Lincolnshire 2019 Sightings

December 2019

Wednesday 4th December 2019

Ian Shepherd from Cleethorpes messaged: "Had a Comma flying around the back garden today!"

Tuesday 3rd December 2019

Nigel Wass emailed: "There were 2 Peacock enjoying the sunshine in my Horncastle garden this afternoon and these were a first for me in December!"

Sunday 1st December 2019

Laura Gundy emailed: "The sun came out this afternoon, which meant that I saw a Small Tortoiseshell fluttering about at Benniworth Walk Farm. There are also 2 Small Tortoiseshells hibernating in my wood shed."

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November 2019

Monday 25th November 2019

Phil Lee emailed: "Despite its name, the Scarce Umber is a common moth in the birch and oak woodlands near me, but the attached is only the second record for my Misterton garden and was found this morning, not in the trap, but on the shed beside it."

Tuesday 5th November 2019

• Tony Houseman reported: "2 Red Admirals seen in 'the plantation' at Gibraltar Point NNR today."
• James Smith reported: "Saw a Peacock this morning near my place of work on Grimsby Docks."

Friday 1st November 2019

Brian Hedley emailed: "Garden moth trap here at Marton on night of 1st November attracted 9 moths of 9 species including Silver Y, Green-brindled Crescent, Yellow-line Quaker and Feathered Thorn."

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October 2019

Wednesday 30th October 2019

Dave Wright reported: "Surprised to see a Small Tortoiseshell on the wing at Donna Nook NNR this morning."

Monday 28th October 2019

• Paul Ward emailed: "A Comma spotted today in my back garden in Fulbeck."
• John and Audrey Spring reported: "A Comma today in our garden in the Scartho area of Grimsby."
• Dave Wright reported: "Red Admiral seen this morning at Bradley, near Grimsby."

Sunday 27th October 2019

Dave Wright reported: "Surprised to see a Peacock this afternoon, while walking along Marsh Lane in Saltfleet. Later, spoke to Mark Johnson who had also seen a Peacock earlier on in the day near Stonebridge car park at Donna Nook NNR. Also, his sister had reported a Comma in her garden in North Thoresby."

Wednesday 23rd October 2019

Dave Wright reported: "Red Admiral in my Grimsby garden this afternoon."

Tuesday 22nd October 2019

Chris Atkin messaged: "Visited Donna Nook NNR today and had 1 Painted Lady, 1 Peacock and 3 Red Admiral."

Friday 18th October 2019

Dave Wright reported: "Visited Donna Nook NNR today and had 3 Painted Lady and 2 Fox Moth larvae."

Wednesday 16th October 2019

Pill Lee emailed: "Had a 'tatty' Painted Lady in my Misterton garden this afternoon on both sedum and the perennial wallflower Bowles Mauve, which has flowered all spring and summer. This is the latest date I have for a garden Painted Lady, beating the previous on 11th October 2016."

Friday 11th October 2019

Brian Hedley emailed: "Garden moth trap here at Marton produced 13 moths of 10 species, including Mallow, Light Emerald, Turnip and best of all my first ever Merveille du Jour, after 25 years of waiting for one to visit my trap."

Tuesday 8th October 2019

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Had an hour at Woodhall Spa LWT nature reserve today, but not a butterfly in sight! Then went for a coffee at the Petwood Hotel and saw 8 Red Admiral, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Painted Lady, 2 Peacock, 1 Comma, 3 Small White and 2 Large White."
• Dave Wright reported: "A pristine Painted Lady in my Grimsby garden today, nectaring on one of the last remaining buddliea flowers."

Saturday 5th October 2019

Mark Johnson emailed: "At Donna Nook NNR this morning and had 2 Small Copper, Small White and a fresh Painted Lady."

Friday 4th October 2019

Dave Wright reported: "Along with Mark Johnson, visited a friend's house in Thoresway and had the moth trap out for a few hours. The conditions weren't exactly ideal, but nevertheless we managed 86 moths of 12 species, the highlights being - 5 Green-brindled Crescent, 1 Black Rustic, 1 Red-line Quaker and a Pink-barred Sallow."

Wednesday 2nd October 2019

• Linda and Alan Woodward from Lea emailed: "Surprised to find a Hummingbird Hawkmoth in the garden early this morning, flying around and then resting in the sun at 9 o'clock and 5 degrees C temperature! Also, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Large White and Small White throughout the day."
• Derek Fox from Langworth emailed: "Another day of surprises! Although very sunny with a cool NE breeze and temperature only around 13 degrees C, what a shock to see 2 really fresh Painted Lady, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 5 Red Admiral, 2 Comma, 3 Small White and 2 Large White in the garden. However, the best was yet to come and, as I looked along the buddlieas, a Hummingbird Hawkmoth was zipping from one plant to another for about three minutes and then zoomed off."
• Dave Wright reported: "Despite a cold and stiff breeze from a northerly aspect today, still managed to find a few butterflies down the Lincolnshire coast. During the morning at Donna Nook NNR I had singles of Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell and Small White, while the early afternoon at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe NNR was a little more productive. Species seen here at two sheltered sites included 2 Small Copper, 2 Red Admiral, 2 Large White and a Small White at Seaview, and Red Admiral, Comma and Speckled Wood at Paradise. Also noted singles of Vapourer Moth, Silver Y and another fully grown Fox Moth larva." 

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September 2019

Monday 30th September 2019

Steve Lorand reported: "Hummingbird Hawkmoth today in my Marsh Lane garden at North Somercotes."

Saturday 28th September 2019: National Moth Night Weekend

• Brian Hedley emailed: "A summary of my exploits in my attempt at National Moth Night Weekend here at Marton with an actinic lamp in the garden - 26.09: 55 moths of 14 species. 27.09: 41 moths of 15 species. 28.09: 34 moths of 13 species. Highlights included Black Rustic, Silver Y, Diamond-back Moth, Red-green Carpet, Common Marbled Carpet and Vapourer Moth, with an overall total of 23 species. Also, the beetle Nicrophorus investigator."
• Graham Catley messaged: "Found a Wall at Barton today."

Friday 27th September 2019

• Dave Wright reported: "At Donna Nook NNR today with Chris Atkin and, despite the blustery conditions, a few butterflies were seen in the more sheltered areas. These included 3 Red Admiral, 2 Painted Lady, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Speckled Wood, 2 Large White and 7 Small White. Also noted a fully grown Fox Moth larva on the dunes near Stonebridge car park. Some good birds about too, with a pair of Ravens (our first coastal record for Lincolnshire) flying south over the Realignment, being the highlight."
• Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "The garden trap last night produced some autumn moths including 4 Black Rustic, 2 Beaded Chestnut, 3 Lunar Underwing and a Turnip Moth, all new for the year." 

Sunday 22nd September 2019

Sue Taylor (Upper Thames Branch) emailed: "I'm on holiday in the Lincolnshire Wolds near Claxby, and yesterday we walked the Viking Way from Normanby le Wold to Caistor. There was a fair sprinkling of butterflies - Speckled Wood, Small Copper, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, at least 5 Red Admiral and lots of Small White. Today near Claxby, a Comma as well as more Small White."

Saturday 21st September 2019

• Phil Lee emailed: "The Autumnal Rustic is said to be a common moth and I used to trap it on the heaths just over the Trent from me at Laughton, Scotton and Messingham. It has taken its time, but the attached found my Misterton garden last night and is a welcome addition to the garden list. I seem to remember a few years ago when trapping on Scotton Common, that Martin Gray said that it is a moth that seems plain to some people, but beautiful to others. I agree with the latter!
• Toby Ludlow from Coningsby messaged: "Despite clear blue sky and 23 degrees C temperature, only had one butterfly in the garden all day - a Small Tortoiseshell. Decided to spend an hour at Moor Farm LWT nature reserve late afternoon and only saw three species. However, seeing 82 Small Copper made up for the lack of species. Their condition varied somewhat, with some really fresh individuals amongst many that were very faded."
• Brian Hedley emailed: "Butterfly sightings at Gibraltar Point NNR today included 5 Comma, 1 Small Heath, 3 Small Copper, 6 Speckled Wood, 4 Meadow Brown, 2 Large White and 4 Small White. Surprisingly no Painted Ladies, Small Tortoiseshells or Red Admirals. Later, visited Snipe Dales LWT nature Reserve and had 1 Common Blue, 4 Comma, 1 Small Heath, 2 Small Copper, 4 Speckled Wood and 2 Large White."

Thursday 19th September 2019

Dave Wright reported: "Still a few butterflies about in my Grimsby garden this afternoon including Holly Blue, Painted Lady, 2 Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, 4 Large White and 2 Small White."

Monday 16th September 2019

Debbie Theobald emailed: "For the past two weeks a Hummingbird Hawkmoth has been 'buzzing' around our garden in Mareham-le-Fen, but yesterday we were lucky enough to spot 2 feeding off the same buddliea plant. They reappeared today but seemed to prefer the fuschias instead."

Saturday 14th September 2019

Brian Hedley emailed: "Fairly quiet on moth front last night here at Marton (70 moths of 16 species), but a few migrants about including 4 Diamond-back Moth, Rush Veneer, Silver Y and Turnip. Also, Dusky Thorn, Burnished Brass and Acleris aspersana."

Sunday 8th September 2019

Pete Smith emailed: "Looks like 2019 hasn't yet finished throwing out a few aberrations for us to enjoy! I photographed the attached two Small Tortoiseshells out at Little Scrubbs Meadow today. The one with the large forewing basal spot and smudging I am tentatively calling ab. magninotata although it could be ab. nubilata, or maybe ab. magninotata-nubilata? The one where the yellow patches have been replaced with white is probably ab. alba."

Friday 6th September 2019

Brian Hedley from Marton emailed: "Had my moth trap out in garden and the actinic lamp attracted about 100 moths of 25 species, including Rusty-dot Pearl, Angle Shades, Turnip, Garden Pebble and Small Dusty Wave."

Tuesday 3rd September 2019

Dave Gilbert emailed: "I just couldn't resist another attempt at the Brown Hairstreak today and I am delighted to report that my luck was better! I saw several in flight and finally just one female that was decent enough to land and allow me to capture a few images. A careful hunt amongst the Blackthorn also revealed some eggs! Finally, a stroll around the meadows looking for the odd Marsh Fritillary wasn't successful, but at least it did provide sightings of a very tatty Clouded Yellow."

Monday 2nd September 2019

Pete Cawdell emailed: "A Clouded Yellow today at Donna Nook NNR near Pye's Hall, where I nearly literally 'unearthed' this battered specimen, found sheltering on the ground from the wind."

Sunday 1st September 2019

• Ian Shepherd from Cleethorpes messaged: "Hummingbird Hawkmoth 'zipping' around the front garden lavender this morning. It was the first for the garden this year and only the second I've seen." 
• Martin Timms emailed: "I missed the Marsh Fritillary spectacle earlier this year, so I was pleased to see my first ever today at Chambers Farm Wood. Thanks to Peter Cawdell, who I met in the meadow, for educating me about the history of the Marsh Fritillaries."

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August 2019

Saturday 31st August 2019

• Rachel Scopes emailed: "At Chambers Farm Wood today and found a female Brown Hairstreak low down in the vegetation on the way to Little Scrubbs Meadow."
• Pete Cawdell emailed: "Brown Hairstreak today in Minting Wood."

Friday 30th August 2019: Memorable Day at Chambers Farm Wood!

• Dave Wright reported: "Met up with Toby Ludlow this morning and we later joined forces with Pete Freeman from Retford, in an attempt to see Brown Hairstreak, a species proving to be rather elusive  this year. The weather wasn't ideal with blustery conditions and only the occasional sunny period. However, we manged to find our first Brown Hairstreak just after 11 o'clock, followed by a further 16 sightings during the course of the next two hours, with probably up to 10 different females involved. We even had 5 females together, egg-laying in a small patch of Blackthorn, a truly amazing sight. The excitement had hardly died down, when a Clouded

  

  Yellow appeared along the ride and provided excellent photographic opportunities. Our attention was turned towards Little Scrubbs Meadow with the possibility of more Clouded Yellow, but instead we came across 3 Marsh Fritillary, a totally unexpected find!

