The Bee Orchids are up on the front lawn/meadow. The Ivy Bee colony is also appreciating the short-cropped grass. No sign of the Pyramidal Orchids yet. Sawston, Cambs. @ukorchids.bsky.social
Brown Argus and Small Copper @magogdown.bsky.social today. Small Coppers are having a better year on the Down, compared to the last few years, with eight counted on today's transect. @bc-cambs-essex.bsky.social
UKBMS data is crucial for research. A new paper uses 45 yrs of UKBMS data to examine how extreme climate events affect butterfly populations in England. Heatwaves during hibernation or early life stages and heavy rain during later stages have -ve effects. Its worth a read - buff.ly/nOU2Zod
The second brood peaked about a month ago on the site and have only seen worn individuals over the last couple of weeks. Hence, I was surprised to see fresh specimens today.
A very fresh (male, I think) Small Blue @magogdown.bsky.social this afternoon. Interestingly, it was one of three seen today and all were pretty fresh. Late second brood or from a possible third? @bc-cambs-essex.bsky.social
The meadows at Wandlebury, Cambridge, are currently looking fantastic and look like they are being managed well. Small Coppers are doing really well there. A family of Spotted Flycatchers also about, plus a Clouded Yellow. @cambsbirdclub.bsky.social @bc-cambs-essex.bsky.social
A short walk at Wandlebury, Cambridge, this afternoon. One battered Clouded Yellow present, missing its antennae, plus several Small Coppers on territory. The Small Copper picture courtesy of my daughter. @bc-cambs-essex.bsky.social
