Butterflies on the Wing

Has anyone else at coastal sites noticed lots of Coal Tits around in the last few days? It is always difficult to judge if we are getting migrant birds here, possible from the Continent or just local movements. Where ever they are coming from there are far more coal tits around than usual.

While we've got a bit of spring weather is good to see a few butterflies on the wing. Small Tortoiseshells are always early, but they don't always fulfil the early promise and disappear off the scene quickly if the weather turns grim.

Brimstones, as usual were the first to brighten my week. They winter in odd crevices and even amongst ivy and other coverings, and consequently emerge if there is some nice warm sunshine. The trouble is they seldom land and, when they do, they hardly ever open their wings.

Small whites are not the most popular of our butterflies as they number many of our vegetables amongst their food plants. Other butterflies seen in the area this week (though not by me) have been Peacocks, Comma and Speckled Wood. Nationally there was a report of a Large Tortoiseshell at Dawlish Warren and a Clouded Yellow in Plymouth, so it is worth checking all Yellows and Tortoiseshells just in case.

Moths Last night's 14 moths was the best for the year, but only four species.
This years list so far is just nine species:
March Moth
Early Thorn
Oak Beauty
Small Quaker
Common Quaker
Clouded Drab
Hebrew Character
Pale Pinion
Early Grey.

With winter forecast to return this weekend spring records will probably be put on hold.