  

  They were very fresh, so were they part of a second brood, even though all the literature states otherwise? We saw thirteen species of butterfly during the day including 162 Red Admiral and 87 Speckled Wood. We also noted numerous dragonflies in the wood, which no doubt drew the attention of a smart Hobby overhead on a couple of occasions."
• Nige Lound emailed: "Overnight saw a Convolvulus Hawkmoth trapped at Gibraltar Point NNR

  

  and on the same night I had 5 Old Lady in my Skegness garden trap."
• Phil Lee emailed: "The attached Heath Rustic is a very rare visitor to my Misterton garden, the last being back in 2009. It is found on the Isle heaths which are several miles away."

Thursday 29th August 2019

David Goff emailed: "No luck with the Brown Hairstreaks at Chambers Farm Wood today, but on returning to Fiveways there was a Clouded Yellow next to the seat, nectaring on knapweed."

Wedneday 28th August 2019

Toby Ludlow messaged : "Had several hours wandering around Chambers Farm Wood today and butterfly numbers appear to have plummeted recently. Didn't go into Little Scrubbs Meadow, but in the wood proper saw 40 Red Admiral, 9 Speckled Wood, 9 Small White, 7 Comma, 6 Green-veined White, 4 Painted Lady, 2 Peacock, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Common Blue and 1 Brown Hairstreak."

Tuesday 27th August 2019

• Brian Hedley emailed: "Having just got back from a long bank holiday weekend down in Hampshire, I found my garden here at Marton full of butterflies, mainly nectaring on buddleia or verbena. An hour or so of watching produced the following list: 14 Small Tortoiseshell, 6 Painted Lady, 5 Red Admiral, 3 Small White, 2 Large White, 1 Peacock and a male Brimstone."
• Steve Palmer from Healing emailed:"In my garden trap this morning were 29 species, including 6 Copper Underwing, Pebble Hook-tip, Frosted Orange, Dusky Sallow, 2 Old Lady and Centre-barred Sallow, the latter being new for the year."

Bank Holiday Monday 26th August 2019

Mark Johnson emailed: "Trapped twice over the weekend in my North Somercotes garden, hoping for migrants, but to no avail. Saturday night produced the usual species, including 242 Setaceous Hebrew Character, 113 Large Yellow Underwing, 58 Square-spot Rustic and 22 Flounced Rustic, but also 2 Burnished Brass and 1 Large Red Underwing. Last night the trap revealed Tawny Speckled Pug and a couple of crackers - Frosted Orange and Archer's Dart."

Sunday 25th August 2019

• Nige Lound emailed: "Overnight session around Rock Ridge, south of Gibraltar Point NNR Visitor Centre, produced 370 moths of 55 species, with 72 Square-spot Rustic being the most numerous. New for the year were Canary-shouldered Thorn and Yellow Belle. 2 Archer's Dart, 3 White-point and singles of Coast Dart and Dark Sword-grass were the best of the rest.
• Pete Cawdell emailed: "Found a White Admiral Larva today at Southrey Wood."
• Dave Wright reported: "Paid a brief visit to Cleethorpes Country Park this afternoon and noted the

  

  usual butterflies including a single Meadow Brown. However, I had 3 sightings of Willow Emerald (2 male & 1 female), yet more proof that this damselfly species is spreading northwards."

Saturday 24th August 2019

• Dave Wright reported: "Today I spent a few hours surveying the land surrounding Benniworth

  

  Walk Farm, at the invitation of Laura Gundy who lives on the estate. We covered most of the areas where Laura regularly does counts for Butterfly Conservation and it was refreshing to see the amount of land set aside for wildlife - long and wide field headlands, huge 'pollinator corners', woodland and even part of an old railway line. These areas were alive with insects and we counted 15 species of butterfly, including 13 Small Copper, 36 Brown Argus and 56 Common Blue. There were lots of crickets and grasshoppers too, with Roesel's Bush-cricket being the most numerous. However, the highlight was undoubtedly finding a Long-winged Conehead, a species gradually colonizing Lincolnshire. Many thanks to Laura whose enthusiasm and positive communication with a sympathetic farmer, has certainly made a difference for wildlife in this corner of the Lincolnshire Wolds."
• Howard Bunn messaged: "Clouded Yellow at Tetney Lock this afternoon."
• Chris Atkin messaged: "Lots of butterflies at Donna Nook NNR today, with 12 Meadow Browns still on the wing and a single Essex Skipper."
• Mark and Sally Johnson emailed: "Following a message from a friend describing an unusual

  

  damselfly at Snakeholme Pit LBC reserve, we found two Willow Emerald damselflies, another species expanding its range during the last few years. Also noted 3 Brown Argus, 12 Common Blue, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Peacock, 8 Red Admiral, 4 Brimstone, 5 Large White,10 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 1 Gatekeeper and 1 Meadow Brown."

Friday 23rd August 2019

• Martin Timms emailed: "Highlights of my day out from Sheffield into Lincolnshire were as follows: 4 Brown Hairstreaks at Chambers Farm Wood in the morning with lots of the commoner species, including a minimum of 200 Red Admirals and a few battered Silver-washed Fritillaries. Also, in the afternoon a single Clouded Yellow at Donna Nook NNR near Stonebridge car park, before it disappeared into the dunes."
•  Phil Bowler emailed: "Another visit to Chambers Farm Wood in search of the Brown Hairstreak and, despite being there all day in perfect weather, I saw none at all! However, I did note the following: 34 Brimstone, 2 Large White, 53 Small White, 2 Green-veined White, 1 Purple Hairstreak, 1 Small Copper, 2 Brown Argus, 7 Common Blue, 2 Holly Blue, 252 Red Admiral, 32 Painted Lady, 24 Small Tortoiseshell, 23 Peacock, 9 Comma, 6 Silver-washed Fritillary, 8 Speckled Wood, 2 Gatekeeper and 5 Meadow Brown." 
• Derek Fox emailed: "Visited Snakeholme Pit LBC reserve today and was amazed to find a Brown Hairstreak!"

Wednesday 21st August 2019

• Paul Daubney emailed: "Got my first good sightings of Brown Hairstreak today at Chambers Farm Wood, with 3 settling long enough to be photographed. Two egg-laying females were in fresh condition, a single male was well worn - all were past Minting Triangle. Met Phil and Steph Lee who had seen a further 2 specimens. Noted 17 species in all, including 100+ fresh Red Admirals and a handfull of rather worn Silver-washed Fritillaries. Also saw 4 Ravens soaring overhead."
• Dick Lorand messaged: "Clouded Yellow at Grainthorpe Haven this morning."

Tuesday 20th August 2019

• Nige Lound emailed: "Another trapping session in the area of Shoveler's Pool in the east dunes at Gibraltar Point NNR overnight, produced 448 moths of 59 species. New for the year were Coxcomb Prominent, Dark Spectacle, Frosted Orange, Six-striped Rustic, Flounced Rustic and Hedge Rustic, whilst noteworthy records included 19 Archer's Dart, 12 Green Carpet and the Gib speciality, Rosy Wave."
• Steve Meek messaged: "2 Clouded Yellows at Rimac car park today."

Monday 19th August 2019

Thomas Hibbert emailed: "A morning on the red trail at Chambers Farm Wood produced the following: 3 Brown Hairstreak, 3 Purple Hairstreak, 6 Brimstone, 2 Comma, 14 Common Blue, 5 Peacock, 1 Gatekeeper, 5 Silver-washed Fritillary, 2 Large White, 3 Small White, 2 Green-veined White, 7 Meadow Brown, 10 Speckled Wood, 79 Red Admiral and 32 Painted Lady."

Sunday 18th August 2019

Mark and Sally Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "This morning paid another visit to Donna Nook NNR and a walk from Stonebridge car park to Pye's Hall produced the following butterflies: 9 Clouded Yellow, 1 Wall, 5 Small Heath, 30 Common Blue, 2 Small Copper, 67 Small Tortoiseshell, 59 Painted Lady, 9 Red Admiral, 2 Peacock, 7 Large White, 12 Small White, 2 Meadow Brown, 2 Small Skipper and 3 Essex Skipper. Also, trapped at Chambers last night, the highlights being Angle-striped Sallow and 2 Devon Carpet. Back home the garden trap produced one new species - Garden Pebble. " 

Saturday 17th August 2019

Colin Pumfrett reported: "3 - 4 Clouded Yellows at Rimac, next to the car park."

Friday 16th August 2019

Steve Palmer from Healing emailed: "Only 11 species in the garden trap this morning, but new for the year were Dark Sword-grass and Straw Underwing."

Sunday 11th August 2019

• Mark Johnson emailed: "A walk from Stonebridge car park to Pye's Hall at Donna Nook NNR this morning, in very blustery conditions, produced 2 Clouded Yellow, 20 Painted Lady, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Red Admiral, 1 Peacock, 2 Small Heath, 1 Small White, 2 Common Blue and 5 Meadow Brown."
• Graham Beckwith and Stephen Lowther emailed: "Travelled down from our local patch in Durham to visit Chambers Farm Wood, a three hour drive arriving at 10.30, hoping for our main target species - Brown Hairstreak and possibly a late Purple Emperor. After a first hike along the main track down to Minting Triangle via Fiveways, we bumped into Toby Ludlow for a second time just after we managed a single Brown Hairstreak on young Blackthorn, just past Minting Triangle. It looked rather tatty or it had possibly survived a bird attack. Sadly it flew up into an oak tree and we didn't see it again, but did see a Purple Hairstreak higher up on the same tree. Heading back to the car for lunch, we were astounded after Stephen was stopped in his tracks by an incredible sight on the ground - a superb Privet Hawkmoth larva. A second foray down to Minting Triangle, via the meadows, saw further success with a second Brown Hairstreak, sitting seven feet up on a willow leaf. We had a brilliant day out and after much walking and searching we had a successful day, only missing out on Purple Emperor. We saw the following 23 species: 2 Brown Hairstreak, 5 Purple Hairstreak, 21 White Admiral, 29 Silver-washed Fritillary, 8 Comma, 3 Small Skipper, 1 Essex Skipper, 7 Holly Blue, 17 Brown Argus, 1 Small Copper, 12 Brimstone, 9 Small Tortoiseshell, and high numbers of Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Peacock, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Common Blue, Large White, Small White and Green-veined White."

Friday 9th August 2019

Philip Byerley Johson emailed: "I found 2 Silver-washed Fritillaries (male and female) today at Southrey Wood."

Thursday 8th August 2019

• Dave Wright reported: "Along with Chris Atkin, decided to spend the day at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe NNR, concentrating mainly on the Rimac and Sea View areas. The morning started in fine style with an Osprey sat on a post at Saltfleet Haven, before flying north towards Donna Nook. Spotted Redshank, 2 Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpier, Marsh Harrier and a Turtle Dove (a rarity these days), were all added to the list of birds. The fine weather produced 20 species of butterfly and the highlight was undoubtedly finding 4 Clouded Yellow in a clover field just north of the track between the bridge and car park at Rimac. Other species seen included 32 Wall, 13 Small Heath, 171 Common Blue, 11 Small Copper, 15 Brown Argus and 69 Painted Lady. Lots of insects on the reserve today, with 100+ Small Red-eyed Damselflies and 5 Short-winged Coneheads being the most noteworthy. A great day all round!
• Mark Johnson messaged: "A single Wall in my garden this evening at Bank End, North Somercotes."
• Phil Lee emailed: "I returned to Risby Warren this morning after being seen off last Saturday by a

  

  plague of ants. Fourteen species of butterfly seen including 3 Grayling, which must have the best camouflage of any butterfly!"

Wednesday 7th August 2019

Graham Catley messaged: "2 Wall along track near South Ferriby Cliff this morning. Also, 3+ Wall at Alkborough at the weekend."

Tuesday 6th August 2019

• Pete Freeman emailed: "23 species of butterfly at Chambers Farm Wood today, including 2 female Purple Emperor (1 on ground), 3 White Admiral, 14 Purple Hairstreak, and a number of frustratingly brief flight views of Brown Hairstreak."
• Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "35 species in the trap last night, including three new for the garden - Oak Hook-tip, Blue-bordered Carpet and a stunning Tree-lichen Beauty!" 

