Lincolnshire latest sightings

This page is dedicated to sharing first butterfly & moth sightings, unusual sightings and indeed anything you feel might be of interest to others!

 

If you have any news about what you have seen or if you have a photo to share, please send to:
[email protected]

If you have been recording butterfly and/or moth sightings throughout the year and wish to send them to us, please see our recording page. We use this information to monitor how well different species are faring, and concentrate our effort on the butterflies and moths that need the most help.

Please Note: These sightings are not picked up as actual records - Please send a full record, with all details, for any of this year's sightings.

We welcome any photos you send in. However, any photo sent is on the understanding that the Branch has permission to use it to promote Lepidoptery in all media forms.

April 2024

Wednesday 24th April 2024

Dave Wright reported: "I didn't expect to see any butterflies during this current cold spell, but this morning I was staggered to come across my first Large White of the year on the Lincolnshire coast, just south of the North Sea Observatory at Chapel St Leonards. I found it settled on vegetation in a sheltered spot along Willoughby High Drain." 

Sunday 21st April 2024

Graham Catley emailed: "This morning I had a pair of Orange-tips at Alkborough."

Friday 19th April 2024

Lesley Robinson emailed: "During my walk in Bottesford this afternoon, I saw a Hummingbird Hawk-moth feeding on purple Aubretia."

Thursday 18th April 2024

• Pete Cawdell emailed: "Visited a very wet, bedraggled and sad looking Little Scrubbs Meadow today. Unbelievably, this SSSI still uncut by the FC. Short term this will be good for the Marsh Fritillaries, but the effect on the scarce flora I don't know. There were plenty of late instar larvae scattered about and I would predict a good flight season for this species, this year anyway. They will probably be on the wing from mid-May."
• Dave Wright reported: "This morning, I visited Donna Nook NNR with Chris Atkin, hoping to find Green Hairstreak for the first time this year. The weather wasn't ideal on our arrival, with cool conditions prevailing. Despite this, we carried out an extensive search from Stonebridge car park to the breach at Pyes Hall and eventually managed to dig out 3 Green Hairstreaks. Increasing cloud meant that we didn't see another butterfly species, although we did come across lots of Brown-tail moth larvae on several webs in the Sea Buckthorn."

Sunday 14th April 2024

Toby Ludlow messaged: "After reading about a handful of Green Hairstreak records from the Lincolnshire coast, I decided to pay a visit to Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR and chance my luck at Rimac. Within a few minutes of being on site I disturbed my first Green Hairstreak from some scrub, so I was feeling rather pleased with myself. But when it landed on a Hawthorn bush, that pleasure was tempered somewhat when I discovered that it wasn't as fresh as I expected it to be; it looked like it had been out for about a week! It would be around 20 minutes before I spotted another one, this one in much better condition and, unlike most of the Green Hairstreaks I find on the coast which have very little in the way of white markings, it had well-developed spots on both fore- and hindwings, making it ab. punctata. With a cold offshore wind blowing across the reserve, butterfly numbers were expectedly low. However, in the more sheltered parts of the dunescape, I encountered several more Green Hairstreaks and 11 was my final tally, 2 of which were ab. punctata." 

Saturday 13th April 2024

Pete Cawdell emailed: "After BC Lincs Branch AGM at Whisby this morning, a group of about 18 had a very interesting guided walk around the Reserve by Emily the LWT warden. The weather wasn't really condusive to butterflies, but we did spot several Orange-tips and Green-veined Whites, including a mating pair. Luckily we had Melanie Pensome, BC East Midlands Branch Moth Officer with us and she had given an illustrated talk on the 16 species of Clearwing Moths earlier in the day. On the walk she brought with her an Emperor Moth lure (see pic. of it hanging in a bush in a muslin bag). We were soon dived bombed by what was incorrectly identified as a rather brownish Red Admiral, but we then soon realised it to be a male Emperor Moth. This was a sign of things to come as by the time we reached a large clearing and hung up the lure in a bush, 3 of these beauties were drawn to it, landing on some of the watchers. We were all amazed at the effectiveness of this method of recording. (Not to be used in a garden setting though as it can be counter to conservation by taking the males away from their proper business of hunting females!)."

Thursday 11th April 2024

• Dave Wright reported: "Today, Chris Atkin and I decided to head inland and visit the excellent nature reserve of Messingham Sand Quarry. The weather was kind with numerous sunny spells, and it became quite warm, especially during the afternoon. Not surprisingly, we managed to find nine species of butterfly, which included the following: Orange-tip (male), Holly Blue, Small White, 7 Green-veined White, 16 Speckled Wood, 7 Brimstone (5 male & 2 female), 3 Red Admiral, 10 Peacock and a Comma. The latter was seen briefly sparring with an Orange Underwing moth. Other moths included a Drinker larva and 30+ Adela reaumurella. We also noted 11 Common Lizards basking in the sunshine on various habitat piles."
• Peter Cawdell emailed: "A walk around Southrey Wood today yielded 7 species: a couple of dozen of

  

  Green-veined White, Brimstone and Peacock, 4 Comma, and singles of Speckled Wood, Holly Blue (male) and Red Admiral. The worn Red Admiral is probably the earliest I have personally seen one although there has been a smattering of sightings around the County already. So the "Butterfly of 2023' has managed to survive the long, wet but comparatively warm winter in small numbers. Brimstone sightings were of course mostly males but I did manage to find this courting pair, following them for 10 minutes in our Coppice Area. The only time you can view the topside of the wings naturally."
• Gary Fenwick emailed: "I set off to Rimac to see if I could see any Green Hairstreak (at last the sun was shining)! At the last second I decided to pop to the adjacent Sea View car-park beforehand and I am glad I did, I saw two Green Hairstreak and then none at Rimac! At Sea View I also picked up a Brimstone and a Small/Green-veined White. At Rimac all I saw was a Brimstone and another Small/Green-veined White. I then went on to Gibraltar Point NNR, principally to (successfully) track down the Glossy Ibis, but I also saw nine Peacock and three Small/Green-veined White. Moths in my trap (at Usselby Plantation, Willingham Woods [I have a permit]) this morning included: 3 Early-tooth Striped, 2 Brindled Pug, 2 Pine Beauty, 1 Brindled Beauty, 3 Early Grey, 1 Purple Thorn, 1 Streamer, 1 Water Carpet, 1 Scalloped Hook-tip and 1 Powdered Quaker."
• Simon Johnson from Donington emailed: "Today in my garden I saw a pair of Speckled Woods dancing together above the lawn; a Brimstone patrolling the flowerbeds; two Red Admirals, one old and tattered, one straight out of the box; a male Orange-tip; and a Holly Blue. Not bad for less than an hour outside on the first properly mild and reasonably sunny day of the year."
• Graham Catley messaged "My first Orange-tip of the year this morning at Laughton wet heath."
• Renata Jackson reported from Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR: "Sightings between Sea View and Paradise Wood: 1 Green Veined White, 3 Speckled Wood, 13 Peacock, 3 male Brimstone, 2 Small White, 2 Green Hairstreak and 1 Small Tortoiseshell."
• Toby Ludlow from Coningsby messaged: "My first Orange-tip of the year today, closely followed by a second at the Pingle LNR."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "A male Holly Blue in my Grimsby garden today, was my first of the year!"
• Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "At last, there was some activity in my garden today, with a male Orange-tip, Speckled Wood and a female Brimstone egg-laying, all making an appearance."

Wednesday 10th April 2024: Green Hairstreak at Crook Bank!

• Oliver Conley reported: "A Green Hairstreak today at Crook Bank, Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Whilst the sun was shining, a walk around the Pingle LNR again produced a good number of butterflies. This time, of note, were 3 Large Whites: 2 males and a heavily-marked female. Also of note was my first mating pair of the year: a pair of Green-veined Whites, the female of which had only just emerged."
• Ian Shepherd from Cleethorpes emailed: "I had my first Holly Blue of the year in my garden this afternoon, and an Orange-tip near the plantation at Tetney Sluice Gates."
• Dave Wright reported: "The sunny conditions in the Grimsby area this morning, prompted me to visit

  

  two local sites before the predicted arrival of strong winds and rain by early afternoon. I was rewarded with my first Speckled Wood of the year shortly after arriving at the Great Coates section of the Pyewipe Line. The only other butterflies seen were 11 Small Tortoiseshells and 3 Peacocks. From here I moved on to the Mawmbridge Drain section of the same line, and was delighted to see a male Orange-tip and Green-veined White, both new for the year. I also noted 2 more Speckled Woods, 6 Small Tortoiseshells and 5 Peacocks. An unexpected bonus came in the form of a Spoonbill, seen in flight nearby."

Monday 8th April 2024

• Toby Ludlow from Coningsby messaged: "Initially I thought that the weather was borderline and I ummed and ahed for about 30 minutes before finally deciding to get some fresh air and go out. In the end, I was mighty glad I did because I saw 89 butterflies throughout the day. And it was a walk around the Pingle LNR that produced the goods, with 10 species of butterfly seen there. Alas, none of the species were new ones for the year for me. At the Pingle, the pick of the bunch were 6 male Green-veined Whites, a male Small White, and a male Large White. The latter sighting was interesting because it was in the exact same location as the female I saw on the 19th March."
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "Not particularly optimal conditions, but with a bit of sun, we headed out for the first transect of the year at Rimac. Only 4 Peacock and a Speckled Wood noted, but hopefully more to come soon! Later in the day I found 2 Orange-tips at Brickyard Lane and Pete Roworth had a Green-veined White at Sea View."
• Kev Armstrong from Nettleton messaged: "I had the trap out at Wold Farm for only the second time this year, and last night's catch was an improvement on the first, with 20 moths of 6 species. These included the following: 1 Twenty-plume Moth, 1 Early Thorn, 7 Hebrew Character, 3 Common Quaker, 6 Small Quaker and 2 Clouded Drab."

Sunday 7th April 2024

John Nelson from Grimsby phoned: "A Speckled Wood in my Oliver Street garden today, was my first of the year."

Saturday 6th April 2024

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "A brace of Holly Blues in my Coningsby garden today. Also, a Green-veined White. 4 Red Admirals on the Pingle were of note."
• Laura Gundy reported: "Today I attended an event organised by the Woodland Trust at Londonthorpe Wood, near Grantham. Despite the extremely windy conditions, the morning produced several male Orange-tips, which were my first of the year. Also noted a few male Brimstones, a couple of Peacocks and a single Comma."

Wednesday 3rd April 2024

Ian Paterson emailed: "A couple of interesting moths! The first is an Emperor, lured by Tim Bagworth today at Belton, with a photograph taken by the NT warden Sacha Welsh. The second is a Dotted Chestnut, trapped recently in my garden at Brant Broughton. Apparently, a second has been reported from Gibraltar Point NNR recently."

Tuesday 2nd April 2024: Painted Lady in Westwoodside and Orange-tip at Snakeholme Pit!

• Dave Hursthouse phoned: "Today I had a Painted Lady in my garden in Westwoodside."

  

• John Davison reported from Snakeholme Pit: "A pleasant day with sunny intervals. Still wet under foot, but getting there slowly. A few butterflies out, including Brimstone, Comma and Orange-tip."
• Gary Fenwick emailed: "An afternoon trip to Scotton Common today produced a Brimstone, 4 Peacock and my first Speckled Wood of the year."
• Sightings reported from Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR: "Male and female Brimstone, Red Admiral and Peacock at Sea View. Nearby, Speckled Wood at Rimac (Owen Beaumont). Brimstone, Peacock and Comma north of Churchill Lane (John Walker)."
• Mark Brandon emailed: "A Small White flew over the path at Covenham this afternoon, first I've seen this spring! Also, 2 Brimstone, 1 Peacock and 1 Small Tortoiseshell at Tetney Blow Wells."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Spring has definitely sprung! Despite a lot of cloud, there were some nice sunny intervals, and a 20-minute walk around the Pingle LNR in Coningsby produced 5 male Speckled Woods, which included two combatant pairs. Also seen, were 4 male Brimstones, a brace of Peacocks, and a male Small White."
• Dave Wright from Grimsby reported: "This morning I ventured out into the back garden during a pleasant sunny spell, and was amazed to find a female Holly Blue egg-laying on my Hydrangea petiolaris."                                                                                                                                               

  

---

March 2024

Saturday 30th March 2024

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "A walk around the Pingle LNR in Coningsby today produced a confirmed sighting of a male Green-veined White, my first of the year."
• Phil Bowler from Amber Hill emailed: "Usually the Small White precedes any spring sightings of the Green-veined in our garden, but this year the Green-veined White has beaten it, with a male seen chasing Brimstones today." 
• Gary Fenwick emailed: "Today, while walking on the footpath from Middle Rasen to West Rasen, I had three firsts for the year, singles of Small White and Comma, and 4 Peacock."
• Dave Wright reported: "It was pleasantly warm and sunny in the Cleethorpes area this afternoon, and so I decided to take a stroll through the Country Park in the hope of seeing my first 'white' of the year. Unfortunately, that wasn't to be the case, and I had to be content with the usual suspects - 14 Peacock, 9 Small Tortoiseshell and 2 Comma."
• Owen Beaumont messaged: A Red Admiral and 2 Peacocks at Gibraltar Point NNR today."
• Renata Jackson emailed: "Today I explored some land close to Stewton Lane in Louth and found 5 Peacocks."

Good Friday 29th March 2024

• Pete Smith emailed: "I was dodging the showers today, doing a bit of outside DIY, completing a garden project, and in a bright spell I found 4 post-hibernation Scarlet Tiger larvae sunning themselves and having a munch on the Green Alkanet in the corner of the garden close to where I was working. 2024 is the fourth consecutive year that this species has bred successfully in my Heighington garden. It still amazes me to find this moth, which was very much a south-western UK rarity in my youth, right on my doorstep! Long may it continue, and if anyone else has Green Alkanet in their garden - keep a look out for the larvae on bright, warm days, and also the moth. This is now an established Lincolnshire species.
• Graham Catley messaged: "A Speckled Wood at Waters Edge in Barton-upon-Humber today."

