 |
| Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) |
With the warmer temperatures the butterflies are beginning to show themselves during my regular wildlife wanderings so I thought it was time to resurrect 'Friday Flutters' to highlight what species I have been seeing.
During a patch walk at Epsom Common on 27th March I encountered at least 5 Brimstone on the wing throughout the open woodland. Unfortunately they weren't very cooperative when it came to getting any clear shots.
Just over a week ago at Tices Meadows I saw my first Small Tortoiseshell of the year but was unable to get any shots.
Typically the easily recognised Peacock has been on the wing locally since at least late February having awoken from hibernation. As you can see this individual is already well frayed around the edges!
 |
| Peacock (Inachis io) |
Two weeks ago a Holly Blue dashed past me at Epsom Common Stew Pond and yesterday one was flying around the garden. Today, possibly the same female with its heavy black wing tips, was spotted by Anita in the garden resting on a rose leaf so I couldn't pass up the opportunity of a few shots and more images will be posted on FABirding.
 |
| Holly Blue [female] (Celastrina argiolus) |
During an early morning patch walk today I came across at least 15 Bee Flies with their very distinctive hairy body and long proboscis resting at the edge of a dry path.
 |
| Bee Fly (Bombylius major) |
And my other first sighting was a Specked Wood resting on the leaf litter in the woodland.
 |
| Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria) |
