Lincolnshire 2021 Sightings

November 2021

Thursday 11th November 2021

Brian Hedley emailed: "Eight moths of five species overnight here at Marton, including Dark Sword-grass, Silver Y, Large Wainscot and Yellow-line Quaker."

Wednesday 10th November 2021

Nige Lound emailed: "26 moths of 12 species overnight at Gibraltar Point NNR, not too bad for November! Feathered Thorn, Red-green Carpet and Winter Moth all new for the year." 

Saturday 6th November 2021

Ian McGlynn emailed: "I saw a Red Admiral today in Osbournby."

Friday 5th November 2021

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Had an unusual sighting of a butterfly today near Kirkby on Bain. It was unusual for several reasons: 1. It was mid-morning and the temperature was only 7 degrees C with a chilly Moderate Breeze blowing, making it feel several degrees colder; 2. It was a Speckled Wood, and 3. It was a really fresh specimen, which I reckon was no more than 2 days old."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "This afternoon I had a walk into Grimsby town centre and was amazed to find a fresh Speckled Wood sunning itself in a sheltered green area between Bargate and Brighowgate. This is by far my latest record for a non-hibernating butterfly."
• Dick Lorand phoned: "2 Red Admirals today along the Lincolnshire coast, the first at Huttoft Bank and the second nearby at Huttoft Pit."

Tuesday 2nd November 2021

Derek Fox from Langworth emailed: Surprised to see a Red Admiral in my garden today, nectaring on late flowering dwarf buddleia with the temperature only around 10 degrees C."

---

October 2021

Sunday 24th October 2021

Dave Wright reported: "Red Admiral in my Grimsby garden this afternoon, during a brief sunny spell."

Thursday 21st October 2021

John Davison reported: "Visited Snakeholme Pit LBC Nature Reserve today and it's starting to feel like the season is over, although there were still a few things about. Lots of dragonflies, mainly Common Darters, but also a nice female Southern Hawker and an unusual pink form of Coxcomb Prominent larva."

Tuesday 19th October 2021

Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "Only 12 moths in my garden trap last night, but a migrant Gem made it well worth while. Also, 5 November Moth agg, 2 Green-brindled Crescent, 1 Common Marbled Carpet, 1 Grey Pine Carpet, 1 Yellow-line Quaker and 1 Light Brown Apple Moth."

Saturday 16th October 2021

Toby Ludlow messaged: "Today I had a quick walk around Chambers Farm Wood, not expecting to see much in dull conditions, but was surprised to to find 5 Commas, 3 Red Admirals and a male Small White."

Friday 15th October 2021

Phil Lee emailed: "The attached December moth was in our garden trap last night over here at Misterton. This is only the second ever year that we have had one in the garden and it is also our earliest ever record for it anywhere!"

Thursday 14th October 2021

• Martin Gray from Broadholme emailed: "Had 8 Merveille du Jour moths in the trap this morning, despite it being quite cold overnight."
• Chris Dobson emailed: "A surprisingly good night here in Langworth with 81 moths of 16 species. Seems to be a good year for Green-brindled Crescent with 9 caught last night. Getting them regularly now since my first this year on the 26th September."
• Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "I had 2 more Merveille du Jour this morning, making it 8 for this autumn, and also my 6th Deep-brown Dart."

Wednesday 13th September 2021

Nige Lound emailed: "Trapped in my Skegness garden overnight and had 32 moths of 11 species. The usual autumnal fare with a nice surprise in the form of a Clancy's Rustic. I believe this moth is expanding its range northwards and wonder if it has been recorded in Lincs before?"

Monday 11th October 2021

Nige Lound emailed: "Trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR and managed 30 moths of 12 species. Brick and Green-brindled Crescent both new for the year."

Saturday 9th October 2021

Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "A Grey Shoulder-knot was new for the garden." 

Friday 8th October 2021

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Today, I spent a very enjoyable day in the company of Dave Wright. We visited several reserves around Woodhall Spa on a day when the sun struggled to break through the early morning mist and cloud. Eventually we got some sunny spells whilst at Kirkby Moor NR, but butterflies proved elusive despite the warm temperature. We finally broke our duck when we spotted a dark butterfly flying around some pine trees, but we couldn't quite work

  

  out what it was until it landed on a tree trunk - it was an extremely worn and faded Peacock. Soon after, we encountered a Comma, the first of four seen on the reserve, and a solitary Small Copper before moving on to Moor Farm NR. Here we had more success and, as we slowly and methodically worked our way around the heath, amassed a fine total of 28 Small Coppers. We also saw a Peacock, this one in much better condition than the one at Kirkby Moor

  

  NR and we came across 5 huge Fox Moth larvae close to the car park. However, the find of the day for both of us was a Small Heath. It led us a merry dance for 30 minutes before we finally got a reasonable photo of it.                                                                               
• Mark Johnson reported: "Had a roadside Brimstone this afternoon whilst driving through Grainthorpe."

Thursday 7th October 2021

• Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "This morning the garden trap produced my second Clifden Nonpareil!  Barred Sallow and Red-line Quaker were new for the year."
• Nige Lound emailed: "Trapped at Syke's Farm at Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and managed 105 moths of 15 species. Black Rustic, Satellite and 7 Red-line Quaker were new for the year."
• Dave Wright reported: "It was pleasantly warm and sunny in the Grimsby area this afternoon and the ivy flowers at the back of my garden were alive with nectaring insects, including 3 Red Admiral and a single Comma."

Monday 4th October 2021

Sally Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "Had a Comma in the garden at lunchtime and also a Peacock flying over the hedge."

Sunday 3rd October 2021

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "A 20mph Fresh Breeze from the south-west was blowing today, which initially kept temperatures down, but when the skies cleared just before midday, it warmed up slightly and the thermometer crept up to 15 degrees C. So, I decided to pop over to Moor Farm LWT Nature Reserve for an hour or so. In this short time, I managed to record 19 Small Coppers (third brood) in varying conditions: some fresh, a few slightly worn, and the rest a little past their best. They were all keeping low down to shelter from the wind, but I did watch 2 females egg-laying on Sheep's Sorrel. In addition to the coppers, there were 4 Red Admirals and a brace of Commas. A Peacock was also flushed from the heath, but as it took to the air, the wind soon caught it and carried it off of the reserve. Perhaps the most surprising find of the day, however, was a fairly fresh Painted Lady - it has been a while since I've seen one."
• Andy Sims emailed: "This morning Green-brindled Crescent was new for the year in my Swanpool garden."

Friday 1st October 2021

Derek Fox emailed: "Surprised to see this Painted Lady in the garden today, nectaring on Lantana camara. Other butterflies present included 9 Red Admirals, 3 Comma, 3 Small Whites and 1 Large White. 

---

September 2021

Sunday 26th September 2021

• Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "A Merveille du Jour in the garden trap this morning - always a delight to catch the first of the year!"
• Tracey Lenton from Boston emailed: "I thought you'd like to know about my find today, a Toadflax

  

  Brocade caterpillar discovered on Purple Toadflax (photo attached). I have had it identified by Martin Gray. Other finds this month were the larvae of Knotgrass, several Buff Ermine and an Elephant Hawkmoth."

Wednesday 22nd September 2021

Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "This morning the garden trap produced another new moth for the year - Deep-brown Dart."

Tuesday 21st September 2021: Camberwell Beauty at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe NNR!

Owen Beaumont messaged: "I've been doing butterfly transects recently when the weather allowed, but fewer and fewer species each week now. Speckled Wood seem to have done okay this time after barely any earlier in the season. However, a Camberwell Beauty was reported by a local on 6th September. I managed to get there less than 10 minutes after the initial sighting, but after extensive searching, it was not seen again. Painful one, bucket-list butterfly!"

Sunday 19th September 2021

Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "White-point was new for my garden this morning! Also, new for the year were Mallow, Brindled Green and Black Rustic."

Saturday 18th September 2021

Toby Ludlow messaged: "Wow, amazing what a difference one week makes! Paid a visit to Chambers Farm Wood today and butterfly numbers have plummeted in just one week. Despite the warm temperatures, the glorious sunshine, and plenty of nectar sources still being available, a walk around Little Scrubbs Meadow produced only 8 butterflies! In a 4-hour walk around the wood, I saw 8 species, but alas no hairstreaks were seen. Butterflies noted were: 18 Speckled Woods, 15 Commas, 10 Small Tortoiseshells, 6 Red Admirals, 6 Small Whites, and singles of Green-veined White, Brimstone and Painted Lady." 

Friday 17th September 2021

Phil Lee emailed: "Mallow is said to be quite rare in Notts and so that is probably why it has taken a while now for it to finally find my garden here at Misterton. A welcome addition!

Thursday 16th September 2021

John Davison reported: "At Snakeholme Pit today, butterflies were mainly around the Buddleia and Devil's-bit Scabious. Plenty of Red Admiral plus Large and Small White, Small Tortoiseshell, Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Common Blue and Brown Argus. Quite a few dragonflies around with lots of Willow Emerald, nearly all mating."

Wednesday 15th September 2021

Nige Lound emailed: "Trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and despite a low of 10 degrees, managed to tempt 272 moths of 29 species to light. Feathered Ranunculus and 3 Agonopterix arenella were new for the year."

Tuesday 14th September 2021

Tracy Cowman emailed: "Whilst working a night shift tonight at Stainfield, I spotted this beautiful moth which I have 'Googled' and discovered it to be a Clifden Nonpareil. Apparently it is a rare moth in Lincolnshire and I feel very privileged to have seen it."

Monday 13th September 2021

Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "The first egg-box out of the garden trap this morning revealed a superb Clifden Nonpareil."

Sunday 12th September 2021

Mark Johnson phoned: "This morning I walked between Stonebridge car park and Pye's Hall at Donna Nook NNR, and noted the following: 1 Wall, 2 Common Blue, 1 Painted Lady, 3 Red Admiral, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 4 Small White and a single Green-veined White. Later, I came across a single Buff-tip moth caterpillar in my North Somercotes garden.""

Saturday 11th September 2021

• Andy Sims emailed: "A Webb's Wainscott in my garden trap this morning here at Swanpool, my 2nd ever record."
• John Davison emailed: "John Petyt and I came across 3 Eyed Hawk-moth larvae at Tuetoes Wood this afternoon."

Friday 10th September 2021

• Nige Lound emailed: "Still plenty of moths around at Gibraltar Point NNR and managed 528 of 34 species. Of note was a single Webb's Wainscott, whilst Lunar Underwing and Sallow were both new for the year." 
• Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "The garden trap produced a Large Ranunculus last night."

Thursday 9th September 2021

Nige Lound emailed: "Trapped again at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and managed 485 moths of 41 species. Barred Sallow was new for the year and of note were another 2 Heath Rustic, and singles of Crescent and Shore Wainscot."

Wednesday 8th September 2021

• Phil Bowler emailed: "Had a day at Chambers Farm Wood today, but I think the heat was too much for most butterflies (and humans). It certainly appeared to be for the 3 female Brown Hairstreaks I came across, all at the usual spot beyond Minting Triangle. They appeared to be egg-laying on minute, straggly bits of blackthorn near the ride edge, then retreated into the undergrowth out of the sun. Also saw 3 Purple Hairstreaks, all flying weakly and close to the ground - one landed briefly on the track but soon took off again. Very little else seen: 3 Brimstone, 10 Small White, 2 Green-veined White, 2 Common Blue, 3 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 3 Small Tortoiseshell (scores were reported from the meadow), 24 Speckled Wood and a single Vapourer moth."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Paid a brief visit to my local patch, just off Westward Ho in Grimsby, and noted at least 6 Purple Hairstreak still on the wing and 14 Speckled Wood."

Tuesday 7th September 2021

• John Davison reported: "A very hot (perhaps too hot) and sunny day at Southrey Wood. The rides were full of Devil's-bit Scabious and clouds of Red Admiral arose with each step. I estimated 500  and 150 Brimstone. There were also small numbers of Small and Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Painted Lady, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell. Best find was a Brown Hairstreak."
• Keith Walton emailed: "Visited Chambers Farm Wood again today, but very little at Minting Triangle - only 2 Red Admiral and 3 Brimstone. Other observers had seen a couple of Brown Hairstreak, but none came down. Little Scrubbs Meadow still held 30 Brimstone, 80 Red Admiral and 10 Comma, but only 7 Peacock, 14 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Purple Hairstreak and 1 Brown Hairstreak in the far corner. Went on to Snakeholme Pit - 14 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Silver-washed Fritillary, 2 Peacock and 2 Small Tortoiseshell on the single Buddleia there. I ended the day at Southrey Wood and noted 15 Brimstone and 10 Red Admiral along the main track. However, when I arrived at the Devil's-bit Scabious I was greeted by clouds of Red Admiral (I stopped counting at 500) and 153 Brimstone."
• Pete Cawdell emailed: "This afternoon I was driving past Snakeholme Pit and I thought it would be rude not to pop in and try the new seat. At about 5pm I was just leaving when I spotted a female Brown Hairstreak flitting around the top of the hedge-side blackthorn. Just over head height and a lovely sight, although she was in egg-laying mode, curling her abdomen around looking for suitable deposition twigs, and so keeping her wings shut. I watched transfixed for about 10 minutes. This was only a few metres away from where Richard Davidson found 6 eggs the day before. The odd egg has been found here, rarely, during annual egg hunts, but this was my first sighting of an adult in 35 years of visiting the site. I met up with John Davison later who had been visiting in Southrey Wood and he told me that, at about 1pm, he had photographed a female Brown Hairstreak along the main ride in from the road. I believe this is a first record of an adult Brown Hairstreak in the wood since the 1950s, and probably the first photographic record ever. Again a few eggs have been found during winter searches by Pete Smith, Richard Davison and myself. So it seems that this last few hot days have been very important for Brown Hairstreak females, flying out from their main Limewoods population centres on their annual egg-laying missions to explore new frontiers, following a cloudy few weeks weather."
• Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and managed 610

  

  moths of 58 species. 2 Heath Rustic were a surprise (new moth for me). Oak Hook-tip was new for the year and the two micros Agonopterix purpurea and Nephopterix angustella were also new to me. The trap also included an Oak Bush Cricket and 2 Hornets."

Sunday 5th September 2021

• Ian McGlynn emailed: "Went to Bourne Woods today and saw about 50 butterflies, including 29 Speckled Woods and a single Silver-washed Fritillary."
• Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped at Syke's Farm, Giraltar Point NNR overnight with a 160W Blacklight Robinson and managed 497 moths of 39 species. 2 Large Thorn were new for the year and of note were a single Tree-lichen Beauty and 17 White-point."

Thursday 2nd September 2021

Phil Lee from Misterton emailed: "The attached caterpillar was found today in the garden on my wheelbarrow. I have looked through the Jim Porter caterpillar book and the new Henwood & Sterling field guide without success, but using the internet I've come to the conclusion that it is a Buff Ermine."

Wednesday 1st September 2021

Pete Smith emailed: "What does a Lepidopterist do when the sun refuses to shine and light mist or drizzle persists for day after day? One option at this time of year is to go searching for White Admiral larvae, which is what I spent this afternoon doing. They fascinate me, especially with their secretive lifestyles and unusual toileting habits. Attached are two photos of a second instar larva in the Limewoods, complete with its latrine - a silked-up package of frass pellets and bits of honeysuckle leaf and leaf hairs. The close-up shows the characteristic black head and white stripe of the second instar, along with the developing spines, while the overview illustrates typical feeding damage  and the 'pier' on which the larva will rest until it builds its hibernaculum and enters hibernation in its third instar. The chances of this particular caterpillar surviving to the adult stage is very slim, but enough always make it through to ensure the continuity of our local colonies."

---

August 2021

Sunday 29th August 2021

Phil Lee emailed: "I know the Hedge Rustic is said to be common and indeed I have trapped lots of them at Scotton Common and Messingham Sand Quarry, but the attached is the first that has glided over the Trent from there and visited our garden here at Misterton."

Saturday 28th August 2021

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Today highlighted the juxtaposition of garden butterflies versus those of the wider countryside. Whilst there has been an explosion of Nyphalids in the garden, most butterfly species in the wider countryside, especially the inhabitants of grassland locales, are on the wane. A trip to Moor Farm LWT Nature Reserve produced a varied array of species, albeit most occurring in low, single-figure counts. Over a 2-hour period, I recorded 18 species, not bad for the end of August. Species seen were: Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Small Copper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Brimstone, Red Admiral, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Painted Lady and Purple Hairstreak. Later in Coningsby, I added a 19th species, when I saw 6 Holly Blues."
• Keith Walton emailed: "Today I visited Chambers Farm Wood with Ron Henderson and saw 21

  

  species of butterfly, including 107 Red Admiral (80 in Little Scrubbs Meadow), 106 Small Tortoiseshell (83 in Little Scrubbs Meadow), 81 Peacock (68 in Little Scrubbs Meadow), Brimstone (31 in Little Scrubbs Meadow), 9 Silver-washed Fritillary, 4 Painted Lady, 9 Comma and 10 Brown Hairstreak with at least 5 seen by other observers. We also visited Snakeholme Pit, where we also saw a Brown Hairstreak and Purple Hairstreak."
• Darren Wozencroft emailed: "Whilst visiting Chambers Farm Wood today with my daughter, I was surprised to see a female Purple Emperor on the path between Fiveways and the car park at 1:30pm. It was flushed by a dog before I got my camera on it so unfortunately no photo. Quite a late date for this species! We also saw 2 Silver-washed Fritillary and 2 Painted Lady during our brief visit, but no Brown Hairstreak, despite others seeing up to half a dozen."
• Ian Saggers emailed: "My wife and I visited Chambers Farm Wood for the first time on Friday and Saturday. Despite the positive weather forecast Friday was not good, however  the sun came out today and with it the butterflies. Our sightings were: 2 Brimstone, 1 Brown Argus, Brown Hairstreak (several females in and around Minting Triangle), 2 Comma, 6 Painted Lady and 2 Silver-washed Fritillary (both very ragged)."
• Derek Fox emailed: "125 Small Tortoiseshells in my Langworth garden today."

Tuesday 24th August 2021

Pete Smith emailed: "A quick update on the Speckled Wood ab. I've shared it on UK  Butterflies website and the British butterfly aberration Facebook page. Everyone agrees it is off the scale in terms of Speckled Wood abs. Clive Pratt, aberration expert, agrees that an extreme ab. saturatior is the likely candidate, so suggest we go with that."

Monday 23rd August 2021: Speckled Wood Extreme Aberration!