Monday 5th August 2019

• Karen and Sarah Hand emailed: "We trapped at home at Addlethorpe last night in the hope of

  

  cashing in on the bumper haul of Bedstraw Hawkmoths that seem to be cropping up all over Lincs. Unfortunately no Bedstraw, but certainly some migrant activity with a nice Great Brocade. Other migrants included White Point, Tree Lichen Beauty, Coleophora salicorniae (saltmarsh species) and Eucosma tripoliana. Looks like there's a few Great Brocades turning up in Lincs at the moment, with Martin Gray trapping 2 last week and Chris Dobson trapping one in Langworth." 
• Phil Lee emailed: "Had a steady walk along the road that connects the south and north reserves at Crowle Moor today and was pleased to see that Wall butterflies can still be seen along with Black Darters. Only 2 Wall seen but scores of Black Darters."

Sunday 4th August 2019

• Geoff Williams emailed: "2 Clouded Yellows this morning at Donna Nook NNR, between Stonebridge car park and Pye's Hall ."
• Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "Another new moth for my garden this morning, a Double Lobed. Also, 3 Straw Underwings were new for the year."
• Mark Johnson reported: "Mark Willden found 1 White-letter Hairstreak at Snakeholme Pit today."

Saturday 3rd August 2019

• Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "A superb Bedstraw Hawkmoth was on the outside of my garden trap this morning! Needless to say it was new for my garden and what a surprise!
• Phil Lee emailed: "Still awaiting for Bedstraw Hawkmoth to turn up over here in Misterton, but I did

  

  manage one migrant tonight - a Dark Sword-grass."
• John Davison emailed: "Visited Tuetoes ride in Laughton Forest with John Petyt today and found 15 Silver-washed

  

  Fritillary and 2 Wall. Also noted lots of Painted Lady larvae."
• Phil Bowler emailed: "Spent all day at Chambers Farm Wood, covering the main red route and green route rides, but didn't see a single Brown Hairstreak. Loads of other butterflies around though and included the following: 11 Small Skipper, 2 Large Skipper, 23 Brimstone (15 male & 8 female), 8 Large White, 25 Small White, 28 Green-veined White, 4 Purple Hairstreak, 1 Small Copper, 5 Brown Argus, 3 Common Blue, 1 Holly Blue, 3 White Admiral, 13 Red Admiral, 75 Painted Lady, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 331 Peacock, 6 Comma, 18 Silver-washed Fritillary (17 males & 1 female), 3 Speckled Wood, 118 Gatekeeper, 80 Meadow Brown and 103 Ringlet."
• Mark Johnson reported: "My neighbour, Brian Libell, had 3 Wall on his private nature reserve in North Somercotes today."
• Nige Lound emailed: "Overnight session again near Shoveler's Pool, East Dunes at Gib produced only 271 moths of 61 species. New for the year were two micros Monopis weaverella and Acrobasis suavella, a fresh Green Carpet, Small Dotted Buff, Copper Underwing and Straw Underwing. 5 Archer's Dart and 7 Antler Moth were the best of the rest."
• Mark Wainwright emailed: "I trapped at Chambers Farm Wood last night and despite an overall

  

  disappointing night with mainly Black Arches, Large Yellow Underwings and Pebble Prominents, the evening was saved with a superb Bedstraw Hawkmoth."

Friday 2nd August 2019

Andrew Kurch phoned: "Amazed to find a Clouded Yellow in my Grimsby garden today."

Thursday 1st August 2019: Another Large Tortoiseshell in Lincolnshire!

• Laura Gundy emailed: "My Mum and Dad found a Large Tortoiseshell in their Strubby garden today on one of their buddleias. It passed through the garden again the next day too, but hasn't been seen since."
• Steve Palmer messaged: "35 species in my Healing garden trap this morning, including a totally

  

  unexpected Boxworm Moth! Other species included Small Rivulet, Poplar Kitten, Copper Underwing, Scalloped Oak, White Satin Moth and Lime-speck Pug."
• Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "Another good catch in my garden last night with the following new for the year: Ear Moth agg, Large Emerald, Orange Swift and Small Phoenix."

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July 2019

Tuesday 30th July 2019

Graham Catley messaged: "This morning walked one of the main rides in Laughton Forest and saw 7 Silver-washed Fritillary, 81 Painted Lady and 180 Peacock."

Monday 29th July 2019

• John Petyt from Scunthorpe emailed: "I have been treated to another visit of a Hummingbird Hawkmoth to my garden with the discovery of two final instar larvae feeding on Lady's Bedstraw."
• Chris Atkin messaged: "Lots of Peacocks coming in off the sea at Tetney this afternoon and plenty of Painted Ladies around. Also a Great White Egret showing very well along Tetney Lock."

Saturday 27th July 2019

• Martin Gray emailed: "Huge haul in the garden last night and well over 2000 moths, with Large Yellow Underwing the dominant species. New one for me was a Tissue, with 10 new year records that included Black Arches, Sycamore and Vestal."
• Brian Hedley from Marton emailed: "Managed to find a dryish spot in the garden for my trap last night (15w actinic lamp). About 50 species noted including a new micro for me - Catoptria margaritella. Also recorded were 4 Silver Y, 8 Diamond-back Moth, Purple Thorn, Early Thorn, Marbled Beauty, 6 Pebble Prominent and a Drinker."

Friday 26th July 2019

Nige Lound emailed: "650 moths of 51 species in my Skegness garden overnight. Large Yellow Underwing dominated as usual with 376, followed by 42 Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing. Lyme Grass, Coast Dart, Archer's Dart, July Highflyer and Dunbar also featured."

Thursday 25th July 2019

• Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "Two new moths for the garden tonight - White-line Dart and Catoptria falsella."
• Steve Palmer from Healing emailed: "62 species in my garden trap including 9 micros. Highlights included 3 Peppered Moth, 6 Elephant Hawkmoth, Leopard Moth, Scarce Silver-lines, Buff Footman, Drinker, Chinese Character, Least Yellow Underwing and a Chocolate Tip."

Wednesday 24th July 2019: Scorching day at Risby Warren!

• Dave Wright reported: "Visited Risby Warren with Chris Atkin and Mark Johnson today and as the temperatures soared, so did the number of butterflies. Species seen included the following: 36 Grayling, 12 Essex Skipper, 41 Small Skipper, 12 Large Skipper, 358 Meadow Brown, 72 Ringlet, 268 Gatekeeper, 74 Small Heath, 42 Small Copper, 17 Common Blue, 31 Brown Argus, 19 Peacock, 4 Large White, 36 Small White, 7 Green-veined White and a single Speckled Wood. We also noted several

  

  species of day-flying moths, with 4 Antler Moth being the highlight."
• Phil Lee emailed: "Just over the border in my Misterton garden I had another Least Carpet last

  

  night."
• Colin Smith responded: "7 Least Carpet at Saltfleet last night."
• Nige Lound emailed: "Another busy night at Gibraltar Point NNR, with 1362 moths of 131 species. Some good reserve records too. Highlights were 2 Saltmarsh Plume, 2 Pretty Chalk Carpet, Vapourer, Dotted Fanfoot, Old Lady, 10 Star-wort, a Tree-lichen

  

  Beauty (2nd reserve record), 2 Fen Wainscot, 2 Lyme Grass, Antler Moth, Delicate, 8 Archer's Dart, the first Coast Dart of the year, Cream-bordered Green Pea and True Lover's Knot."

Tuesday 23rd July 2019

• Pete Smith emailed: "Was out at Chambers this morning, when a Comma aberration appeared next to me. Managed to get a shot of a female Comma ab. reichstettensis.
• Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "Just surveyed the garden and managed 14 species - 19 Meadow Brown, 4 Ringlet, 2 Gatekeeper, 6 Large White, 5 Green-veined White, 1 Small White, 4 Essex Skipper, 2 Small Skipper, 10 Peacock, 5 Red Admiral, 8 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Comma, 1 Brown Argus and 1 Common Blue."
• Pete Cawdell emailed: "The male Silver-washed Fritillary in the new ride in the Lincs BC Coppice Reserve at Southrey, has now been joined by a second male."

Monday 22nd July 2019

• Chris Atkin messaged: "Kicking off with butterflies in my small Grimsby garden today, with 11 species by midday - Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Comma, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Speckled Wood and Holly Blue. 
• Pete Cawdell emailed: "Ian McGlynn and myself surveyed three woods in the south of the county and were pleased to find 1 Silver-washed Fritillary in Temple Wood, 5 in Ingoldsby Wood, including a mating pair, and 7 in Bourne Woods."

Sunday 21st July 2019: Lincolnshire Branch of Butterfly Conservation Open Day at Chambers Farm Wood.

Pete Cawdell emailed: "About 40 people joined the 3 hour walk, which included the Butterfly Garden, Copper Meadow, Great Scrubbs Wood, Little Scrubbs Meadow and extension, Chambers Plantation, Fiveways, Sykes Wood and returning via the picnic area. 23 species of butterfly were recorded on a warm and sunny day. Highlights were good numbers and sightings of White Admiral, Purple Emperor and Silver-washed Fritillary (including females seeking out violet patches and laying eggs on nearby large tree trunks).

There were also several Purple and White-letter Hairstreaks which came down low enough for photographers. There was even a large female Grass Snake that performed well in the Butterfly Garden pond for those who turned up early. Everyone seemed to enjoy the walk, the Butterfly Garden, socialising with refreshments available and viewing interesting moths caught during the previous night's moth trapping. Five traps were used and well over a hundred species were caught, although the exact total is still being collated. Interesting species included Orange Moth, Scallop Shell, Phoenix, September Thorn, Large Emerald and Pine Hawkmoth. Thanks to all who attended another very successful day."

Friday 19th July 2019

Pat Hawes emailed: "Saw a Hummingbird Hawkmoth visiting our patio pots in our garden at Scawby Brook today."

Thursday 18th July 2019

• Graham Catley messaged: "Had 15 Silver-washed Fritillary, including mating pair, at Laughton Forest today.
• Beryl and Pete Straughton from Spilsby emailed: "At around 17.20 today we had a Hummingbird Hawkmoth on a Buddliea plant outside our living room window."
• David Withrington emailed: "This morning I visited Deeping Lakes LWT nature reserve and despite the mainly cloudy conditions I saw quite a few butterflies - 3 Red Admiral, 1 Comma, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Small Skipper, 6 Essex Skipper, 2 Large Skipper, 9 Small White, 3 Green-veined White, 18 Ringlet, 7 Gatekeeper and 42 Meadow Brown."
• Zoe Shreeve emailed: "At Chambers Farm Wood today and we saw 3 Silver-washed Fritillaries, 1 Purple Hairstreak and 1 Purple Emperor."

  

Wednesday 17th July 2019

• Toby Ludlow from Coningsby messaged: "Male Common Blue in the front garden nectaring on  lavender, and a Holly Blue in the back garden flying around the viburnum."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Made a return visit to Ainslie Street Recreation Ground in Grimsby this morning and had 8 White-letter Hairstreak."
• Phil Lee emailed: "I visited the old quarry near Kirton Lindsey today, the only site in Lincs for

  

  Chalk Carpet. I flushed 5 in a 30 minute spell."
• Pete Smith emailed: "Very unexpected and exciting to see 2 Purple Emperors in Great West Wood today! One tatty male came down to ground - he had clearly been around for a while. Also, yet more sightings today of Silver-washed Fritillary - 1 male in Great West Wood and 2 males fighting over territory at the entrance to Newball Wood. And to finish up, White Admiral and 2 White-letter Hairstreaks at Sotby Wood."
• Richard Smith emailed: "On a walk along the canal on the first section just out of Grantham, I saw a White-letter Hairstreak on a small elm, and then up the track from the first canal bridge - 3 Purple Hairstreaks on some oak trees."
• Phil Bowler emailed: "Following on from three male Silver-washed Fritillaries in our Amber Hill butterfly garden last summer, I am very excited to announce the first one seen here this year is a female! Here's hoping she laid us some eggs - violets are everywhere!"

  

Tuesday 16th July 2019: Silver-washed Fritillary on the march!

