Last year my first sighting of Butterflies was in the middle of March.
In fact I first observed all the below species on the same day (16th).
It must also be said that most things in nature were up to 6 weeks in advance last year.
So be on the look out for your first sightings any time now as there have already been reports.
Of course this will differ in various parts of the Country as to what you may see first, having regard to weather conditions. How various species fared last year with the success or otherwise of breeding, will also have an impact.
I remain hopeful that I can see some of these beauties in March this year.
Brimstone (Top Left). Peacock (Top right). Small Tortoiseshell (Bottom left). Comma (Bottom right)
Another likely candidate which I didn't see at that stage last year will be the Red Admiral.
Not too long to wait now Roy, hopefully they'll soon be putting on a good show for us?
ReplyDeleteAlthough I've got to say that I'm two 'ticks' up on you already...a Peacock at WWT Welney on 27/1 and a Red Admiral basking in the sun on a neighbour's car on 2/2...[;o)
That was two good sightings already Trevor. Well done. I've not been to Welney for a long time.
DeleteThese re all beautiful and I hope you do see them by 16 March.
ReplyDeleteThanks Margaret.
DeleteNot seen any Butterflies here Roy still to cold, had a look back and I saw my first Small Tortoiseshell on the 3rd of March last year.
ReplyDeleteAmanda xx
Its a likely first candidate for you this year Amanda if they have done well hopefully.
DeleteYou're WAY ahead of us! Still 2 feet of snow here.
ReplyDeleteIts early days yet though FG. The season may be later this year.
DeleteI imagine the first sighting will be a peacock or small tort on the first brightly warm day in March, but I only consider Spring to be up when the Brimstones are
ReplyDeleteYes its likely to be a Peacock or Brimstone Simon.
DeleteI thought you had made these observations now but it was not. I also hope to early observations of butterflies:-)
ReplyDeleteNo, just forecasting Helma,{:))
DeleteRoll on the middle of March. Beautiful photos Roy!
ReplyDeleteHi Roy,
ReplyDeleteIn my area, I see those butterflies year round plus the Red admiral.
They hibernate lightly and as soon as the sun warms the atmosphere up they fly!
For 2 weeks now we had the large Tortoise shell flying around!
I sincerely wish great sightings for this coming season but too soon might not be good news regarding the climate change....
About Nathalie, she stayed over with her husband for 3 days and she stayed in our garden hide a whole morning. I hadn't change the perches yet, that is why some of our pics have the same look!! ;-)
Keep well, I hope we all get a finer weather soon....
Hi Noushka,
DeleteThe Large Tortoiseshell is considered almost extinct here unfortunately. Hardly any records of sightings and these may be escapees. Scientists bring the caterpillars back from France to reintroduce, but with apparent failure sadly.