Wednesday 27th March 2024

• Dave Wright reported: "An afternoon visit to Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR produced the usual Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock in the sheltered areas, but a Red Admiral in Paradise Wood was my first of the year."
• Josh Forrester from Grimsby messaged: "Scartho cemetery woodland productive for early spring butterflies this lunchtime, with multiples of Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock, plus Comma and Small White."

Tuesday 26th March 2024

• Dave Wright reported: "Just after midday I had a stroll along the field margin bordering the Aylesby Meadows Estate, close to where I live in Grimsby, and saw 8 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Peacock and 1 Comma. I continued my walk into Great Coates, but only noted similar species."
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "During a sunny spell in my North Cockerington garden, I had a Speckled Wood and a Peacock."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "A lunchtime stroll around the Pingle LNR in Coningsby produced my first Holly Blue of the year, along with the usual suspects of Brimstone, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock." 
• Mark Johnson messaged: "I had my first Small White of the year today while working in Barnoldby le Beck."
• Phi Bowler from Amber Hill emailed: "It's not been worth sending you any of the meagre sightings from our garden - until today! Spring has come, and it just goes to show that the butterflies are there, patiently waiting in the wings. Between 11 am and 2 pm I saw 5 Peacocks, 4 Brimstone, including the first female which was soon looked after by one of the males, 4 Small Tortoiseshells, and a Comma." 
• Mike Pickwell from Grimsby emailed: "A walk around the cemetary in Scartho today produced only 2 Small Tortoiseshells."

Saturday 23rd March 2024

Laura Gundy reported: "This morning 2 Privet Hawk-moth pupae were accidentally unearthed by my dad in his garden in Strubby. They were gently re-buried after being photographed (see attached)."

Friday 22nd March 2024

Dave Wright reported: "Great to see the sun out in the Grimsby area this afternoon! It felt quite warm, despite the moderate westerly breeze, and so I decided to take a walk down to my local patch of Town's Holt, via the Wybers Wood Estate field margin. The latter produced a decent count of 25 Small Tortoiseshells, but in Town's Holt I only managed a single Peacock, disappointing to say the least."

Tuesday 19th March 2024: Sightings of Speckled Wood, Holly Blue and Large White!

• Ian Shepherd from Cleethorpes emailed: "This afternoon I had my second garden butterfly of the year, rather surprisingly a Speckled Wood."
• Derek Fox from Langworth emailed: "When busy grass cutting in the garden today, this lovely little blue

  

  butterfly caught my attention, so I dashed into the house to get my camera and I was amazed to see this fresh female Holly Blue. I waited for about 30 minutes for it to open its wings. I cannot recall seeing one this early!"
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "With the temperature up at 15 degrees C. and a warm WSW breeze blowing, it was very pleasant outside. When the clouds finally parted, I had enough time for a quick 30-minute walk around the Pingle LNR. This proved rather fruitful and I soon notched up the species. There was a good showing of Brimstones, and 7 males was my final tally. In the distance, I could see one of the male Brimstones showing an interest in a paler, white butterfly, so I shot over to investigate. At first I couldn't find it, but then saw it resting on the ground - it was a female Small White. Other species seen on the walk were Peacock and Comma, with a brace of the former and 4 of the latter being seen. As it started to cloud over again I thought that was my lot, but I kicked up a large, white butterfly that was heavily marked with black, and for some reason I was initially doubting what was certainly a really early female Large White."
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "I went for a walk around the cemetery and Gooseman's Field in Grimsby

  

  today. I found a Brimstone in the cemetery, 5 Peacocks (3 on Gooseman's and 2 in the Woodland Burial Ground) and a Small Tortoiseshell on Gooseman's Field.

Monday 18th March 2024

• Chris Atkin messaged: "Today I visited Cleethorpes Country Park for about an hour late morning and noted the following: "1 Brimstone, 2 Peacock, 2 Comma and 3 Small Tortoiseshell."
• Mark Johnson phoned: "Today my mum reported 4 species of butterfly in her North Somercotes garden - Brimstone, 4 Peacock, 2 Red Admiral and 2 Comma. Earlier, I had a single Brimstone near the church in Grainthorpe."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Around midday I decided to visit my local patch, just off Westward Ho in Grimsby. I was rewarded with 6 Comma, 7 Peacock, 11 Small Tortoiseshell and 2 Brimstone."
• Dave Wright reported: "First thing this morning I had a Small Tortoiseshell in the car park of Bradley Football Development Centre, followed by my first garden butterfly of the year, a Peacock. Just after midday, I decided to walk a small circuit of my local area of Grimsby, and  noted 13 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Peacock and a single Comma."
• Mark Brandon emailed: "Small Tortoiseshell and a Peacock in our North Somercotes garden today. Nice to see the sunshine again!"
• Alan Daws phoned: "A male Brimstone this morning at Wold Farm in Nettleton."
• Ian Shepherd from Cleethorpes reported: "A male Brimstone was my first garden butterfly of the year."
• Sightings reported from Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR: "Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock in my garden near Churchill Lane (John Walker). Small Tortoiseshell near Sea View car park (Pete Roworth). Brimstone, 3 Peacock and a Small Tortoiseshell between Crook Bank and Mablethorpe North End (Dean Nicholson). Peacock and a very worn Comma at Brickyard Lane (Cliff Morrison). A single Peacock at Sea View (Renata Jackson). Nearby, Peacock and Comma at Elm House Farm (Owen Beaumont)."
• Graham Catley messaged: "This morning I had 4 Brimstones at the farm in Searby. On returning home, another Brimstone was seen in my garden at Barton-upon-Humber."

Saturday 16th March 2024

• Dave Wright reported: "This morning, I visited Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR to do a spot of birding with Mark Johnson. We noted some excellent birds throughout our visit, which included a Red Kite that drifted in over the saltmarsh and hung around Rimac for quite a while. The improvement in the weather meant we were optimistic in finding a butterfly, and during one of the numerous sunny spells, we came across a Small Tortoiseshell and Comma at Sea View."
• Steve Meek messaged: "I had a Brimstone in Waltham this morning."
• Ian McGlynn rmailed: "I saw a Small Tortoiseshell and a Brimstone in my Bourne garden this morning."
• Cliff Morrison messaged: "Peacock at Brickyard Lane, Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR this afternoon."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Today I had to visit Boston and noted 5 Brimstones in and around the town while driving." 

Friday 15th March 2024

• Mark Johnson emailed: "This evening I trapped for a few hours in the Bardney Limewoods NNR and managed 77 moths of 15 species. Highlights were 5 Oak Beauty, and singles of two lifers - Small Brindled Beauty and Yellow Horned."
• Jill Galloway emailed: "Just seen a Hummingbird Hawk-moth on the Rosemary flowers in my Scotton garden."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Small Tortoiseshell in the bag! Seen flying in Coningsby today, and my fifth species of the year!

Thursdsay 14th March 2024: Camberwell Beauty in Louth, November 2023!

• Peter Cawdell reported: ''While we are awaiting the butterfly season to really begin, and a bit of sustained sunshine, take a look at this 'irecord' sent in by Nancy Stockwell of Louth. She has a large wild garden with plenty of fallen fruit and is a keen naturalist. In early November 2023, walking back from feeding her chickens, she saw an unfamiliar butterfly, wings outspread. Quickly looking it up in her book she realised it was a Camberwell Beauty and contacted her neighbour who photographed it. Unfortunately the wings were closed by then but it stayed on her step for another 3 hrs. The only Camberwell Beauty record for Lincs in 2023, almost certainly a late migrant."
• Mike Pickwell from Grimsby emailed: "This morning, I saw my first butterfly of the year, a Small Tortoiseshell in my Scartho garden."

Wednesday 13th March 2024

• Dean Nicholson messaged: "A Red Admiral blew past me this morning, just south of Crook Bank (Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR)."
• John Walker messaged: "2 Peacocks in the Churchill Lane area of Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR."

Tuesday 12th March 2024

Laura Gundy emailed: "At least one Small White larva that I reported in the autumn of 2023 in my garden at Benniworth made it to pupation. I discovered this chrysalis attached to my garden table leg the other day!"

Saturday 9th March 2024: Small White confirmed in Coningsby!

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "There was a Moderate Breeze blowing from the east, today, which at times seemed chilly. But as it approached midday, the temperature reached double figures and it actually felt warm. I decided to pay a visit to Jean Green's garden, where a "white" was seen flying a few days ago, but I knew trying to find it was a long shot! However, the garden was filled with flowers in bloom, so

  

  there were plenty of nectar sources to hopefully keep this butterfly there. To my absolute delight, after only being there about 2 minutes, a "white" took to the air! As it clouded over, the butterfly settled with wings held tightly shut, allowing me to confirm that it was a Small White. About a minute later, the sun came back out, and the Small White opened its wings. It was a male. Taking stock, this was my fourth species of the year, having seen a Brimstone earlier in the day. Entering the second week of March, seeing the four species is perhaps notable because I have still yet to see Small Tortoiseshell and Comma this year!
• Mark Brandon from North Somercotes emailed: "I was moving planks from a dismantled shed today

  

  and found a Peacock sheltering amongst them (see attached)."
• Stephen Thompson emailed: "I trapped at Woodhall Spa Golf Club overnight and caught 22 moths of 8 species, and included the following: 2 Yellow Horned, 2 Clouded Drab, 1 Hebrew Character, 1 Early Grey, 1 Small Brindled Beauty, 10 Small Quaker, 4 Oak Beauty and a Chestnut."                           

Friday 8th March 2024

Dave Wright reported: "This morning, I met up with Toby Ludlow with the intention of visiting a couple of sites in the Woodhall Spa area. We decided to try Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve first in the hope of seeing a few insects. As the sun began to emerge from behind the clouds while we were crossing the heath, a Peacock flew across the track and eventually settled amongst the Heather and briefly posed for photographs (see attached). This was my first butterfly of the year! The rest of the reserve proved fruitless, despite searching several sunny and sheltered areas, with the only insects noted being a couple of hoverflies - Eristalis pertinax. From here, we moved on to Moor Farm LWT Nature Reserve, and although we drew a complete blank as far as butterflies were concerned, we did manage to find a couple of Orange Underwing moths, our first of the season!"

Wednesday 6th March 2024: Small White in Coningsby!

Toby Ludlow reported: "Jean Green from Coningsby saw 'a white' flying around her garden today, which was almost certainly a Small White. On Monday 4th, she saw and photographed a Small Tortoiseshell in her garden, too." 

Monday 4th March 2024

• Graham Catley messaged: "A single Red Admiral this morning on the heath in Laughton Forest."
• Pete Roworth messaged: "A single Peacock flew off the saltmarsh and over the dunes near Rimac today."
• Phil Lee emailed: "I had this Comma at Haxey Turbary this afternoon. It flew up from bracken onto a

  

  nearby birch, and when I offered it my finger, it jumped aboard for a couple of minutes absorbing the heat before flying off."

---

February 2024

Wednesday 28th February 2024

Neil Hallett messaged: "This morning I had 2 Small Tortoiseshells in my Grimsby garden, which borders the Aylesby Meadows Estate."

Sunday 25th February 2024

Steve Routledge emailed: "I had a Small Tortoiseshell today at East Halton Skitter."

Saturday 24th February 2024

Sarah Ramsden messaged: "A Red Admiral this afternoon, basking in the sunshine, while settled on one of the children's rides at Haverstoe Park in Cleethorpes."

Monday 19th February 2024

• Owen Beaumont messaged: "A Small Tortoiseshell blasted by in the wind today at Rimac."
• Phil and Mary Porter reported: "A walk in Bardney village today, produced a pristine male Brimstone fluttering along an ivy hedge; we wondered if it had just emerged."

Friday 16th February 2024

• Dave Hursthouse  messaged: "Hummingbird Hawk-moth in Westwoodside today."
• Toby Ludlow phoned: "The first butterfly of the year this morning in my Coningsby garden, a Peacock."

Thursday 15th February 2024

• Rick Camm reported: "I saw a male Brimstone at Osbournby Hill Top today."
• Ian McGlynn reported: "A male Brimstone in my Bourne garden today."
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "I had a Peacock this afternoon at Sea View, Salfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR)."
• John Walker messaged: "Peacock in my garden area today at Coastguard Cottages, Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR."
• Alison Brownlow from Kettlethorpe reported: "A single Brimstone in the garden today, and 2 in the nearby wood."

Wednesday 14th February 2024

Roy Harvey from Grasby emailed: "Had this Pale Brindled Beauty at our kitchen window this evening."

Saturday 10th February 2024

Roy Harvey from Grasby emailed: "I found this Herald moth in the house this evening after bringing in firewood. The wood is being stored in one of our stables."

Saturday 3rd February 2024

• Lesley Robinson from Bottesford emailed: "I had a Red Admiral in the garden this morning, feeding on our Daphne bhoula, which is covered in pale pink scented flowers."
• Michael Tarrant reported: "In my garden in Saltfleetby St Peter, there was a male Brimstone mid-morning for about 30 minutes, flying around one of my Holly bushes. The day was very sunny and warm, 14 degrees C, with very little wind. My earliest date for this species last year was 9th April."
• Mary Porter reported: "The first male Brimstone of the year flew through our Bardney garden today."

Friday 2nd February 2024

• Phil Bowler from Amber Hill emailed: "Unsurprisingly, with all this mild weather, we had the first sighting of a Peacock today in the garden."
• Mark Johnson messaged: "My friend, Steve Blades, reported a male Brimstone whilst working in a garden along Ings Lane in North Cotes this morning."
• Owen Beaumont emailed: "Peacock butterfly on the wing around Brickyard Lane car park, Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR.

---

January 2024

Wednesday 24th January 2024

Jenny Haynes reported: "I was surprised to see a Peacock butterfly today in Tesco car park at Barton-upon-Humber." 