• Pete Smith emailed: "Plenty of purple action out at Chambers this morning! Had 7 Purple Emperor between 09.45 and 10.30, including one male that came down to the ground. Also, 5 Silver-washed Fritillary along the main ride. Silver-washed continues its push for world

  

  domination! Had a female egg-laying in College Wood later this morning and a male patrolling the main ride at Scotgrove early afternoon. Also this afternoon, the unusual site of

  

  Small and Green-veined Whites mud-puddling at New Park Wood!
• Phil Bowler emailed: "Another trip to Chambers Farm Wood today, taking the red route from the car park to Fiveways, then going straight on to the elms, where I saw a brand new female White-letter Hairstreak examining the elm twigs. Purple Emperor resulted in 5 sightings, but only one came down to the ground. A somewhat deformed male Purple Hairstreak came to ground at Fiveways, one of only 11 seen. Other sightings: 7 Small Skipper, 9 Large Skipper, 1 Brimstone (new male), 1 Large White (male), 1 Small White, 9 Green-veined White, 9 White Admiral, 6 Red Admiral, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Peacock, 6 Comma (f. hutchinsoni), 6 Silver-washed Fritillary, 4 Speckled Wood, 3 Gatekeeper, 7 Meadow Brown and 162 Ringlet."
• Ian Armitage emailed: "At Chambers Farm Wood today and an aberration suffusa Comma seen at the far end of Little Scrubbs extension meadow. This, shortly after I watched 3 Purple Emperors providing 30 minutes of gliding aerobatics above the oaks a few yards away at the NW end of the meadow. 9 Purple Emperors seen in total, the others were all brief sightings beyond Minting Triangle. All were gliding briefly above oak and you sensed that any tall oak in the complex may be harbouring one. 9 Silver-washed Fritillaries, 7 White Admirals, 10+ Gatekeepers, and multiple Purple Hairsteak action above several oaks also noted. Other species included Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet and 3 fresh Brimstones. Comma were the commonest of the new 2019 vintage of hibernators, with a few Small Tortoiseshell. Whites, the majority Small, also in abundance."
• Peter Cawdell emailed: "Pleased to report that Silver-washed Fritillaries continue to spread in

  

  the County. This afternoon I had 2 males at Southrey Wood, one on the main ride in from the Horncastle Road, and the other pugnaciously contesting a favoured territory with a Comma at the west end of the new ride in BC Lincs Coppice Reserve. It's about seventy years since they left this particular wood!"
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "This morning visited Dixon's Wood in Grimsby and had 15 White-letter Hairstreak. Nearby there were 5 in Bradley Woods. On returning home I was amazed to find a male Silver-washed Fritillary in my garden. Later in the evening there were 3 Purple Hairstreak in Weelsby Woods, Grimsby."
• Ian McGlynn emailed: "I can recommend Temple Wood near Aslackby! There were so many butterflies, they were impossible to count and included sightings of Dark Green and Silver-washed Fritillaries."
• Zoe Shreeve emailed: "Along with Steve, visited Long Strip Wood at Immingham Dock today and

  

  had 4 White-letter Hairstreak, with one showing quite well on the elm. Also noted 1 Peacock, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Gatekeeper and lots of Ringlet and Large White."
• Kaida Schofield from Ealand, near Crowle emailed: "I saw a Hummingbird Hawkmoth in my garden today."
• Mark and Sally Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "Found a Hummingbird Hawkmoth this

  

  evening at rest on the door screen. Later seen flying around the garden and feeding on several nectar sources."

Monday 15th July 2019

• John Davison emailed: "Today Peter Cawdell and I visited Castle Bytham verge, where Richard O'Connor had reportedly seen Marble White and possible Dark Green Fritillary. We did find a number of Marbled White, but not the latter. The weather was cloudy so there is still a possibility in full sun. We then called

  

  in at Porter's Lodge Meadows, where there must have been over 2000 Meadow Brown." After lunch we went to Morkery Wood. The sun shone and we saw 7 Purple Emperor and 11 Silver-washed Fritillary."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "This afternoon I visited my local patch, just off Westward Ho in Grimsby, and counted 210 Small Skipper and 115 Ringlet. Later in the evening there were 12 Purple Hairstreak."
• John Wheldon emailed: "Today at Callan's Lane Wood, northwest of Bourne, I saw 1 Purple Emperor and 3 Silver-washed Fritillary. Also noted Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Comma and Red Admiral. From here went on to Robert's Field LWT nature reserve and saw 14+ Dark Green Fritillary and 10+ Marbled White."

  

• Linda and Alan Woodward emailed: "Went to Risby Warren today and saw 24 Grayling, including 4 Mating pairs."

Saturday 13th July 2019

• Martin Kew emailed: "A late afternoon walk through the woods at Twyford was rewarded with 2 Purple Emperors and 7 Silver-washed Fritillaries. The first Gatekeepers are out in good numbers too."
• John Davison emailed: "John Petyt and I visited Broughton West Wood this afternoon, but the weather was cloudy and only Ringlet seemed to be on the wing. The sun came out and we had 16 Silver-washed Fritillary in total."
• Dave Wright reported: "Hummingbird Hawkmoth in my Grimsby garden this evening, 'buzzing' around the Red Valerian."
• Steve Palmer messaged: "33 macro species last night, the highlights being - Privet Hawkmoth, Dunbar, Lackey, Peppered Moth, Pebble Prominent, Bloodvein and 2 Elephant Hawkmoths."

Friday 12th July 2019: First Graylings near Scunthorpe!

• John Davison emailed: "2 Graylings today on Risby Open Track, my first of the year!"
• Pete Smith emailed: "Happy to report that I saw 4 Purple Emperors at Chambers Farm Wood today. Also plenty of White Admirals, Ringlets, Purple Hairstreaks and a single Silver-washed Fritillary."
• Dave Wright reported: "11 White-letter Hairstreaks this morning at Dixon's Wood, near Grimsby. All were seen high up in the canopy, mainly on Ash." 
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "5 White Admiral and 5 Silver-washed Fritillary at Kirkby Moor LWT nature reserve today. Nearby at Moor Farm, 2 Gatekeeper, pristine Peacock, and new brood of Small Copper, Brown Argus and Small Heath. Also, 7 Essex Skipper on The Pingle, close to home at Coningsby"
• Nige Lound from Skegness emailed: "Garden produced 319 Moths of 51 species, with Magpie, Fanfoot, Scarce Silver-lines and Dot Moth all new for the year."
• Anne Parsons emailed: "We were at Southrey Wood today and saw lots of Purple Hairstreaks by the side of the main walk, with one on the ground showing its colour."

Thursday 11th July 2019: Purple Hairstreaks at two new sites in Grimsby!

• Andrew Kurch phoned: "1 White-letter Hairstreak and 2 Purple Hairstreaks in Peoples Park, Grimsby today. This evening I visited a small site nearby, just off Westward Ho, and found 8 Purple Hairstreaks."
• John Wheldon emailed: "At Temple Wood north of Bourne today and saw 1 Purple Emperor, 8 Silver-washed Fritillary, Small Heath, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, 20+ Comma, Large White and Red Admiral."
• Richard and Anita Rowland Emailed: "We had our first Gatekeeper of the year today at Burton-upon-Stather."

Wednesday 10th July 2019: Purple Emperor at Chambers Farm Wood!

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Had my first Purple Emperor of the year today at Chambers Farm Wood."
• Dave Wright reported: "Paid a brief visit to Pyewipe Mills in Grimsby

  

  first thing this morning and had 3 Gatekeeper, my first of the year. Also noted 48 Ringlet, 31 Meadow Brown (including mating pair), 8 Small Skipper, 3 Painted Lady, 4 Small Tortoiseshell, 28 Small White, 3 Green-veined White, 3 Cinnabar, 1 Six-spot Burnet and a fine male Broad-bodied Chaser."
• Graham Catley messaged: "4 Silver-washed Fritillary in Laughton Forest today."
• Pete Smith emailed: "After a tip-off sighting of Silver-washed Fritillaries at my local wood at Potterhanworth, I visited today and was delighted to find 5 Silver-washed Fritillaries on the wing, all males, along with 16 White Admirals and over a 100 Ringlets. Brilliant to witness the continuing expansion and colonisation in our Lincolnshire woods!"
• Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "37 macros in my garden trap last night and included a Barred Red, which was new for the garden."
• Pete Cawdell emailed: "Several weeks ago I 'rescued' Orange Tip

  

  and Brimstone larvae from predation in my small Lincoln garden. These two members of the white family have very different life-cycle strategies for survival, although both should hopefully be flying together next Spring. The Orange Tip will overwinter as pupae disguised as thorns until emergence next April, while the Brimstone

  

  are just emerging now (my first today) and will find a sheltered piece of vegetation to hide away over the cold Winter months."
• Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped overnight at the edge of the saltmarsh near the Wash Viewpoint, just south of Gib Visitor Centre and managed a minimum of 764 moths of 61 species. Highlights included -

  

  Reddish Light Arches (the first I have trapped at Gib), probable Mere Wainscot, Leopard Moth, Rosy Wave, 4 Shaded Broad-bar, 4 Brown-tail, 4 Star-wort, Lyme Grass, 22 Crescent Striped, Southern Wainscot and Dark Sword-grass."

Monday 8th July 2019

Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "Only 14 species in the garden trap last night, but a female Ghost Moth (new for garden) and a Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing were a bonus."

Sunday 7th July 2019: Marbled White Heaven!

• Harry Turner phoned: "Visited Redhill LWT nature reserve today to do my regular count and was staggered to find 1240 Marbled White, by far the highest number I have ever seen at this site."
• Paul Daubney emailed: "Went to Crowle Moor NNR today and

  

  counted 42 Large Heath, particularly along the paths around the northern corner of the reserve. Black Darters are also starting to emerge in good numbers, with just a couple of Common Hawkers seen."
• Phil Lee emailed: "I had a Waved Black in my Misterton garden last

  

  night, my first since my only other back in July 2016."
• Steve and Kathy Palmer messaged: "Visited Kingerby Beck Meadows LWT nature reserve this morning and there were literally hundreds of Meadow Brown, with a smaller number of Ringlet. Also noted a few Green-veined White and Speckled Wood, and a single Large Skipper."
• Michael Barnes emailed: "A brief visit to Crowle Moor NNR enabled me to take a photo of a Large Heath, the first time I have seen this species (we only have Small Heath down south). Also, umpteen Ringlets, Meadow Browns, Large Skippers and a solitary Painted Lady by the car park."

Friday 5th July 2019

• Ian McGlynn emailed: "At Bourne Woods today and saw 1 Purple Emperor, 2 White Admiral, numerous Silver-washed Fritillary and many more summer butterflies."
• Pete Burnett emailed: "Today I recorded 3 White Admiral in College Wood near Wragby, plus a single Speckled Wood and many Meadow Brown. Also, I had a Painted Lady in the Butterfly Garden at Chambers."

Thursday 4th July 2019

• Graham Catley messaged: "My first Silver-washed Fritillary of the year this morning near Tuetoes car park at Laughton Forest.
• John and Audrey Spring from Grimsby reported: "We had a Hummingbird Hawkmoth in our Scartho garden this afternoon."

Wednesday 3rd July 2019

• Sara Crowe emailed from near Alford: "This morning I noticed what I initially thought were Hornets hanging around our firewood pile (willow harvested in late winter). On further investigation, they turned out to be Lunar Hornet Moths, newly emerged from their burrows in the willow."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "3 White-letter Hairstreaks this morning at Dixon's Wood, near Grimsby."
• Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "A Small Fan-foot was new for

  

  my garden this morning and new for the year were Golden Plusia and Lilac Beauty. So far this year in my garden, I've been catching far higher numbers of hawkmoths than in previous years - 5 Privet Hawkmoth, 2 Pine Hawkmoth, 4 Lime Hawkmoth, 7 Eyed Hawkmoth, 18 Poplar Hawkmoth and 55 Elephant Hawkmoth."

Tuesday 2nd July 2019: First White-letter Hairstreaks in Grimsby!