• Phil Bowler emailed: "A trip to Chambers Farm Wood to see the Brown Hairstreak resulted in a much more exciting find, a Speckled Wood. But this was no ordinary Speckled Wood, it was a female aberration with much reduced markings. Underside photo attached and I think it might be ab. saturatior. She stayed on Devil's-bit Scabious for a while before moving on to a low level shrub, then investigated the grasses, hopefully egg-laying. Eventually she flew up into the trees and vanished. Witnessed by Pete Smith and Adrian Royle."
• Pete Smith emailed: "Had a great day out at Chambers Farm Wood today - Brown Hairstreak

  

  females frequent and behaving impeccably, with plenty of good, long close-up encounters. But the undoubted highlight was an extreme aberration of the Speckled Wood, very well spotted by Phil Bowler, who kindly drew it to the attention of myself and Adrian Royle. Almost completely lacking in markings, it was a most dramatic looking female. I am not sure what it is, but the closest I can get to an ID is that it could be a particularly extreme example of ab. saturatior. Failing that, we should probably name it in honour of its finder, and allocate it the name of ab. bowlerii!"
• Adrian Royle emailed: "An epic day at Chambers Farm Wood today, Brown Hairstreak females

  

  performing wonderfully, all low down and close-up for long periods. Plus an amazing aberrant Speckled Wood found by Phil Bowler near to Minting Triangle. Also had a Purple Hairstreak on my finger, but it looked tatty and tired."
• Mark Joy emailed: "Today my Gosberton Reigate garden produced 2 Red Admiral, 25 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Peacock and 2 Small White (1 nectaring on Red Valerian and 1 egg-laying on Aubretia). There were similar numbers present yesterday with the addition of a Hummingbird Hawk-moth nectaring on Red Valerian."
• Derek Fox from Langworth emailed: A massive emergence of Small Tortoiseshells in the garden today. I managed to count 88 and later in the day there seemed to be more appearing."

Sunday 22nd August 2021

Phil Jones emailed: "I'm very new to the moth world, but tonight I managed to identify a Box-tree Moth, which flew into my Grimsby house."

Friday 20th August 2021

• Phil Bowler emailed: "We are having the most amazing year in our butterfly garden at Amber Hill, with so many species breaking existing records, making comebacks and newcomers, the most famous being the prior mentioned unexpected arrival of the Purple Hairstreak. Latest to claim its best year to date is none other than the Small Tortoiseshell, getting back to its 'good old days' numbers! We counted 275 yesterday which on top of a good first brood, has already rocketed 2021 into being its best year ever. Also having their best year to date are the Gatekeeper, Brimstone, Large Skipper and Small Copper. The Essex Skipper has just finished its flight period making this year its third best.  The double act of Common Blue and Brown Argus are performing similarly. The Red Admiral is also having one of its best years to date. I should mention the Small Heath, with 3 seen yesterday, I'm hoping for a return to their former glory. They were reasonably common in the area when we first moved in back in 1997. This review would not be complete without a mention of the amazing numbers of Six-spot Burnet earlier. With a high count of 87, this year's total was 196. We had to transfer many of the moths and pupae to a nearby large wildflower meadow, for fear of them stripping the Bird's-foot Trefoil! Out garden website has been fully revamped - please check it out: homeforbutterflies.com "
• Brian Hedley emailed: "Had a good moth haul tonight here at Marton - about 600 moths of 65

  

  species. Highlights included Metalampra italica, and Butterbur (both new species for me), plus Twin-spotted Wainscot, Flame Carpet and Maiden's Blush. Others included Tawny Speckled Pug, 4 Copper Underwing agg, Orange Swift, Yellow-barred Brindle, 9 Mouse, 2 Dusky Thorns and Angle Shades."
• Graham Catley messaged: "Alkborough today produced 139 Small Tortoiseshell, 23 Common Blue and 4 Wall."

Thursday 19th August 2021

Nige Lound emailed: "I put out two traps in the area of Syke's Farm at Giraltar Point NNR overnight and managed 572 moths of 97 species. Highlights were singles of Dark Spinach and Black Arches with a supporting cast of 3 Tree-lichen Beauty, Cream-bordered Green Pea, Star-wort and White-point. 

Wednesday 18th August 2021

Mike Pickwell emailed: "With the appearance of the sun today, I went for a walk around Gooseman's Field in Grimsby. There were plenty of whites about and although they rarely settled, I did manage to identify Large and Small White and I'm sure that there must have been some Green-veined as well. There were still a few Meadow Browns and Gatekeepers about, and I was pleased to find 3 Small Coppers, 6 Common Blues and a single Brown Argus."

Tuesday 17th August 2021

Phil Lee from Misterton emailed: "As many of you will know, Lappet is a very rare moth in these parts. Here in Notts it is thought to have died out, in Yorkshire it is very rare and in Norfolk very scarce. I have not come across it in my 67 years, and so when my good pal Neil Wood rang me yesterday to say that he had one in his trap on Sunday night and would I like to see it, I was at his door within 10 minutes! Neil traps in the same village, Misterton, at the Soss which is on the banks of the River Idle and only half a mile from the Lincs border and 4.75 miles the South Yorks border, so this sighting will be of interest to all nearby.

Monday 16th August 2021

Pete Burnett emailed: "A good selection of butterflies in the garden and adjoining car park at Chambers Farm Wood recently. Silver-washed Fritillary, Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Gatekeeper, Common Blue, Small Skipper, Large White and a fresh Brimstone."

Sunday 15th August 2021

• Mark Joy emailed: "Today in my Gosberton Risegate garden was a day to remember for the first ever Purple Hairstreak that I've seen here. Earlier in the day at one time there were 1 Painted Lady, 4 Red Admiral, 6 Small Tortoiseshell and 1 Peacock all nectaring together on Hemp Agrimony. Then, during the afternoon, a male Common Blue was on Goldenrod followed by a Speckled Wood and Holly Blue on Hemp Agrimony. A bit later I discovered the Purple Hairstreak nectaring on Goldenrod  and then it moved onto the Hemp Agrimony. There is hardly any Oak in the area so it was a big surprise. The only other Purple Hairstreaks I've seen around here were in the 90's, 3 miles from where I am now, in a small spinney of old mature Oaks surrounded by barren farmland."
• John Davison reported: "At last, a decent day with good numbers of butterflies and with the Purple

  

  Loosestrife and Devil's-bit Scabious looking magnificent, several species, including Silver-washed Fritillary and Peacock took advantage. Other butterflies included Large, Small and Green-veined White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Ringlet, Common Blue, Brown Argus, male and female Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell and Comma. Lots of Red Admiral, but alas no skippers. Adult Silver Y and Latticed Heath moths, and larvae of Buff-tip and Herald also noted."
• Mark Johnson emailed: "Had another outing to Horseshoe Point this morning and had 11 species of butterfly, despite the Environment Agency mowing the embankments since my last visit. All seen in the areas where the mowers had missed or couldn't reach. Good to see 16 Common Blue, and also 6 Essex Skipper, 2 Gatekeeper, 1 Green-veined White, 4 Large White, 3 Meadow Brown, 2 Painted Lady, 15 Peacock, 8 Red Admiral, 17 Small Tortoiseshell and 2 Small White. Imagine the potential of this site, if the Environment Agency relaxed its ridiculous and expensive policy of mowing the flora every six weeks!"

Saturday 14th August 2021

Mark Johnson from North Somercotes reported: "I decided to put the trap out last night instead of tonight for a change and it seemed to pay off! 490 moths of 71 species certainly kept me busy for a while this morning. Highlights were 3 new moths for the garden - Black Arches, Purple Bar and Tree-lichen Beauty. Others were 77 Common Rustic agg, 47 Large Yellow Underwing, 28 Silver Y, 27 Flame Shoulder, 28 Dusky Sallow, 18 Mother of Pearl, 18 Gold Spot and 21 Dark Arches. Later, I recieved a call from friends, informing me about their sighting of a Marbled White along a roadside verge while walking near Grimoldby last Thursday evening. Unfortunately a photograph wasn't obtained, but they were 100% sure that it was this species. "

Friday 13th August 2021

• Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "Butterflies in the garden this lunchtime included 1 Comma, 1 Gatekeeper, 1 Green-veined White, 5 Large White, 3 Small White, 3 Meadow Brown, 3 Painted Lady, 22 Peacock, 20 Red Admiral, 2 Small Tortoiseshell and 3 Wall. On Tuesday we found 2 Red Underwing moths in the garden."
• Owen Beaumont emailed: "Bit blustery at Rimac today, and with the forecast not looking too sunny for the start of next week, I decided to get the transect in earlier this afternoon. Not bad despite the wind and a better count of Wall than earlier in the week. The count produced the following: 23 Small/Essex Skipper, 2 Large White, 19 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 2 Small Copper, 2 Brown Argus, 12 Common Blue, 3 Red Admiral, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 12 Peacock, 2 Speckled Wood, 14 Wall, 42 Gatekeeper, 64 Meadow Brown 3 Small Heath and 3 Ringlet."

Thursday 12th August 2021

• Allan Rodda emailed: "Visited Chambers Farm Wood today to meet up with Colin Pumfrett and Adrian Royle, and found 3 Brown Hairstreaks, our first of the year. Also noted the following: 20+ Purple Hairstreak, 1 Comma, 20+ Gatekeeper, 10+ Brimstone, 10+ Silver-washed Fritillary, 1 Dark Green Fritillary, 1 Brown Argus, 1 Small Copper, 3 Small Skipper, 1 Large Skipper, 9 Peacock, 5 White Admiral, 5 Red Admiral, 2 Speckled Wood, 10+ Ringlet, 10+ Meadow Brown and good numbers of all 3 Whites."
• Martin Gray from Broadholme emailed: "The garden trap produced a pristine Tissue tonight and

  

  the photo does not do it justice!"
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "Visited The Woodland Burial Ground in Grimsby today and there were good numbers of all 3 Whites, plus 1 Brown Argus, 2 Small Copper, 4 Peacock, 4 Speckled Wood, 7 Meadow Brown, 2 Ringlet, 4 Gatekeeper and 1 Red Admiral. Also, there were plenty of fresh Common Darter dragonflies about and a female Southern Hawker."

Wednesday 11th August 2021

Graham Catley messaged: "3 Walls at Alkborough today in the lower Flats by the Trent."

Tuesday 10th August 2021

• Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped overnight at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR, with a Blacklight Robinson and managed 606 moths of 106 species. A personal highlight was Bordered Beauty, a welcome addition to my Lincs Macro list. The supporting cast included Tree-lichen Beauty, 5 Least Carpet, White-point, Kent Black Arches, Silky Wainscot and Scorched Carpet. The Saltmarsh Plume was new for the year here. 
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "Walked the transect at Rimac today and recorded the following

  

  butterflies: 9 Wall, 42 Small/Essex Skipper, 3 Large White, 6 Small White, 2 Green-veined White, 4 Small Copper, 1 Brown Argus, 12 Common Blue, 3 Red Admiral, 14 Peacock, 3 Speckled Wood, 86 Gatekeeper, 98 Meadow Brown and 11 Ringlet."
• Dave Wright reported: "Following a grey start to the day and with sunny spells developing,

  

  decided to visit Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR, concentrating on the area between Churchill Car Park and Rimac. Walked the track on the seaward side of the dune scrub, returning via the various tracks inland and noted the following: 13 Wall, 19 Small Skipper, 1 Essex Skipper, 14 Large White, 20 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 2 Brown Argus, 28 Common Blue, 7 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 38 Peacock, 2 Speckled Wood, 72 Gatekeeper, 73 Meadow Brown, 2 Ringlet and 3 Small Heath. Also came across an Elephant Hawk-moth caterpillar."

Monday 9th August 2021

• Pete Smith emailed: "Bumped into a stunning female just south of Ancaster this morning (please don't mention it to my wife!) - she was seeking out Bird's-foot Trefoil for egg laying when I first spotted her. See attached photograph, a gorgeous ab. albocuneata. I fell a little bit in love - those white markings and the blue/brown contrast...wow!"
• Phil Lee emailed: "Scorched Carpet is a scarce grade 3 species in Notts and the attached is only

  

  the second record for my Misterton garden, which turned up tonight. Interestingly, the previous one was on the 9th August as well.
• Graham Catley messaged: 10 Painted Ladies at Alkborough today."

Saturday 7th August 2021

Graham Catley emailed: "At least 3 Wall this morning, along the edge of a Barley field, by the quarry near South Ferriby Cliff."

Thursday 5th August 2021

• Derek Fox from Langworth emailed: "Best day in my garden all year today - 30 fresh Peacocks, 9 Red Admirals, 6 Commas, 3 fresh Brimstones, 3 Painted Ladies, 2 Small Tortoiseshells, 2 Holly Blues, 3 Gatekeepers, 2 Meadow Browns, 1 Brown Argus and a total of about 50 assorted Large, Small and Green-veined-Whites."
• Pete Freeman emailed: "Visited Tuetoes Hills, west of Scotter today and had a female Wall. Can't be many places further inland than this in the county where this species occurs?"

Wednesday 4th August 2021: Another Marbled White site in the Deep South!

• Pete Cawdell emailed: "After a tip-off from a botanist friend I was able to confirm a new Marbled White colony at Little Bytham. It is in a newly created wildflower meadow of a couple of acres, sandwiched between the active railway line and the Creeton Road, next to a children's play area. I found 4 there on a brief visit today at 5pm, as well as all the usual meadow butterflies including Common Blue and Brown Argus."
• Mark Johnson phoned: "Surprised to find a Wall in my garden at North Somercotes this lunchtime.
• Phil Bowler emailed: "Had a day at Chambers Farm Wood today, mainly to see if any Brown Hairstreaks were out. I didn't see any, but had to abandon ship before I had time to check the Minting area. Butterflies recorded included the following: 3 Large Skipper, 3 Small/Essex Skipper, 10 Brimstone, 7 Large White, 5 Small White, 35 Green-veined White, 1 Small Copper, 1 Brown Argus, 28 Purple Hairstreak, 4 possible White-letter Hairstreak, 2 Purple Emperor, 13 White Admiral, 11 Red admiral, 4 Painted Lady, 45 Peacock, 4 Comma, 13 Silver-washed Fritillary, 6 Speckled Wood, 55 Gatekeeper, 13 Meadow Brown and 12 Ringlet. Moths included singles of Vapourer and Silver Y.

Tuesday 3rd August 2021

• Graham Catley emailed: "Wall at Alkborough hillside, but little else apart from a single Painted Lady and 100+ Gatekeeper. My daughter also had a Wall this morning at Ferriby Cliff, west of Barton-upon-Humber.
• John Davison reported: "A nice sunny day for a change at Snakeholme Pit LBC Nature Reserve,

  

  with quite a lot of butterfly activity. Highlight was a pair of Silver-washed Fritillary. Noted the usual Browns and Whites (nice to see Ringlet still going strong), Red Admiral, Peacock, Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell, Large Skipper (faded), Small Copper, Common Blue and Comma. Buff-tip larvae now fully grown and other moths included Silver Y and Yellow Shell."
• Freddy Johnson emailed: "Finally my mass of Marjoram covering the rockery and nearby Buddleia bushes, plus welcome sunshine, have attracted a number of butterfly species to visit my Bracebridge Heath garden. Today I had Painted Lady, 2 Red Admirals, 3 Peacocks, Holly Blue, Ringlet, Gatekeeper and the 3 Whites. Yesterday I recorded Meadow Brown, Small Skipper and Small Tortoiseshell, plus Painted Lady and 2 Holly Blues - 12 species in 2 days!"
• Nige Lound emailed: "Trapped in the Meads Paddock area of Gibraltar Point NNR and caught 426

  

  moths of 80 species. The highlight was the 2nd County record of the micro Isophrictis striatella, confirmed by Martin Gray. New for the year were Bulrush and Mere Wainscots, Straw Underwing, Flounced Rustic, Small Phoenix and Rosy Rustic. The supporting cast included Tree-lichen Beauty, Lyme Grass, Crescent Striped, Lesser Cream Wave, 2 Small Scallop and Least Carpet."

Monday 2nd August 2021

• Graham Catley messaged: "Essex Skipper this morning at Barton-upon-Humber and a Wall nearby at the west end of Chowder Ness."
• Pete Burnett emailed: "Had a wander around College Wood near Wragby at the weekend - loads of Meadow Browns and a couple of White Admirals. Looked for anything purple but no luck!"
• Dave Wright reported: "This morning I had a Painted Lady in my Grimsby garden, the first for almost 2 years! Also noted 2 Holly Blue (4 last Saturday), 3 Red Admiral, 3 Peacock, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 5 Large White, 8 Small White and a Green-veined White. This afternoon had a short walk around the field margins close to home, and found another Painted Lady nectaring on a patch of thistles with 3 Small Tortoiseshell. Also noted a single Essex Skipper."

Sunday 1st August 2021

Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "Last night's garden trap produced 152 moths of 47 species. New for the year were 2 Scalloped Oak, 1 Mallow and 1 Tawny Speckled Pug. New for the garden was a Green Arches, which I thought was going to be the highlight, but it was out done by a lifer, a Haworth's Minor!"

---

July 2021

Saturday 31st July 2021

Pete Smith emailed: "Was walking along the Carr Dyke, south of Potterhanworth Wood today, when a very white Meadow Brown caught my eye as it flew past - see attached picture, a female ab. alba."

Friday 30th July 2021

Laura Gundy emailed: "During a short, slow walk with my aged dog this afternoon, I was pleased to see 9 Brown Argus, including a mating pair, along a very short stretch of field margin at Benniworth Walk Farm. The weather was breezy and they were all fighting against the wind, but still very active in spite of their difficulties."

Thursday 29th July 2021

Phil Bowler from Amber Hill emailed: "I was just wondering if any of the f. valezina of Silver-washed Fritillary have ever been seen in Lincolnshire? Because........I've had yet another of those moments whereby I turn a corner in the garden and something unexpected reveals itself! On this occasion, a huge butterfly took off from a bramble thicket. Silver-washed Fritillary size and flying like a female, with a definite chequered type pattern, looking almost pale white and black as it flew. I've seen these before when fresh, further south, and they really do initially make you think what is that, if you're not expecting one. I've seen a picture of a faded one on the Dorset BC site, and it really made me think. If it wasn't a f. valezina, what on Earth was it?"

Wednesday 28th July 2021

Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "This morning I had another new moth for the garden - Brown-tail. Not sure how common these are inland."

Tuesday 27th July 2021

• Mike Pickwell emailed: "I had a very sultry walk around Gooseman's Field in Grimsby this afternoon. I have never seen the vegetation so grown up there. Although it was cloudy, there was quite a lot of activity. Large numbers of Whites, mainly Small and Large, but also a few Green-veined. A lot of Gatekeepers and good numbers of Ringlet, Meadow Brown and Small Skipper. Also, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Essex Skipper, 1 Small Heath and 1 Common Blue."
• Phil Lee from Misterton emailed: "Back in 2013 a small group of us trapped at Crowle Moor in

  

  search of Haworth's Minor and we managed to catch a single individual. It was said at the time that this species had not been recorded in Lincolnshire since the 1970's. Howarth's Minor is very scarce in Notts and I was blessed last year to add it to my garden list. Low and behold another one turned up last night!" 
• Pete Smith emailed: "I seem to have missed out on recent aberrations at Chambers, such as the White Admiral obliterae and the stunningly

  

  spectacular Purple Emperor lugenda. But I did photograph an unusual Meadow Brown at Eleanor Wood near Market Rasen today - see attached, which I believe is a male ab. transformis, nectaring alongside a normal female. This is probably a pathological aberration."
• Andy Sims emailed: "Crescent new for my Swanpool garden last night. Also my 3rd Tree-lichen Beauty in 3 days, Vapourer and Dusky Thorn."
• Colin Pumfrett from Broughton emailed: "A Crescent Dart, normally found on the West coast, managed to find its way into my garden moth trap."