Monday 22nd January 2024

Toby Ludlow messaged: "Spotted a Peacock today in Coningsby, which was basking in the sunshine and enjoying the warmer temperatures, despite the windy conditions."

Thursday 4th January 2024

Toby Ludlow messaged: "My first butterfly of the year this morning, a Red Admiral, initially seen in flight and then later basking in the sunshine on a brick wall in the centre of Horncastle."

New Year's Day Monday 1st January 2024

Cliff Morison reported from Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR: "A Peacock here at Brickyard Lane. I had one on the first day of the year as well a few years go."

---

December 2023

Friday 8th December 2023

Toby Ludlow messaged: "Jean Green, from Coningsby, reported a Red Admiral flying in her garden today."

---

November 2023

Thursday 23rd November 2023

Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "In my garden trap this morning were 3 December Moths and a rather late Merveille du Jour."

Monday 20th November 2023

Derek Fox emailed: "Today, I had my latest ever sighting of a Red Admiral, nectaring on late flowering dwarf buddliea in my garden at Langworth." 

Sunday 19th November 2023

Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "I had a Sprawler in the trap this morning, which was new for the garden."

Friday 17th November 2023

Derek Fox from Langworth emailed: "With it being only 10 degrees C at 11 pm today, I was shocked to see 3 Red Admirals in the garden. Two were looking quite worn and ragged now."

Monday 13th November 2023

Derek Fox from Langworth emailed: "Still 3 Red Admirals in my garden today at 10:30 am. They were in a sheltered corner, trying to shelter from the very strong wind. Possibly my latest ever record for this species."

Saturday 11th November 2023

• Laura Gundy reported: "This morning a Small Tortoiseshell made a brief appearance in my Benniworth Walk Farm garden."
• Dave Wright reported: "My daughter's garden, near Cleethorpes Country Park, produced another 2 Red Admirals nectaring on the Buddleia weyeriana."

Friday 10th November 2023

• Graham Catley messaged: "A Red Admiral today in my Barton-upon-Humber garden." 
• Renata Jackson messaged: "This morning I had a Red Admiral at Sea View car park (Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR)."

Thursday 9th November 2023

Derek Fox from Langworth emailed: "Red admiral update for 1 pm today, still 3 nectaring on my late flowering buddlieas."

Tuesday 7th November 2023

• Derek Fox emailed: "During the early afternoon, there were still 4 Red Admirals in my Langworth garden and some were getting well worn after bird attacks."
• Graham Catley messaged: "A Red Admiral at Alkborough today."
• John Walker messaged: "A Red admiral and Peacock in my sheltered garden at Coastguard Cottages, Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR."

Monday 6th November 2023

Cliff Morrison messaged: "Red Admiral and Peacock in my Brickyard Lane garden (Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR)."

Saturday 4th November 2023

Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "My garden trap produced a December Moth on 4th November, only my 4th record!"

Thursday 2nd November 2023

• Dave Wright reported: "This afternoon I had 2 Red Admirals in the Cleethorpes area. The first, was seen along Clee Road, and the second, was found nectaring on Buddleia weyeriana in my daughter's garden near Cleethorpes Country Park."
• Derek Fox emailed: "A bit of a sunny spell, late morning in my Langworth garden, produced 5 Red Admirals."

Wednesday 1st November 2023

Graham Catley messaged: "A Red Admiral this morning at Alkborough."

---

October 2023

Tuesday 24th October 2023

Kate Melton emailed: "During early October I saw a Hummingbird Hawk-moth in uphill Lincoln."

Sunday 22nd October 2023

• Derek Fox from Langworth emailed: "In the garden today, 7 Red Admirals, 2 Commas and 1 Small Tortoiseshell."
• Ian McGlynn emailed: "I saw a Red Admiral today in Bourne Woods."
• Owen Beaumont messaged: There were a few butterflies at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR today. Sea View - Red Admiral, Comma and Peacock. Brickyard Lane - 2 Red Admiral and Peacock. Crook Bank - Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral (in-off the sea)."

Thursday 19th October 2023

Dave Wright reported: "Although it was dull and overcast in the Grimsby area late morning, I still had 2 Red Admirals nectaring on the few remaining buddliea flowers in the front garden."

Wednesday 18th October 2023

Lesley Robinson emailed: "A single Hummingbird Hawk-moth in my Bottesford garden today."

Sunday 15th October 2023

• Phil Bowler from Amber Hill emailed: "The season is not over yet! Unexpectedly, today I saw a third brood male Common Blue feeding on marjoram in our butterfly garden meadow. Despite full sun all day, it only reached 12 degrees C, yet this one-off, so far, third brooder was quite happy getting on with its business. Only other sightings were 4 Red Admirals and a fresh female Small White."
• Dave Wright reported: "A single Comma and 2 Red Admirals in my Grimsby garden today."

Saturday 14th October 2023

Kev Armstrong messaged: "This morning I found a Pale Tussock caterpillar wandering across the road, just outside my house at Wold Farm, Nettleton."

Tuesday 10th October 2023

• Laura Gundy emailed: "A 200 metre long stretch of ivy-covered hedge, just outside the village of Great Sturton was abuzz with insects in the glorious weather yesterday and today. I counted 48 Red Admirals, 3 Commas, 1 Painted Lady and 1 Small White amongst the bees, wasps, flies and hoverflies. What an undervalued plant ivy is!

  

• Roy Harvey from Grasby emailed: "This evening I was stunned to find a Clifden Nonpareil on our kitchen window. Not surprisingly this was a first for our garden."  

Monday 9th October 2023

• Josh Forrester from Grimsby messaged: "I've waited for three years, and this morning I've finally caught a Merveille du Jour in the garden trap." 
• Derek Fox reported: "This afternoon's warm sunshine produced 2 Brimstones flying around my Langworth garden. Also noted 15 Red Admirals, 1 Peacock, 3 Small Tortoiseshells, 6 Commas, 2 Large White and 1 Small White."

Sunday 8th October 2023

• Dave Wright reported: "Spent the morning with Mark Johnson at Donna Nook NNR, between Stonebridge car park and Pye's Hall. We witnessed the amazing sight of thousands of thrushes flying in-off the North Sea early on. Predominantly Redwings and Song Thrushes, but also a few Fieldfares and 3 Ring Ouzels. We also noted 2 Red Admirals, a Small White and 3 Vapourer moths. Later, 5 Red Admirals and another Small White were seen at Bank End, North Somercotes. Nearby, I received the following reports from Saltflleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR. Sea View - Comma and Painted Lady in garden (Pete Roworth), 4 Red Admirals flew in-off the sea, taking my total today to 14, also Painted Lady, Comma, 2 Large Whites and 2 Speckled Woods (Dean Nicholson). Brickyard Lane - 12 Red Admirals (Cliff Morrison). 
• Alison Brownlow emailed: "Today my husband and I found a Pale Tussock caterpillar wandering across a path at Kettlethorpe, Lincoln. Overnight it pupated into a silken case among the leaves."
• Nige Lound emailed: "Making the most of the unseasonably warm weather I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gib two days ago and overnight. The 6th produced 174 moths of 30 species. Highlights were Scarce Bordered Straw, Convolvulus Hawk-moth, and another 11 Delicate. 2 Feathered Ranunculus and a pristine Vestal were new for the year. The 8th was even busier with 324 mothsof 34 species, without doubt my busiest ever October session. Most numerous were Large Wainscot with 78. Another Scarce Bordered Straw and 19 Delicate were of note. The micro Crocidosema plebejana was a county first, and many thanks to County Recorder Martin Gray for confirmation."
• Andy Sims emailed: "This morning's trap produced 68 moths of 22 species. Dewick's Plusia was new for the garden. Also, Grey Shoulder-knot and 3 Merveille du jour were new for the year."

Saturday 7th October 2023

Chris Dobson from Langworth emailed: "After a very quiet autumn things picked up a little last night. Catch included Barred Sallow, Pink-barred Sallow, Delicate, Black Rustic, a couple of Feathered Thorns, Spruce Carpet, Large Wainscot and Yellow-line Quaker."

Tuesday 3rd October 2023: Clouded Yellow at Whitton!

• Neil Drinkall messaged: "I had a Clouded Yellow at Whitton today."
• Chris Atkin messaged: "I visited Saltfeetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR today, and a walk between Rimac and Paradise Wood this afternoon, produced a totally unexpected Wall. Also noted 2 Red Admirals, 1 Peacock and a Small White." 
• Graham Catley messaged: "Painted Lady today at RSPB Frampton Marsh."

Sunday 1st October 2023

Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gib overnight and managed 75 moths of 24 species. New for the year were Black Rustic, Feathered Thorn, Mallow and Red-line Quaker."

---

September 2023 

Saturday 30th September 2023

Graham Catley messaged: "This morning I noticed 5 Red Admirals that flew in off the Humber, and carried on south at Barton-upon-Humber."

Friday 29th September 2023

Derek Fox emailed: "A fantastic day in the garden today, with 55 Red Admirals and 10 Commas busy nectaring on the Ivy, Michelmas Daisy, Sedum spectabile and Verbena bonariensis. Still a few Small Tortoiseshells, the odd Peacock, and Large and Small Whites. I think its the most Red Admirals I have seen in the garden. What a great sight!"

Wednesday 27th September 2023

Dean Nicholson at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR messaged: "5 Red Admirals and a Hummingbird Hawk-moth at Crook Bank this morning."

Monday 25th September 2023

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Popped over to Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve in the afternoon and spent some time enjoying the sunshine. The temperature got up to 20 degrees C, which coaxed a few butterflies out. There were still a good number of third-brood Small Coppers on the wing, and a walk over the heath produced a tally of 19. There were also a couple of female Brown Argus egg-laying close to the main track, and a flypast by a Red Admiral. A walk around the Visitors' Route produced a meagre 11 butterflies: 3 Commas, 3 further Small Coppers, 1 Green-veined White, 1 Peacock, 1 Red Admiral, and 2 Speckled Woods, one of which was extremely fresh."
• Dave Wright reported: "Had a very enjoyable time today, birding at RSPB Tetney Marshes, in the company of Chris Atkin. A totally unexpected find was a Painted Lady on the outer sand dunes, only my third in Lincolnshire this year. We also noted 1 Red Admiral, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Large Whites and 8 Small Whites."

Saturday 23rd September 2023: Second brood Orange-tip at Doddington Hall!

• Aaron Mace reported: "I'm a 'wilder volunteer' at Doddington Hall, and around midday I was astonished to see a male Orange-tip flying around an area of habitat known as 'Donkey Close'."
• Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "A Rusty-dot Pearl in the trap this morning, was new for the garden."
• John Davison emailed: "Today John Petyt and I had a walk in Tuetoes Wood and found the following 4 moth caterpillars: Pebble Prominent, Buff Ermine, Poplar Hawk-moth and Swallow Prominent."

Friday 22nd September 2023

• Pete Roworth messaged: "11 Red Admirals and a single Comma on Ivy flowers at Sea View, Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR. Also, 1 Speckled Wood and a Small Copper nearby."
• Cliff Morrison messaged: "At least 6 Speckled Woods in my garden at Brickyard Lane, Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR, and a territorial Red Admiral. I also had a Scarce Bordered Straw moth in the trap this morning as well as 2 Delicates, and a Rush Veneer. Also, 3 species of Sallow moths and a Canary-shouldered Thorn added some colour."
• Dave Wright reported: "Glorious weather for this time of year at Cleethorpes this morning, and so I decided to visit Cleethorpes Coast LNR and the Country Park, in the hope of seeing a few butterflies. A disappointing outcome really, as the first site only produced 10 Small Whites and a Large White, whilst the second revealed 1 Red Admiral, 1 Speckled Wood and 2 Small Whites. Both sites still had lots of dragonflies on the wing, consisting of two species - Common Darter and Migrant Hawker." 

Tuesday 19th September 2023: Balsam Carpet in Nettleton - a first for VC54!

Kev Armstrong emailed: "On the 15th September I put the trap out on my land at Wold Farm, Nettleton and caught 298 macros of 35 species, including a Clifden Nonpareil. However, the highlight was a Balsam Carpet, confirmed today by Martin Gray, and a first for VC54 and the second for Lincolnshire following one in Market Deeping last year." 

Monday 18th September 2023

Colin Pumfrett from Broughton emailed: "Two stunning moths caught in my garden trap recently - Clifden Nonpareil (14/09/23) and my first Convolvulus Hawk-moth (16/09/23)."

Sunday 17th September 2023

• Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "I caught my first Box-tree Moth in July 2021. So far this year I have caught 81, with a record 29 this morning."
• Derek Fox from Langworth emailed: "My first Painted Lady of the year in my garden and also the first I have seen this season! Still one very faded Holly Blue, over 20 lovely fresh Red Admirals and 5 second brood Commas. Also, the warmer weather has brought out Peacocks and Small Tortoiseshells, 5 or so of each. Small and Large Whites still in good numbers, plus the odd male Brimstone and Speckled Wood."

Saturday 16th September 2023

• Nige Lound emailed: "Last night the trap at Gibraltar Point NNR, produced a Convolvulus Hawk-moth as well as a Beautiful Marbled, albeit it being a bit worn."
• Laura Gundy emailed: "Today I walked a stretch of hedgerow around one field at Benniworth Walk Farm and counted 25 Red Admiral, 9 Comma, 5 Speckled Wood, 4 Small White and 1 Peacock - all feeding on blackberries. 1 Vapourer moth was also buzzing about."

Friday 15th September 2023

• Sandra Lawton emailed: "I caught a Clifden Nonpareil in my moth trap in my back garden overnight in Billingborough." 
• Yvonne Bentley from Wyberton, Boston emailed: "I have Purple Toadflax growing in my garden for

  

  the first time this year, and have just spotted what I believe are four Toadflax Brocade caterpillars. From what I've read this species is not common in Lincolnshire."
• Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "This morning I had a lifer on the outside of my garden trap, a stunning Convolvulus Hawk-moth!"