• Andrew Kurch phoned: "4 White-letter Hairstreaks at Ainslie Street Recreation Ground this morning, my first of the year!"
• Phil Bowler emailed: "Ventured out to Chambers Farm Wood today in the hope of seeing the Purple Emperor in weather that was far from ideal. Alas no sightings, but noted the following: 4 Large Skipper, 1 Large White, 1 Small White, 3 Green-veined White, 2 Black Hairstreak, 8 White Admiral, 3 Red Admiral, 2 Painted Lady, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Comma, male Silver-washed Fritillary, 11 Speckled Wood, 11 Meadow Brown, 65 Ringlet and a Silver Y moth.

---

June 2019

Sunday 30th June 2019

• Janet Wyer emailed: "We were at Chambers Farm Wood today and

  

  were delighted to see an Orange Moth, just for a few moments, before it flew off into the treetops. We also saw White Plume Moth, Barred Red, Riband Wave and Single-dotted Wave."
• Harry Turner phoned: "Visited Redhill LWT nature reserve today and counted 235 Marbled White, well up on my previous count of 17 on 20th June."
• Mark and Sally Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "This morning we had a Shark in the trap, a new moth for the garden. Other highlights were 70 Large Yellow Underwing, 49 Dark Arches, 4 Privet Hawkmoth, 3 Elephant Hawkmoth and 1 Small Elephant Hawkmoth."

  

Saturday 29th June 2019

• Steve Routledge emailed: "Visited Chambers and Southrey Wood today for the first time in a very long time! Had a decent day seeing a few Black Hairstreaks, including 1 nectaring on Privet in the Butterfly Garden, and 4 others around Fiveways/Minting Triangle. Also managed to see 3 White Admiral in the same area and had 2 Broad-bordered Bee Hawkmoth, the first in the Butterfly garden nectaring on Red Valerian, and the second at Fiveways nectaring on Viper's Bugloss. There were also 2 Currant Clearwing on the currant bushes near the volunteers building. Female Broad-bodied Chaser, male Emperor and 1 Brown Hawker were the only dragonflies seen. At Southrey we had 3 White Admiral, female Broad-bodied Chaser and a Black-tailed Skimmer." 
• Pete Burnett emailed: "A visit to Robert's Field today produced up to

  

  30 Dark Green Fritillary and probably the same number of Marbled White. Also noted Small Heath, Common Blue, Meadow Brown and Painted Lady."
• Nige Lound emailed: "Trapped at the Ringing Hollow, East Dunes, Gibraltar Point NNR, using a 125W MV Robinson and caught 202 moths of 43 species. New for the year were 1 Large Fruit-tree Tortrix, 1 Eucosma campoliliana, 1 Catoptria pinella, 33 Rustic/Uncertain agg, 1 Lychnis, 2 Striped Wainscot, 2 Smoky Wainscot, 1 Clay, 1 White-line Dart, 2 Heart and Club, 1 Archer's Dart and 4 Kent Black Arches."

Friday 28th June 2019

• Jill Hall emailed: "Several White Admirals at Southrey Wood today."
• Paul Daubney emailed: "At Chambers Farm Wood today and saw my first Black Hairstreaks, including a co-operative female egg-laying, and White Admiral. I also saw my first Lincolnshire Ringlets and Meadow Browns. Also at Fiveways was a single Broad-bordered Bee Hawkmoth in good condition and several Large Skippers. There are still a surprising number of Marsh Fritillaries at Little Scrubbs Meadow, in the tens rather than thousands, though most are looking very worn. The Butterfly Garden is looking colourful, with Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshells and Red Admiral nectaring on the flowers there."

  

Thursday 27th June 2019

• Phil Lee emailed: "Steph and I had a good walk at Chambers Farm

  

  Wood today with 16 species of butterfly, including lots of Painted Lady on the meadow, Black Hairstreak at Fiveways and a White Admiral nearby. Also on the meadow were hundreds of Six-spot Burnet moths and a darkly marked Yellow Shell."
• Linda and Alan Woodward from Lea emailed: "We had a Hummingbird Hawkmoth in the garden today, together with around 4 Painted Ladies."
• Ian Shepherd emailed: "Hummingbird Hawkmoth today on the dunes at Humberston Fitties."

Tuesday 25th June 2019

• Pete Cawdell emailed: "When I went out to my car this rainy

  

  afternoon, the last thing I expected to find was a freshly hatched female Purple Hairstreak crawling up my windscreen! I can only imagine that I had parked in or near some woodland last summer and a larva had somehow climbed up and pupated under the bonnet? Must have travelled 10,000 miles since then!"
• Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "After a disappointing June so far, there was a vast improvement in my garden trap last night, with nine new species for the year. These included Peppered Moth, Poplar Kitten,Beautiful Hook-tip, Burnished Brass, Common Wainscot, White Satin Moth, Miller, Lackey and a superb Pale Prominent. Others of note were Scorched Wing, Light Emerald, Rustic Shoulder-knot, Elephant Hawkmoth, Coronet, Clouded Silver and Poplar Grey."

Monday 24th June 2019

• Alan Barker emailed: "Overcast and nothing on the wing in Bourne Woods today, apart from 3 Painted Ladies on bramble blossom. However, while resting on one of the benches some movement on the ground caught my eye and it proved to be a freshly emerged Purple Hairstreak. It climbed up a low stem of grass and onto my hand where it rested for a minute or so until taking to the air - an unexpected brief encounter." 
• Toby Ludlow emailed: "At Chambers Farm Wood today and had 5 Black Hairstreaks at Fiveways. Also, 1 extremely worn Broad-bordered Bee Hawkmoth at the Education Centre."
• Nige Lound emailed: "Nine species of butterfly today at Gibraltar Point

  

  NNR - 5 Small Skipper, 1 Small Heath, 15 Red Admiral, 23 Painted Lady, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 12 Ringlet, 5 Meadow Brown, 2 Speckled Wood and 1 Common Blue."
• Dick Lorand messaged: "A Clouded Yellow flew through my garden on the Humberston Fitties this morning."

Sunday 23rd June 2019

• Pete Smith emailed: "Had my first Lincolnshire sightings of White Admiral today at Potterhanworth Wood. 3 Adults on the wing - lovely to see!"
• Dave Wright reported: "My first Ringlets of the year this afternoon, 3 along a permissive bridleway at Great Coates."
• Jonathan Bye emailed: "3 Currant Clearwings on blackcurrant bushes in my Sutton St James garden this afternoon."
• Phil Lee emailed: "We had another Red-tipped Clearwing this afternoon at Idle Stop, just on the Lincs side of the border. They seem to be having a good year."
• Martin Kew emailed: "Headed over to Robert's Field LWT Nature

  

  Reserve today hoping to see Dark Green Fritillaries. I wasn't disappointed and counted 11 over the two fields. Other sightings were: 2 Marbled White, 13 Small Heath, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Common Blue, 4 Meadow Brown, 2 Ringlet and a well travelled Painted Lady."
• Nige Lound reported from Skegness: Garden trap overnight produced 200 moths of 39 species, with the bulk of the catch being 85 Heart and Dart. Highlights included 1 Small Waved Umber, 1 Vine's Rustic, 1 White Colon, 3 Sand Dart and 2 Dusky Brocade (different colour forms)."

Saturday 22nd June 2019: First Lincs White Admiral of 2019?

• Pete Cawdell emailed: "Just coming to the end of my weekly Butterfly Transect at Southrey Wood, when I spotted what I had hoped for - a pristine male White Admiral swooped down to nectar on bramble flowers in the late afternoon sunshine. Welcome back 'camilla', my favourite British butterfly."
• Nige Lound reported: "First Small Skipper of the year today at Gibraltar Point NNR."
• Steve Palmer messaged: "4 Ringlets today along a roadside verge at Stallingborough."
• Martin Kew messaged: "Saw my first Marbled White of the year at the Glades Reserve, Twyford Wood today. Also recorded my first Ringlets - 2 on each reserve. The Painted Ladies have arrived here as well and I had 5 sightings between the reserves."
• John Davison emailed: "2 Ringlets on Scotton Common Roadside Verge this morning."
• Laura Gundy emailed: "Today I saw 6 Purple Hairstreaks, my first of the year, on my regular walk near Donnington on Bain. In addition were Meadow Brown, Common Blue, Large Skipper, Painted Lady and Small Tortoiseshell."

Friday 21st June 2019

• Dave Wright reported: "Following reports of rare migrant dragonflies down the Lincolnshire coast, decided to spend the day at Donna Nook NNR with Chris Atkin. We were rewarded with 4 Red-veined Darters and an amazing 10 Vagrant Emperors, the latter species often being associated with strong southerly airflows originating in North Africa. Butterflies seen included 37 Painted Lady, 17 Small Tortoiseshell, 7 Red Admiral, 61 Small Heath, 43 Common Blue, 60 Meadow Brown, 6 Large Skipper and 1 Small White. Also noted 55 Cinnabar, 1 Mother Shipton, 4 Yellow Shell, 4 Burnet Companion, 5 Silver Y, 9 Six-spot Burnet and 1 Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet."
• Phil Bowler emailed: "Went to Redhill LWT Nature Reserve to see freshly emerged Marbled White and they were very fresh indeed! Such a marvellous butterfly when pristine and 13 seen in all. Also noted: 31 Common Blue, 14 Small Heath, 9 Large Skipper, 14 Meadow Brown, 1 Ringlet, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Small Tortoiseshell and 10 Painted Lady. Moths included: 4 Chimney Sweeper, 13 Yellow Shell and 3 Mother Shipton." 

  

Thursday 20th June 2019

Nige Lound emailed: "Still good numbers of Painted Lady this morning at Gibraltar Point NNR, had Around 20."

Tuesday 18th June 2019: Netted Pug

• Martin Gray emailed: "Geoff Wright trapped this beauty the other night at Grantham."
• Ian McGlynn emailed: "Saw my first Marbled White of the year today, near to Robert's Field."
• Tony Housman reported: "3 Broad-bordered Bee Hawkmoths this morning at Dog Kennel Wood near Market Rasen."

Monday 17th June 2019

• Rick Camm emailed: "1 Painted Lady this evening along North Street in Osbournby near Sleaford."
• Dave Wright reported: "A Painted Lady in my Grimsby garden this afternoon, along with a single Red Admiral and 2 Holly Blues."
• Nige Lound emailed: "Trapped at Gibraltar Point NNR East Dunes again overnight, using a 125W MV Robinson and it was interestingly disappointing! Only 193 moths of 36 species. I guess the clear sky, a big bright moon and overnight low of 10 degrees, combined with the recent heavy rainfall provides a reasonable explanation. Many expected species simply not present, with others in very small numbers considering it's mid-June. Highlights included: 6 Sand Dart, 4 Dog's Tooth, 1 Large Nutmeg, 6 Brown Rustic, 2 Sharp-angled Peacock, 3 Fern, 20 Barred Straw and 2 Fox Moth."

Sunday 16th June 2019: The Ladies are back!

• Pete Smith emailed: "Walked the length of the Sustrans Water Railway today, between Washingborough and Bardney - plenty of Painted Ladies on the wing, along with a few Red Admirals, Small Tortoiseshells, Speckled Woods, Large Skipper and Meadow Brown. Good to see Painted Ladies back in the UK in decent numbers!"
• Chris Atkin messaged: "40+ Painted Ladies and 2 Meadow Browns today at Donna Nook NNR. Also of note were an astonishing total of 6 Vagrant Emperors and 9 Red-veined Darters!"
• Harry Turner phoned: "At Redhill LWT nature reserve today and counted 9 Marbled White, my first of the year."

Saturday 15th June 2019

• Pete Cawdell emailed: "Not expecting much today after all that rain, but at my Southrey Bankside Meadow I had a fresh Speckled Wood, 3 Small Tortoiseshells, a Red Admiral and, best of all, a Painted Lady. On a sprig of Jack by the Hedge there were 3 Orange Tip larvae. Back at my small Lincoln garden my potted Alder Buckthorn had 35 Brimstone larvae demolishing it and a couple of Jack by the Hedge plants housed 7 Orange Tip larvae."
• Dave Withrington emailed: "Visited Stanton's Pit LWT reserve near Witham on the Hill today and was pleased to see a few butterflies after all the wet weather - 1 Brown Argus, 1 Common Blue, 1 Small Copper and 8 Small Heath. I also met someone who had just seen Painted Lady and Meadow Brown. Later on in the day I paid a brief visit to Baston Fen and found a single Painted Lady."
• Dave Wright reported: "3 Painted Ladies and a Silver Y moth this afternoon at Howden's Pullover near Saltfleet."
• Nige Lound emailed: "15 Painted Lady at Middlemarsh Farm near Skegness today and Richard Doan had 120 at Gibraltar Point NNR."