Monday 26th July 2021

• Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "164 moths of 58 species in my garden trap this morning, with Oak Hook-tip and Canary-shouldered Thorn new for the year. Blackneck was my 2nd of the year and yet another Rosy Footman."
• Nige Lound emailed: "Trapped near Mill Hill at Gib overnight and managed 461 moths of 91 species. 2 Tree-lichen Beauty were new for the year, as were Crescent Striped and Small Emerald. The supporting cast included 2 Blackneck, Lesser Cream Wave, Star-wort and Least Carpet, whilst a total of 12 Small Scallop was noteworthy here."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Carried out further surveys today for Purple Emperors in the Bardney Limewoods NNR, with 2 further sites added to the 'Royal Estate'. 2 males seen in Austacre Wood, and 9 males and 1 female seen at Camshaws Wood."
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "Today I paid a visit to Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR (Rimac) and

  

  photographed the attached Gatekeeper which apparently is an aberration - ab. excessa. (Many thanks to Pete Smith for the identification). There were lots of Gatekeeper and Small Skipper, with good numbers of Ringlet and Meadow Brown, plus 1 Peacock, 1 Common Blue and 1 Small Copper."

Sunday 25th July 2021

• Andy Sims emailed: "At Swanpool last night I caught my 2nd Tree-lichen Beauty in two days, after none in 13 years! Also, new for the year were Scallop Shell, Small Ranunculus and Dotted Clay. After my first and only Rosy Footman last year I have caught 5 this year!"
• Graham Catley messaged: "Following the first sighting of a Marbled White at Alkborough last weekend, there were 3 present this morning.

Saturday 24th July 2021

• Andy Sims emailed: "Tree-lichen Beauty new for my Lincoln garden last night."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "The weather looked like it was going to brighten up, so paid an afternoon visit to Chambers Farm Wood. At the picnic area, met Elliot and his chauffeur (Dad) from West Yorkshire. They were hoping to see their first ever Purple Emperor, and so we headed up to Fiveways together. We were soon treated to a fine aerial display by a male Purple Emperor gliding over the Oaks, which was the first of many seen along the main stone track. By the time we had reached Fiveways 12 Purple Emperors had been recorded. I then continued alone and, in the few bright spells that occurred throughout the afternoon, finally amassed a total of 26 Purple Emperors for the day." 
• John Davison emailed: "John Petyt and I visited Broughton West Wood this afternoon. Lots of Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper and Ringlet, plus a single Peacock. Highlights though were 16 Silver-washed Fritillaries and a new record for the site, a White-letter Hairstreak."

Friday 23rd July 2021

Brian Hedley emailed: "A couple of smart moths for the garden here at Marton today - Gold Spangle and Archer's Dart. Martin Gray considers the Gold Spangle to be a wanderer from moorland (Pennines?)."

Thursday 22nd July 2021

• Phil Lee from Misterton emailed: "Another new moth for the garden again last night - a Brown-tailed Wainscot and also the click beetle Stenagostus rhombeus, which is not common in Lincolnshire."
• Toby Ludlow from Coningsby emailed: "Had the 'Big 5' in my garden today: Red Admiral and Comma in the back garden on Buddleia, and Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and Painted Lady in the front garden on Lavender."
• Freddy Johnson emailed: "I had my first Painted Lady of the summer this morning, nectaring on Buddleia in my Bracebridge Heath garden."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Visited Bradley Woods in Grimsby this evening and found 16 Purple Hairstreaks in the oaks near the car park, followed by another 19 just across the road in Dixon's Wood. On my way home I popped into People's Park and there were still 3 White-letter Hairstreaks along the eastern boundary."
• Nige Lound emailed: "Trapped overnight at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR with a Blacklight Robinson. 200 moths of 68 species so plenty of variety. Of note were 8 Least Carpet, Small Scallop and Slender Brindle."

Wednesday 21st July 2021

• Pete Smith emailed: "Who would have thought that after such a cold, late, dismal spring that this summer would turn out to be such a dramatic one for butterflies? The Purple Emperor continues to amaze....it really is having a tremendous year, and today I found it at two more new sites. Firstly, an early morning visit to Scotgrove Wood produced a fine aerial display above the oaks from a single Emperor, which lasted for about 60 seconds. I then searched in vain for an hour and a half at Southrey Wood, with no sign of His Majesty, but plenty of Silver-washed Fritillaries and Purple Hairstreaks. But the best was yet to come. I arrived at Horsington Wood at 12:00, and after walking down the shady track, the first butterfly I saw on entering the wood  itself was a male Silver-washed Fritillary, followed 30 seconds later by a fly-over of a male Purple Emperor that took off from the oak tree by the wood entrance. I took this as a good omen! Between 12:00 and 1:30pm I had a total of 9 Purple Emperors at Horsington, including 5 males around a small group of 'master oaks' who hung around for quite a while, resting up and occasionally interacting. At one point I had three males in the air together, fighting over territorial rights - I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming! After an hour and a half, I was beginning to suffer from that well known syndrome of 'Emperor's neck' - the mildly arthritic condition affecting those of us of a certain age, and had to drag myself away. Lots of Purple Hairstreaks around at all sites today too - early in the morning the oaks were sparkling with silver flashes everywhere I looked. Great times!" 
• Phil Bowler emailed: "More great news from my Amber Hill butterfly garden. Sitting in my woodland garden peering into the trees, I was of the impression (and subsequently still am) that I had seen a White-letter Hairstreak on the elm/ash merge. Shortly afterwards I had two totally unexpected confirmed sightings of Purple Hairstreak around the ash and oak. Although this was an amazing surprise, the White-letter has been expected for years. I have been looking out for them all the time we have been here (24 years) as there is plenty of neighbourhood elm. In more recent years we have developed a good stand of our own maturing, flowering elm. But still no White-letters - until today maybe. Now that would be really special: two new hairstreak species on one day!
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "Things have really been looking up recently at Gooseman's Field and

  

  Scartho Woodland Burial Ground in Grimsby. Today I had another hot walk around the Burial Ground and found the following: 21 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 6 Speckled Wood, 1 Comma, 3 Small Skipper, 3 Meadow Brown, 16 Ringlet and 7 Gatekeeper. I was pleased to find the Gatekeepers, I wondered where they had got to, but looking back at my records I didn't find them until this time last year."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Had a stroll in Weelsby Woods, Grimsby this evening and found 10 Purple Hairstreaks."
• Phil Lee Emailed: "I had a few goodies in the trap last night over here in Misterton including

  

  Slender Pug, Antler, Double-lobed and Dark Umber, but the star of the trap was the attached Wormwood, which still has a Nationally Scarce B status and is a rarity in Notts. Only the second I have had following one in my garden back in July 2014."
• Freddy Johnson emailed: "I visited Southrey Wood this morning with my wife and son. We walked along the main track from the Bardney-Horncastle road and saw 4 White Admirals, 5 Silver-washed Fritillaries, 11 Purple Hairstreaks, plus Red Admiral, Comma, Brimstone, Gatekeepers, Skippers, Ringlets and Meadow Browns."

Tuesday 20th July 2021: Lincolnshire Rainbows

• Pete Smith emailed: Forget about the red-hot summer and the cerulean blue skies - the colour currently making all the headline news in the land of the Yellowbellies, is PURPLE! After a long absence, Lincolnshire re-joined the Purple Empire back in 2014, when a reintroduction, carried out under the stewardship of the late Martin White, returned the Purple Emperor butterfly to Chambers Farm Wood. Ironically, His Imperial Majesty was already in the process of naturally recolonising the county from the south and west at around the same time, and over the past few years has become well established in a number of woods in south and central Lincolnshire. This year it is out and about in excellent numbers and is continuing to expand its Lincolnshire Empire, having turned up at several new sites in recent weeks. I found it yesterday in private woodland to the west of the River Witham from a site where it has not been recorded before, and today I saw 2 males and an egg-laying female at another new site, New Park Wood, in the Limewoods area. If purple is not your colour (and why on earth wouldn't it be?) then take heart from the fact that Lincolnshire has also gone silver over the past decade, as the Silver-washed Fritillary has colonised the county and is now to be found in ever-increasing numbers in most of the larger, and many of the smaller woodlands. It got here a year or two ahead of the Emperor and has paved the way for its liege admirably! The stories of these two species, and all other Lincolnshire butterflies, can be read about in Butterflies of Lincolnshire - A Modern History, by Peter Cawdell and Pete Smith. I am reliably informed that it is quite a good read! Two-thirds of the print run has now gone, but copies are still available. If anyone who hasn't got a copy is interested in acquiring one, please contact me - [email protected]
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "I had a very hot walk around Gooseman's Field in Grimsby this morning

  

  and for a change there was a lot of activity; Small Whites were everywhere with a few Green-veined Whites. Lots of Small Skippers and I am sure some Essex Skippers, but as far as I can tell all the ones I photographed were of the former. Again Meadow Brown and Ringlet were on the wing in good numbers. Also noted 2 Small Heath, 5 Small Tortoiseshell, a Shaded Broad-bar moth and 9 Six-spot Burnet."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Today I found 2 Purple Emperors in College Wood and approximately 10 in Cocklode and Great West Wood, just to the southwest of Wragby."
• John Davison reported: "Hot day in Southrey Wood and still few butterflies - 3 Silver-washed Fritillaries on the BC ride and a Brimstone taking shade."

Monday 19th July 2021: White Admiral ab. obliterae at Chambers Farm Wood!

• Phil Bowler emailed: "Been at Chambers Farm Wood all day since 11:30 and in the last legs of the afternoon, I came across a striking aberration of the White Admiral - ab. obliterae. It would not sit still but managed a half decent shot attached. I'm going back to see if I can find it again! In total I saw 7 White Admirals. 5 male Purple Emperors, one up and down at Fiveways at regular intervals, another  around the Butterfly Garden outbuildings. 20 Silver-washed Fritillaries, including a female investigating the Butterfly Garden car park hedge bottom, hopefully about to egg-lay. The males just never stopped patrolling, a photographer's nightmare! Also recorded the following: 1 worn Red Admiral, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 11 Purple Hairstreak, 2 old Speckled Wood, 11 Gatekeeper, 6 Large Skipper, 14 Small/Essex Skipper (1 definite Essex), 1 Large White, 2 Small White, 12 Green-veined White, 3 Six-spot Burnet, 31 Meadow Brown and 133 Ringlet, which were notably small and dark, pretending to be White-letter Hairstreaks, of which I saw none!
• Roy Harvey emailed: "We went to Chambers Farm Wood again today, and despite not visiting until mid-afternoon when it was very hot, still managed to see 1 Purple Emperor, 1 Comma and 3 Silver-washed Fritillaries flying around at at Fiveways, and a possible Essex Skipper. Also, managed to photograph a female Banded Demoiselle." 
• Pete Cawdell emailed: "Popped into Morkery Wood just before mid-day to be greeted by a Purple

  

  Emperor on the track. Had about 10 Silver-washed Fritillary as well. Then I went to my main objective which is the Little Warren LWT Roadside Nature Reserve. The highlights of a walk along this 1.2 mile linear 'meadow' were 67 Marbled White, 5 Silver-washed Fritillary and a Dark Green Fritillary. A new site for all these I believe covering 3 new 2km squares."
• Phil Lee emailed: "A couple of interesting 'local' moths in the trap this morning - Lesser Cream

  

  Wave and Plain Pug. Both are said to be uncommon, but seem to turn up regularly here in my Misterton garden."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Had a walk at Cleethorpes Coast LNR today and found 2 Essex Skipper, my first of the year."
• Graham Catley messaged: "Marbled White still present at Alkborough today and 20 Essex Skipper."

Sunday 18th July 2021

• Graham Catley messaged: "White-letter Hairstreak this morning  at Goxhill Marsh and 10+ Gatekeeper. Later, I went to see a Marbled White found by Neil Drinkall at Alkborough."
• Wayne and Claire Gillatt reported: "3 Dark Green Fritillary at Risby Warren today."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "9 White-letter Hairsreaks in Bradley Woods, Grimsby today and 4 just across the road in Dixon's Wood."
• Mark Schofield emailed: "This morning I rescued the attached freshly emerged Purple Hairstreak

  

  from the White Route at Chambers Farm Wood. Oaks by the edge of the Red Route stone path between Fiveways and Minting Triangle were swarming with Purple Hairstreaks! Purple Emperor, Silver-washed Fritillary and White Admiral also all showing well."
• James Smith from Cleethorpes messaged: "Following the excitement of a Dark green Fritillary on the buddleia in my garden last night, it was back to reality this morning with just a single Painted Lady and Comma."

Saturday 17th July 2021: Purple Emperor ab. lugenda at Chambers Farm Wood!

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "I've searched and searched. I've waited and waited and waited.......for over 50 years in fact. I thought that this moment would never come. But now it has. I still can't believe I've seen this butterfly and to have seen it at Chambers Farm Wood in Lincolnshire makes it even more special. It is a truly stunning and exquisite butterfly, perhaps the most beautiful British butterfly that I have ever seen. I'm still trembling now and have to keep looking at the photograph to make sure I haven't dreamt it! This amazing Purple Emperor was one of 40 seen throughout the day."
• Laura Gundy messaged: "Yay! My first ever sighting of Purple Emperor today on dog poo at Sotby Wood."
• Dave Wright reported: "Received a video message this evening from James Smith, a friend in Cleethorpes, of a butterfly on the buddleia in his garden. Only turned out to be a Dark Green Fritillary!"
• Roy Harvey emailed: "Had another visit to Nettleton LNR this afternoon and was pleased to find a single Small Copper. I did not attempt to count Ringlet, Meadow Brown and Small Skipper as they were so numerous. Also noted half a dozen each of Gatekeeper and Small Heath, a very tatty Common Blue and a Brown Argus. The only large coloured butterfly was a single Red Admiral. A few whites were on the wing, but I wasn't able to confirm their identification."
• Mary James from Lincoln emailed: "I found a Box-tree moth in my garden, which has been around for several days now."
• Dave Wright reported: "Encouraged by Suzanne Nelson's sightings yesterday, decided to visit Crowle Moors with Mark Johnson in the hope of seeing Large Heath, before the flight period draws to a close. We concentrated on the northern section of the reserve and found 17, most of which were in good condition. Other butterflies recorded: 34 Meadow Brown, 60 Ringlet, 9 Gatekeeper, 3 Large White, 7 Small White, 15 Green-veined White, 4 Red Admiral, 3 Peacock, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Comma, 2 Speckled Wood, 4 Small Skipper and 126 Large Skipper. Moths included: 1 Large Emerald, 1 Common Heath, 2 Brown Silver-line, a huge Drinker caterpillar and 6 male Oak Eggar, which appeared in the afternoon sunshine, flying in typical zigzag fashion. We also noted 12 species of odonata, the highlights being 21 Black Darter and at least 15 Common Hawker, by far my highest total at this site for the latter species. Returning to the car park we found 2 Common Lizard basking on a gate post and a superb male Marsh Harrier made an appearance overhead just as we left."

Friday 16th July 2021

• Adrian Royle emailed: "Best day ever for Purple Emperors at Chambers Farm Wood, with double figures and lots down on the ground for long periods. Saw more of them than Green-veined Whites!
• Freddy Johnson emailed: "My son Alex and I went to Chambers Farm Wood this morning. We had 4 Purple Emperors on the track from Fiveways to the car park. As they were 100-200 yards apart, they could well have been 4 different individuals. In addition, we saw 8 Silver-washed Fritillaries and 3 White Admirals, plus plenty of Ringlets and Meadow Browns."
• Jason Sargerson emailed: "I visited Chambers Farm Wood today and saw at least 2 Purple Emperors. There were groups of butterfly enthusiasts taking many photos of one that stayed on the road for at least 45 minutes. I also saw Silver-washed Fritillary, White Admiral, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Ringlet, Meadow Brown and Large Skipper."
• Dave Wright reported: "Following my first Gatekeeper near the Pyewipe Inn on the outskirts of Lincoln yesterday, this morning I had 21 at Cress Marsh mitigation site near Stallingborough."
• Martin Timms emailed: "I'm more into birds and butterflies rather than moths, but occasionally

  

  take photographs of day flying moths if they appear interesting. I was at Risby Warren today for Grayling and Essex Skipper, but came across my first ever Wood Tiger moth."
• Suzanne Nelson emailed: "I visited Crowle Moor NNR today and was lucky enough to spot Large Heath in double figures (12) and 4 Gatekeeper. Other butterflies noted: 2 Large White, 9 Small White, 4 Green-veined White, 60 Ringlet, 12 Meadow Brown, 9 Large Skipper, 13 Small Skipper, 1 Comma, 3 Small Tortoiseshell and 2 Red Admiral. This afternoon I visited Risby Warren and recorded the following: 4 Grayling, 2 Essex Skipper (both new for the year), 5 Large Skipper, 4 Small Skipper, 2 Dark Green Fritillary, 7 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Large White, 5 Small Copper, 38 Small Heath, and numerous Meadow Brown and Ringlet."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Visited my local patch, just off Westward Ho in Grimsby today and noted 88 Ringlet, 27 Meadow Brown, 48 Small Skipper and 18 Purple Hairstreak."
• Owen Beaumont emailed: "The transect at Rimac today was pretty productive, especially for skippers - 320 Small/Essex Skipper, 4 Large Skipper, 1 Small White, 1 Red Admiral, 155 Meadow Brown, 125 Ringlet, 11 Gatekeeper and 25 Small Heath."
• Graham Catley messaged: "6+ Purple Emperors at Chambers Farm Wood today, and shortly after my arrival one landed on my trouser leg! Also, a gang of Ravens overhead."

Thursday 15th July 2021

• Pete Cawdell emailed: "On the subject of Dark Green Fritillary expansion, Phil Horton has just advised me that he saw one yesterday at Ancaster Valley LWT Reserve. They are definitely moving northwards, following Marbled Whites with which they often share a habitat. Pete Smith found Marbled Whites there last year and Phil saw them again yesterday."
• Phil Lee emailed: "I had two new additions to the garden list last night here at Misterton. Four-

  

  dotted Footman and Tawny-barred Angle, both of which brought back memories of trapping years ago on the heaths just across the Trent from us at Laughton, Scotton and Messingham, where both were regularly encountered."
• Graham Catley messaged: "First Gatekeeper of the year this morning at Laughton Forest, despite the overcast conditions."
• John Davison reported: "Visited Snakeholme Pit LBC Reserve today, where there were plenty of

  

  Meadow Browns and Ringlets around, but the arrival of Gatekeeper always makes me think that summer has arrived. Probably the wrong time to air this view as it was overcast and a bit windy. Also noted a couple of larval stage moths about as well, Buff-tip and Grey Dagger."