Tuesday 12th September 2023

Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "A Clifden Nonpareil was in my garden trap this morning."

Sunday 10th September 2023

• Cliff Morrison messaged: "This morning the moth trap at Brickyard Lane (Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR), produced a migrant Beautiful Marbled, which was a new species for me. Apparently it is the third county record, according to Martin Gray."
• Dave Wright reported: "This morning, my wife and I visited friends in Hainton, and was amazed at the number of butterflies in their garden. The following were recorded: 5 Red Admiral, 5 Peacock, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Comma, 8 Large White, 26 Small White, 1 Green-veined White and 3 Speckled Wood." 

Saturday 9th September 2023

• Cliff Morrison reported: "This morning the moth traps in the dunes at Brickyard Lane (Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR) revealed another Convolvulus Hawk-moth, following the one caught yesterday. Also a couple of Dark Sword Grass migrant moths."
• Dave Wright reported: "This afternoon I decided to take a stroll through Cleethorpes Country Park on one of the hottest days of the year. Despite the heat, I managed to record the following butterflies: 2 Red Admiral, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Comma, 9 Speckled Wood, 1 Holly Blue, 2 Large White, 4 Small White and a single Green-veined White. Moths included 2 Green Carpet. There were lots of both Common Darters and Migrant Hawkers on the wing and it was good to see 4 Willow Emerald damselflies, a recent colonist at this site."

Friday 7th September 2023

Toby Ludlow messaged: "Had a really fresh Painted Lady in my mum's Coningsby garden today. Also, just across the road in my own garden I found a Willow Emerald damselfly!

Wednesday 6th September 2023

Dave Wright reported: ”Today, Chris Atkin and I, had an excellent day down the coast at two of Lincolnshire’s National Nature Reserves - Donna Nook and Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR. The morning was spent from first light birding at the first of these sites, concentrating on the area between Stonebridge car park and the breach at Pye’s Hall. There was definitely an autumnal feel to proceedings, with low cloud and poor visibility lingering all morning. As a result and not surprisingly, insects were thin on the ground, although we did find a roosting Small Tortoiseshell and noted 4 species of moths - Green Carpet, Sharp-angled Peacock, Vapourer and Silver Y. However, the highlight was undoubtedly a Wasp Spider Argiope bruennichi, found near the breach, and a species with only a handful of records in Lincolnshire.

Around midday we moved on to Rimac, where at long last the sun began to penetrate the cloud, and it became pleasantly warm. Our arrival was greeted with a skein of 33 Pink-footed Geese overhead heading south, another reminder that autumn is on the way! There were still good numbers of butterflies on the wing and during the afternoon we recorded the following: 1 Red Admiral, 4 Small Tortoiseshell, 30 Speckled Wood, 55 Meadow Brown, 5 Small Heath, 21 Common Blue, 1 Holly Blue, 4 Brown Argus, 4 Small Copper, 1 Large White, 7 Small White and 5 Green-veined White. The only moth seen was a single Yellow Shell. We also found 2 Long-winged Cone-heads, a first for both of us at this reserve. This cricket type, once described as an endangered species, is gradually spreading north due to the climate crisis and in some areas is now regarded as common.”

Tuesday 5th September 2023: Clouded Yellow at Osbournby Hill Top!

• Pete Cawdell emailed: "One species we have been missing this year in Lincolnshire is Clouded Yellow. This was righted by my contact Rick Camm who emailed me today with his sighting of a male ay Osbournby Hill Top. He aplogises for the poor photo as it flew up just before the shot! In my opinion better than the usual side view as it clearly shows the sex."
• Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gib overnight and managed 241 moths of 49 species. Plenty of variety, nothing special with Large Thorn (3) being the only new for the year. Migrants represented by Dark Sword-grass and Rusty Dot Pearl." 

Monday 4th September 2023

Owen Beaumont messaged: "A sunny transect here at Rimac this morning and recorded 67 butterflies of 7 species: 1 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 1 Brown Argus, 24 Common Blue, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 14 Speckled Wood and 23 Meadow Brown."

Sunday 3rd September 2023

Keith Walton emailed: "This afternoon, Ron Henderson, Graeme Baker and I visited Snakeholme Pit.  We were only there for about an hour but found Common Blue, Brown Argus, Holly Blue, Small Copper, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, all in single digits, and 2 late Gatekeeper. The surprise was 5 Brown Hairstreak between 13:30 and 14:00 hours." 

Saturday 2nd September 2023

Toby Ludlow messaged: "As time marches on inexorably and we enter the month of September, we also enter meteorological autumn. In sympathy, it now also feels like 'butterfly autumn' as many of our summer species have all but vanished for the year. On my last few visits to the central Lincolnshire Limewoods butterfly numbers have plummeted, and insect life in general seems scarce. Contrastingly, my last few trips to the heathlands near Woodhall Spa were heaving with insect life. So it was to this latter area that I headed. Here, third brood Small Coppers are well out and in good number, with fresh females being courted by less fresh males. There were a handful of fresh male Common Blues and a pristine male Brown Argus, which looked like it was less than a day old. I also came across a small group of Painted Ladies, which, until this last week, have been extremely thin on the ground this year. I had only seen about half a dozen, but in the last week alone i have had 10 sightings, four were seen today. Of these, three had quite a few miles on the clock, but one was really fresh and was that beautiful pink colour, which means it must be a homegrown individual." 

---

August 2023

Thursday 31st August 2023

Owen Beaumont messaged: "Butterfly numbers have dropped significantly in the last couple of weeks, but the sun was out and wind had died down for the transect at Rimac this morning. Totals were: 1 Large White, 2 Small Copper, 3 Brown Argus, 34 Common Blue, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Peacock, 13 Speckled Wood, 1 Wall and 18 Meadow Brown."

Tuesday 29th August 2023

Kev Armstong from Wold Farm, Nettleton messaged: "There were a few butterflies around the garden this morning, and included Brimstone, Red Admiral, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood and Small Copper."

Bank Holiday Monday 28th August 2023

Dave Wright reported: "My wife and I decided to take a walk in the Saltfleet area today and make the most of the sunny spells on offer. Parking at Paradise car park, we were immediately rewarded with a single Wall and 2 Small Whites. We then proceeded to walk along Haven Bank towards the sea and noted at least 10 Small White, 1 Large White, 1 Common Blue, 2 Speckled Wood, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Peacock and 1 Small Tortoiseshell. This summer I have only seen a trickle of second-generation individuals of the latter. At the start of this track several large patches of Ivy in flower were good for hoverflies and included Volucella zonaria (Hornet Hoverfly), Volucella inanis and 6  Myathropa florea. Eventually we reached Donna Nook NNR and turned north and walked as far as Howden's Pullover. Small White were by far the most numerous butterfly along the seaward side of the dunes, where we also had 2 Large White, singles of Green-veined White, Wall and another Small Tortoiseshell. From Howden's Pullover we headed inland and returned to Saltfleet via Marsh Lane. By this time, increasing cloud meant that only 2 Speckled Wood and 1 Small White were added to the list before we got back to the car."   

Saturday 26th August 2023

• John Davison emailed: "a visit to Tuetoes Ride in Laughton Forest, produced an unfortunate Comma larva being stabbed by a Spiked Shieldbug. Also, one tatty Silver-washed Fritillary, Small Copper and several Speckled Wood."
• Laura Gundy emailed: "Today was a caterpillar sort of day at Benniworth Walk Farm. I found hordes of Small White larvae feeding on Wild Mignonette in my flower borders, and attempting to win cutest pic of the day was a Buff-tip caterpillar, who was cutting a heart shape as he ate!"

Friday 25th August 2023

Mark Brandon from North Somercotes emailed: "A Wall was a nice garden tick today."

Thursday 24th August 2023

Steve Hollinrake emailed: I'm on holiday from Lancasahire and had a great time in Chambers Farm Wood, where the egg-laying Brown Hairstreak (see attached) was a first for my dad. Fantastic place!"

Wednesday 23rd August 2023

• Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and managed 660 moths of 106 species. Highlights were Scarce Bordered Straw and Webb's Wainscot. Others new for the year were Box-tree Moth, Centre-barred Sallow, Hedge Rustic, Leopard Moth, Oak Hook-tip, Orange Swift, Red Underwing, Treble Lines and Twin-spotted Wainscot. The most numerous moth was Common Wainscot with 110."
• Mark Brandon emailed: "We've just had a Hummingbird Hawk-moth in our North Somercotes garden. Especially pleasing, as since we moved here in December, we have planted plenty of wild flowers, which are now attracting plenty of butterflies, bees and hoverflies. We've also had a few nice moths, including an Old Lady on 29/07, which was new for me!"
• Russell Bean from Ashby emailed: "I found this Clifden Nonpareil in my garden trap today."

Sunday 20th August 2023: Winter is coming!

• Pete Smith emailed: "While we all continue to enjoy the last weeks of the Lincolnshire butterfly season, some of our local species are already considering hunkering down for winter. Mid-August is a time when I really like to seek out White Admiral larvae  in the Lincolnshire Limewoods. Today I spent 2 hours in amongst the shadowy ride sides, looking for what, in my opinion, is one of our most fascinating British species. I managed to find 7 larvae, all in their third instar, one of which was already spinning up its hibernaculum (overwintering tent) where, if successful, it will spend the next eight months largely asleep. 
• Roy Harvey emailed: "I saw my first Painted Lady this evening at Killingholme. A very worn one,

  

  but better than none. It seems to have been a very poor year for them?"
• Keith Walton emailed: "During a visit to Chambers Farm Wood this female Brown Hairstreak was egg-laying near Minting Triangle. It was low down disappearing in the undergrowth laying about a dozen eggs or so, then basking for a minute before egg-laying again. 7 seen during my visit, but only this one 'behaved'. Still good numbers of other butterflies around, including 30+ Silver-washed Fritillary. Went on to Southrey Wood where the two rides next to the watchtower had 250 Red Admiral, 25 Peacock, 20 Brimstone, 15 Silver-washed Fritillary and 4 Comma."  

Saturday 19th August 2023

Adrian Royle from Louth emailed: "I am chuffed to have found my first ever Purple Hairstreak in Hubbard's Hills this morning. I've been walking through there regularly since I moved here in 1994 and never a sniff of one!"

Thursday 17th August 2023: Gatekeeper Aberration at Chambers Farm Wood!

Phil Bowler emailed: "Had an afternoon at Chambers Farm Wood today. As well as the garden I followed the main track to Fiveways, right to Minting Triangle and into the narrow strip that is good for the Brown Hairstreak, and continued out of the woods to Wood Farm Lane. Very little was seen in this outer area apart from a notable Gatekeeper aberration (pics attached). I didn't see any Brown Hairstreak anywhere, but was aware of a female being sighted in the usual area beyond Minting Triangle. My sightings are as follows: 1 Mint Moth, 1 Latticed Heath, 1 Small Skipper, 13 Brimstone, 2 Large White, 7 Small White, 9 Green-veined White, 1 Small Copper, 1 Brown Argus, 6 Common Blue, 6 Holly Blue, 22 Red Admiral, 31 Peacock, 8 Comma (6 of which were the later typical form - very vibrant), 16 Silver-washed Fritillary, including 6 females, one of which may have been f. valesina, 16 Speckled Wood, 25 Gatekeeper and 20 Meadow Brown."          

Sunday 13th August 2023

Laura Gundy emailed: "Following a downpour which saw me sheltering under an oak tree wondering why on earth I was bothering, the sun came out at Benniworth Walk Farm and soon there were Common Blues and Brown Argus buzzing about as if nothing had happened. I found it difficult to count them as they were very active, but within a small area of pollinator mix I estimated 30 of each species. Many of the Brown Argus had white rings around the spots on their wings, which I believe is a feature of a different subspecies? (see photo). A few Meadow Browns and Green-veinedWhites were also flying, plus 25 Gatekeeper and 6 Red Admirals. A single, very large and beautifully marked Small Copper ab. caeruleopunctata made me stop in my tracks – a great end to the walk."

Saturday 12th August 2023

Graham Catley messaged: "At least 5 Walls today, along a stretch of the Viking Way west of the B1218 at Saxby Wolds"

Friday 11th August 2023

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Any other year, a sighting of 2 male Brown Hairstreaks down low would

  

  be cause for celebration, but this year, with the recent proliferation of aberrations, it seems a little lacklustre. Fortunately, late in the day, I managed to find another Silver-washed Fritillary aberration - this one was a male ab. confluens - adding to the extraordinary tally that the Bardney Limewoods NNR has produced this year."
• Graham Catley messaged: "Today a walk along 300 metres of knapweed at Laughton wet heath track produced 45 Peacock, 5 Silver-washed Fritillary, 3 new Brimstone, 4 Red Admiral, and odd for the forest 5 Holly Blue."
• Pete Roworth messaged: "A single Purple Hairstreak today, in an Oak tree in my garden at Sea View, Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe NNR."
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "49 Wall on Rimac transect, most along the footpath on western side of dunes."
• Lesley Robinson from Bottesford emailed: "Just had a female Silver-washed Fritillary in the back garden, flying low to the ground and very interested in the violets. What a garden record, and made my day!"

Thursday 10th August 2023: The Madness Continues!

• Pete Smith emailed: "There seems to be no let-up in the run of aberrant butterflies in the central Lincolnshire Limewoods at present. This morning, I found what I thought at first glance (in flight) was a Peacock with a damaged left forewing, but on closer examination it turned out to be a pathological aberration with a unilateral scale defect, giving it a most striking and unusual asymmetric appearance. Never seen anything quite like it before!"
• Nige Lound emailed: " I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gib overnight  and was rewarded with exactly

  

  400 moths of 80 species, 58 macros and 22 micros. Personal highlight was Oblique Striped a lifer for me and the 2nd Lincs record, following one from Gib pre 1918, I understand. I was lucky to get a photo, because as soon as I removed the egg box above it, it flew out of the trap, but fortunately landed on by cycle about 10 metres away, hence the odd photo. Also of note was my 2nd ever Tawny Wave. By-catch included 3 Oak Bush-cricket."