Monday 10th June 2019

Anthony Bentley emailed: "Whilst carrying out some ecological work today, I encounterd a total of 7 Marsh Fritillaries around Edlington near Horncastle."

Sunday 9th June 2019: An influx of migrants!

• Chris Atkin messaged: "An influx of migrants today at Donna Nook NNR included both butterflies and dragonflies - 30+ Painted Ladies and a single Clouded Yellow, Vagrant Emperor (a possible first for Lincolnshire) south of Stonebridge car park, and 3+ Red-veined Darters. Also noted 15+ Large Skippers and 2 Green Hairstreaks."
• Pete Smith emailed: "Been out to Chambers Farm Wood today and

  

  had the great pleasure of finding 2 Yellow-legged Clearwings and 4 Currant Clearwings. One of the Currant Clearwings was incredibly fresh and showed amazing colour and pattern."
• Ian McGlynn emailed: "Had a walk today on the public footpath from Lound to Witham on the Hill. Despite the poor weather had 30+ Small Heath, 5 Common Blue and 3 Meadow Brown."
• Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "My first Painted Lady of the year in my garden today."
• Nige Lound emailed: "Trapped at Gibraltar Point NNR, near Shoveler's Pool again and used a 125W MV Robinson, which resulted in 490 moths of 63 species. Included Agdistis benetii (Saltmarsh Plume), Eupoecelia ambiguella (Vine Moth), 3 Eucosma campoliliana, 4 Small Waved Umber, 8 Fern, 3 Star-wort, 5 Dark Sword-grass, 51 Shoulder-striped Wainscot and 117 Cinnabar."

Friday 7th June 2019

Pete Freeman emailed: "A Painted Lady amongst the hordes of Marsh Fritillaries today in Little Scrubbs Meadow extension at Chambers Farm Wood. Also in the area, 6 Common Blue, 1 Dingy Skipper, 5 Speckled Wood and 2 Orange Tip."

Thursday 6th June 2019

• Paul Daubney emailed: "At Chambers Farm Wood today where there are still large numbers of Marsh Fritillaries. Not surprisingly, the majority are looking quite worn. In and around the Butterfly Garden there were a good number of Broad-bordered Bee Hawkmoths and Currant Clearwings were on the blackcurrant bushes in the car park."
• Chris Atkin messaged: "3 Painted Ladies and 1 Large Skipper at Donna Nook NNR today, both species my first of the year."
• Nige Lound emailed: "Trapped at Gibraltar Point NNR, near Shoveler's Pool and caught 164 moths of 30 species, the most numerous being 37 Treble Lines. Also included Eucosma campoliliana, 11 Fox Moth, 14 Brown Rustic, 1 Large Nutmeg, 1 Pale-shouldered Brocade, 2 Dog's Tooth, 1 White Colon and 4 Sand Dart."

Wednesday 5th June 2019

Toby Ludlow emailed: "Decided to do a methodical and systematic count in the meadows at Chambers Farm Wood today and the result is as follows: 4751 Marsh Fritillary, 12 Dingy Skipper, 2 Small Copper, 28 Common Blue, 1 Broad-bordered Bee Hawkmoth, 1 Mother Shipton, 2 Six-spot Burnet, 1 Silver Y, 11 Latticed Heath and 3 Aethes piercei."

Tuesday 4th June 2019

Pete Cawdell emailed: "There have been several interesting Marsh Fritillary aberrations noted at Little Scrubbs Meadow this year. Most have been darker forms, probably eminating from larval feeding pressure during the population explosion. However, I was particularly attracted to this one (top and underside) I photographed today. It appears to resemble the named sub-species pyrendebilitis."

Monday 3rd June 2019: First Large Heath of the year!

Phil Lee emailed: "Today at Crowle Moor NNR I had 3 Large Heath."

Sunday 2nd June 2019

• Phil Bowler emailed: "Went out today to the Westgate Meadows at Wyberton, near Boston. There is excellent potential here, a really good large meadow, officially classed as part of the Sir Joseph Banks Country Park. Sightings included - 3 Brimstone, 2 Large White, 1 Small White, 2 Green-veined White, 3 Orange Tip, 8 Small Copper, 7 Brown Argus, 31 Common Blue, 1 Red Admiral and 2 Burnet Companion."
• Brian Hedley emailed: "Saw my first Large Skipper of the year today at Trent Port, Marton.
• Martin Gray emailed: "Trapping session with Mark Wainwright in

  

  Chambers last night - 60 species for me, with the highlight being a Buttoned Snout and an unexpected pristine Pine Beauty."

Saturday 1st June 2019

Brian Hedley emailed: "I had a fresh looking Red Admiral in my garden here at Marton today."

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May 2019

Thursday 30th May 2019

• Phil Lee emailed: "Had a saunter along the old disused railway at

  

  Langholme this afternoon to get out of the wind and was rewarded with the attached Red-tipped Clearwing and my first Brown Argus of the year. Also saw a Denticulate Leatherbug which was too quick for a photo."
• Paul Daubney emailed: "At Little Scrubbs Meadow today and there are still thousands of Marsh Fritillaries, many of them in very good condition. Lots of flowers there now as well, including a single spike of Greater Butterfly Orchid. Also, Common Blues, Small Whites,

  

  Orange Tips and a single Dingy Skipper, and I saw my first Broad-bordered Bee Hawkmoth of the year, nectaring on the Red Valerian near the Butterfly Garden."

Tuesday 28th May 2019

Phil Lee emailed: "had my first Large Skipper of the year today at Langholme."

Sunday 26th May 2019

Dave Wright reported: "With the weather improving, made a late afternoon dash to Chambers Farm Wood with Chris Atkin to witness the Marsh Fritillary spectacle. Didn't attempt a count, but noted many mating pairs and found several pupae. Also, 4 Common Blues and a single Dingy Skipper. On returning to the Butterfly Garden, we found a single Broad-bordered Bee Hawkmoth, and a pair of Ravens flew overhead."

Saturday 25th May 2019

• Laura Gundy emailed: "Following my super excitement at seeing a Marsh Fritillary on the evening of the 23rd on our farm near Donington on Bain, I went back to the same bit of land and spent more time there, hoping to see 'my' butterfly again. This time there were 2 Marsh Fritillaries flying around. Also lots of Common Blues and Orange Tips in this small area." 
• Phil Lee emailed: "Steph and I had a lovely walk this afternoon in our 'paradise' that is Sedge Hole Close near Haxey. The small wet meadow is flower filled and, at this time of year, full of Chimney Sweepers. The meadow does contain 'Mouse-ear' and we have

  

  always said that Marsh Pug should be here. Today we found 3 and their identification has been confirmed by Martin Gray."

Tuesday 21st May 2019

• Harry Turner phoned: "Visited Red Hill LWT Nature Reserve today and was astonished to find 3 Marsh Fritillaries! Also, lots of Small Heath and Common Blue."
• Alan Armstrong emailed: "Went to Twyford Wood today and saw numerous Grizzled and Dingy Skippers. Lots of Brown Argus too!"
• James Hewson emailed: "During our time in the Butterfly Garden at Chambers Farm Wood today, there were a number of Marsh Fritillaries, including one with aberrant markings."

Monday 20th May 2019

• Pete Smith emailed: "Yet another update on Marsh Fritillary, in what is surely a 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience. Went out to Little Scrubbs

  

  early afternoon today, thousands of Marsh Fritillaries on the wing. I did a slow walk around both main meadows and counted a staggering 477 mating pairs in 35 minutes! Several aberrant forms also seen - my favourite two attached."
• Paul Daubney emailed: "Went to Chambers today and there are still huge numbers of Marsh Fritillaries on the wing in and around Little Scrubbs Meadow. Many looked very fresh, but there did seem to be a disproportionate number of males around. Also in the meadow were 10+ Dingy Skipper, 2 Small Copper, 1 Holly Blue, 1 Common Blue, and a few Orange Tips, Brimstones and Latticed Heath moths.

Sunday 19th May 2019

Toby Ludlow messaged: "Went out to Chambers Farm Wood late afternoon to do an update on the Marsh Fritillaries. It was cloudy, but bright as I was driving there. On arrival it got really dull and nothing was flying on the butterfly front. Walked down to Little Scrubbs Meadow - still nothing flying, wandered around the extension - still nothing flying. Decided to carry out a systematic count of roosting Marsh Fritillaries in the extension, which resulted in a grand total of 2041 adults and 241 mating pairs!"

Saturday 18th May 2019

Brian Hedley emailed: "Garden moth trap last night here in Marton produced 19 moths of 13 species. Not great for the time of year, but did include 2 Diamond-back Moths, Iron Prominent, Spectacle and Poplar Hawkmoth."

James Smith messaged: "Found a mating pair of Small Coppers this morning at Cleethorpes Country Park."

Friday 17th May 2019

• Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "Had a new moth for my garden

  

  this morning, a smart Mullein. I've also had Eyed Hawkmoth and Poplar Hawkmoth this week."
• Brian Hedley emailed: "Just had hundreds of Diamond-back Moths along arable field edge in Marton."

Thursday 16th May 2019

Graham Catley messaged: "Wall in Leggott's Quarry near South Ferriby today."

Wednesday 15th May 2019: Green Hairstreaks in Cleethorpes.

• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Visited Cleethorpes Coast LNR today and was amazed to find 8 Green Hairstreaks, including a female laying eggs on the Birdsfoot Trefoil. Also noted 10 Common Blue, 4 Brown Argus, 1 Small Copper, 4 Orange Tip, 1 Small White and a Peacock."
• Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "Six species in my garden trap this morning, including Chocolate-tip, Streamer and Waved Umber, plus a Cockchafer and Hornet."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "What a spectacle! Went to Chambers Farm Wood today and ventured down to Little Scrubbs Meadow - Marsh Fritillaries everywhere! Carried out a methodical and systematic count - the result was just over 1000 in the meadow and just over 2000 in the extension and this included 20 mating pairs. I would thoroughly recommend just standing and enjoying the experience of seeing such a threatened butterfly in such profuse numbers. Having seen an aberrant Marsh Fritillary earlier in the week, which was

  

  marked by an absence of yellow colouration, I could hardly believe my luck when I clapped eyes on a freshly emerged leucistic Marsh Fritillary, its pale cream colour contrasting vividly with the technicolored individuals around it. Truly a day to savour!"

Tuesday 14th May 2019: Dingy Skipper near Scunthorpe!

• Steve Routledge emailed: "A colleague at work photographed a Dingy Skipper today, on the banks of the lake near Foxhills Industrial Estate on Normanby Road, Scunthorpe."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Had a look in the dunes at Donna Nook NNR today, just east of the car park at Stonebridge, and found 23 Green Hairstreak, 4 Wall, 2 Small Heath, 1 Brown Argus, 1 Small Copper, 1 Holly Blue and 6 Peacock."
• Phil Bowler emailed: "At Twyford Wood today (mainly Sanctuary Reserve) and noted the following: 10 Grizzled Skipper, 38 Dingy Skipper, 3 Green Hairstreak, 5 Small Copper, 2 Common Blue, 3 Brimstone, 2 Green-veined White, 6 Orange Tip, 3 Peacock 2 Speckled Wood and 3 Mint Moth."
• Steve Palmer messaged: "Had a walk at Healing LNR this morning and found my first Brown Argus and Common Blue of the year."

Monday 13th May 2019

Richard Smith emailed: "Today I visited Great Gonerby to the north of Grantham and found 3 Grizzled Skipper, Green Hairstreak, 3 Common Blue, 3 Orange Tip, Speckled Wood, Peacock, Holly Blue and new for this spot a Small Copper. Yesterday, at Great Ponton south of Grantham, I saw 6 Dingy Skipper and a Green Hairstreak."

Sunday 12th May 2019: Marsh Fritillary update.