Wednesday 14th July 2021: Purple Emperor sighting at Potterhanworth!

• Pete Smith emailed: "It seems that His Imperial Majesty continues to expand his Lincolnshire empire! I have just recieved an email from Jerry Gunner, who saw not one, but two Purple Emperors, along the Carr Dyke on the eastern edge of Potterhanworth Wood this morning whilst walking his dogs. Jerry managed to get a photo of one of them on his phone, which was forwarded to me, and there is no doubt whatsoever as to its identity - a fresh male Purple Emperor showing some nice purple sheen! Another new site for this fabulous species!"
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "This evening I paid a visit to my local patch, just off Westward Ho in Grimsby and was rewarded with my first Purple Hairstreaks of the year. There must have been at least 10, quite active at the top of an oak tree."
• Gerard Fletcher emailed: I am a member of Norfolk BC and today I travelled up to Chambers

  

  Farm Wood for the first time. Having failed to see Purple Emperors on at least five occasions at other known haunts in Northants and Suffolk, I was not very optimistic. I arrived around 13:00 just as the sun had come out and parked near the butterfly garden. I walked through to the main car park where I decided to photograph 2 Commas which were present, only to have my attention thwarted by a large swooping butterfly which landed right in front of me - my first Purple Emperor. I enjoyed an audience with it for around 15 minutes, where it had also taken a liking to a Land Rover Discovery.  Highly delighted, I began my walk into the wood only to be stopped in my tracks after a few yards by yet another Purple Emperor taking salts on the track. Between 13:00 and 15:30 I saw 7 Purple Emperors, all of which seemed happy to be photographed at ground level. I was astonished! Other butterflies noted: 6 Comma, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 6 Speckled Wood, 3 White Admiral, 3 Silver-washed Fritillary, 2 Green-veined White, 1 Gatekeeper, and countless Meadow Brown and Ringlet. I also think I spotted a couple of Purple Hairstreaks. I will definitely be back, though I doubt I will be this lucky again!

Tuesday 13th July 2021

• Pete Smith emailed: "For the second time in less than a week, I had a Scarlet Tiger moth in my Heighington garden this afternoon. Didn't have my camera with me, but managed a slightly blurry phone shot which confirms ID, but is unworthy of public viewing! Great to see this colourful beauty in Lincolnshire - it has been spreading north and east for a while now."
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "Despite the gloom, it was quite warm this afternoon and so I went for a

  

  walk around Gooseman's Field in Grimsby. Although not a lot of species, the number of insects was good: 11 Small White, 37 Meadow Brown, 36 Ringlet, 2 Small Skipper, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Yellow Shell, 2 Six-spot Burnet, 1 Cinnabar and 1 Shaded Broad-bar. I had hoped for a Gatekeeper, but no luck yet and no Common Blues." "
• Phil Lee from Misterton emailed: "I am blessed with having lots of Privet Hawk-moths in my garden, but the attached pair are the first I've ever seen 'in cop'. I spotted them on the patio table parasol as I took the trap in before 7 o'clock this morning. The trap itself revealed a Poplar Kitten and a Small Ranunculus."

Monday 12th July 2021

Pete Cawdell emailed: "Today I went to the deep south of Lincolnshire to meet Chris Howes, Park Ranger of the Grimsthorpe Estate. After business - discussing some future management for butterflies - he showed me where he had been recently seeing Dark Green Fritillaries at eight or nine different sites on the Estate. Even on a dull, cloudy afternoon, we saw at least 40 including females. This population has now increased to rival that of Robert's Field. They were nectaring on thistles, knapweed and pyramidal orchids. Apparently there were also a few Dark Green Fritillaries at Swayfield Drift on the west side of the park. Marbled Whites were plentiful all over the grassland and in some wide woodland rides. I called in briefly at Robert's Field, south field only, and there were still 7 Dark Green Fritillaries flying, along with dozens of Marbled Whites and a fresh male Silver-washed Fritillary up near the woodland. Richard O'Connor has seen a Dark Green Fritillary on the nearby Little Warren LWT Nature Reserve - wonderful linear verges full of colourful wildflowers. I have also been monitoring a small breeding colony of about 15 Dark Green Fritillaries (2 years running) on a relatively small patch of flower-rich limestone grassland on private farmland near Bourne." 

Sunday 11th July 2021

• Phil Bowler from Amber Hill emailed: "My eyes were drawn to this particular Ringlet as it fluttered around my butterfly garden, and when it settled I could see why... introducing the 'Black-tipped Ringlet'! This aberration not only has the cute black tip, but the upperside spotting is virtually absent. Underside markings are totally normal."
• Suzanne Nelson emailed: "Visited Chambers Farm Wood and here is my list for today: 1 Large White, 6 Large Skipper, 54 Ringlet, 3 Meadow Brown, 3 White Admiral, 2 Purple Hairstreak, 4 Silver-washed Fritillary, 2 Purple Emperor, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Comma and 3 Speckled Wood. I called in at Snakeholme Pit and spotted 1 Meadow Brown, 3 Ringlet and 4 Six-spot Burnet moths.
• Ian McGlynn emailed: "Saw a Purple Emperor today at Temple Wood near Aslackby. Many butterflies flying in the sun, but they all disappeared when the sun went in."

Saturday 10th July 2021

• Laura Gundy emailed: "Paid a visit to Sotby Wood today. I recorded 4 White Admirals, 5 Purple Hairstreak, and large numbers of Ringlets and Large Skippers. Also saw my first Gatekeeper of the year and a Comma nectaring on the bramble Flowers."
• Nige Lound emailed: "Trapped overnight on the freshwater marsh at Gibraltar Point NNR, where 7 Blackneck were noteworthy."
• Adrian Royle emailed: "Returned to Chambers Farm Wood today - 1 Silver-washed Fritillary, 1 very obliging Purple Emperor, 3 White Admirals, and plenty of Ringlets and Meadow Browns."

Friday 9th July 2021

• Laura Gundy from Benniworth Walk Farm emailed: "Wow! An amazing moth trap last night. 58 species caught including a new one for my garden - Bird's Wing. There might have been more if it wasn't for the bat that joined the party and ate some of the guests!"
• Ian McGlynn emailed: "I spent half an hour at Robert's Field today and noted the following: 3 Small Heath, 36 Marbled White, 13 Meadow Brown, 14 Ringlet, 7 Dark Green Fritillary, 9 Small Skipper, 1 Large White and 2 Small Tortoiseshell."
• John Davison emailed: "A short walk along Risby Open Track this afternoon, produced 6

  

  Grayling. Also about were lots of Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Large Skipper and Small Heath. 2 Sallow Kitten larvae as well."
• Dave Wright reported: "Following Andrew Kurch's report of White-letter Hairstreaks in People's Park yesterday, decided to have a look at two traditional sites for this species in the Grimsby area this morning. The first, Dixon's Wood produced at least 5, mainly flying around the tops of Ash trees close to the Elm. The second site, Bradley Woods revealed at least 3, also associating with the Ash, in a tree close to the car park. Very little else on the wing apart from 3 Red Admirals, a single Small Tortoiseshell, and a few Speckled Woods and Ringlets."
• Martin Kew reported: "Visited the reserves at Twyford Wood this afternoon, hazy sun but very

  

  warm. Noted my first Silver-washed Fritillary of the year, sighted between the reserves at SK947232. Good numbers of Marbled Whites recorded on the transects (Glades - 16, Sanctuary - 10). Also, a very late, but fresh looking Grizzled Skipper recorded at the Sanctuary."
• Richard Rowland emailed: "A walk in Laughton Forest this morning, produced some pristine Silver-washed Fritillaries. Difficult to count, but I did see 4 in the air together."
• Today I visited Callan's Lane Woods (TF063261) and recorded 3 Purple Emperor and lots of Silver-washed Fritillary, with a maximum of 3 together. A few days ago at Grimsthorpe Park, I noted Dark Green Fritillary and Marbled White."

Thursday 8th July 2021

• Pete Smith emailed: "Pulled into the main car park at Chambers Farm Wood today, and before I could kill the engine, a male Purple Emperor pulled in right beside me! He then spent the next sixty-five minutes taking up salts from the ground. Fantastic! I was soon joined by an ever-burgeoning gang of fellow enthusiasts, and we stayed with His Majesty until he eventually ascended to his lofty throne.
• Peter Skelson emailed: "Today I photographed a Silver-washed Fritillary at Swanholme Lakes

  

  LNR, Lincoln. As it was the first time I had seen one at this site, I sent the photo to Ruth Simons, Park Ranger, and she confirmed that it was probably the first for the reserve."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Had my first White-letter Hairstreaks of the year this morning in the centre of Grimsby at Peoples Park. I counted at least 4 in the tall elms bordering the eastern side of the park. Also, surprised to find a Six-spot Burnet moth in my Grimsby garden this afternoon."
• Nige Lound emailed: "I managed to see my first Lunar Hornet Moths this morning in willows at Gibraltar Point NNR. At least 3 were attracted to the pheromone lure. With the theme for this year's National Moth Night being reedbeds and wetlands, I trapped at Wolla Bank Pit and recorded 704 moths of 99 species. The undoubted highlight was my first Lincs Ruddy Carpet and the supporting cast included 10 Cream-bordered Green Pea, 8 July Highflyer, Scorched Wing, Blackneck, 4 Dotted Fanfoot, and Fen, Shore, Striped and Southern Wainscots."
• Adrian Royle emailed: "Purple Emperors and Purple Hairstreaks out at Chambers Farm Wood today, with possibly 3 of the former and 2 of the latter. Plus 6 Silver-washed Fritillaries including 2 mating pairs. White Admirals also."

Monday 5th July 2021

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Had a trip out to Chambers Farm Wood today, but very little on the wing. When it clouded over I decided to to try and find the Purple Emperor caterpillar that I found on the 14th June and then subsequently lost the following day. To my amazement I located it in less than a minute - it has now pupated! This amazing discovery could represent the first wild Purple Emperor pupa found in Lincolnshire."
• Adam Turner emailed: "Had a brief visit to Robert's Field LWT Nature Reserve today, where it was warm and sunny with a decent breeze. Dark Green Fritillary were showing well along with a good number of Marbled White. Many Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Large Skipper and Small Skipper present, pus 1 Red Admiral that flew from the hedgerow and over the field. We noticed a lot of Six-spot Burnet moths and it was a bonus counting 25 Common Lizard at one time!"
• Richard Tutin reported: "I walked Twyford Woods today and had the following sightings: 8 Marbled White, 1 Large Skipper, 6 Red Admiral, 5 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Peacock, 3 Speckled Wood and 1 Silver-washed Fritillary; plus plenty of Meadow Browns and Ringlets, and a couple of Whites."

Saturday 3rd July 2021

Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "Last night's garden trap produced 37 species of moth, of which 8 were new for the year. They were Swallowtail, Clouded Border, Light Emerald, Small Fan-foot, Double Square-spot, Light Arches, Barred Yellow and Anania coronata. Others of note were Privet Hawk-moth, 3 Elephant Hawk-moth, Peppered Moth, 4 Beautiful Hook-tip, Snout, Knot Grass and Coronet."

Friday 2nd July 2021

• Adrian Royle emailed: "A dull start to the day, but it warmed up and produced a few nice things; still very low numbers though - 2 White Admirals, 1 Silver-washed Fritillary on thistles at Minting Triangle, 2 Currant Clearwings in car park bush, a few Meadow Browns and Ringlets in the meadow and elsewhere, a few Speckled Woods, 2 Red Admirals, 6 Small Tortoiseshells, a few Black Hairstreaks at Fiveways, 2 Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moths at Fiveways and 4 Mullein moth caterpillars in car park. Plus Brown Hawker, 5 Black-tailed Skimmers at Minting Triangle and Emperors in the meadow."
• Dave Wright reported: "Holly Blue in my daughter's garden at Cleethorpes Country Park this morning, my first of the summer brood."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "It looked like it was going to be a dull day, but fortunately it started to brighten up around lunchtime. So, I decided to pop over to Moor Farm LWT Nature Reserve for a visit, where I managed to spend a couple of hours before it became dull again. In that time, I saw just over 100 Meadow Browns, which was a welcome surprise after the recent paucity of butterflies. I also saw my first Small Skippers of the year, with 6 in total recorded. 24 fresh Small Heaths were an added bonus. Apart from that, I saw 4 Large Skippers and singles of: Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral and Speckled Wood. A lacklustre walk around the Pingle LNR in Coningsby this evening, soon picked up when I disturbed a Woodpigeon from an elm tree, which in turn flushed up 2 White-letter Hairstreaks. After a further 30-minute vigil, 4 additional White-letter Hairstreaks were discovered, giving a total of 6 in the end."
• Laura Gundy emailed: "A quick walk along a clover-filled ride at Benniworth Walk Farm this afternoon produced a good number of butterflies, including Small Heath, Common Blue and Small Tortoiseshell. Numbers of note were 52 Meadow Brown, 16 Ringlet and 16 Large Skipper. The moth trap in the garden also had a good haul, including a fabulous fresh Eyed Hawk-moth, Double Square-spot and a first for my garden, a very pretty Bordered White."
• Phil Lee emailed: "One of my bogey moths was until last night Golden Plusia,

  

  which finally turned up here in my Misterton garden. It was my best night of the year with 275 macros of 46 species, not bad for one MV light."

Thursday 1st July 2021

• Martin Kew reported: "Walked the transects at Twyford Wood this afternoon in warm sunshine for the most part. I recorded my first Marbled White and Small Skipper on both reserves. Plenty of Ringlets around and also a pleasing number of Small Tortoiseshell."
• Jill Hall reported: "Thought you might like to know that the beautiful White Admirals were out today at Southrey Wood."

---

June 2021

Tuesday 29th June 2021

• Paul Daubney emailed: "When the sun came out this afternoon I decided on a quick trip to Chambers Farm Wood and had quite a few sightings of Black Hairstreaks at Fiveways, although I suspect I was re-sighting the same 3 or 4 butterflies. The good news is that the 2 individuals that I saw close-up were both in excellent condition - the one pictured was egg-laying on Blackthorn next to the wooden bench there. Also saw my first White Admiral of the year, with a supporting cast of Small Skippers, Speckled Woods, Meadow Browns, Ringlet, Comma, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell and Common Blue."
• Howard and Penny Smith emailed: "We dipped into Lincolnshire today to visit Crowle Moor to see the Large Heath, which were on full display. We counted a minimum of 50 and also noted the following: 1 Large White, 2 Red Admiral, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Speckled Wood, 26 Ringlet and 28 Large Skipper."

Sunday 27th June 2021

• Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "This morning an inspection of the garden trap from last night revealed 181 moths of 51 species and another new species for our garden, a stunning Lime Hawk-moth!"
• Brian Hedley emailed: "A small group turned up for the LNU meeting at Grimsby Cemetery today, with most heading for the more natural habitats to the southwest of the site. A bit overcast, but dry and butterfly-wise we noted: 1 Common Blue, 1 Painted Lady, 2 Speckled Wood, 5 Meadow Brown and 5 Small Heath. Moths included Cinnabar, Middle-barred Minor, Yellow Shell and Thistle Ermine."

Saturday 26th June 2021

Dave Wright reported: "This afternoon I met up with Mark Johnson at Donna Nook, with the intention of doing some coastal birding. However, with the forecast predicting an improvement in the weather, we decided to make a last minute dash for Robert's Field LWT Nature Reserve in the south of the county, in the hope of seeing our first Dark Green Fritillary and Marbled White of the year. It was sunny and warm on our arrival and the fields were ablaze with wild flowers and in particular Pyramidal Orchids. It wasn't long before we located our target species and we recorded the following: 30+ Dark Green Fritillary, 9 Marbled White, 2 Small Skipper (our first of the year), 4 Large Skipper, 18 Small Heath, 3 Red Admiral, 10 Small Tortoiseshell, 59 Meadow Brown, 13 Ringlet and one Common Blue. Moths included 20+ Six-spot Burnet, 3 Silver Y, 1 Yellow Shell and 1 Cinnabar. As a bonus we also came across at least 16 Common Lizards making the most of the warm late afternoon sunshine, and I think that's the most I've ever seen in such a small area, certainly in Lincolnshire."

Wednesday 23rd June 2021

• Teresa Stevens emailed: "I visited Redhill LWT, a stunning nature reserve with so many wildflowers. I enjoyed walking around it this afternoon and found 4 newly emerged Marbled Whites. Also noted singles of Common Blue, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Large Skipper and Small Tortoiseshell.
• Adrian Royle emailed: "I walked up to Redhill today and noted 3 Marbled Whites, Common Blues (especially in Coronation Meadow), Small Heaths, and a few Meadow Browns and Ringlets."
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "As a change from Gooseman's Field in Grimsby, I went to Watts/Monks

  

  Wood near Dunholme today, mainly to photograph the Broad-bodied Chasers that are always reliable there. I also conducted a butterfly count and recorded the following: 2 Red Admiral, 4 Small Tortoiseshell, 5 Small Heath, 5 Meadow Brown, 4 Ringlet, 6 Common Blue, 4 Large Skipper and 5 Brimstone. Moths included Cinnabar and Six-spot Burnet."
• Dave Wright reported: "A beautiful morning in the Grimsby area today, so I popped over to

  

  Stallingborough and visited Cress Marsh, a mitigation site nearby. Only managed to record 6 species of butterfly - 10 Ringlet (my first of the year), 17 Meadow Brown, 1 Painted Lady, 2 Large Skipper, 1 Red Admiral and 3 Small Tortoiseshell. Moths included a Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet, 1 Mother Shipton, 1 Silver Y and 10 Yellow Shell."

Tuesday 22nd June 2021

• Adrian Royle emailed: "Visited Chambers Farm Wood today and recorded the following butterflies:

  

  Black Hairstreaks at Fiveways, maybe into double figures but all high up, 2 Large Skippers, 1 Speckled Wood, 5 Red Admirals and a single Marsh Fritillary at Minting Triangle. Moths included 4 Currant Clearwings (car park bush), 1 Blood-vein, 1 Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth at Fiveways and a Red-necked Footman."
• John Davison reported: "Visited Snakeholme

  

  Pit LBC Reserve - not a bad day with sunny intervals. Still a dearth of butterflies, with only Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Common Blue, Speckled Wood and Large Skipper about. Dragonflies were showing well and I managed a Common Blue Damselfly amid all the Azure. Also found a Vapourer moth larva."
• Pete Smith emailed: "Took a drive up to Crowle Moor today - Large Heath showing very well; counted 150 in the space of a couple of hours of slow meandering around the north section. Also, plenty of Large Skippers as always, along with a couple of Meadow Browns, Speckled Woods, Small Tortoiseshells and a single Painted Lady. Arriving back in Heighington later in the afternoon I saw another three very faded female Painted Ladies flying around the local country lanes, seeking out thistles on which to egg-lay; hopefully this augurs well for us seeing plenty more Painted Ladies later in the year!"