Wednesday 9th August 2023: Bilateral Gynandromorph Brimstone!

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "I had my day all mapped out and was looking forward to what I'd planned, and then I looked at the Sightings page on the Lincolnshire Branch website and all of that went straight out of the window! A new course was plotted to Southrey Wood and the plans updated to try and locate the interesting Peacock aberration found yesterday by Merv Freeman. I spent a few hours there, but despite finding 73 Peacocks on the main ride, not one of them was the one I was looking for. Early on, there were dozens of Purple Hairstreaks down low, but they ascended as the day wore on and the sun got higher. The real the stars of the show here were the Brimstones: they were everywhere! They particularly like the Purple Loosestrife flowers and I found one individual bloom that had 5 Brimstones on it! When I looked up and down the ride it seemed that every clump of Purple Loosestrife had 3, or 4 Brimstones on it - it was a real delight to see so many. Eventually I got to the turning point at the end of the main ride and hope of seeing the aberrant Peacock had faded and I was feeling a little disappointed, but then one butterfly instantly changed my mood: this butterfly was a Brimstone, but no ordinary Brimstone; it was a bilateral gynandromorph Brimstone, and looked truly bizarre when seen in flight - the two left-hand wings were the sulphurous yellow colour of the male, whereas the two right-hand wings were the subtle apple-white colour displayed by the female (see back of camera shot). The immediate problem I faced was how to obtain a photograph of this amazing creature - every time it landed to nectar it closed its wings, so hiding the two differing colour schemes. I decided that I would try and get a picture of it in flight, but that is not as easy as it sounds!!! (Keith and Ron, you might have got a good Comma ab, but you missed this Brimstone! Lol!"
• Pete Smith emailed: "What a staggering year it is turning out to be for butterfly aberrations,

  

  especially at Chambers Farm Wood. I have missed out on a few of them, but have seen a fair few aberrant Commas and Silver-washed Fritillaries. Today I found a particularly interesting Brown Argus out there, a rather niche aberration but to my eyes quite stunning and beautiful. This is ab. glomerata + postico-obsoleta, not a common finding at all - certainly made my day!"

  

• Adrian Royle emailed: "I was back at Chambers Farm Wood again today, and one of the aberrant Commas has shown up again, this time at Fiveways."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Around lunchtime, I had a walk from Irby upon Humber to Irby Dales Wood. As I approached the wood I had a Wall along the footpath, and this was the first time that I have seen this species at this site for about two decades! In the wood itself an Oak tree produced 2 Purple Hairstreaks and a large butterfly which I am almost certain was a Purple Emperor! Also, 1 Painted Lady."
• Pete Cawdell emailed: "When I went to my regular monitoring of the butterflies in Welton Le Wold disused quarry today, I wasn't expecting to find this ragged little gem nectaring on Creeping

  

  Thistle - a female White-letter Hairstreak. A new first record for the site, the tetrad and the 10 km square."
• Dave Wright reported: "Chris Atkin and I visited Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR today, concentrating mainly on the area between Sea View and Rimac. The undoubted highlight was 3 Purple Hairstreaks in an Elm tree at Sea View, a totally unexpected find and our first for the

  

  reserve. We noted 20 species of butterfly for the day: 3 Purple Hairstreak, 60 Wall, 111 Meadow Brown, 117 Gatekeeper, 1 Ringlet, 5 Speckled Wood, 10 Holly Blue, 40 Common Blue, 6 Brown Argus, 9 Small Copper, 5 Small Skipper, 25 Essex Skipper, 11 Large White, 21 Small White, 3 Green-veined White, 22 Red Admiral, 148 Peacock, 2 Comma, 1 Small Tortoiseshell

  

  and 2 Brimstone. Moths included: I Yellow Belle, 3 Silver Y, 1 Latticed Heath, 18 Shaded Broad-bar, 4 Common Carpet, 1 Dusky Sallow, 4 Yellow Shell, 1 Vapourer, 11 Buff-tip larvae and lots of Cinnabar larvae. We also managed to find 11 species of dragonfly, with 7 Willow Emerald Damselfly and 14 Small Red-eyed Damselfly being the most noteworthy."

Tuesday 8th August 2023: Stunning Peacock Aberration!

• Merv Freeman emailed: "Today I found a stunning Peacock aberration at Southrey Wood, about halfway down the main path, on the right-hand side."
• Gary Fenwick emailed:" I enjoyed a full lepidoptera day today. I started with a moth trap and had the following new for year: Mother of Pearl, Flounced Rustic and Turnip Moth. I then travelled to Messingham Sand Quarry LWT Nature Reserve and estimated counts were: c60 Gatekeeper, c50 Red Admiral, c  30 Meadow Brown, c20 Peacock, 3 Holly Blue, c15 Small/Green-veined White, 5 Large White, 5 Small White, 1 Small Copper, c10 Speckled Wood, 4 Brimstone, 2 Brown Argus, a surprise Silver-washed Fritillary, 3 Comma, 2 Essex Skipper and a Shaded Broad-bar. I then went to Risby Warren, somewhere I had never been to before (I'll certainly be returning, what a superb habitat). Here I noted 2 Grayling, 1 Wall, 1 Peacock, c10 Gatekeeper, c10 Meadow Brown, 7 Brown Argus, 1 Small Copper, 1 Hummingbird Hawk-moth and 2 Yellow Shell. I also had the unexpected bonus of 2 Whinchat on passage as well as a Stonechat.

Monday 7th August 2023: Another Comma Aberration!

• Keith Walton emailed: "Ron Henderson and I travelled down from Washington today to visit Chambers Farm Wood. We visited the Butterfly Garden and then went on to do complete circuits of the three Little Scrubbs Meadows and then walked via Fiveways to Minting Triangle. We walked the Red Trail and part of Ivy Wood on the way back to the car park. Bright sunshine most of the time, but cloud had built up during the Red Trail walk and Ivy Wood sections, so most butterflies were not flying on these sections (totals would have been 10-15% higher than seen) - 98 Silver-washed Fritillary (5 f. valesina), 292 Red Admiral, 578 Peacock, 16 Holly Blue, 59 Brimstone, 34 Comma, but only 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Painted Lady and 1 Brown Hairstreak. 21 species were seen and also included 2 Small Copper, 5 Common Blue, 5 Brown Argus, 1 Small Skipper and 1 Essex Skipper. We then went to Snakeholme Pit to find another blizzard of butterflies. Species here included 21 Silver-washed Fritillary, 6 Red Admiral, 130 Peacock, 15 Brimstone, 19 Holly Blue and 11 Comma, with Brown Argus and Common Blue among the supporting cast. The day ended with a visit to Camshaw Wood, where the ride to the left of the watchtower had 4 Silver-washed Fritillary, 27 Red Admiral, 51 Peacock, 5 Brimstone, and a probable Brown Hairstreak. The attached aberrant Comma was found in Ivy Wood (Toby and Jim you missed this one!)."
• Pete Cawdell emailed: "Peacocks have made a remarkable recovery if the numbers I saw this

  

  afternoon in Southrey Wood are anything to go by. There were several hundred, mostly fresh, along the main ride - too many to count. They were mainly nectaring on the abundant knapweed flowers. They must have had a very successful breeding season. Fresh Brimstones were also in large numbers. I counted 9 Silver-Washed Fritillaries plus another in our Reserve area. For once it was easy to count the individual ones as nearly all were sporting their unique 'war wounds' on their wings from skirmishes with birds. About equal numbers of males and females. There were large numbers of Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown and about 10 Red Admiral. Other butterflies noted in small numbers were: Brown Argus 4 (inc.2 in Reserve), 2 Holly Blue (inc.1 in Reserve), 3 Common Blue males, 4 Small Skipper (inc.2 in Reserve), Comma in Reserve, 4 Ringlet (inc.2 in Reserve). Of the Whites there were plenty of Large (10+), 20+ Green-veined  and a smaller number of Small (about 6). Also a Hummingbird Hawk-moth."

Friday 4th August 2023

Toby Ludlow messaged: "Despite being very cloudy today, there were some lengthy bright spells which brought the butterflies out in numbers. The first thing of note, although not a butterfly, was a really fresh (I would estimate less than a day old) Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth nectaring on the Buddleia at the Chambers Farm Wood Centre. This is the first time I've seen a second-brood Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth, so it was not something I expected to see! However, talking of things out of the ordinary, it was a trip down to the meadows that really produced something unexpected: in Little Scrubbs Meadow Extension was an aberrant Meadow Brown, or perhaps I should describe it more accurately as half an aberrant Meadow Brown, as only its left-hand side was aberrant - it lacked the forewing apical spot; the right-hand side, though, was normal. Also in the meadow extension was a Peacock aberration, ab. irenea, which is characterised by an extra black spot on each forewing, just above the inner margin. As previously stated, Peacock aberrations are few and far between, so to get one as subtle as this is noteworthy! And then, in Little Scrubbs Meadow proper, a third aberration, a Meadow Brown ab. alba instantly stood out amongst the other fulvous examples on the wing. Whilst in the meadow extension I noted many male Common Blues, so it looks like the second brood will be more numerous than the first; the only female I saw was part of a mating pair."

Thursday 3rd August 2023

• Phil Bowler emailed: "Following on from my ab. ocellata a few weeks ago at Chambers Farm Wood, then Toby's gynandromorph, I can now add another aberration seen here today. Though faded, it was nevertheless a dramatic sight, a female Silver-washed Fritillary of (I think) ab. nigricans. Silver-washed were in incredible numbers and the majority were fresh, some pristine, although a couple of the faded females were posing as the valesina form, which they were not (Toby showed me a photo he had taken at Minting Triangle which was definitely f. valesina but I never saw it). 47 in total - 36 m and 11 f including the ab. Supporting cast: 4 Small/Essex Skipper, 4 Large Skipper, 12 Brimstone, 6 Large White, 7 Small White, 20 Green-veined White, 2 Small Copper, 5 Holly Blue, 11 Purple Hairstreak, 2 male Brown Hairstreak, 1 White Admiral, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 45 Peacock, 11 Comma, 8 Speckled Wood, 40 Gatekeeper, 55 Meadow Brown and 10 Ringlet. Moths: 1 Mint Moth, 1 Yellow Shell, 12 Latticed Heath, 3 Shaded Broad-bar, 1 Ruby Tiger, 1 Silver Y, 1 Humming-bird Hawk-moth plus what looked like a Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth flying around honeysuckle in a clearing. Too late for this species??
• Adrian Royle emailed: "Found a lovely micro moth down Crowtree Lane in Louth today - Chrysoclista linneella, a very localised distribution. Plus some Holly Blues out of town SW of Hubbard's Hills, and a Brown Argus, Red Admirals and Commas etc."                   

Tuesday 1st August 2023: The Ultimate Aberration!

Toby Ludlow emailed: "There are good days, and then there are exceptional days, and there have been several of the latter out at Chambers Farm Wood recently, but this one takes the biscuit! Only this last week I have had a day which has far exceeded anything I could have hoped for, and found that I was saying to myself, 'I never, ever, ever thought I would see THAT!' It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments that I didn't expect to have in my lifetime, if that doesn't sound too bonkers! The 'THAT' on this occasion was a gynandromorphic Silver-washed Fritillary, a butterfly which displays both male and female characteristics. However, my luck on this occasion had reached new heights because it was a bilateral gynandromorph, the ultimate aberration, where one side is completely male and the other side is completely female. This phenomenon occurs early on in a butterfly's development, when the organism only has a few cells, and then typically an event occurs during mitosis: one of the dividing cells does not split its sex chromosomes in the normal way, leading to one of the cells having sex chromosomes that cause male development and the other having sex chromosomes that lead to female development. (I hope I haven't lost any of you!) Needless to say, sightings of bilateral gynandromorphs are as rare as hen's teeth and I feel honoured to have seen this one. As is customary with exceptional aberrations like this, this one read the script, followed standard operating procedures and disappeared after a few seconds, never to be seen again! I did manage to get a 'record shot' of it, but I was left mulling over what could have been! The accompanying photograph illustrates the phenomenon of a bilateral gynandomorph: The complete left-hand side is male whereas the complete right-hand side is female. If you visit Chambers Farm Wood in the near future, keep your eyes peeled for this butterfly!"

---

July 2023

Sunday 30th July 2023

• Toby Ludlow emailed: "I spent a few hours out at Chambers Farm Wood today and was delighted to see that the aberrant Comma ab. suffusa + sagitta-album, that I first saw on Saturday 15^th July 2023, was still out there in virtually the same place and enjoying life, nectaring on Bramble blossom. This is now Day 16, and it is not standard operating procedure for an aberrant butterfly to hang around for so long – they usually disappear after a few seconds!!! It has now got a few battle scars, but nevertheless it was good to see it. Several Comma and Silver-washed Fritillary aberrations have been observed at Chambers Farm Wood throughout July and these have provided much enjoyment to those that have had the fortune to see them. Whilst butterflies such as Comma and Silver-washed Fritillary seem to periodically produce these aberrations, others such as Peacock and Red Admiral are, in an aberrant sense, disappointingly uniform. Given the huge numbers of Peacocks and Red Admirals present throughout the county, of which large numbers are seen in gardens, very few aberrations are ever reported from among these species. The Red Admiral aberrations that are reported are usually very minor in nature, usually consisting of an extra white dot on the forewing red band (ab. bialbata), or a broken red band (ab. fructa). I therefore got very excited when I discovered this Red Admiral aberration at Chambers Farm Wood, right next to the Chambers Farm Wood Centre. This extreme aberration, ab. klemensiewiczi, is as extreme as it gets, is stunningly beautiful and this individual even has an additional golden bloom to the red forewing band.
• John Davison emailed: "Sunday morning walk at Messingham Sand Quarry LWT Nature Reserve

  

  brought out: 1 Silver-washed Fritillary, 1 Small Copper, 1 Brown Argus, 2 Holly Blue, 2 Speckled Wood, 24 Large White, 16 Small White, 4 Green-veined White, 300 Red Admiral, 140 Meadow Brown, 15 Ringlet, 210 Gatekeeper, 1 Painted Lady, 59 Peacock, 26 Small Skipper, 9 Large Skipper, 94 Comma and 2 Brimstone. Also 1 Shaded Broad-bar, 1 Silver Y, 2 Elephant Hawk-moth larva and 1 Herald Moth larva.

