikeyBush]

There weren't as many butterflies as I had hoped for. It's not a good year for them. Still manage to snap this:
https://picasaweb.goo...1#5633069285455903506

[Frank97]

Just had a go at the count,

3 Large white
2 Red Admiral
1 Gatekeeper
1 Small Tortoise

No pics though as the buggers won't stay still long enough. :-)