Sunday 20th June 2021

Roy Harvey emailed: "We visited Chambers Farm Wood today, but it was almost a complete waste of time - we saw just two unidentified butterflies in flight. Very few insects of any kind on view, apart from bees, but we did see 1 Six-spot Burnet moth, a Large Red Damselfly, a Green Shield Bug, and a few Black-tailed Skimmers and Four-spotted Chasers."

Saturday 19th June 2021

• Mike Pickwell emailed: "Although it was a little cool and overcast today, I went for a walk around Gooseman's Field in Grimsby. There were 15 pristine, newly emerged Small Tortoiseshells and 3 Red Admirals. No Large Skippers or Meadow Browns yet though and no Common Blues! Also noted 3 Small White, 2 Small Heath, and moths included 2 Yellow Shell and 2 Mother Shipton."
• Mark Schofield emailed: "The attached photograph is of a male Small China-mark sheltering

  

  under a Hawthorn leaf. This species has an aquatic larva which feeds below the water's surface on duckweed in a case made of fragments of the host plant. Over the last week in between the showers, the surface of a pond in Chambers Farm Wood has been dancing with these delicate, little ghosts giving the dark glassy water a gentle effervescence. Tonight I managed to catch the last of the sun in Little Scrubbs Meadow Extension and the main photograph below, with the Marsh Fritillary insert, expresses the passing of a season: as the Marsh Fritillaries fade, the meadow orchids are opening."

Wednesday 16th June 2021

• Brian Hedley emailed: "A couple of hours around Crowle Moor LWT reserve today, produced at least 25 Large Heaths. That's without going along the usually best path for them in the north of the reserve. Other species included 8 Small Tortoiseshells, Holly Blue, 5 Large Skippers, 2 Speckled Woods and 2 Brimstones. Moths included Brown Silver-line, Cinnabar, Cream Wave, Common White Wave, Small Magpie and various other micros."
• Pete Freeman emailed: "A brief morning visit to Crowle Moor produced 14 Large Heath, along with Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell and 4 Speckled Wood. In the afternoon at Chambers Farm Wood, the highlights were 2 Black Hairstreak, 11 Marsh Fritillary, including one at Fiveways, and a faded Dingy Skipper at Little Scrubbs Meadow.
• Ian McGlynn emailed: "3 Dark Green Fritillaries today at Robert's Field LWT Nature Reserve."
• Roy Harvey emailed: "Visited Cress Marsh near Stallingborough today, but only noted 3 Small Tortoiseshell and 1 Common Blue. A few dragonflies about, including several Black-tailed Skimmer."
• Nige Lound emailed: "I had a brief encounter with a Hummingbird Hawk-moth in the plantation at Gibraltar Point NNR today."

Tuesday 15th June 2021

Roy Harvey emailed: "This afternoon I went to take a look at Nettleton LNR and I wasn't aware that so much of the area was open, so it was a pleasant surprise! As expected, Small Heath butterflies were numerous, I didn't count them but there must have been 30+. Other butterfly species were in short supply, just 3 Large Skippers and 1 Common Blue. I saw 3 moths - Cinnabar, Silver Y and a Latticed Heath. Also had lovely views of a Broad-bodied Chaser."

Monday 14th June 2021

Toby Ludlow messaged: "Had a trip out to Chambers Farm Wood today. Marsh Fritillary numbers have plummeted and, in decent weather conditions, I only recorded 12. All of these were well past their best, looking faded and 'greasy'. Very quiet in the meadows, with little on the wing: 1 Dingy Skipper, 3 Common Blues, a Small White and 2 fresh Large Skippers provided slim pickings indeed. On the plus side, 2 Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moths at the Chambers Farm Wood Centre were a delight, gracefully navigating the Red Valerian for nectar. However, I did have an amazing find whilst there - a sizeable Purple Emperor caterpillar, which was busily tucking into a Sallow leaf."

Sunday 13th June 2021

• Owen Beaumont emailed: "I did the transect around Rimac earlier today and recorded the following: 96 Small Heath, 12 Common Blue, 10 Large Skipper, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Small White, 1 Green-veined White and 1 Wall. Also, a couple of Mother Shipton moths."
• Brian Hedley emailed: "Sunny circuit of Trent Port (Marton) today and noted 9 butterfly species: 2 Brown Argus (my first of the year), 7 Painted Lady, 4 Large Skipper, 16 Small Tortoiseshell, Common Blue, Small White, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral and Orange Tip. Also, Latticed Heath moth."
• Dave Wright reported: "Had an enjoyable walk across the Wolds from Rothwell today, adopting a circular route via Rothwell Top Farm, a section of the Viking Way and the outskirts of Nettleton. Nine species of butterfly were seen during the walk - 2 Painted Lady (my first of the year), 7 Red Admiral, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Large White, 1 Small White, 2 Green-veined White, 4 Orange Tip, 3 Large Skipper and 22 Small Heath, including 13 along a field margin below Rothwell Top Farm. Moths included 6 Mother Shipton, 1 Cinnabar and a remarkable count of 85 Chimney Sweeper along a small section of the Viking Way near Acre House. Close to Nettleton, a small pond in a field produced 3 Broad-bodied Chaser, 5 Black-tailed Skimmer and lots of Azure Damselfly."  
• Peter Cawdell reported: "I visited Twyford Wood this afternoon and there were still plenty of skippers about. I was particularly interested to watch a Grizzled Skipper egg-laying. She was deliberately seeking out Creeping Cinquefoil leaflets on which to attach her eggs, although there was plenty of Wild/Barren Strawberry in the vicinity. Sanctuary Reserve: 13 Dingy Skipper, 7 Grizzled Skipper, 6 Common Blue, 6 Small Heath, 1 Green-veined White and 1 Large Skipper. Also, many Burnet Companion and several Cinnabar moths. Between Reserves: 14 Dingy Skippers, 8 Grizzled Skippers, 10 Common Blue, 10 Small Heath, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Green-veined White and a single old Peacock. Moths included Burnet Companion and Cinnabar. Glades Reserve: 10 Dingy Skipper, 4 Grizzled Skipper, 6 Common Blue, 6 Small Heath, a single Comma, and several Burnet Companion and Cinnabar moths. A couple of weeks ago Richard O'Connor, a relatively new BC member, contacted me about a site he visited called Costerworth Bank. It has been recently created during the construction of a new (and much safer) access road over the A1 into Colsterworth. He and his friend Malcolm Pool were so impressed with the limestone flora, they persuaded the Lincs Wildlife Trust to designate this site a local wildlife reserve, and there is a sign up saying just that. The graded banks are made up entirely of broken limestone - no topsoil has been added. Consequently a unique assemblage of lime-loving plants is developing. On 30th May he saw 4 Dingy Skipper in only 10 minutes. Today I visited Colsterworth Bank and not only did I see 4 Dingy Skipper, but also 3 Green Hairstreak. There were several Small Heath and Common Blue as well, and a Large Skipper. The Common Blue females were of the blue form. There were many Burnet Companion moths too. What a beautiful butterfly habitat. The flora is brilliant and so colourful. Large patches of Kidney Vetch line the verge. Oh to be able to create something like that in my garden! With so much potential it may be suitable for Grizzled Skipper in time. Only down point is the traffic. So well done Richard and Malcolm, the Lincs Wildlife Trust, and the Highways construction team (I don't know whether this was accidental or deliberate, but can we have more of it please?"
• Howard and Penny Smith emailed: "We have just got back after a wonderful day with 31 Marsh

  

  Fritillaries in Little Scrubbs Meadow, plus a further 2 in Southrey Wood. In addition we saw 5 Common Blue, 1 Dingy Skipper, 1 Large Skipper, 1 Speckled Wood and 5 Latticed Heath moths in the meadow, plus a Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Yellow Shell moth and a Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth in or by the Butterfly Garden. At Southrey we also saw a Brimstone, a Speckled Wood and an Orange Tip." 
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "2 Large Skippers (my first of the year) and 6 Mother Shipton moths on my local patch, just off Westward Ho in Grimsby."
• Nige Lound emailed: "Despite seemingly ideal conditions, the coast remains rather quiet

  

  compared to previous years. I trapped near Mill Hill at Gib Point and had 290 moths of 59 species. Highlights included another Marsh Moth and Rosy Wave. New for the year were Angle-barred Pug, Blood-vein, Brown Silver-line, Burnished Brass, Dark Arches, Flame, Middle-barred Minor, Poplar Kitten, Purple Bar, Shaded Pug, Straw Dot and Willow Beauty. Also, an Oak Eggar caterpillar was seen."

Saturday 12th June 2021

• Dave Wright reported: "This morning I joined Laura Gundy for the inaugural survey of the dismantled railway line between Benniworth Haven and Donnington on Bain, having been granted permission by the landowner to visit this strip of private land. Parts of it were very rich in flora and we recorded the following butterflies: 1 Meadow Brown (our first for

  

  2021), 5 Large Skipper, 10 Small Heath, 5 Common Blue, 5 Brown Argus, 1 Orange Tip, 1 Green-veined White and 3 Speckled Wood. Moths included: 3 Silver Ground Carpet, 3 Common Carpet, 1 Brown Silver-line, 3 Yellow Shell, 2 Cinnabar, 2 Mother Shipton and 2 Silver Y. We also noted 4 species of damselfy, including 20+ Red-eyed Damselfy. 2 Banded Demoiselle

  

  were also seen, with another 2 nearby on the River Bain. Adjacent land produced a further 4 Small Heath and 2 Small Copper. Earlier, Laura's trap at Benniworth Walk Farm produced 28 species of macro moths and included 2 new for the garden: Alder Moth and Tawny-barred Angle. Also included were the crowd pleasers - Elephant, Small Elephant and Pine Hawk-moth. This afternoon on my way home I popped into Nettleton LNR and had an impressive count of 72 Small Heath."

  

• Roy Harvey emailed: "I visited Red Hill today hoping for a few Marbled Whites, but did not see one. Quite a contrast from 15th June 2020 when they were plentiful. Most numerous species today was Small Heath - 25+. Also saw 6 Common Blue, 2 Large White, 2 Large Skipper and 3 Orange Tip. I was lucky to spot a couple of Common Blues mating in Coronation field."
• Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "Saturday night's trap produced 81 moths of 26 species. Highlight was a new moth for us in the shape of a Tawny Shears. Firsts for the year included: 1 Eyed Hawk-moth, 2 Heart and Dart, 1 Brimstone Moth, 1 Shoulder-striped Wainscot, 1 Pale Prominent, 1 Poplar Grey, 1 Lime-speck Pug and a Pale Tussock. Also in the garden, a few Orange Tip caterpillars on the Garlic Mustard."                                                  

  

       
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "I had a lovely walk around Gooseman's Field in Grimsby again today, noting much the same as a few days ago - 15 Small White, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 6 Small Heath, 1 very tired and worn Painted Lady, 1 Red Admiral and just a single Common Blue. The Bird's-foot Trefoil is looking magnificent, so I don't know why there aren't more Common Blues about." 

Wednesday 9th June 2021

• Martin Gray from Broadholme emailed: "Pleasant surprise with this Dark Brocade in the garden trap this morning, looks to be another declining species!"
• Nige Lound emailed: "Trapped again near Mill Hill at Gibraltar Point NNR and managed 112 moths of 32 species. Macros new for the year were Flame Shoulder, Clouded Silver, Herald and Lyme Grass."
• Pete Smith emailed: "Delighted to see Green Hairstreak at Greetwell Quarry today - 3 males

  

  fighting over territorial rights, and a single female egg-laying. Only managed a quick shot of her down amongst the grass, but this is the first time I have seen this species at Greetwell since 2014, and the last database record from this site for Green Hairstreak was in 2018, so so it is good to know that it still hangs on at this location. Not sure if they are just a bit late, or whether they are

  

  in short supply this year, but I usually have at least a dozen or so Orange Tip larvae on the Garlic Mustard in my garden. A good search this morning yielded just one, a third instar caterpillar. Most of the Garlic Mustard has just about finished flowering around us, but I did watch a female laying copiously on Sweet Rocket in the Chambers Butterfly Garden yesterday. There are still plenty of males flying around the local lanes here. They seem slightly 'out-of-synch' with their main larval foodplant this season!"

Tuesday 8th June 2021

• Phil Bowler emailed: "Had a day at Chambers Farm Wood today and spent most of the time in the very wet meadows, where I counted only 36 Marsh Fritillary. I wonder if many of the larvae drowned in the deluges of late May? Also in the meadow I saw a Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth feeding on Ragged Robin, 3 Latticed Heath, 7 Dingy Skipper, 5 (Un)Common Blue and 1 Small Heath. In the woods I looked in the usual places for Black Hairstreak but didn't see any - probably too early yet. I saw no Brimstones nor Speckled Woods - strange! Only 3 Orange Tip, 1 Green-veined White and 1 Large White. The only other sighting was a one-off Red Admiral and there was nothing at all in the Butterfly Garden. Things can only get better!
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "I had a wander around Gooseman's Field in Grimsby this afternoon and there was a bit more activity than of late. I recorded 9 Small White, 5 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Painted Lady, 1 male Orange Tip, 7 Small Heath, 3 Common Blue and 1 Small Copper. Also, 6 Mother Shipton moths."
• Alan Daws emailed: "Paid a visit to Southrey Wood this morning and noted the following: 8 Marsh Fritillary, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Orange Tip, 1 Large White, 1 Green-veined White, 6 Brimstone caterpillars on a young Alder Buckthorn, and a single Cinnabar moth."

Monday 7th June 2021

Pete Smith reported: "Spent a very pleasant 2 hours out at Greetwell Quarry this afternoon, before the storms set in. Delighted to find two of Lincolnshire's 'Slowly Disappearing Denizens' out and about in excellent numbers. Counted well over 200 Small Heaths and similar numbers of Common Blues, the best counts of both species that I have had locally for quite some time. 'Also-rans' included Orange Tip, Brimstone, Peacock, Speckled Wood and Large White. And a Mother Shipton moth, increasingly uncommon these days." 

Sunday 6th June 2021

• Mark Johnson phoned: "Had a walk this morning at Donna Nook NNR, between Stonebridge car park and the breach at Pye's Hall. Found my first Large Skipper of the year and also noted the following: 7 Wall, 14 Small Heath, 6 Green Hairstreak, 2 Orange Tip, 1 Common Blue, 2 Peacock, 3 Large White and 3 Green-veined White. Moths included 2 Yellow Shell and 1 Green Carpet."
• Peter Cawdell reported: "Southrey Wood remains another surviving satellite colony from those Marsh Fritillary boom years, for the third consecutive year. I counted 7 individuals - 1 on the Tower Ride and the other 6 on the New Ride."

Saturday 5th June 2021

• Brian Hedley emailed: "Moth trap last night (04.06.21) in garden here at Marton produced about 104 moths of 31 species with highlight being a Poplar Kitten, which was new for the garden. Others included Elephant Hawk-moth, Silver Y, Dark Twin-spot Carpet, Nutmeg, Mottled Pug, Lime-speck Pug and Garden Pebble. Today, I noted a Chimney Sweeper moth in the garden (another new species), probably using the abundant Cow Parsley behind the garden as a food plant for its caterpillars. Butterflies noted in Marton included Painted Lady, Small Copper, Speckled Wood, Orange Tip, Large White, Green-veined White, Peacock and Holly Blue. A further 3 Painted Ladies were noted yesterday near Skegness."
• Laura Gundy emailed: "Another lovely day, so I took a walk around the field margins and the old railway line at Benniworth Walk Farm. For the first time this year some of the summer grassland species were out and about here: 5 Common Blue, 3 Small Copper, 5 Brown Argus and 4 Small Heath. In addition there were singles of Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White and Orange Tip. Plenty of day-flying moths too, such as Mother Shipton and Cinnabar. My favourite of the day was a smart Small Yellow Underwing."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "With the glorious weather continuing, I decided to pay a visit to 'Brimstone Central' (Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve). It didn't disappoint and I soon racked up 17 Brimstones. Also, freshly-emerged, were 3 second brood Speckled Woods. A single Holly Blue, a handful of Small Coppers and a fresh Brown Argus were found on the heath, along with an extremely fresh Painted Lady, which rested momentarily on the main stone track. Also of note were 3 Black-tailed Skimmer dragonflies, my first for this year. And nearby, I saw my first Emperor dragonflies for 2021."
• Mark Johnson from North Somercoates emailed: "Trapped in the garden tonight and at last, a few moths decided to put in an appearance - 54 of 21 species is the best of the year so far. A Northern Drab was a new moth for us, and 2 Poplar and an Elephant were our first Hawk-moths of the year. Also new for the year were: 1 Red Carpet, 1 Setaceous Hebrew Character, 7 Rustic Shoulder-knot, 1 Flame Shoulder, 3 Clouded-bordered Brindle, 1 Figure of Eighty, 1 Mottled Rustic, 1 Pale Mottled Willow, 1 Dog's Tooth and Chilo phragmitella."

Friday 4th June 2021: Green Hairstreak at North Coates Airfield!

Howard Bunn phoned: "This morning while birding the old North Coates Airfield site, I came across a single Green Hairstreak. As far as I'm aware this is probably a new site for this species, the nearest colonies being Cleethorpes to the North and Donna Nook to the South. Later, while walking along the embankment towards Tetney Lock, I flushed at least 5 Painted Ladies."

Thursday 3rd June 2021

• Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "Whilst taking the dog for a walk down the lane close to home, two butterflies spiralled up and over the trees never to be seen again - damn! However, a little further on, movement caught my eye - my first Painted Lady of the year!"
• Dave Wright reported: "Visited Kev Armstrong this afternoon and had a walk

  

  around his land at Wold Farm in Nettleton. It was a bit cloudy, but very warm and the following butterflies were noted: 19 Small Heath, 3 Common Blue, 6 Brimstone, 1 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 5 Orange Tip, 1 Small Tortoiseshell and 1 Peacock. Also recorded 4 species of moth - 1 Silver Ground Carpet, 2 Mother Shipton, 4 Common Carpet and a very fresh Elephant Hawk-moth, posing on a hanging basket at the side of Kev's house."

  

• Phil Lee emailed: "At last some moths in the garden, 70 the other night including the attached Birch Mocha, which is said to be scarce over here in Notts, but is found in the Lincs WT woods near me and at Laughton Forest. This is the first one I have seen since one at Crowle Moor back in 2013."
• Cliff Morrison emailed: "Yes, at long last, things are improving here at Theddlethorpe over the past 2 days. Winds have been quite cool off the sea for many days and Hebrew Characters have been replaced by Setaceous Hebrew Characters today. Yesterday, there were lots of carpet species flying around in the dunes. When I went to put the traps out on a couple of evenings, there must have been 30 Green Carpets in the air, but only 5 caught. From not seeing any Fox Moths, they were all over the dunes 2 days ago and those caught had laid neat clusters of eggs in the egg boxes. I tear the boxes up and slot them in the long grass. In the evenings, a Hobby is feasting on the Fox Moths in the Rimac area. It seems to be a good year for Wall

  

  butterflies, with 10 been seen over about a kilometre. Also plenty of Green Hairstreaks."
• Nige Lound emailed: Trapped near Mill Hill at Gibraltar Point NNR and had 134 moths of 37 species, with the overnight low being 10 degrees C. A worn Marsh Moth was the highlight."