Saturday 29th July 2023

• Mike Pickwell from Grimsby emailed: "This morning between 09:00 and 09:30 our Scartho garden produced 2 Red Admiral, 2 Speckled Wood, 1 Small White, 1 Comma, 1 Holly Blue, 1 Large White, 1 Gatekeeper, 1 Green-veined White and 1 Peacock. There was also a Mint Moth. Yesterday, I went birdwatching to Winter's Pit and the Humber Bank, where there were large numbers of Whites of different species, good numbers of Gatekeepers, and a few Red Admirals and Meadow Browns."
• Pete Cawdell emailed: "Since Rick Camm's sighting of a White-letter Hairtsreak on 25/7, he has

  

  been to Osbournby Hill Top several times and twice seen 2 individuals nectaring on the bramble, so there is obviously a colony there. Today I checked the site out on a windy, mainly cloudy afternoon and duly found the pictured one - along with 17 other species. Notable was a good colony of Brown Argus between the set-aside and woodland edge. At least 10 seen. This site seems quite unremarkable from the A15 as you drive by, in an area not noted for its butterflies, but just shows what's still out there to be discovered in the Lincs countryside."
• Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "This morning the garden trap produced White-point, Ear Moth agg, Southern Wainscot, Least Carpet and Mouse Moth, all new for the year."

Friday 28th July 2023

• Keith Walton emailed: "Visited Chambers Farm Wood today, but the walk to Minting Triangle was disappointing, although things improved on the Red Trail. 64 Peacock, 34 Red Admiral, 16 Silver-washed Fritillary, 10 White Admiral, 7 Brimstone and 15 Comma. One patch of brambles on this route had 10 Peacock, 10 Red Admiral, 4 Comma, 5 White Admiral and 6 Silver-washed Fritillary. Little Scrubbs Meadows were full of butterflies - 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Painted Lady, 30 Red Admiral, 46 Silver-washed Fritillary and c450 Peacock. Finished in the garden - 1 White Admiral, 2 Peacock, 40 Red Admiral, and lots of Whites, Browns and a few Blues." 
• Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "I decide to trap on Friday night instead of

  

  Saturday, as forecast said lighter winds and slightly warmer. Little did I know what was to come! Sally said she could hear moths hitting the trap from the open bedroom window, but I didn’t pay it much thought. Saturday didn’t start well, late up, b****r! When I looked in the trap at 7 a.m. double b****er! All I could see was Large Yellow Underwings. How the hell was I going to sort that lot out, was my first thought. I sat bemused at the sight before me, this may take a while! As I removed the lamp from the trap, moths erupted in all directions. 'Damn it!' I said as literally dozens of unidentified moths disappeared into the surrounding cover. I did manage to catch sight of a Swallow-tailed Moth as it flopped it’s way into the Buddleia, but the others were gone. Oh

  

  well! With a deep breath, I gingerly picked up the first egg box to be greeted with a writhing mass of moths and, as the 30+ Large Yellow Underwings dispersed, I could count the other species which were buried below. After two hours it was done, a few potted up for photos and the note book full of scribble. A fortnight ago we had 521 moths of 99 species, the most species ever recorded here. This week only 78 species but a whopping 1192 moths of which 711 were Large Yellow Underwings. After a very slow start to the year things have definitely picked up here, despite having recorded the wettest March and July. Moth highlights were our seconds of Obscure Wainscot, Crescent, Dark Spectacle and Straw Underwing."

Wednesday 26th July 2023

• Martin Kew reported: "A bright, sunny morning at last brought out a good variety of butterflies on the reserves at Twyford Wood. The highlight was four Purple Hairstreak, one at the Glades and three on the tracks between the reserves. There were pleasing numbers of fresh Peacock and Brimstone on the wing as well." 
• Phil Bowler emailed: "Today I visited Morkery Wood for the first time in ages. Very impressive habitat but relatively few butterflies considering that the weather has improved. I fear this is the norm following this wet and very windy July. The star of the show was undoubtedly a very impressive female Purple Emperor, who emerged from the backdrop of brambles, valerian, Meadowsweet, thistles and various other nectar plants, only to zoom upwards into the top of a nearby Ash. She didn't even give me time to introduce myself! Supporting cast: 2 Small/Essex Skipper, 16 Large Skipper, 10 Brimstone, 3 Large White, 4 Small White, 10 Green-veined White, 2 Holly Blue, 2 Purple Hairstreak, 19 Red Admiral, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 15 Peacock, 7 Comma, 10 Silver-washed Fritillary (including 3 typical females, no f. valesina), 1 Speckled Wood, 25 Gatekeeper, 17 Meadow Brown and 20 Ringlet."
• Trevor Baily emailed: "Today I visited Kirkby Gravel Pits and noted the following: 2 Brown Argus, 9 Common Blue, 2 Meadow Brown, 12 Gatekeeper, 4 Red Admiral, 1 Peacock, 1 Brimstone, 2 Speckled Wood and 1 Silver Y moth."
• Graham Catley emailed: "Surveyed Low Farm at Searby today and noted the following species: 300 Meadow Brown, 2 Ringlet, 72 Gatekeeper, 10 Red Admiral, 3 Peacock, 2 Comma, 5 Small Tortoiseshell, 24 Large White, Small and Green-veined White, 3 Speckled Wood, 1 Small Copper, 3+ Essex Skipper and 15+ Small Skipper."

Tuesday 25th July 2023

• Graham Catley messaged: "Painted Lady, 10 Essex Skippers and 8 new Peacocks at Alkborough this morning. Also a Willow Emerald damselfly."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Had a brief trip to Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve today and was

  

  rewarded with my first ever sighting there of a valesina form of a Silver-washed Fritillary, which is the first one I've seen this year too."
• John Walker emailed: "Today I visited a copse off the old Roman Way footpath at TF410839. The site is lined with broadleaf trees and mixed blackthorn, hawthorn, ivy and bramble, with a 10 m field margin to the south side. I have walked and surveyed the area at least twice each

  

  spring/summer for c15 years. The copse and adjacent hedge have ash, oak, sycamore and several elms of 6 to 10 m tall. Also, blackthorn, hawthorn, ivy and bramble spreading into the long term 10 m field environment boundary, with various flora, including knapweed, ragwort, creeping thistle, red clover and fleabane. The late Peter Childs and I counted 21 butterfly species including 6 White-letter Hairstreaks there in July 2015 and a further 3 in each of the following 2 years. I have not visited the site since 2019, so I did so this morning with a walk of c250 m along the field margin and south side of the c2 acre copse, and 75 m length of tall hedge. To the east of the copse and hedge is a c3 acre old meadow with lots of marsh thistle, ragwort, etc. I recorded the following: 2 White-letter Hairstreak, 2 Holly Blue, 3 Comma, 7 Red Admiral, 7 Large White, 7 Small Skipper, 8 Speckled Wood, 8 Ringlet, 29 Small White, 31 Gatekeeper and 41 Meadow Brown. Other species seen at this location on early June past visits included Brimstone, Common Blue, Small Tortoiseshell, Green-veined White, Large Skipper and Small Copper."
• Pete Cawdell reported: "Rick Camm from Osbournby, near Sleaford, found a female White-letter Hairstreak at the top of Osbournby Hill on the south facing side of some elms. The fields around the hill are on a two year set-aside programme to try and get rid of the black grass. They have been sown with red and white clover, plus bird seed. They are attracting many butterflies."

Sunday 23rd July 2023: Butterfly Conservation Open Day at Rimac

• Dave Wright reported: "Our last ‘Open Day’ was held at Chambers Farm Wood in July of 2019, the traditional site for this important event. Unfortunately, the total lack of support from FE during and after the pandemic, meant that we could no longer use the visitor/education centre, a facility that has always been instrumental in promoting Butterfly Conservation in Lincolnshire. With no resolution on the horizon, it looked as though this year’s event would have to be shelved once

  

  again, until Owen Beaumont and Renata Jackson from English Nature at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR offered us a lifeline. Thanks to their hard work, along with colleagues and volunteers, we were able to utilise the Eco-classroom at Rimac car park, from where we were able to conduct a couple of guided butterfly walks. Unfortunately, the weather hadn’t read the

  

  script and it was dull and overcast for most of the day, with just the occasional bright spell. Not exactly ideal butterfly weather! Nevertheless, we had a good turn out from the general public with double figures on both walks, and remarkably we managed to find eighteen species of butterfly: Small Skipper, Essex Skipper (including a mating pair), Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Copper, Red Admiral, Painted Lady,

  

  Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Small Heath and 4 second generation Wall. Moths also featured during the walks and included lots of Six-spot Burnet, a few Silver Y and a single Blackneck. These species supplemented the 209 moths of 51 species trapped at a damp and miserable Seaview overnight, some of which were on display in the education centre, along with a few Privet Hawk-moth larvae found by committee member Tim Clayton in his garden near Lincoln. The walks also produced a few dragonfly species, the highlights being 2 Small Red-eyed Damselflies, and a single Willow Emerald found in the corner of the car park."                                                                                               

  

   
• Sue Houghton emailed: "I visited Twyford Wood today and was thrilled to have my first sighting of Silver-washed Fritillary. Also noted Marbled White, Large Skipper, Comma, Peacock, Green-veined White, Red Admiral, Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper."

Friday 21st July 2023

Graham Catley messaged: "Visited Laughton Woods today and, during a brief spell of sunshine, noted 5 Silver-washed Fritillary along Tuetoes Ride."

Thursday 20th July 2023

Gary Fenwick emailed: "After a period away on holiday and then illness, it's been a while since I was able to get out. This afternoon I took advantage of the respite in showers and a cancellation at work and ventured out to Little Scrubbs Meadow and Chambers Farm Wood more widely. The sum total of what I saw is as follows: 2 White Admiral, 4 Green-veined White, c30 Small White, c140 Small/Green-veined White  c40 Large White, 4 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Peacock, 6 Comma, c35 Red Admiral, 4 Large Skipper, 2 Speckled Wood, c55 Ringlet, c120 Meadow Brown, c30 Gatekeeper and 10 Silver-washed Fritillary. Moths included: 14 Silver Y, c40 Six-spot Burnet and 1 Latticed Heath.

Wednesday 19th July 2023

• John Davison emailed: "Silver-washed Fritillary at Burkinshaw's Covert, Immingham today." 
• Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gib overnight and was surprised that the overnight temperature was a mere 6 degrees C and accompanied by a thick, damp fog. This resulted in only 71 moths of 28 species to 2 traps. New for the year macros were Cloaked Minor, Maple Pug, Pine Hawk-moth and Rosy Rustic. As a keen lister I recently visited Langworth to see Waved Black, kindly kept for me by Chris Dobson. Just happened to be macro number 450 for me in Lincs, quite a milestone!"

Tuesday 18th July 2023

Mike Pickwell from Grimsby emailed: "At last we had a warm spell with no wind this morning so there was some pleasing butterfly activity in my Scartho garden. 2 Red Admiral, 1 Green-veined White, 2 Large White, 2 Small White, 2 Gatekeeper, 1 Meadow Brown and a Mother Shipton moth. I also saw a Painted Lady on our neighbour's buddleia." 

Monday 17th July 2023

Josh Forrester messaged: "This morning I found a small colony of Purple Hairsteaks on an oak tree along Weelsby Avenue in Grimsby, opposite cemetery car park."

Sunday 16th July 2023

John Davison emailed: "Weather likely to have put a lot of people off the Butterfly Conservation Field Trip, but four hardy individuals did manage the visit to Risby Warren. It did stay dry but the high wind was a nuisance. Although lots of butterflies, it meant that they stayed low to the ground in flight and hunkered down in the vegetation when settled. As you will see however, we did manage the target species and quite a few more including Cinnabar, Silver Y and Common Carpet moths. My thanks for the butterfly count (and keen eyes) to Suzanne Nelson - 4 Grayling, 14 Small Skipper, 18 Gatekeeper, 25 Meadow Brown, 11 Ringlet, 16 Small Heath, 15 Small Copper, 1 Green-veined White, 2 Large Skipper, 2 Comma, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Large White, 1 Small White, 1 Common Blue and 4 Small Tortoiseshell."

Saturday 15th July 2023

Toby Ludlow emailed: "For once, it seemed, the weather forecasters got the forecast spot on - mainly thick cloud, the odd sunny interval, frequent showers, and the wind cycling between 20 mph and 40 mph. It was, therefore, not the day to visit Chambers Farm Wood in search of butterflies! When I arrived early in the morning there was a brief sunny spell, but soon had to head for the car to sit out a shower. This would be the story for the day! It came as no surprise that Purple Emperors did not take to the air, and I didn't see any over the course of the day; they seemed to be having a poor year. I only saw one White Admiral and about half a dozen Silver-washed Fritillaries, but alas not the aberrant one seen by Phil Bowler a few days previous. There were quite a few Red Admirals and Commas in the rides however, and one of the latter caught my eye as I passed by. Although its wings were closed, I could tell instantly that it was aberrant, but as I approached it shot up into a Field Maple and then opened its wings revealing it to be an extreme aberration - Comma ab. suffusa + sagitta-album. It then started to rain, so I legged it back to the car, again! When it stopped, I returned to the spot where I had seen the Comma, but I couldn't find it, so moved on. I then thought I'd rediscovered it, resting on a Bramble leaf about 20 metres further along the main track, but it wasn't - it was another, almost identical aberration, this one Comma ab. suffusa. Fortunately, this one sat still for a few photos. After, I was lucky to see the first aberrant Comma again and got a couple of record shots of it."