• Pete Smith emailed: "Went back out to Little Scrubbs Meadow this morning in warm sunshine and stopped counting Marsh Fritillaries at 500! Massive emergence again, mainly in the reserve extension, with females now appearing and being paired very quickly. Also, about 20 Dingy Skippers, including a mating pair.
• Dave Wright reported: "Spent a few hours today at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe NNR, focusing mainly on the Rimac and Sea View

  

  areas. At least five Cuckoos on the reserve, but butterflies included four new for the year - 13 Wall, 6 Small Heath, 2 Brown Argus and a single male Common Blue. It was nice to see 4 Large Red Damselflies as well."
• Martin Kew emailed: "Walked the transects today at Twyford Wood and with the better weather skipper numbers are improving with a total of 17 Grizzled Skipper and 21 Dingy Skipper on the two reserves. Also, first for this season were sightings of a Common Blue and a Small Copper."
• Dave Withrington emailed: "Visited Stanton's Pit reserve near Witham-on-the-Hill and saw a Grizzled Skipper, 2 Small Heaths, a Brimstone and 6 Orange Tips."
• Mark and Sally Johnson emailed: "A late afternoon visit to Rimac

  

  produced at least 8 Wall, 3 Small Copper, 1 Small Heath, 1 Brown Argus and 2 Common Blue. A single Hairy Dragonfly was also seen, but the highlight was undoubtedly a Hobby catching Fox Moths on the reserve."

Saturday 11th May 2019

• Pete Smith emailed: "A visit to Little Scrubbs Meadow today produced sightings of 54 Marsh Fritillaries, all males and very fresh, plus 2 Dingy Skippers. Also, 2 Broad-bordered Bee Hawkmoths nectaring on bugle."
• Mark Johnson messaged: "Had a wander down to Donna Nook NNR today and found 3 Wall, my first of the year, 25 Green Hairstreak, 11 Peacock, 2 Orange Tip and 2 Green-veined White."
• Dave Wright reported: "Along with Steve Palmer, inspected an area of

  

  habitat at the back of Healing, created as mitigation for a new development nearby. The site had quite a rich flora and looked good for butterflies. Despite the weather being far from ideal, five species were noted, including a mating pair of Orange Tips. Also, 15 Cinnabar moths." 
• Graham Catley messaged: "Brown Argus at Gibraltar Point NNR today plus Common Blue, Wall and lots of Green Hairstreak."
• Mark Johnson emailed: "Had the trap out in my North Somercotes garden tonight and caught six species - 3 Rustic Shoulder-knot, 1 Flame Shoulder, 1 Hebrew Character, 1 Muslin Moth, 1 Clouded Drab and 2 Chocolate-tip."

  

Tuesday 7th May 2019

Phil Bowler emailed: "The first Brown Argus of the season today in my Amber Hill garden. Also of note were 6 Brimstones - four more than I saw here last summer, and our first Red Admiral of the year."

Bank Holiday Monday 6th May 2019: Marsh Fritillary at Chambers Farm Wood.

Mark Johnson phoned: "A friend of mine, Mark Willden, reported seeing a Marsh Fritillary at Little Scrubbs Meadow today."

Thursday 2nd May 2019

Steve Palmer messaged: "Silver Y and 3 Cinnabar moths this morning on the outskirts of Healing, close to where I live." 

Wednesday 1st May 2019

Chris Atkin messaged: "This afternoon walked along the River Freshney into Freshney Bog and had 4 Orange Tip, my first of the year, and Red Admiral and Holly Blue."

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April 2019

Tuesday 30 April 2019

• Graham Catley messaged: "A single male Common Blue at Rimac (Saltfeetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR)."
• Jonathan Bye emailed: "Quite an afternoon for butterflies in my Sutton

  

  St James garden today, with Holly Blues, Large Whites, Orange Tips, Brimstones, a Red Admiral and my first ever sighting of a Small Copper."

Monday 29th April 2019

Phil Bowler emailed: "Saw a single Hummingbird Hawkmoth buzzing around my Amber Hill garden today."

Friday 26th April 2019

Dave Wright reported: "Managed to get out this afternoon and headed for the coast at Donna Nook NNR, before the sun totally disappeared. Despite the cool breeze, 23 Green Hairstreak, 3 Red Admiral, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell and 43 Peacock were noted."

Thursday 25th April 2019

Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "Seven species in my garden trap this morning included a Swallow Prominent, which laid 49 eggs, and a Streamer and Shoulder Stripe, both new for the garden."

Tuesday 23rd April 2019

• Dave Wright reported: "A brief visit to Bradley Woods on the outskirts of Grimsby this afternoon, produced very little on the wing, but a single Red Admiral, my second of 2019, was a nice find."
• Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "Eight species in the garden trap this morning, with Flame Carpet and Pebble Hook-tip being new for the year."

Easter Monday 22nd April 2019

• Toby Ludlow phoned: "39 Brimstones at Kirkby Moor LWT nature reserve and 12+ Small Coppers at Moor Farm LWT nature reserve today."
• Mark Johnson messaged: "20 Green Hairstreaks at Donna Nook

  

  NNR and lots of Holly Blues down our lane at Bank End, North Somercotes."
• Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "Only three species in the garden trap this morning plus a Dor Beetle. New for the year was a nice Herald."
• Richard Smith emailed: "My first Green Hairstreak of the year at Great Ponton near Grantham. Also, 4 Brimstone, 8 Orange Tip, 2 Small Tortoiseshell and 2 Green-veined White."

Easter Sunday 21st April 2019 : Another important site for rare skippers partly destroyed in South Lincolnshire.

• Ian McGlynn emailed: "Went to Castle Bytham today, but there was virtually nothing to see as all the upper quarry had been bulldozed! At the small quarry nearby I managed to find 3 Grizzled Skipper, but sadly this site has also had a large area bulldozed. 
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Holly Blues now emerging in number - 10 in my Coningsby garden this afternoon."
• Chris Atkin messaged: "Highlights at Donna Nook NNR today were 75 Peacock, 8 Green Hairstreak and 1 Holly Blue."

Saturday 20th April 2019

• Mark Johnson emailed: "Went to Crowle Moor NNR today and found 5 Emperor Moths at the North end and 3 at the South end. Later on in the day visited Chambers Farm Wood and joined Mark Wainwright for a session of moth trapping. My trap produced twenty species,

  

  including a single Great Prominent and an amazing total of 86 Frosted Green and 39 Lunar Marbled Brown."
• Dave Wright reported: "First Holly Blue of the year in my Grimsby garden this afternoon." 

Good Friday 19th April 2019

• Martin Kew emailed: "Recorded my first Grizzled Skipper of the year today at Twyford Wood - one at the Sanctuary Reserve and the other at the Glades Reserve. Also, good numbers of Brimstones and Peacocks, several Orange Tips and a couple of Speckled Woods."
• Les Catchick emailed: "Saw my first Grizzled Skipper of the year this morning at Twyford Wood."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Went 'down south' today and saw my first Dingy Skipper of 2019 at South Witham Verges LWT nature reserve - a good result as I failed to find one last year. However, the biggest surprise was finding a Grizzled Skipper, as in previous years I've not seen this species at that locality. Also, saw several Burnet Companions and a couple of Latticed Heaths. A freshly emerged Green Hairstreak added to the haul. Then went on to Castle Bytham Quarry and was upset to find that the uppermost part of the quarry had been bulldozed, as this section had been very productive in previous years. When I went down to the lower part of the quarry, I was surprised to record 29 Dingy Skippers and a single Grizzled Skipper. Again, a single Green Hairstreak put in an appearance."

Thursday 18th April 2019

• Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "Checked the garden trap this morning and there was only one moth, but one of my favourites - Chocolate-tip. Later visited Roxton Wood and had 10 Peacock, 10 Comma, singles of Small Tortoiseshell, Small White and Brimstone, and 2 Orange Tip."
• Dave Wright reported: "A brief visit to Cleethorpes Country Park this afternoon produced a few Spring butterflies and included my first Orange Tip of the year."

Wednesday 17th April 2019

• Graham Catley messaged: "My first Orange Tip of the year today at Alkborough."
• Dave Wright reported: "A visit to Donna Nook NNR with Chris Atkin  produced our first Green Hairstreaks of the year, 5 at Quad 3. Also in the same area, a single Cinnabar moth. Later, we paid a brief visit to Rimac (Saltfeetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR) and joined up with Mark Johnson, where we found 3 Green Hairsteaks and a single Small Copper. Earlier, Mark had seen 3 Green Hairstreaks at Donna Nook NNR, between Stonebridge car park and Pye's Hall."

Thursday 11th April 2019

Steve Palmer messaged: "First Speckled Wood of the year in my Healing garden today."

Monday 8th April 2019

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "My first mating pair of 2019 today - Large Whites in Coningsby."
• Nina Barrs emailed: "Found a beautiful Hummingbird Hawkmoth in our garden in Spilsby today."

Saturday 6th April 2019

Toby Ludlow messaged: "Despite the overcast conditions, saw 3 Large Whites in Coningsby this morning."

---

March 2019

Sunday 31st March 2019

• Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "The garden trap this morning produced eighteen moths of five species and new for the year was a single Satellite."
• John Davison emailed: "2 Speckled Wood at Messingham Sand Quarry this morning."

Saturday 30th March 2019

• Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "In the garden trap this morning were: 20 Hebrew Character, 14 Clouded Drab, 7 Red Chestnut, 22 Common Quaker, 1 Pale Pinion, 1 Small Quaker, 1 Chestnut and 1 Engrailed."
• Harry Turner phoned: "2 Holly Blue in my Louth Garden today following the first yesterday."
• Ian McGlynn emailed: "Today on the Grantham Canal, taking the narrow turning between Grantham and Harlaxton, I saw 30+ Orange Tip, 3 Speckled Wood, Brimstone, Peacock and 1 Small Copper, my first of the year."
• Kay Heath reported: "A Holly Blue today on plants on a stall at Spalding market place. Amazing that no one else noticed!"
• Andrew Kurch reported: "Holly Blue in the centre of Grimsby today."

Friday 29th March 2019

• Brian Hedley emailed: "Another good day in the garden here at

  

  Marton with seven butterfly species: Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and 3 male Brimstones."
• John Spring from Grimsby emailed: "In our Scartho garden today were: female Orange Tip, 3 Brimstone (2 male and 1 female), 3 Peacock, 1 Green-veined White, 1 Comma and a Small Tortoiseshell."
• Graham Catley messaged: "Speckled Wood at Far Ings NNR today."
• Phil Lee emailed: "Steph and I visited Chambers Farm Wood, where we had 23 Brimstone, 10 Peacock, 3 Comma, 1 Small Tortoiseshell and 1 Small White on a circular walk from the car park and back via Little Scrubbs Meadow and Fiveways. We also saw 2 Grass Snake on the regular corner for them and a Muntjac along the access road. We decided to visit Snakeholme Pit and had only been there ten minutes when a couple of fellas arrived and asked if we had seen the Large Tortoiseshell, which of course we knew nothing about. We joined forces and between us saw it several times, but never in a position where we could photo it. It was always high up on the Blackthorn blossom, where it would change position or fly up

  

  sparring with other butterflies. Other species noted included, 4 Peacock, 3 Brimstone, 3 Small White, 2 Comma, 1 Small Tortoiseshell and a day flying Streamer."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "My first Holly Blue for 2019 seen on The Pingle LNR in Coningsby today. Also, an impressive number of Small Tortoiseshells, most exhibiting courtship behaviour, seen along the River Bain in Coningsby - 107 on a short stretch of river."
• Dave Wright reported: "Along with Chris Atkin, visited Kirkby Moor

  

  LWT nature reserve today and noted 24 Peacock, 14 male Brimstone, 10 Comma and a single Small Tortoiseshell. Moths included 16 Orange Underwing and an Early Grey which was found on a gate post."
• Andrew Kurch reported: "Another visit to Alfred Terrace in the centre of Grimsby, produced a male Green-veined White."

Thursday 28th March 2019: Large Tortoiseshell - an amazing find at Snakeholme Pit!