Wednesday 2nd June 2021

Mike Pickwell emailed: "I had an excellent time at Chambers Farm Wood this morning, photographing the Marsh Fritillaries in Little Scrubbs Meadow. Didn't attempt a count, but I bumped into Toby Ludlow who said that he had recorded over 100 Marsh Fritillaries and 15 Dingy Skippers."

Tuesday 1st June 2021

• Dave Wright reported: "It was a grey and misty start to the day in the Grimsby area, clearing gradually just after midday. Decided to visit Cress Marsh just down the road in Stallingborough and found 3 male Common Blues, my first for 2021. Surprisingly, no other butterflies seen on the wing, although I did note three species of damselfly and a fresh Four-spotted Chaser."
• Pete Stannard emailed: "Walked the reserves at Twyford late morning/early afternoon in good weather conditions. Recorded 15 Grizzled Skipper, 20 Dingy Skipper, 1 male Common Blue and 1 Green Hairstreak on the Sanctuary. Walking to the Glades reserve, 8 Grizzled Skipper, 4 Dingy Skipper and 2 male Common Blues were recorded on good habitat in the middle of north/south runway around SK944228. On reaching the Glades reserve, 8 Grizzled Skipper, 18 Dingy Skipper, 2 Green Hairstreak, 8 Small Heath, 4 male Common Blue and 1 male Orange Tip were recorded."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Returned to Cleethorpes Coast LNR this afternoon and recorded 14 Green Hairstreaks, my highest count at this particular site. Also noted 1 Small Copper."
• Laura Gundy emailed: "Had an enjoyable walk around Chambers Farm Wood today and saw 2 Glow-worms, which was a first for me and I was very pleased. Little Scrubbs Meadow produced at least 30 Marsh Fritillaries and another first in the form of 3 Dingy Skippers."

  

• John Davison reported: "A lovely and warm morning at Snakeholme Pit LBC Reserve. Male and female Brimstone and Orange Tip on the wing, along with Green-veined and Small White, Brown Argus and Common Blue. Also noted Cinnabar and Latticed Heath moths and the larvae of Small Tortoiseshell on Nettle and early instars of Emperor Moth on Birch."

---

May 2021

Bank Holiday Monday 31st May 2021

• Dave Wright reported: "Just after midday I paid a visit to Rimac in the hope of seeing a few new species for the year. On arrival it was quite chilly in the Easterly breeze, with only sunny intervals. Fortunately it did warm up as the cloud diminished and as a result I noted the following: 22 Small Heath, 13 Wall, 3 Brown Argus, 2 Small Copper, 8 Green Hairstreak, 1 Large White, 1 Green-veined White and 1 Peacock. Also found a Cinnabar moth. Good to see the Great White Egret on the freshwater marsh at close quarters too."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Had an hour-long walk near Kirkby on Bain today, but I was surprised by the dearth of butterflies on the wing; it was rather reminiscent of the 'June Gap', which was not what I expected! I eventually managed to get into double figures and the only butterflies of note were 1 Small Heath and 1 Painted Lady, both of which were my first for 2021."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Visited Goosemans Field in Grimsby today and had a fresh Brown Argus, my first of the year!"
• Laura Gundy emailed: "Paid my first visit of the year to Sotby Meadows LWT Nature Reserve today, where I saw singles of Orange Tip, Holly Blue, Brimstone and Small White. Also saw my first Silver Y of the year and 6 Grass Rivulet. Down the road to Sotby Wood and a quick walk up the main ride produced 4 Brimstone and 3 Orange Tip."

Sunday 30th May 2021

• Martin Meechan emailed: "Today had a walk around Irby Dale, disappointing numbers - 5 Orange Tips, 2 Speckled Woods and 2 Green-veined Whites. However, a pair of mating Orange Tips made the morning worthwhile. In the afternoon, visited Chambers Farm Wood and had my first ever sighting of the stunning Marsh Fritillary (20) and Dingy Skipper (2). Numerous Brimstones flying up and down the entrance road. Yesterday, had a short walk around the Sea Buckthorn behind Cleethorpes Boating Lake and saw 3 Green Hairstreaks, 5 Orange Tips and a solitary Peacock."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Visited Cleethorpes Coast LNR today and found 3 Common Blue, my first of the year. Also, 4 Green Hairstreak, 1 Peacock (plus larvae) and 2 Orange Tip."
• Dave Wright reported: "Early afternoon I popped into Nettleton LNR for my first visit of the year. Butterfly numbers were very low, but I did manage to find 2 Green Hairstreaks and my first Mother Shipton moth of the year."

Saturday 29th May 2021

• Martin Kew reported: "Walked the reserves at Twyford this afternoon in warm sunshine at last! Grizzled numbers have improved but are still low. Good numbers of Dingy Skipper and also my first sighting of Green Hairstreak, Common Blue and Holly Blue. Glades: 6 Grizzled Skipper, 24 Dingy Skipper, 6 Small Heath, 2 Green Hairstreak, 2 Common Blue, 2 Peacock and 1 Small White. Sanctuary: 7 Grizzled Skipper, 26 Dingy Skipper, 4 Small Heath and one each of Green Hairstreak, Orange Tip, Common Blue, Holly Blue and Green-veined White."
• Alan Daws emailed: "Visited Wold Farm at Nettleton this morning and noted the following: 1 Brown Argus, 6 Brimstone, 1 Speckled Wood, 7 Orange Tip, 1 Common Blue, 2 Small Copper, 3 Green-veined White, 1 Peacock, 2 Small Tortoiseshell and 3 Small Heath. Moths included 2 Mother Shipton, 1 Blood-vein and 2 Cinnabar."

  

• Mike Pickwell emailed: "Had a walk round Gooseman's and Carr Plantation in Grimsby today, and recorded: 5 Orange Tips (4 male and 1 female), 5 Large White, 7 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 3 Peacocks and 3 Small Tortoiseshells. On returning home I found a pair of Mint Moths Pyrausta aurata on the conservatory door."
• Graham Catley messaged: "A friend of mine reported 2 Painted Lady today while on his regular bike ride along Middlegate Lane (road that runs along the top of the Wolds from Elsham Top to Horkstow)."
• Mark Johnson emailed: "Had a trip to Chambers Farm Wood this evening, for a mothing session with Mark Wainwright. Moth totals from both traps as follows: 14 Great Prominent, 1 Coxcomb Prominent, 1 Pale Prominent, 5 Lesser Swallow Prominent, 4 Pebble Prominent, 7 Scalloped Hazel, 1 Pale Oak Beauty, 2 Maidens Blush, 9 Orange Footman, 6 Pale Tussock, 7 Green Carpet, 1 Common Swift, 1 Scalloped Hook-tip, 1 Swallow Prominent, 1 Brindled Pug, 1 Red-green Carpet, 1 Clouded Border, 1 Marbled Brown, 1 Grey Pine Carpet, 1 Pale Pinion, 1 Small Phoenix, 1 Red Twin-spot Carpet, 1 Caloptilia robustella and 1 Nematopogon swammerdamella."

Friday 28th May 2021

• Suzanne Nelson emailed: "I visited Twyford Woods late morning today and here are my sightings: Orange Tip (4 males and 1 female), 2 Grizzled Skipper, 13 Dingy Skipper, 1 Large White and 1 Green Hairstreak. I decided to drive over to Chambers Farm Wood and I managed to spot 1 Orange Tip and 1 male Brimstone before the heavens opened!"
• Graham Catley messaged: "Visited the Stonebridge area of Donna Nook NNR this morning and noted lots of Green Hairstreaks, a few Walls and my first Small Heath of the year."

Thursday 27th May 2021

Dave Gilbert emailed: "Today I visited Little Scrubbs Meadow at Chambers Farm Wood, but the day turned out to be much cloudier than forecast, and also slightly cooler. Therefore, while I was there from about 11:00 to 15:30, no Marsh Fritillaries were seen on the wing. That meant crawling around on very wet ground looking for them! However, I did manage to find a few, as the attached images show. A single Dingy Skipper did show itself in short flight, as did a Latticed Heath moth. My first ever Marsh Fritillaries made for a very successful expedition into Lincolnshire!"

Wednesday 26th May 2021

Mark Schofield emailed: "Update from Little Scrubbs Meadows: Recent rain has created puddled conditions across the site and still no sign of emergence for Marsh Fritillary. As the late sunlight warmed the last of the day and the first Woodcocks started roding, Mother Shipton was in flight and I found a Dingy Skipper that had assumed a roosting position. Yet to stir was an Eyed Hawk-moth found roosting on Compact Rush in the meadow. Couldn't resist gently teasing the hindwings out to reveal the eyes, but returned to a more sheltered position on Sallow. Delighted to find 5 Glow-worms (female and larvae) on the White Route path between the bridge  and the meadows (going clockwise). It is so easy to miss the Glow-worms (especially when the air is thick with the distraction of liquid Garden Warbler song!) - so please take care if you visit over the coming weeks. Each year there are so many casualties. When they are disturbed they play dead and just retract their heads waiting for danger to pass - so they are vulnerable to footfall. Ragged Robin is starting to show some colour in its flower buds which should open over the next few days."

Monday 24th May 2021

• Mark Brewster emailed: "My Wife and I are up from Suffolk for a week and today we visited Little Scrubbs Meadow, spending around an hour and half on site, in-between quite heavy showers. I recorded 1 Peacock, 1 Brimstone, 1 Small White and 3 Dingy Skippers. Just one Marsh Fritillary seen, an individual which conveniently landed very close to the mown path near my feet, and remained there for a couple of minutes."

  

• Mark Schofield emailed: "I took a mid-morning walk around Little Scrubbs Meadows at Chambers Farm Wood. No Marsh Fritillaries on the wing and heavy showers to come later today - so perhaps just as well. At least 4 Dingy Skippers on the wing during sunny spells and the attached photo shows one that took a momentary pit stop to nectar at Bugle.  
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "This morning I did a very short loop around Sea View at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR and saw 2 Wall, 1 Green Hairstreak and 1 Painted Lady."
• John Walker reported: "Did the Rimac transect this morning: 2 Small White, 6 Green-veined White, 3 Small Copper, 2 Peacock, 1 Speckled Wood, 4 Wall and 6 Small Heath." 
• Richard Rowland emailed: "A very quick walk around the Blue Lagoon on the edge of Scunthorpe  today produced 1 Green-veined White, 2 Common Blues, 2 Small Heaths, 1 Wall and 1 Mother Shipton moth."
• Sally Johnson from North Somercotes messaged: "Today I found this year's first butterfly egg in the garden - Orange Tip on Sweet Rocket"
• Howard and Penny Smith emailed: "We have just returned  from a long planned weekend in Lincolnshire on the lookout for butterflies. Sadly, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, drew a complete blank, but this morning we visited the Sanctuary Reserve in Twyford Wood. Before the heavens opened and we headed home we saw 2 Green-veined Whites, a Peacock, 4 Orange Tips, 9 Dingy Skippers and our very first ever Grizzled Skipper. This alone made our weekend worthwhile."

Sunday 23rd May 2021

Martin Kew reported: "Had a walk around the reserves today at Twyford Wood. The weather was still less than ideal and there were very few butterflies on the wing. However, I did record my first Small Heath of the season. Glades: 3 Dingy Skipper, 1 Small Heath and 1 Speckled Wood. Sanctuary: 5 Dingy Skipper and 1 Grizzled Skipper."

Saturday 22nd May 2021

Brian Hedley emailed: "I co-led the LNU field meeting to Anderby Creek today. The 'autumnal' weather didn't help, but we recorded a few moths including caterpillars of Brown-tail (abundant), Drinker and Fox Moth, plus adults of Clouded Border and Timothy Tortrix."

Thursday 20th May 2021: Pammene suspectana - a first for Lincolnshire!

• Martin Gray emailed: "The use of pheromone lures seems to be the fashion at the moment, so yesterday I decided to visit Skellingthorpe Woods, (still has good numbers of Ash trees), with the FUN lures. After 30 minutes I netted a moth which I have confirmed today as Pammene suspectana, a first for Lincolnshire! It seems there are a few Tortrix species that are more common than records suggest, with many being day-flyers and leading secretive lives, perhaps up in the tree canopy. What will be next!"

  

• John Davison reported: "Visited Snakeholme Pit LBC Reserve this morning, but it was overcast and cool - hence no butterflies. However, I did manage to find a couple of micro moths - Adela reaumurella and Grapholita jungiella."

Wednesday 19th May 2021

• Dave Wright reported: "Met up with Andrew Kurch around lunchtime today to look for Green Hairstreak at Cleethorpes Coast LNR. It was mainly cloudy on arrival, but thankfully a few sunny spells developed and enabled us to find 6 of our target species in the dune scrub near the Leisure Centre. This is the first time I've seen this beautiful little butterfly in the Cleethorpes area! Also noted 1 Speckled Wood, 2 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 1 male Orange Tip and 1 male Brimstone."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "A profusion of Brown Argus out today on The Pingle LNR, Coningsby, with 5 seen close together."
• Derek Fox reported: "Another poor recording day at Snakeholme Pit LBC Reserve, although the temperature was good at around 16 degrees C with intermittent sunshine. Only managed to record 2 male Brimstones, 3 Green-veined Whites and, male and female Orange Tip. Also, 1 Latticed Heath moth."
• Mark Joy emailed: "I spent another 2 hours at Twyford Wood this afternoon, but only 1 hour from 12 to 1 pm was productive, as I spent a full hour sheltering from a large thunderstorm. I left after this as the sky still looked very dark and gloomy into the distance. Walking from the car park to the main reserve I saw 4 male Orange Tip, 4 Green-veined White, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Large White and 2 Brimstone (male and female). On the main reserve I managed to see at least 11 Dingy Skipper, another 4 Orange Tip (3 male and 1 female) and 1 Green-veined White. The Dingy Skippers looked very fresh. I saw 4 of them on the right hand side of the reserve track past the sign and 7 in a small area on the the main reserve but got rained off before I could search more. I'm sure there would've been many more than the 18 I saw 3 days ago (which I had to search hard to find) as today. The ones I saw appeared much 'thicker on the ground' as though many more had emerged. Yesterday, in my Gosberton garden, I had my first Small White of the year (nectaring on Aubretia). It's the first of this species I have seen anywhere this year" 

Tuesday 18th May 2021

• John Davison emailed: "Visited Grimsthorpe near Bourne today with Pete Cawdell and had my first Small Heath of the year. Other species seen included Dingy Skipper, Brimstone, Orange Tip, Speckled Wood, Peacock and Green-veined White, but butterfly numbers were generally low."
• Dave Wright reported: "Did a circular walk in the Woodhall Spa area today and completed a section of the Viking Way that bisects the golf course there. Very little on the wing, apart from the odd Green-veined White and Orange Tip, and proceedings were interrupted later on thanks to thunder and a heavy downpour. Fortunately the clouds did eventually break and so we made a dash for Moor Farm, arriving in glorious sunshine. It was pleasantly warm on the reserve, but only four butterfly species were seen - 6 Small Copper, 6 Brimstone, 1 Peacock and 1 male Orange Tip."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Carried out a systematic survey of Little Scrubbs Meadow and the Extension, but failed to find any Marsh Fritillaries. Of note were 4 Dingy Skippers in the Extension and several Latticed Heath moths in both meadows. However, after about an hour of strong sunshine, I decided to have another look in the meadows and then 'bam', found a freshly-emerged male Marsh Fritillary."

Monday 17th May 2021

Phil Holman from Nettleton emailed: "This morning I found this moth on our house wall. Initially I thought it was a leaf, before I realised that it was in fact a beautiful Eyed Hawk-moth."

Sunday 16th May2021

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Another frustrating day weather-wise nearly resulted in failure again to see Green Hairstreak on the Lincolnshire coast this year. Thick cloud, frequent rain showers and even a spot of hail seems to be the norm at the moment. The morning spent at Donna Nook NNR in these conditions only produced 2 butterflies. Thankfully, one of them was my first sighting in 2021 of Wall, which I disturbed from the sea bank whilst rushing back to the car to avoid another drenching! The other butterfly was a male Green-veined White. After an hour in the car, to let the showers pass, there followed 30 minutes of sunshine. This brief spell of good weather was enough to tempt a Green Hairstreak out of hiding, and it could be seen flying around an Elder bush, harried by an abundance of St. Mark's Flies. This first Green Hairstreak sighting was closely followed by 2 others, along with another 2 Walls along the sea bank. In addition, a brace of Peacocks and half a dozen Green-veined Whites was the best I could do on the day."

  

• Mark Joy emailed: "I spent another 2 hours at Twyford Wood this afternoon. During sunny intervals on the main reserve I managed to see at least 18 Dingy Skipper and 2 Grizzled Skipper, 3 male Orange Tip, 1 Speckled Wood, 2 Brimstone (male

  

  and female) and a Burnet Companion moth. I didn't go to the Glades, but walking from the car park to the main reserve I added another 3 male Orange Tip (making 6 in total) and 6 Green-veined White (including a mating pair). This morning in my Gosberton Risegate garden, I had 1 Holly Blue, 3 Peacock (nectaring on Lilac), 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Large White, 1 Orange Tip (male) and 1 Green-veined White (nectaring on Aubretia and Dandelion).
• Dave Wright reported: "This morning a period of sunshine produced my first Red Admiral of the year, whilst walking along the Public Bridleway bordering Thorpe Park in Humberston. Also, 6 Speckled Wood, 1 male Orange Tip, 1 Small White and 7 Green-veined White appeared and took advantage of this brief respite from the overcast conditions."

  

• Owen Beaumont messaged: "I did a loop of Rimac this afternoon which produced 6 Wall, 2 Painted Lady, 2 Small Heath, 5 Small White and 3 Peacock."
• Brian Hedley emailed: "Noted my first Red Admiral of the year today at Trent Port, Marton."

Friday 14th May 2021

Mark Johnson emailed: "The awful mothing continues here in North Somercotes, with just two macro moths in the garden trap tonight - Lychnis and Cinnabar, which was a surprise. Cochylis atricapitana (Black-headed Conch) and a very tatty Acleris cristana were also present."

Thursday 13th May 2021

• Keith Robinson emailed: "Had Two hours at Rimac this morning and quite surprised by variety of butterflies seen - 9 Peacock, 3 Painted Lady, 1 Small Copper, 2 Green-veined White, 3 Orange Tip, 3 Green Hairstreak and 2 Wall."