Thursday 13th July 2023

• David Phillips emailed: "Today I visited the excellent Chambers Farm Wood reserve instead of undertaking my Wider Countryside Butterfly Surveys in NE England. What a fantastic day! For once the the butterflies had read the script and I saw all my target species. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit! There were so many Whites flying that could not be identified and I'm afraid I never tallied up the Hutchinsoni variation of Comma. My sightings covered three areas: Chambers

  

  Farm Wood Butterfly Garden - 6 Small White, 3 Large White, 12 Gatekeeper, 7 Meadow Brown, 5 Ringlet, 1 Green-veined White, 1 Small Tortoiseshell and 1 Peacock. Chambers Farm Wood - 23 Green-veined White, 42 Small White, 32 Meadow Brown, 69 Ringlet, 29 Red Admiral, 1 Holly Blue, 3 Large Skipper, 24 Comma, 21 Large White, 16 Purple Hairsreak, 14 Silver-washed Fritillary, 13 White Admiral, 6 Gatekeeper, 3 Speckled Wood and 3 Purple Emperor. Chambers Farm Wood-Langton Hill Farm Footpath - 1 Ringlet, 14 Gatekeeper, 31 Meadow Brown, 3 Large White, 2 Green-veined White, 2 Red Admiral, 1 Comma and 2 Small White."
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "An incredible transect around Rimac today, with butterflies absolutely everywhere! The totals were: 265 Small Skipper, 33 Essex Skipper, 284 unidentified Small/Essex Skipper, 1 Large Skipper, 4 Large White, 14 Small White, 7 Green-veined White, 1 Small Copper, 1 Brown Argus, 3 Red Admiral, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Speckled Wood, 109 Gatekeeper, 236 Meadow Brown, 198 Ringlet and 14 Small Heath."
• Phil Bowler reported: "In my garden yesterday (12th) I counted 43 Red Admiral, as opposed to 28 on the full red route circuit at Chambers Farm Wood today (13th). I elected to walk the full red route circuit to take in the huge new clearings created since FE did their questionable management. They've certainly opened it up considerably, especially the bit after the Sykes Wood lane where the elms are. You can now see many more flourishing elms than before. Alas, I only saw one White-letter Hairstreak at the top of one. Their friends the Purple Hairstreak were one of the stars today, for almost all the 16 that I saw were low down, on plants, some taking nectar from bramble, others on the paths taking minerals, even females. A wonderful sight to see them so low. There were 19 hutchinsoni Commas; 9 White Admiral, including a fresh one; 3 male Purple Emperor, 2 of which came to ground; and 15 Silver-washed Fritillary, 3 of which were female, 1 in cop. But the real star of the show was right at the end of the afternoon in the second car park with the big boulders. An almost pristine male ab. ocellata (I think). Superb and attention grabbing. The supporting cast: 1 Latticed Heath, 2 Silver Y, 3 Small/Essex Skipper, 17 Large Skipper (only one female), 4 Brimstone (all males), 5 Large White, 40 Small White, 60 Green-veined White, 2 Holly Blue, 1 White-letter Hairstreak, 2 Peacock, 3 Speckled Wood, 8 Gatekeeper, 55 Meadow Brown and 155 Ringlet."

Wednesday 12th July 2023

Graham Catley emailed: "Back at the farm at Searby this morning where there were still c500 Meadow Browns. Also of note were 65 Gatekeepers, 4 Purple Hairstreaks and a couple of Essex Skippers."

Sunday 9th July 2023                                                                                                                                                     
Laura Gundy reports: "A good day for my local area! I was enjoying a walk around Benniworth Walk Farm, where finally, after a poor start to the year, there are good numbers of butterflies.

Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Small Skipper and Gatekeeper were in profusion. A couple of Painted Ladies were seen nectaring on Marsh Thistle

and then for the first time here I saw a White Admiral gliding around a patch of bramble. I have been hoping they would arrive one day, as there is suitable habitat on the farm for them. Hurrah!

Later, as the sun heated things up, I paid a visit to an area of private land near to Market Stainton (by kind permission of the landowner). The fields of long grass and thistles were absolutely alive with insects – more than I have seen for many years. Large numbers of Small Skippers were chasing each other around creating little ginger clouds in the air.  This is no special nature reserve – there is little floral diversity – and yet by simply leaving it alone, no mowing, no nothing, it really is quite something. 

Anyway, to get to the point, I counted 7 Marbled Whites there, including one mating pair. Presumably they have spread from Red Hill, which is great news for the species. The other good thing is that a couple more fields to cross and they will be on the farm where I live too (here’s hoping).

Messingham Sand Quarry LWT Reserve
A selection of moths from this morning........

Clockwise: Blackneck, Blood-vein, Elephant Hawk-moth & Drinker Larva

Friday 7th July 2023

• David Bee emailed: "Decided to get out early today to beat the heat and before the forecast 'washout'. A 07:00 start at Red Hill, with a noticeable breeze, saw most subjects well in the grass.

  

  By about 08:30 things had warmed up a bit and I noted the following: 9 Marbled White, 10+ Meadow Brown, 6 Gatekeeper, 3 Small Heath and 2 Large Skipper. Called in to Chambers Farm Wood on the way home to find more enthusiasts than butterflies, some people travelling quite a distance - up to 2.5 hours! Butterflies included: 10 Meadow Brown, 3 White Admiral, 5 Purple Hairstreak, 3 Purple Emperor, Small Heath, Ringlet, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White and Large White."
• Graham Catley messaged: "First Small Red-eyed Damselflies on the farm pond at Searby this morning, plus 8 male Banded Demoiselles. Butterflies included: c500 Meadow Brown, 5 Gatekeeper, 5 Small Tortoiseshell, 6 Comma, c20 Small White, 5 Large White, 5 Green-veined White, 1 Brown Argus, 50 Small Skipper and 5 Large Skipper."
• John Davison reported: "At Southrey Wood today 6 Purple Hairstreak came down and flitted about head height on the main track. Silver-washed Fritillary on the main track, tower ride and 3 on the BC ride. 12 White Admiral on the main track with a few more on the tower ride."                  

  

Martin Kew visited Robert's Field LWT Reserve....

More than 15 Dark Green Fritillaries at Robert's Field plus this suspected Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth larva (Happy to be corrected).
There were also good numbers of Marbled White, Small Skipper and Meadow Brown.

Alan Barker e-mails......

 

Plenty about at Chambers Wood this morning.

Purple Emperors coming down to track for moisture. 

Most unexpected was a large group of 30-40 Small and Green-veined Whites 'puddling' in an area of damp ground no larger

than a dinner plate beside remnants of water in a drainage ditch. The photos aren't brilliant but give some idea of numbers and density - the gathering was very active.

Something I'd not come across before and quite a sight.

Thursday 6th July
Silver-washed Fritillary out at Laughton Woods - Tuetoes Ride.

A good day for moth larvae (all spotted by John Petyt).....
 

Clockwise:Eyed Hawk-moth Early Instar, Final Instar (Green Form) Swallow Prominent Moth, Silver Y, Knot Grass

Tuesday 4th July
Grayling now out at Risby.

and Silver-washed Fritillary in Broughton West Wood near Scunthorpe.
 

Saturday 1st July 2023                                                                                                                       
Malcolm & Marilyn Goodman emailed: "After Derek Fox’s successful visit to Hardy Gang Wood, we tried this afternoon. Similar species list, maybe 25/30 sightings of White Admiral of 10+ individuals (allowing for duplication). No Hummingbird Hawk-moth, but the big surprise was a Purple Emperor after minerals on the ground for about 15 minutes"

---

June 2023

Friday 30th June 2023

Helen Kirk emailed: "Decided to take a look at Snakeholme Pit, a Lincolnshire Branch of Butterfly Conservation nature reserve just a few miles distant from Chambers Farm Wood as I'd never visited it before.  A fascinating site of around two acres with three different areas to it.  First gem was a male Banded Demoiselle in vegetation along the stream edge to the east and then a Kingfisher's distinctive piping as it moved along the waterway.  Double figures of Ringlet and Meadow Browns, a couple each of Green-veined Whites and Gatekeeper.  Perhaps a dozen Six-spot Burnet Moths on various flower heads but tucked down low out of the wind was a small golden green longhorn moth with a snazzy punk yellow hair do and the obviously long antennae.   It was not one I was familiar with so managed a couple of record photographs and thought no more about it till I got home and downloaded it.  The nearest I could get it to was Nemophora cupriacella.  Now a bit of research suggests it's not a particularly common moth so I begin to doubt my ID and decided to run it past Martin Gray who promptly responded with 'Certainly is and quite a rarity, only the 5th Lincolnshire Record - duly recorded.'  Well, quite a result for a Yorkshire visitor to this site for the first time.  Just goes to show there's always something interesting to be found even on not ideal weather days!"       

Thursday 29th June 2023

• Adrian Royle emailed: "A visit to Chambers Farm Wood produced an Emperor Moth caterpillar in Little Scrubbs Meadow and Purple Emperors along the main ride and easy access trail. Also Currant Clearwing, Light Emerald and White Admirals."
• Chris Atkin messaged: "A Red-veined Darter today on the Easy Access Trail adjacent to the Rimac scrape today. Also, my first Emerald Damselflies and Gatekeepers of the year (2 of the latter)."                                                                                                                                             

  

• Roy Harvey emailed: "I made a quick visit to Nettleton LNR late afternoon, and noted Cinnabar moth caterpillars on ragwort. Also, a Six-spot Burnet."
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "Today's survey started in the glorious late morning sunshine and finished shortly after the cloud came in early afternoon. The full counts are as follows: 121 Small Skipper, 174 Small/Essex Skipper, 56 Large Skipper, 1 Large White 1 Small White, 1 Common Blue, 2 Red Admiral, 2 Speckled Wood, 3 Gatekeeper, 282 Meadow Brown, 41 Ringlet and 33 Small Heath. There must have been a mass emergence of Small Skipper over the last week."
• Derek Fox emailed: "I visited Hardy Gang Wood this afternoon and spent about two hours there.

  

  White Admirals were on the wing and it was the most I have ever seen, with at least 25-30 nectaring on bramble blossom. Lots of thinning the side of the rides has allowed lots of bramble to establish. Lots of fresh species on the wing including 5 summer brood Comma, 4 Red Admiral, 8 Green-veined White, 3 Small White, 2 Large White, and 2 Speckled Wood. Meadow Brown

  

  around 100, Ringlet not doing so well with only about 20, and a lone Purple Hairstreak high upon a large oak. A poor wood for skippers, with only 2 Large and 1 Small Skipper. The biggest surprise was seeing a Hummingbird Hawk-moth nectaring on Wild Honeysucke. I think it's the best day I have ever had there!" 
• Graham Catley emailed: "Small Heaths in a 'scuffle', Six-spot Burnet, pristine Small Tortoiseshell and first Small Skippers at the farm at Searby today. At least 11 Banded Demoiselles as well."

Wednesday 28th June 3023

• Alan Daws messaged: "Attended the Well Vale walk today and noted lots of Ringlets, Meadow Browns and Speckled Woods, a few Green-veined Whites and a single Comma. Later, called into Swinn Wood LWT Nature Reserve and had 5 White Admiral sightings along the main ride."
• Roy Harvey emailed: "I visited Cress Marsh at Stallingborough late morning, and there were good numbers of Meadow Browns present plus a few Ringlet. Also a single Red Admiral, a few Small Heaths and 3 Six-spot Burnet moths."
• Graham Catley messaged: "Silver-washed Fritillary this morning at Laughton, along the ride at Tuetoes."
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "I spent a couple of hours in Cleethorpes Dunes today. I saw a very large number of Meadow Browns (50+ but I stopped counting after 50), 15 Small White, 3 Large Skipper, 7 Small Skipper, 12 Ringlet, and moths included 8 Mother Shiptons and 12 Six-spot Burnets."

Monday 26th June 2023

• Michael Flowers emailed: "I spent a couple of hours this morning at Chambers Farm Wood. There were at least 4 White Admirals on the wing, plus 2 Red Admirals, several Large Skippers, a Ringlet, a few Meadow Browns, but the strong winds may have been putting off some species. I was almost back at the car park, when I noticed what looked like a small dark moth fluttering weakly near the path. It turned and there was a hint of purple, so I kept my eye on it as it nestled

  

  on a Hawthorn sprig. Sure enough it was a Purple Hairstreak. This seems a little early, as all the other ones I've seen have been in July!" 
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Paid a brief visit to my local patch, just off Westward Ho in Grimsby, and found 2 Small Skippers."
• Kev Armstrong from Wold Farm, Nettleton emailed: "Had the trap out overnight and managed 183

  

  macros of 57 species. New for the year were 5 Single-dotted Wave, 1 Small Fan-footed Wave, 1 Barred Yellow, 1 Lilac Beauty, 1 Buff Arches, 1 White Satin Moth, 2 Plain Golden Y, 4 Poplar Hawk-moth, 1 Eyed Hawk-moth, and 2 Privet Hawk-moth."
• David Bee emailed: "Only a quick visit to Southrey Wood at around teatime today, produced 10+ White Admiral (literally everywhere), 10+Meadow Brown, 5 Ringlet, 3 Large Skipper, 2 Comma, 1 Large White and 1 Green-veined White."

Sunday 25th June 2023: Purple Emperors and Silver-washed Fritillaries!