• Dennis Tyler and Graeme Baker emailed: "Today we visited Chambers

  

  Farm Wood and after a couple of hours photographing the Spring butterflies, including Orange Tip, we went on to Snakeholme Pit. Arriving at about 3pm our attention was drawn to what appeared to be a large, faded 'over-wintered' Small Tortoiseshell basking on the bank side adjacent to the pool. On closer inspection we were both of the opinion that this butterfly may be a lot more special and that we were looking at a Large Tortoiseshell."
• Ian McGlynn emailed: "Just seen my first Orange Tip of the year on private land near to Robert's Field."
• Chris Atkin messaged: "2 Small White, 2 Peacock, 3 Brimstone and 2 Small Tortoiseshell at Cleethorpes Country Park this morning."
• Dave Wright reported: "Had a walk along the Pyewipe Line at Great Coates this afternoon and had the usual Spring butterflies, but also 2 Green-veined Whites, my first of the year."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Had my first Large White of 2019 today, a male on The Pingle at Coningsby."
• Pete Smith emailed: "Once every few years I seem to time my trips to see Orange Underwings just right. Other years, all I get is brief glimpses of adults in flight, or the frustrating sight of one heading for the canopy after I have inadvertently kicked it up off the ground. Today, out at Chambers Farm Wood, the males were behaving perfectly, and I had at least a dozen down on the ground at various points along the main track."

  

• Brian Hedley emailed: "Garden moth trap last night here at Marton produced 35 moths of 6 species, including Early Thorn and 7 Early Grey."
• Andrew Kurch reported: "Speckled Wood in the centre of Grimsby today, near Alfred Terrace, and a female Large White at Ainslie Street Recreation Ground."

Wednesday 27th March 2019

Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "9 Common Quaker, 2 Clouded Drab, 2 Hebrew Character and 3 Early Grey in the garden trap this morning."

Thursday 21st March 2019

Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "Two new moths in the garden trap this morning - Lead-coloured Drab and March Moth. Also in the trap: 9 Common Quaker, 5 Hebrew Character, 1 Early Grey, 7 Clouded Drab, 2 Red Chestnut, 1 Satellite, 1 Pale Pinion and 1 Pale Brindled Beauty."

Wednesday 20th March 2019

• Dave Wright from Grimsby reported: "After a prolonged period of cool, wet and blustery conditions, the warm sunshine was a welcome relief today. Decided to visit my local patch of Town's Holt and found 6 Comma, 10 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Peacock and a male Brimstone. On returning home along the Wybers Wood Estate/field margin, I was rewarded with my first Small White of the year, and also noted 22 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Peacock and 2 Brimstone."
• Mark Johnson emailed: "2 Comma, 2 Peacock and 2 Brimstone, while

  

  working at Vale Farm, Thoresway today."
• Howard Bunn phoned: "2 Small White and a male Brimstone at Weelsby Woods, Grimsby this morning."
• Steve Palmer messaged: "Red Admiral, Comma, Brimstone and my first Green-veined White of the year today in my Healing Garden."

Saturday 9th March 2019

Dave Wright reported: "During the BC Workday at Twyford Wood today, a female Brimstone was disturbed from vegetation at The Glades Reserve." 

Saturday 2nd March 2019

• Toby Ludlow from Coningsby messaged: "Didn't expect to see any butterflies today given the forecast, but in a brief spell of sunshine had my fifth species of the year - a female Small White in a neighbour's garden."
• Dave Wright from Grimsby reported: "During an unexpected period of warm sunshine this afternoon, decided to check a couple of field margins just off the Aylesby Road and found a total of 13 Small Tortoiseshell."

---

February 2019

Wednesday 27th February 2019

• Dave Wright from Grimsby reported: "With cooler conditions predicted for later on in the week, I thought I'd take advantage of the warm afternoon sunshine and cover my local area again: 16 Small Tortoiseshell along the field margin bordering the Wybers Wood Estate, 5 Small Tortoiseshell and a Comma in Town's Holt, and 2 Comma and a Small Tortoiseshell at Freshney Bog."
• Mark Johnson messaged: "Herald moth today, disturbed from hibernation while I was dismantling an old chimney stack at Panton."
• Andrew Kurch reported: "Visited an area of grassland off Westward Ho in Grimsby and found 1 Small White, 32 Small Tortoiseshell and 13 Comma."

Tuesday 26th February 2019: The record temperatures continue and the first Small White of the year!

• Phil Bowler emailed: "First Small White of the season today at Amber Hill."
• Phil Lee emailed: "We had a saunter from the car park to Minting Triangle and back, via Little Scrubbs Meadow today at Chambers Farm Wood and saw 5 Brimstone, 2 Small Tortoiseshell and 1 Comma. Moths included 1 Dotted Border and the earliest Orange Underwing we have ever seen, never one in February before! Also, 1 Common Lizard."
• Sally Johnson messaged: "Following sightings of 4 Small Tortoiseshell in Grainthorpe yesterday,  today a Peacock and 2 Small Tortoiseshell were found nectaring on heather. Also, 1 Comma in a garden in North Somercotes."
• Chris Atkin messaged: "Had six butterflies today and they were all just one species - Comma! 2 at Linwood Warren LWT nature reserve and 4 in Legsby Wood."
• Roger and Allison Brownlow from Kettlethorpe emailed: "Male and female Brimstone in the garden for the third day in a row! Also today, singles of Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock."

Monday 25th February 2019

• Pete Smith emailed: "It's not just adult butterflies that are enjoying the unseasonably balmy weather - I found a White Admiral larva out of its hibernaculum at Southrey Wood, enjoying the warmth. I didn't have my camera with me at the time, so I left it to it, but then I went back a bit later to try and get a photo with my phone. By this time it had retreated back into its shelter, and just the posterior part of the larva was visible, with its colourful spikes showing. Classic White Admiral larval behaviour!"
• Steve Palmer messaged: "2 Brimstone and a Small Tortoiseshell in my Healing garden this afternoon."

Sunday 24th February 2019: The fine weather continues!

• Dave Wright reported: "Walked miles in my local area of Grimsby and not a single butterfly, until I was within a hundred yards from home and 8 Small Tortoiseshell were found along a sheltered field margin."
• Toby Ludlow from Coningsby messaged: "Absolutely gorgeous day! Sun shining, really warm, blue skies and just a slight breeze felt on the face. A 'double-digit' day: fifteen butterflies of four species. Must be the day of the Brimstone! 7 males seen on the wing, 6 between Coningsby and Kirkby on Bain, and 1 at Kirkby Moor LWT nature reserve. Also at the latter site were 5 Comma and a Peacock. On returning to Coningsby there were 2 Small Tortoiseshell at the end of my road."
• Pete Cawdell emailed: "Male Brimstone nectaring on jasmine in my Lincoln garden today, and another at Reepham."

Saturday 23rd February 2019

Mark Johnson from North Somercotes messaged: "First moths of 2019 in my garden trap - 2 Common Quaker and a Hebrew Character."

Friday 22nd February 2019: Unseasonably mild weather produces the goods!

• Dave Wright reported: "Had a Red Admiral this afternoon basking in the warm sunshine on a white fence post at Cuxwold."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Following sightings of Brimstone and Comma near Westward Ho in Grimsby yesterday, I returned to the site today and was amazed to find 20 Small Tortoiseshell, 12 Comma, 2 Peacock and a male Brimstone."
• Chris Atkin messaged: "Brimstone and Peacock at Messingham Sand Quarry LWT nature reserve this afternoon."
• Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "Small Tortoiseshell and Brimstone in the garden this morning."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Just seen my third Small Tortoiseshell of the year today at RAF Coningsby!"
• Linda and Alan Woodward emailed: "Excited to see a Comma and Small Tortoiseshell in a friend's garden in Gainsborough this afternoon. Despite masses of flowers to choose from, they were both busy feeding on donkey dung!"
• Chris Dobson from Langworth emailed: "Got two more species for the year last night in the shape of Clouded Drab and Grey Shoulder-knot."
• Peter Burnett from Fiskerton emailed: "First garden trap last night produced singles of Early Thorn, March Moth and Common Quaker."
• Cliff Morrison emailed: "Checked the actinic trap in my Theddlethorpe garden this morning and it had a good selection of moths: 3 Agonopterix heracliana, 1 Early Tooth-striped, 14 March Moth, 13 Pale Brindled Beauty, 1 Dotted Border, 1 Early Grey and 1 Clouded Drab." 

Thursday 21st February 2019

• Kathy Palmer emailed: "Male Brimstone today in the garden of the Help Centre at Caistor."
• Linda and Alan Woodward from Lea, near Gainsborough emailed: "We had a Brimstone and Small Tortoiseshell in the garden today."
• Phil Bowler emailed: "Very pleased to see today in my Amber Hill garden the first Brimstone of the year on this incredibly mild February day."
• Richard Davison emailed: "A friend of mine who lives in Bassingham near Lincoln, had a Brimstone in their garden this morning."
• Cliff Morrison from Theddlethorpe emailed: "I had two moth traps out on the 17th and 21st of this month. On the 17th I had nine moths of four species: 2 Agonopterix heracliana, 4 March Moth, 2 Pale Brindled Beauty and 1 Dark Chestnut. Today I had ten moths of six species: 1 Agonopterix heracliana, 4 Pale Brindled Beauty, 1 Dotted Border, 1 Spring Usher, 1 Hebrew Character and 2 Dark Chestnut."

Monday 18th February 2018

• Richard Davison reported: "I spoke to Phil Porter today and he said that he had seen a Brimstone in his garden at Bardney."
• Pete Cawdell reported: "A friend of mine saw a Red Admiral in a garden along Beaufort Road, in the Glebe Park area of Lincoln today."
• Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "First moth of the year in my garden trap this morning, a Common Quaker!"

Saturday 16th February 2019

• Pete Smith emailed: "Small Tortoiseshell on the wing in Heighington this morning."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Saw my second Small Tortoiseshell of the year today in the centre of Lincoln!"

Friday 15th February 2019

• Dave Wright reported: "Visited Donna Nook NNR today and there were literally thousands of Brown-tail larval webs on the Sea Buckthorn between Stonebridge car park and Pyes Hall."
• Harry Turner from Louth phoned: "Had my first butterfly of the year in my garden today - a Small Tortoiseshell."

Thursday 14th February 2019: First Red Admiral of the year!

• Steve Palmer from Healing reported: "Had a Red Admiral in the the garden early this afternoon."
• John Petyt from Scunthorpe emailed: "My first garden butterfly of the year was a Peacock trying to warm itself on a paving slab this morning. I have a few flowering heathers just now which might provide a little nectar."

Monday 11th February 2019: Holly Blue in Lincoln and the first Brimstone of the year!

• Richard Davidson emailed: "My mum saw a Holly Blue this afternoon at about 2.30 in her garden, just off Skellingthorpe Road."
• Roger and Allison Brownlow emailed: "Male Brimstone in the garden at Kettlethorpe today."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Off and running for 2019! Just got out of the car at RAF Coningsby and a faded Small Tortoiseshell gave a slow flypast!"

Friday 8th February 2019

Colin Smith emailed: "Had the actinic out in Willingham Woods tonight and had the first significant catch this year: 28 Chestnut, 37 Spring Usher, 11 Pale Brindled Beauty and 1 Dotted Border."

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January 2019

Monday 28th January 2019

Ken Tembey emailed: "Small Tortoiseshell in North Somercotes today!"

Tuesday 15th January 2019

Andrew Kurch phoned: "Surprised to find a Small Tortoiseshell today at Ainslie Street recreation ground in Grimsby."

Tuesday 8th January 2019

Pete Smith emailed: "I have been out in the Limewoods again, searching for hairstreak eggs over the past few days. Plenty of Brown Hairstreak eggs about, including some double and triple egg-drops. I also managed to find a Black Hairstreak egg out at Gosling's Corner Wood - very much harder to find eggs of this species and I rarely find more than one a year, so this was a highly satisfying find!"

New Year's Day Tuesday 1st January 2019: Happy New Year and the first butterfly of 2019!

• Zoe Shreeve emailed: "Steve and I went for a walk around Linwood Warren LWT nature reserve this morning and saw a Peacock flying over the heather towards the entrance - how's that for the 1st January!"
• Phil Lee emailed: "Not in Lincolnshire, but just over the Trent in West Stockwith, we had a Peacock butterfly in flight and our earliest record ever! Let's hope it's a sign of a good year for butterflies."