  

• Dave Wright reported: "This afternoon walked from home to the Pyewipe Line near Great Coates, taking in the various footpaths and field margins along the way. Lots of butterflies about including Orange Tip, Small White (including a mating pair),

  

  Green-veined White, Large White, Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock. The Pyewipe Line produced my first dragonfly of the year, a Large Red Damselfly. Late afternoon, 2 Holly Blue appeared in my back garden and settled on the ivy and included the attached female."

  

• John Davison reported: "Visited Snakeholme Pit LBC Reserve today and it was nice to see some butterflies out. Small Tortoiseshell, Small & Green-veined White, Orange Tip (m & f) and Brimstone (m & f). The female was egg-laying on the Alder Buckthorn near the seat."
• Pete Freeman emailed: "Visited Twyford Wood this morning, where it was 15 degrees with some hazy sun: The Glades - 1 Grizzled Skipper and 5 Dingy Skipper. The Sanctuary - 1 Grizzled Skipper and 11 Dingy Skipper. Also noted Orange Tip, Speckled Wood, Green-veined White and Peacock."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Returned to Cleethorpes Coast LNR this morning in the hope of seeing my first Green Hairstreak of the year, after drawing a complete blank last Monday. Fortunately, this time I managed to find 5 between the Leisure and Discovery Centres. Also noted a Painted Lady (new for the year), 5 Peacock, 2 Orange Tip and 4 Green-veined White."
• Pete Smith emailed: "The painfully slow start to this year's butterfly season seems to be stuttering into life at last. Had 'first of the year' sightings today of two species - Small Copper on the heaths at Woodhall Spa; four individuals including an egg-laying female - and Dingy Skipper at Little Scrubbs Meadow; again, four individuals, including one slightly worn male with some wing damage, suggesting it had been out for a few days. No sign yet of the Marsh Fritillaries, although they must be due soon. The Tormentil is just coming into flower, and as a rule of thumb I usually expect to see the first Marsh Frits around the same time that Tormentil opens up."
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "Sightings today from Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR, mostly from the Rimac area: 2 Brimstone, 5 Small White, 3 Green-veined White, 7 Orange Tip, 8 Green Hairstreak, 2 Small Copper, 1 Holly Blue, 2 Red Admiral, 3 Painted Lady, 14 Peacock, 4 Speckled Wood, 2 Wall and 4 Small Heath."

Wednesday 12th May 2021

• Sally Johnson from North Somercotes messaged: "Had my first Painted Lady of the year at lunchtime today - just in the field entrance opposite home. Yesterday, a single Holly Blue briefly visited the garden."

  

• Martin Kew reported: "I walked the transects this morning at Twyford Wood as the weather had marginally improved. Still not a lot on the wing. I recorded one each of Orange Tip, Dingy Skipper, Peacock and Brimstone at the Glades. Slightly better at the Sanctuary - 10 Dingy Skipper, 2 Orange Tip, 2 Peacock, and a Brimstone. I met a BC member at the Sanctuary who had seen 3 Grizzled Skipper earlier. Let's hope numbers improve with the weather!"
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "Visited Messingham Sand Quarry LWT Nature Reserve today and there were good numbers of both Orange Tip and Brimstone (including a female egg-laying), but not much else, just one each of Speckled Wood, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell. However, there were quite a few immature damselflies about, mostly Azure and 1 Blue-tailed, but no large dragonflies."

Tuesday 11th May 2021

• Dave Wright reported: "It was sunny and pleasantly warm in the Grimsby area this morning and so I decided to visit my local patch of Town's Holt. Although only the usual common species were seen, it was refreshing to see butterflies on the wing again and I noted the following: 11 Orange Tip, 1 Large White, 4 Small White, 7 Green-veined White, 1 Speckled Wood, 2 Peacock and 2 Small Tortoiseshell. I also found several Small Tortoiseshell larval webs in a patch of nettles that had fortunately escaped being mowed to death by the Environment Agency." 
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Today I visited my local grassland site, just off Westward Ho in Grimsby and saw 1 Small White, 8 Green-veined White, 2 Orange Tip (male and female), 2 Speckled Wood, 3 Peacock and 4 Small Tortoiseshell (plus 1st instar larvae)." 

Monday 10th May 2021

• Adrian Royle from Louth emailed: "Holly Blue in my front garden today, my first of the year!"
• Howard and Lesley Robinson emailed: "Went to Rimac today and we saw Green Hairstreak, Orange Tip, Peacock and Green-veined White on a blustery and showery day. Birds were good - Whimbrel, Hobby, Northern Wheatear and heard Cuckoo.
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Today, my son Elliot saw a couple of Holly Blues in Coningsby and yesterday I found my first Brown Argus for 2021 on The Pingle LNR, also in Coningsby.

Sunday 9th May 2021

• Laura Gundy emailed: "A walk along the old railway line at Benniworth Walk Farm in the sunshine produced Orange Tips, Peacocks, Small Tortoiseshells and a Speckled Wood. Also, a Timothy Tortrix Aphelia paleana caterpillar down in the grass."
• Mark Johnson phoned: "Had the first butterflies of the year in my North Somercotes garden this morning - 2 Orange Tips and a Green-veined White. Later, a walk along the realignment at Donna Nook produced an unexpected Red Admiral."

Friday 7th May 2021

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "With the weather forecast for the afternoon looking semi-reasonable, decided to visit Moor Farm LWT Nature Reserve. However, 5 minutes after arriving, it looked as if there was a bank of rain fast approaching, so I turned back and just made it to the car as a 20-minute hail shower ensued. This caused the air temperature to drop to 9 degrees C, so very little on the wing. However, did manage to find 4 Small Coppers in the few sunny intervals that followed."
• Mark Joy emailed: "Spent 2 hours at Twyford Wood today. Despite the cold wind, during sunny intervals in sheltered spots, I managed to see a total of 2 Dingy Skippers, 2 Grizzled Skippers, 3 Peacocks, 3 Green-veined Whites and 3 male Orange Tips. No skippers in the main reserve area, but the ones I found were on the right hand side of the side concrete track leading to it." 

Thursday 6th May 2021

• 

  Martin Kew reported: "First Grizzled Skipper sighted today at the Glades in Twyford Wood. Quite a cold wind still, so it was rather hunkered down in the grass! Nothing else on the wing apart from a single Orange Tip."
• Dave Wright reported: "Had a walk this afternoon along a small section of the England Coast Path National Trail, just south of Anderby Creek. Despite the increasing cloud, managed to find a single Green Hairstreak, 4 Peacock and 5 Small Tortoiseshell."

Sunday 2nd May 2021

• Toby Ludlow phoned: "Decided to stay local today and visit two LWT nature reserves, Moor Farm and Kirkby Moor. En route 2 Orange Tips were my first butterflies for about a week! Butterfly numbers were very low, although to be fair the weather wasn't exactly ideal. Moor Farm produced 1 Small Copper, 1 Speckled Wood, 2 Peacock and 1 Green-veined White, while at Kirkby Moor I only noted singles of Brimstone, Green-veined White and Speckled Wood."
• Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed:

  

  "Saturday night's trap produced the usual fare for this Spring - 1 Early Grey and 2 Hebrew Character. I flushed a Streamer from undergrowth when I was out in the garden a little later, but it disappeared when I rushed in to get a pot - damn! Therefore, I thought I'd put the trap out again this evening to lure it in, but to no avail - 3 Hebrew Character, 2 Powdered Quaker and a Muslin Moth was the result. Earlier on this afternoon I visited Rimac for a spot of birding and had my first Large White of the year, which was the only butterfly seen."  

---

April 2021

"Butterflies of Lincolnshire - A Modern History"

AVAILABLE NOW - a brand new book covering the history of the butterflies of Lincolnshire. This work brings together much previously unpublished data and information concerning the changing fortunes of the butterfly species found within this large county. Told through a series of diverse chapters covering the status of 64 species historically known to have occurred here, this is an entertaining and highly personal account of the county's lepidoptera, full of facts, anecdotes, conjecture and just a hint of controversy, including details of illicit releases and the seemingly conflicting ethics of the conservation organisations and certain maverick introductionists. The scope of this work will appeal to both amateurs and experts - it is unlikely that anyone reading this book will not find themselves enlightened, educated, and learning something new about these beautiful winged insects and their history in the second largest county of England. The following is an extract from the foreword by Peter Eeles, author of Life Cycles of British and Irish Butterflies and webmaster of the UK Butterflies website: "Lincolnshire is rather unique among our counties, and it has taken the endeavours of two stalwarts of the Lincolnshire butterflying community, Peter Cawdell and Pete Smith, to spell out the history of each of the butterfly species found, liberally sprinkled with their own personal experiences. The resulting and very readable work brings together a unique perspective of the county - one in which we are now fortunate to share." 235pp, softback, 224mm x 155mm, colour. Complete with graphs, habitat pictures, and 70 distribution maps showing changes in the range of many species over recent decades, along with their current status. Includes colour photographs of all species. Available direct from the authors @ £21.95 + £4.00 p&p. Please contact Pete Smith on [email protected] for details of how to order a copy.

Thursday 29th April 2021

Dave Wright reported: "Made a dash for the coast this lunchtime and met up with Mark Johnson at Donna Nook NNR, in the hope of seeing Green Hairstreak for the first time this year! There was quite a stiff northerly breeze blowing, so therefore we concentrated on the sheltered landward side of the dunes north of Stonebridge car park. Fortunately, we managed to find at least 5 Green Hairstreaks and a Small Copper, the latter being new for the year for both of us. The only other butterfly seen was a solitary Green-veined White. The Sea Buckthorn in the area revealed numerous larval webs of the Brown-tail moth, with the larvae in various stages of development."

Wednesday 28th April 2021

Mike Pickwell from Grimsby emailed: "I had a walk around the woodland burial ground this afternoon and found my first Speckled Wood of the year. Again the cold NE wind made things slow to start with, but it was sheltered in the woods and eventually I found: 1 Orange Tip (male), 4 Small White and 4 Speckled Wood." 

Monday 26th April 2021

• Phil Bowler emailed: "Butterfly numbers here in my Amber Hill garden are very low so far, except the Green-veined White. All the usual suspects have been seen, including Holly Blue and Speckled Wood, but I was pleasantly surprised today to catch sight of a very energetic Small Copper. We need rid of these easterly/north-easterly winds!"
• Mark Schofield from Chambers Farm Wood emailed: "The Marsh Fritillary caterpillars at Little Scrubbs Meadow are now in their 6th instar - won't belong before pupation!"

Sunday 25th April 2021

• Mark Johnson emailed: "Another disappointing night with the garden trap, just one Hebrew Character. However, on Saturday morning I found a Chamomile Shark on the window jamb, which I presume had come to the lighted window the night before. Best thing, it's another lifer!"
• Cliff Morrison emailed: "The first Green Hairstreaks here at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe NNR, were

  

  last Sunday, but the attached photo was from Friday 23rd. Crazy cold onshore winds all the time have made a mockery of moth trapping this month, but at least a few Green Hairstreaks and Speckled Woods have hatched out to brave the weather."

  

• Mark Schofield emailed: "I was walking with my wife and daughter through the rides of Southrey Wood today and found an abundance of the common and widespread micro-moth Micropterix calthella breeding on the flowers of Wood Sedge along the rides. This is one of the UK's five species in the Micropterigidae. Mandibles are absent in all Lepidoptera except the Micropterigidae. They are mandibulate archaic moths that have retained chewing mouthparts  in the adult stage which are used to eat pollen. This species prefers damp woodland rides, clearings, meadows and rough ground and is active by day. It has attractive bronze/gold forewings with a distinctive purple base and an endearing ginger tuft of hair on the head." 

Saturday 24th April 2021

• Karen and Sarah Hand emailed: "We had a wonderful afternoon in the glorious sunshine at College Wood this afternoon. We spotted 3 Light Orange Underwing males whizzing past us at high speed in a brown-and-orange blur, and then we were blessed with this female who came and settled right in front of us."
• Martin Kew reported: "I've been keeping a close eye on the reserves at Twyford Wood this week,

  

  but as of this afternoon no skipper sightings yet, so a later season than last year. Good numbers of Peacock however, especially sunning themselves on the runways and several Brimstone, Comma and Small Tortoiseshell. Also, a couple of Orange Tip today."

Friday 23rd April 2021

• Mark Johnson emailed: "Spent the morning at Donna Nook NNR today, concentrating on the area between Stonebridge car park and Pye's Hall. Had my first Green Hairstreaks of the year, one was quite obliging, basking in an elder, the other zoomed past, not to be seen again. Also had Brimstone, Green-veined White and 3 Peacocks. On the lane home at North Somercotes, had 3 Orange Tips (my first of the year), and 2 more Brimstones."
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "At Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe NNR today: Crook Bank - 3 Green Hairstreak, 1 Brimstone, 1 Orange Tip, 2 Small White and 5 Peacock. Sea View - 1 Orange Tip, 1 Small White and 4 Peacock. Rimac - 5 Peacock.

Thursday 22nd April 2021

• Dave Wright reported: "Had a pleasant walk with my daughter in the Cleethorpes/Humberston area this afternoon, noting the usual butterflies - Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Small White, Green-veined White and male Brimstone. Also, 1 male Orange Tip and 3 Speckled Woods along the bridleway skirting Thorpe Park and 3 Large Whites in Cleethorpes Country

  

  Park."
• John Davison reported: "Lovely, sunny day at Snakeholme Pit LBC Reserve, but still quiet with Brimstone and Orange Tip the main butterflies. Also, the first Common Lizard of the year!"

  

• Adrian Royle emailed: "My first 2 Orange Tips (male and female) of the year today along Halfpenny Lane, near Hubbard's Hills in Louth. Yesterday, a visit to Chambers Farm Wood, produced a Marsh Fritillary larva in Little Scrubbs Meadow."

Wednesday 21st April 2021

• Pete Burnett emailed: "Had a female Emperor Moth here at Fiskerton last night."
• Chris Dobson from Langworth emailed: "Had one or two new moths for the year in the last couple of nights, including Early Thorn, Brindled Beauty and Pebble Prominent. Nothing to compare with Pete Burnett's stunning female Emperor!"

Tuesday 20th April 2021

• Dave Wright reported: "This afternoon I decided to take a long walk in my local area of Grimsby and make the most of the glorious weather. Not surprisingly there were plenty of butterflies on the wing, as I negotiated a few field margins and the two local

  

  nature reserves of Town's Holt and Freshney Bog. Species seen included the following: 3 Large White (new for the year), 29 Small White (including mating pair), 6 Green-veined White (including mating pair), 1 Brimstone, 1 Comma, 36

  

  Small Tortoiseshell, 16 Peacock and 7 Speckled Wood (new for the year). Later, a fine male Holly Blue made an appearance in my garden to make it nine species for the day and another new species for the year."
• Adrian Royle emailed: "My first Speckled Woods of the year today, at least 6 along the Railway Walk in Louth."
• Colin Smith emailed: "Had a quick visit to Wickenby Wood at lunchtime and managed to see a couple of Light Orange Underwings. Also had my actinic light out in Walesby Wood last night. I knew it would not be a great catch as I scraped the ice off the windscreen this morning, but did get Early Tooth-striped and Brindled Beauty, first for the year among the 10 moths of 7 species."
• Alan Daws emailed: "A visit to Thurlby Wood at Upton, near Gainsborough, produced the following: 2 Orange Tip, 3 Brimstone, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Comma, 5 Peacock, 6 Green-veined White and 1 Speckled Wood."
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "2 Green Hairstreaks at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe NNR today, one near Sea View and the other near Churchill Lane. Speckled Wood, Small White, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and Orange Tip also seen."

Monday 19th April 2021: Green Hairstreak at Rimac!

Martin Meechan emailed: "Today I made a quick visit to Rimac and had my first ever sighting of a Green Hairstreak."

Sunday 18th April 2021

Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "After brushing the frost off the garden trap this morning, three moths were revealed - Common Quaker, Hebrew Character and Powdered Quaker (new for year). Also, a pupa found at work recently, emerged yesterday as an Angle Shades, and a caterpillar discovered on the garden hedge I believe is a Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing."

Saturday 17th April 2021

Mark Johnson phoned: "This afternoon I visited the extensive private woodland at Panton at the kind invitation of the Estate, and saw 3 Brimstone, 1 Peacock, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Green-veined White and a Comma. Also, a flock of 8 Crossbills overhead was a nice bonus!"

Friday 16th April 2021

Dave Wright reported: "I paid a brief visit to the Great Coates section of the Pyewipe Line this afternoon, a site that has been traditionally good for early Orange Tip sightings during the last few years. Literally within minutes of my arrival, a male flew past and settled briefly enabling me to capture the attached photo. Also noted 2 Small White, 4 Green-veined White, and singles of Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock."

Thursday 15th April 2021

• Dave Wright reported: "I thought that Small Tortoiseshell numbers in my local area of Grimsby had dropped off recently, but a walk this afternoon to Freshney Bog proved me wrong with a total count of 52. Also noted a single Peacock, 2 Green-veined White and 6 Small White. On returning home a beautiful Angle Shades moth was found on the garden fence."
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "More insect activity on Gooseman's Field in Grimsby today at last! I

  

  concentrated on a nice sheltered area and counted the following: 35 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Peacock, 6 Small White - first for the year, and a single Comma."
• Sally Johnson messaged: "Had my first Orange Tip (male) today, feasting on a dandelion, just off Bank End in North Somercotes."

Tuesday 13th April 2021

• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Returned to my local patch, just off Westward Ho in Grimsby this afternoon and noted the following: 2 Small White, 4 Comma, 7 Peacock, 26 Small Tortoiseshell and my first Speckled Wood of the year, a very fresh male."
• Alan Daws emailed: "Out at Wold Farm in Nettleton today and saw 7 Peacock, 5 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Brimstone, 1 Green-veined White and a fine male Orange Tip, my first of the year!"

Monday 12th April 2021

Pete Smith emailed: "Spent a few hours at Chambers today - bright and cold - only saw one butterfly, a hardy Small Tortoiseshell nectaring in Little Scrubbs Meadow, but did find a few Marsh Fritillary larvae, and also just one White Admiral larva braving the weather to sunbathe briefly on the outside of its hibernaculum. It had obviously been eating a few days ago, judging by the feeding damage visible on the honeysuckle. Spring is progressing very slowly this year!"

Saturday 10th April 2021

Dave Wright reported: "A sunny, but quite cool morning in the Grimsby area this morning and a walk along the sheltered field margin towards Town's Holt, produced 3 Small Tortoiseshells, my first butterflies since Easter Sunday! In Town's Holt itself a further 4 Small Tortoiseshells were noted, along with a Green-veined White. Also, a singing Reed Warbler and 5 Blackcaps were my first of the year!"

Easter Sunday 4th April 2021

• Phil Lee emailed: "Steph and I visited Langholme Wood this afternoon and in the warm sunshine we had our first Orange Tip and Speckled Wood butterflies of the year."
• Mark Johnson phoned: "Visited Donna Nook NNR this afternoon and a walk between Stonebridge car park and Pye's Hall produced 5 Peacock, 2 Small Tortoiseshell and my first Green-veined White of the year."
• Dave Wright reported: "With Arctic conditions predicted for Easter Monday, decided to head for the coast around midday in the hope of seeing a few butterflies before the weather took a turn for the worse. Visited Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunnes NNR and focused on the area between Paradise and Rimac. A moderate breeze was blowing across the reserve, but the sheltered spots produced a total of 31 Peacock, 6 Small Tortoiseshell and my second and third Green-veined White of the year."

Good Friday 2nd April 2021

Mike Pickwell emailed: "Despite the cold weather in the Grimsby area today, I managed to find 6 Small Tortoiseshells on Gooseman's Field. It was nice to get some photos of them nectaring on the Blackthorn."

Thursday 1st April 2021

Mark Johnson phoned: "Visited my sister in North Thoresby this afternoon and was amazed to see a Hummingbird Hawk-moth 'buzzing' around the hanging baskets on the side of the house."

---

March 2021

Wednesday 31st March 2021: Orange Tip in Barton-upon-Humber!

• Graham Catley messaged: "A walk through the allotments in Barton-upon-Humber this morning produced my first Orange Tip of the year and a Small White." 
• Laura Gundy emailed: "I finally dusted off the moth trap here at Benniworth Walk Farm and got it

  

  running last night. I was rewarded with a lovely Brindled Beauty, plus Early Thorn, Clouded Drab, Hebrew Character, Pine Beauty, Common Quaker, Small Quaker, Shoulder Stripe and a Diurnea fagella."
• John Walker emailed: "Around my garden today at Coastguard Cottages, Churchill Lane, Theddlethorpe, with temperatures of 22.5 degrees C were 3 Peacock, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Comma, 1 Brimstone and a Small White. Also, 9 Peacock, 6 Small Tortoiseshell and a Comma in the adjacent dunes."
• Owen Beaumont emailed: "4 Small Whites across the Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR today, with 1 Red Admiral, 1 Comma and 30+ Peacocks between Sea View and Rimac."
• John and Audrey Spring emailed: "On our Wednesday walk we decided to visit Messingham Sand Quarry LWT Nature Reserve and saw the following: 11 Peacock, 3 Small Tortoiseshell and 7 Brimstone (6 male and 1 female)."
• Phil Lee emailed: "The moths seemed to have gone as crazy as the weather over here at Misterton. Last night the temperature stayed up at 9.9 degrees C and I had 60 macros of 13 species in the trap, which is unheard of in March. New for the year were Tawny Pinion and Double-striped Pug. Then to cap it all at lunchtime a Hummingbird Hawk-moth was on the Rosemary on the patio."
• Cliff Morrison emailed: I never expect or get much before mid-April here on the coast, but this morning at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR close to where I live, I had 88 moths of 10 species in the trap and included 8 Engrailed. 2 Twin-spotted Quakers in my garden yesterday were new for me. Also, so many butterflies around and species included Small White, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma, Brimstone and Red Admiral."

Tuesday 30th March 2021: Holly Blue in North Somercotes!

• Mark Johnson reported: "Holly Blue this afternoon in my mum's garden along Conisholme Road in North Somercotes."
• Toby Ludlow reported: "Met up with Dave Wright and, together with my son, we paid a visit to Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve. The gorgeous weather produced a good number of

  

  Brimstones and Peacocks, with 14 of each seen around the Visitor's Route. In addition, we saw a single Comma and a single Small Tortoiseshell. Many more Peacocks and Brimstones were seen elsewhere on the reserve, along with 3 Green Tiger Beetles, which were good to see! Later, we managed to find 2 Small Whites in Coningsby and then I walked my usual route along the River Bain and together with Dave, we compiled an impressive total of Small Tortoiseshells - 158 being the final tally. 7 Peacocks were the only other butterflies seen. We were just about to walk back when a small, white butterfly flew past. We gave chase and, when it landed briefly, we positively identified it as a male Green-veined White, a first for both of us this year."
• Owen Beaumont emailed: "Between Paradise Lagoon and Rimac today on the Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR - 24 Peacock, 3 Small Tortoiseshell and a Brimstone."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "This morning I paid a visit to Cleethorpes Coast LNR and noted 5 Peacock, 8 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Comma and a male Brimstone. Later this afternoon a brief visit to the grassland site, just off Westward Ho in Grimsby, produced 75 Small Tortoiseshell, 10 Peacock, 2 Comma, male Brimstone and my first Small White of the year."
• Laura Floyd phoned: "A walk this afternoon along the sheltered footpath skirting Thorpe Park in Humberston, produced numerous Small Tortoiseshell, 10 Peacock, 2 Brimstone and my first Speckled Wood of the year."
• Pete Smith emailed: "Spent a day at Chambers Farm Wood today and at College Wood yesterday - huge numbers of Brimstones, plenty of Peacocks and Commas, plus surprisingly my first white of the year, a Small White; I think this is the first year ever that I have seen one before a Green-veined White."
• Martin Gray emailed: "With all the recent records of Pammene giganteana on social media

  

  responding to the MOL Pheromone lure, I decided to purchase one. Had the lure out in Skellingthorpe Woods and enticed 31 in half an hour. Looking at the records these are the first for VC53! There are only four previous records in Lincs, one pre-1918?, one near Louth (Roger Labatt) and two enticed to light at Chambers Farm Wood (Mark Wainwright). Certainly this species does not come to light readily as I have now recorded 8 of them in my garden in the last hour."
• Colin Smith emailed: I have taken advantage of the warmer weather. Never had so many Oak

  

  Beauty in one go before, with 22 at Linwood Warren on 28th. Today 97 moths in my garden at Ludford was a big surprise and included the following: 10 Clouded Drab, 13 Common Quaker, 10 Earl Grey, 32 Hebrew Character, 29 Small Quaker, 2 Pale Pinion and 1 Agonopterix heracliana. Another trap at Walesby Wood produced 2 Chestnut, 1 Common Quaker, 1 Early Grey, 12 Engrailed, 2 Hebrew Character, 1 Herald, 2 Shoulder Stripe, 1 Small Quaker, 1 Streamer, 1 Yellow Horned and 1 Diurnea fagella."
• Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "12 moths of 5 species in the garden trap this morning - Common Quaker, Early Grey, Hebrew Character, Twin-spotted Quaker and a Satellite, which was new for the year."
• Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "Decided to light up tonight due to the mini-

  

  heatwave and weekend forecast looking grim. It paid off with record numbers for our garden in March - 50 moths! These included 3 Early Thorn, 3 Red Chestnut, 15 Common Quaker, 7 Clouded Drab, 1 Twin-spotted Quaker, 8 Hebrew Character, 8 Small Quaker, 1 Satellite, 1 Early Grey, 1 Lead-coloured Drab and 2 Diurnea fagella."

Monday 29th March 2021

• Bill Meek messaged: "2 Small Whites, 2 Peacocks and lots of Small Tortoiseshells on Immingham Dock today."
• Josh Forrester messaged: "Between Grimsby and Humberston this afternoon, I had my earliest ever records of Large White and Speckled Wood, where I also noted a single Brimstone and numerous Small Tortoiseshells and Peacocks."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Enjoyed the sunshine today and went for my usual walk along the River Bain through Coningsby. Delighted to get 'the ton up' in a single day with an impressive count of Small Tortoiseshells; had a count of 116 and there were many courting couples amongst them. This was even more rewarding when you hear how scarce this butterfly is getting in more southerly locations. 7 Peacocks were a nice accompaniment to them. And earlier, making the most of the relaxed restrictions, I stayed local with a trip to Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve and saw my second non-hibernator, another Small White. Also on site were: 1 Comma, 2 Small Tortoiseshells, 6 Peacocks and 14 Brimstones."
• Dave Wright reported: "It was a glorious afternoon in the Grimsby area today and so I just had to take a walk down to my local patch of Town's Holt. I was rewarded with two new species for the year, a male Brimstone and 2 Commas, with a fine supporting cast of 49 Small Tortoiseshells and 25 Peacocks."

Saturday 27th March 2021

• Mark Johnson emailed: "Tonight I had a few hours trapping at Snakeholme Pit LBC Reserve and caught the following: 133 Small Quaker, 2 Chestnut, 72 Common Quaker, 4 Clouded Drab, 2 Early Grey, 1 Twin-spotted Quaker, 3 Brindled Pug, 5 Hebrew Character, 1 Grey Shoulder-knot, 1 Red Chestnut and 1 Diurnea fagella." 
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "Despite it being quite cool and windy in the Grimsby area today, I managed to find a single Small Tortoiseshell on Gooseman's Field."

Thursday 25th March 2021

Geoff Beesley messaged: "Had my first Comma of the year this afternoon in my garden at Irby upon Humber."

Wednesday 24th March 2021

• Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "This morning the trap revealed 1 Early Grey, 4 Common Quaker, 1 Clouded Drab, 1 Hebrew Character and a Twin-spotted Quaker, which was new for the garden."
• Dave Wright reported: "It became quite warm and sunny in the Grimsby area this afternoon, so I decided to take a walk in my local area, taking in the field margins towards Town's Holt. I noted a total of 33 Small Tortoiseshells (including 1 in the garden), and 2 Peacock. My best day for butterflies but still only 2 species recorded for the year so far! Also, great to hear at least 6 Chiffchaffs in the area."
• Toby Ludlow from Coningsby messaged: "Yay! My first Brimmy of the year in my local area today! And, like buses, you wait ages for one and then several turn up shortly afterwards. This first Brimstone was closely followed by my 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Brimstones of the year."

Tuesday 23rd March 2021

• Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "Last night's haul in the garden trap included 1 Early Grey, 4 Hebrew Character, 1 Common Quaker and a Lead-coloured Drab (new for the garden)."
• Alan Daws emailed: "A female Brimstone today at Thurlby Wood, Upton near Gainsborough."

Monday 22nd March 2021

• Alan Barker emailed: "It was nice to have a Comma visit a garden close to Doddington Road in Lincoln this afternoon. It rested in the warm sun just long enough for a snapshot."
• John Spring from Grimsby emailed: "Our first butterflies of the year today in our Scartho garden - 2 Small Tortoiseshells and a Peacock."

Sunday 21st March 2021

• Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "Last night the garden trap produced 4 Clouded Drab, including a particularly nice variant - see attached."
• Nige Lound emailed: "Overnight at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR produced 9 Hebrew Character, 4 Clouded Drab, 2 Dotted Border, 1 Common Quaker, 1 Small Quaker and 1 Shoulder Stripe. Not too bad considering overnight low was just below freezing with a ground frost!"

Saturday 20th March 2021

• Brian Hedley emailed: "Noted a Mottled Grey to lighted window here at Marton tonight. Not a stunning looking moth, but always good to catch up with this under-recorded early season species."
• Mark Johnson emailed: "Just five in the garden trap at North Somercotes this morning, but still better than last week's effort - 2 Clouded Drab, 2 Common Quaker and a single Hebrew Character."

Wednesday 17th March 2021

• Graham Catley messaged: "My first Brimstone of the year today in the lower car park at Alkborough Flats."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "10 Small Tortoiseshells this afternoon at a small grassland site, just off Westwatd Ho in Grimsby."
• Nige Lound emailed: "Moths overnight at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR were 12 Hebrew Character, 2 Clouded Drab, 3 Common Quaker, 2 Small Quaker and singles of Satellite and Common Plume."

Tuesday 16th March 2021

Alan Daws messaged: "A male Brimstone this afternoon at Thurlby Wood, Upton near Gainsborough."

Monday 15th March 2021

• Dave Wright reported: "My first Peacock of the year today along the sheltered field margin bordering the Wybers Wood Estate in Grimsby. Also noted 5 Small Tortoiseshells."
• Colin Smith emailed: "Put out a couple of Actinics tonight at Linwood Warren and Ling Plantation. Linwood Warren produced 9 Chestnut, 5 Clouded Drab, 8 Dotted Border, 4 Engrailed, 2 Hebrew Character, 8 March Moth, 1 Oak Beauty, 4 Pale Brindled Beauty, 2 Satellite, 7 Small Quaker, 2 Streamer, 14 Yellow Horned and 1 Acleris ferrugana. Ling Plantation produced 1 Chestnut, 1 Clouded Drab, 1 Dotted Border, 2 Engrailed, 4 March Moth, 1 Streamer, 14 Yellow Horned, 2 Acleris ferrugana and 1 Tortricodes alternella."

Sunday 14th March 2021

• Dave Wright reported: "Despite the blustery conditions in the Grimsby area this morning, decided to pay a visit to my local patch of Town's Holt and found a single Small Tortoiseshell. Also, great to hear both Chiffchaff and Cetti's Warbler in song!"
• Mark Johnson emailed from North Somercotes: "Only 2 moths in the garden trap this morning - Red Chestnut and Hebrew Character."

Tuesday 9th March 2021

• Mike Pickwell messaged: "Found my first butterfly of the season today, a Small Tortoiseshell on the fields just outside Weelsby Woods in Grimsby."
• Dave Wright reported: " A Small Tortoiseshell in my Grimsby garden this afternoon nectaring on primrose flowers. Nearby, another 10 Small Tortoiseshells along the field margin bordering the estate."

  

• Toby Ludlow from Coningsby messaged: "Went for a walk in the local area and saw my first Comma of 2021, basking in the glorious sunshine."
• Alan Daws emailed: "3 Peacocks today at Thurlby Wood, Upton near Gainsborough."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Visited a small grassland site today, just off Westward Ho in Grimsby and saw 3 Small Tortoiseshells and my first Comma of the year."

Sunday 7th March 2021: First Small White of the Year!

Toby Ludlow messaged: "With the temperature at only 7 deg. C and a chilly north-westerly making it feel a couple of degrees colder, I didn't expect to see any butterflies today. However, my pulse started racing when I saw a white butterfly flying near to the River Bain in Coningsby. Due to its small size, I initially thought it would be a Green-veined White, but when stopped to nectar on a Snowdrop, I confirmed its identity; it was a beautifully-fresh male Small White."

Friday 5th March 2021

Natalie and George Rutter emailed: "Had a moth at the kitchen window tonight - a Grey Shoulder-knot, re-emerged after its winter slumber."

 

---

February 2021

Sunday 28th February 2021

Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "In the garden trap this morning just 1 Chestnut, with a March Moth on the trap last night. Also, 7 Brown House-moths buzzing  around the outside light and a Dotted Border off the window. Later this afternoon a walk to Pyes Hall at Donna Nook NNR, produced 1 Small Tortoiseshell."

Saturday 27th February 2021

• Alan Barker emailed: "Male Brimstone in our garden in the centre of Holbeach at 1pm, following a Small Tortoiseshell a couple of hours earlier."
• Mark and Sally Johnson reported: "Our first butterflies of the year today in North Somercotes. The first was a Small Tortoiseshell along Marsh Lane, followed by a Peacock at Bank End."
• Dave Wright reported: "Three Small Tortoiseshells this morning along the Wybers Wood Estate field margin and it was great to hear a Chiffchaff singing nearby in the Spring-like weather. Later a walk to Bradley Woods produced 2 Small Tortoiseshells in the SW corner."
• Laura Gundy messaged: "Whilst reclining on my sun lounger eating a Magnum (in February!) in my Benniwoth Garden, a Small Tortoiseshell fluttered past."
• Steve Palmer messaged: "First Small Tortoiseshell of the year found on a crocus flower in my Healing garden this afternoon."
• Mike and Anne Allen messaged: "Today we had our first butterfly of the year, a Small Tortoiseshell in our garden on Defender Drive in Grimsby."

Friday 26th February 2021

• Graham Catley messaged: "A Small Tortoiseshell in Barton Wolds this morning and another over my garden in Barton-upon-Humber."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Double-digit Day! Took a walk along the River Bain at Coningsby and was pleasantly surprised to see such a good number of Small Tortoiseshells so early in the season; the tally of 13 is hopefully a good sign for the year ahead."
• Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "2 Dotted Border on the window tonight."

Thursday 25th February 2021

Dave Wright reported: "This afternoon I walked along the field margin bordering the Wybers Wood Estate, close to my home in Grimsby, and was rewarded with my first butterfly of the year, a Small Tortoiseshell."

Wednesday 24th February 2021

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Woohoo, we're off and running! Saw my first butterfly of 2021 today - a Peacock in my Coningsby garden, which was out of hibernation and enjoying the balmy conditions. Later, I went for a walk with my son Elliott along the River Bain in Coningsby and we saw 2 Small Tortoiseshells."
• Ian McGlynn emailed: "I saw 4 Small Tortoiseshells today, flying around a garage in Morton."
• Jan Wright reported: "While walking along the dune system at the Humberston Fitties, I flushed a Peacock, my first butterfly of the year."
• Andrew Kurch from Grimsby phoned: "My first butterfly of the year today, a Small Tortoiseshell at my local patch, a small grassland site just off Westward Ho."

Monday 22nd February 2021

Chris Dobson from Langworth emailed: "Managed four species in the garden trap last night; Chestnut, Hebrew Character, Dotted Border and Common Quaker."

Sunday 21st February 2021

• Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "First mothing session of the year in my garden produced 3 tatty Dotted Border and a lifer - 1 Spring Usher."
• Steve Palmer from Healing  messaged: "Decided to put the trap out last night, but only caught one moth - a Pale Brindled Beauty (new for garden). The light also attracted a huge Great Diving Beetle!"
• Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "I had three moths in my garden trap last night, Hebrew Character, Pale Brindled Beauty and a very dark Spring Usher."

Saturday 20th February 2021

• Nige Lound emailed: "Trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and had singles of March Moth, Chestnut and Dotted Border."
• Phil Lee emailed: "Tonight I had my first garden trapping session here at Misterton and caught just three moths, Chestnut (very tatty could be Dark Chestnut), Dotted Border and a Common Plume." 

Friday 5th February 2021

Phil Lee emailed: "Not had the trap out yet, but had a walk around a sunny Langholme Wood this afternoon tapping trees and was rewarded with 2 Tortricodes alternella, 1 Pale Brindled Beauty and a fresh looking Dotted Border."

Monday 1st February 2021: First Butterfly of the Year!

Mathew Harrison Tweeted: "Despite the 5 degree temperature today it felt remarkably Spring like in the sunshine. A Small Tortoiseshell flying around our Dunston garden at lunchtime was still something of a surprise however!"

---

January 2021

Friday 29th January 2021

Phil Lee emailed: "A Spring Usher flew over my shoulder and landed in front of me in Langholme Wood today - my first moth of the year!"

Thursday 28th January 2021

Andy Sims emailed: "First moths of the year in my Swanpool garden last night, Chestnut and Pale Brindled Beauty."

Friday 1st January 2021

Brian Hedley from Marton emailed: "Had my first moth of the year today - Agonopterix alstromeriana disturbed from a garden log pile."