• Ian McGlynn emailed: "I saw 2 Purple Emperors today at Morkery Wood, just two miles from Castle Bytham."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "3 White-letter Hairstreaks in People's Park, Grimsby today, my first of the year. Also, 2 Hummingbird Hawk-moths in my garden, nearby."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "I had 2 Siver-washed Fritillaries and a White Admiral at Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve today."
• Suzanne Nelson messaged: "I visited Chambers Farm Wood today and spotted the following butterflies: 10 Large Skipper, 8 Speckled Wood, 19 Meadow Brown, 7 Ringlet, 1 Red Admiral, and 2 Black Hairstreak between Fiveways and Minting Triangle. These are the first Black Hairstreaks I have seen in Lincs, as I usually visit Glapthorn Cow Pastures, so I am really pleased that I saw them! My first White Admirals, grand total of 5, and my first Silver Washed Fritillary of the year! I also spotted Green-veined White, Small White and a pair of Common Blues."
• Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "This morning's trap produced 269 moths of 73 species, but the star was a Red-tipped Clearwing to pheromone this afternoon."

Saturday 24th June 2023

• Pete Cawdell emailed: "A search of Castle Bytham limestone grassland hillside of about 2 acres yielded sightings of 91 Marbled Whites. Other butterflies seen were 30 Meadow Brown, 4 Ringlet, 7 Small Skipper, 3 Large Skipper, 5 Small Heath and just 1 Small White. I then went

  

  on to Little Bytham Spinney Meadow where I counted 40 Marbled White, 32 Meadow Brown, 2 Small Heath, 1 female Common Blue, 1 Small White and 1 Green-veined White. Difficult to believe that only a few years ago we had to go on 'out of County' trips to see Marbled Whites at Ketton Quarry. Now A firmly established species in Lincs."
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "Visited Crowle Moor today with Mark Johnson and Liam Andrews. We didn't do a full loop of the reserve, but managed the following totals: 29 Large Heath, 91 Large Skipper, 33 Ringlet, 19 Meadow Brown, 5 Red Admiral and 3 Speckled Wood."

  

• Laura Gundy emailed: "This morning's catch from the moth trap in my Benniworth garden included a little cutie - a Round-winged Muslin. A first for me and quite unusual for Lincs, I believe"
• Graham Catley emailed: "This morning I returned to Searby, to complete my survey on the other

  

  side of the farm. I counted an amazing 530 Meadow Browns, plus 11 Ringlet, 14 Small Heath, 13 Large Skipper, and singles of Small Tortoiseshell, Large White, Comma and Common Blue. Also 2 Broad-bodied Chasers and 120 newly emerged Common Darters." 
• Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gib overnight and managed 293 moths of 85 species. An unusually even split with 146 macros and 147 micros. New for the year were Green Silver-lines, Kent Black Arches, Lesser Yellow Underwing, Lyme Grass, Peach Blossom, Tawny-barred Angle and Treble Brown Spot."

Friday 23rd June 2023

Alan Pike emailed: "I saw 5 White Admirals in Potterhanworth Wood this evening, while walking the dog. Also, there were Commas, lots of Speckled Woods and a single Small Skipper."

Thursday 22nd June 2023: White Admirals and White-letter Hairstreaks!

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Paid a quick visit to Chambers Farm Wood today. I was surprised not to see any Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moths at the Chambers Farm Wood Centre, but there was a Hummingbird Hawk-moth nectaring on the Red Valerian instead. After a visit to Little Scrubbs Meadow, I saw my first White Admiral of the year, elegantly gliding high up in a Sallow tree. Later, in Coningsby, I had an afternoon walk on The Pingle LNR and was delighted to find 2 White-letter Hairstreaks flying around the large elm at the western end of the reserve. What an impressive tree it is; you don't see many elm trees that size anymore!"
• Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and managed 224

  

  moths of 84 species. New for the year macros were Clouded Magpie, Common Footman, Common Wave, Delicate, Pebble Prominent, Rosy Footman and Smoky Wainscot."
• Graham Catley messaged: "Visited Alkborough Flats this morning and a small section between the car park and the new reedbed, produced 58 Ringlet, 37 Meadow Brown and 10 Large Skipper."
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "The transect at Rimac today produced the following species: 19 Small Skipper, 56 Large Skipper, 7 Common Blue, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 207 Meadow Brown, 1 Ringlet and 57 Small Heath."
• Stuart Mackman emailed: "During an afternoon visit to Chambers Farm Wood, I spotted Black

  

  Hairstreaks at Fiveways. There were probably 7 or 8 in total seen over the one hour period of time I spent there. I also had a White Admiral in the vicinity too, but no shot recorded on this occasion unfortunately, as just too high and far away for a reasonable photograph."
• John Davison reported: "A pleasant day at Southrey Wood - nice to see White Admiral out! Other butterflies included Large White, Peacock, Red Admiral, Comma, Ringlet and Meadow Brown."

Wednesday 21st June 2023

• Martin Kew reported from Twyford Wood: "At the reserves Meadow Brown, Ringlet and Small Skipper are now on the wing."
• Pete Cawdell emailed: "2 Marbled Whites, male and female, flying in Little Ponton Quarry near Grantham."
• Graham Catley messaged: "Conducted a survey at a private site near the village of Searby today and noted the following species: 2 Red Admiral, 230 Meadow Brown, 11 Ringlet, 5 Small White, 11 Small Heath, 14 Large Skipper and a Speckled Wood. A few recently created pools produced a staggering 40+ Black-tailed Skimmers, 30+ Four-spotted Chasers, 5 Emperors, including an egg-laying female, 10 Red-eyed Damselfly, several Banded Demoiselle, 500+ Azure Damselfly and 20 Common Darter."                                                                                    

  

• Pete Roworth messaged: "Hummingbird Hawk-moth this afternoon at Sea View, Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR."
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "Today I took the opportunity for a walk around Gooseman's Field and the

  

  Woodland Burial Ground in Grimsby. Gooseman's was quite productive with: 14 Meadow Brown, 1 Red Admiral, 6 Common Blue, 10 Large Skipper, 6 Small Heath and 2 Ringlet. There were also a few moths: 1 Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet and 3 Mother Shipton. I did less well in the Woodland Burial Ground, possibly because the council had been round with the mower, but I saw 3 Speckled Wood and 4 Meadow Brown."

Tuesday 20th June 2023

Caroline Sanderson emailed: "The other day I found a caterpillar in my Spalding garden, feeding on Purple Toadflax. It was one of many and I believe it's a Toadflax Brocade. Today's photo (see below) was taken at 13:20 PM and you can just make out a few of the 21 that I counted."

Monday 19th June 2023

• Phil Bowler from Amber Hill emailed: "It is still very slow going in our butterfly garden, although Holly Blue and Orange-tip have had a superb spring, and the Brimstone is doing well. Speckled Wood looks set to break a few records too! Just lately there has been an influx of mainly very fresh Red Admiral. I counted 11 today, alongside 3 worn Painted Ladies in the last few days and a few Silver Y. The freshness of the Red Admirals makes me wonder if they are offspring of hibernated ones. A bit confusing really, although there is a school of thought that says migrants can arrive fresh because they don't get involved in skirmishes whilst migrating. Don't know what happened to the Painted Ladies then!"
• Peter Calvert emailed: "What a great population of Black Hairstreak you have at Chambers Farm

  

  Wood. I visited today for my first sighting ever! On my previous visit I found a White Admiral caterpillar starting to pupate."

Sunday 18th June 2023

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Elliott and I headed for Red Hill LWT Nature Reserve and on arrival were greeted by a couple of Marbled Whites, and witnessed a very swift flypast by a Red Admiral. Soon after, we saw a male Orange-tip, which was totally unexpected, as it's been a while since either of us had seen one. There was a good number of Common Blues on the

  

  reserve: 15 being our final tally. Elsewhere, this species seems very thin on the ground! The Meadow Browns were emerging in numbers now: 27 seen in our brief time on site, and we saw 7 Marbled Whites before the light levels dropped with the approaching thunderstorm. Various moths were recorded whilst we were there: Yellow Shell, Silver Y, Burnet Companion, Six-spot Burnet, and Chimney Sweeper. Despite seeing 11 of the latter, they proved very difficult to photograph - almost on a par with the Small Heath, of which we saw one!" 
• John Davison emailed: "Today I had both Ringlet and Meadow Brown at Mesingham Sand Quarry. Yesterday, John Petyt and I visited Crowle Moor, which seems to be the in-place at the moment, and recorded Large Heath and our first Ringlet."
• Dale Middleton emailed: "I visited Chambers Farm Wood today and noted the following: 6 Black Hairstreak at Fiveways, 12 Speckled Wood, 4 Red Admiral, 1 Meadow Brown, 1 Hummingbird Hawk-moth and 1 Current Clearwing by the brick building in the car park."

Saturday 17th June 2023

Kev Armstrong emailed: "Had the trap out overnight, here at Wold Farm, Nettleton, and caught my second Rannoch Looper in less than a week! Another highlight was my first Bird's Wing of the year."

Friday 16 June 2023

• Howard and Penny Smith emailed: "Today we made our annual visit to wonderful Crowle Moor,

  

  where on a glorious day we were treated to a selection of stunning sightings, including our first Large Heath of the year.  We also spotted a Rannoch Looper alongside the drain on the way down to the moor area. We are aware of a small number in Yorkshire, so this looks as if a significant movement has occurred."
• Adrian Royle emailed: "Today I popped over to Crowle Moor with Toby Ludlow. Did the loop

  

  clockwise, a slow start but eventually the Large Heaths started to appear and we managed to photograph a few. About 30 seen, also Large Skippers about."
• Helen Kirk emailed: "Another trip To Chambers Farm Wood today and I was pleased to catch up

  

  with Black Hairstreak. At least 8 (probably more) very mobile around the top of the Blackthorn at FiveWays. One little character very obliging in terms of facilitating observation, but not easy to get a photograph due to bramble and nettles and not wishing to disturb it feeding on probable aphid honeydew on the surface of a bramble leaf. Three worn and two intact Marsh Fritillary nectaring on bramble in Little Scrubs Meadow.  Five Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moths very active around

  

  the valerian in the Butterfly Garden, with a stunning male Emperor Dragonfly around the car park checking visitors to the garden!  Other lepidoptera of interest were some magnificent specimens of Mullein larvae devouring their foodplant. In serious numbers of at least 50 were Tortrix viridana around oak in the 'far' car park, and also present in moderate numbers on oak in Little Scrubs Meadow. Other lepidopteran species observed - Speckled Wood, Large Skipper, Meadow Brown, Orange-tip, Brimstone, Red Admiral and Nemorpha degeerella."
• Roy Harvey emailed: "I looked in at Nettleton LNR again this afternoon. The main change from six

  

  days ago was Meadow Brown butterflies with 12 counted. I also saw 3 of what I took to be Yellow Shell moths and 2 Cinnabars."
• John Walker messaged: "On a 6.4 mile circular walk from Brinkhill, taking in Snake Holt and Fox Covert, I recorded the following butterflies: 1 Peacock, 3 Small White, 2 Orange-tip, 5 Large Skipper, 3 Small Heath and 3 Speckled Wood. On the footpath downhill back to Brinkhill, a small tall growth meadow produced 7 Meadow Brown and a Holly Blue."

• David Bee emailed: "I spent two or three hours at Chambers Farm Wood this morning with Toby

  

  Ludlow and saw 7 Black Hairstreaks (Fiveways), 1 Comma, 1 Large White, several Speckled Wood, and 1 Large Skipper. I then went on to Red Hill LWT Nature Reserve and the Marbled Whites have definitely started. I saw three together and probably six individuals. There were numerous Common Blues, but I was very pleased to see two Meadow Browns."
• Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and managed 169

  

  moths of 62 species. Gib speciality - Rosy Wave the best of it!"
• Adrian Royle emailed: "9 Black Hairstreaks at Fiveways, Chambers Farm Wood this morning. Lots of activity, occasionally one would come down low enough for a photo. Also, a Holly Blue there and a Small Magpie moth seen at the White-letter Hairstreak site near the old orchard."

Wednesday 14th June 2023: Rannoch Looper in Nettleton!

• Kev and Pat Armstrong from Nettleton reported: "We've had two 'mothing' sessions this week, here at Wold Farm and, after inspecting the trap on Monday morning, I was well pleased with the haul of 359 macros of 54 species, 23 of which were new for the year. These included Marbled White Spot, Broad-barred White, Pale-shouldered Brocade, Privet Hawk-moth, Small Elephant Hawk-moth and 87 Cream-bordered Green Pea, a number far exceeding previous years with yearly totals usually in single figures. However, while we were inspecting the catch

  

  from yesterday morning, Pat pointed out a small moth which we weren't familiar with. Eventually, we came to the conclusion that it had to be a Rannoch Looper! This has subsequently been confirmed by Martin Gray today, and is apparently only the second record for Lincolnshire and VC54, following one from Boston in 1960."
• Les Austin emailed: "We visited Redhill LWT Nature Reserve today, but there wasn't much about where the meadows were exposed to the fresh wind. We fared better in the shelter of the quarry and found good numbers of Common Blues. We got 6 Small Heath and were rewarded with a fresh Marbled White and a Meadow Brown."
• David Bee emailed: "I visited Crowle Moor today and initially the search for Large Heath looked hopeless. However, after encouragement from a chap recording Thorne Woods, my effort was eventually rewarded with 10/12 Speckled Woods, 4 Large Skipper, 6 Small Heath and then the main event - at least a dozen Large Heath!"

Tuesday 13th June 2023

• Adrian Royle emailed: "Black Hairstreaks seen at Fiveways (Chambers Farm Wood) this morning. I saw the first with Toby Ludlow, then a total of 12 sightings over 90 minutes - 10:30-12:00. I managed only distant, heavily cropped pictures. Also, a Pebble hook-tip and several Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moths, 4 seen together by the garden gate, and a few others out and about."

  

• Paul Daubney emailed: "I met Adrian Royle at Chambers Farm Wood this morning, to be entertained and teased by Black Hairstreaks - lots of sightings but no more than two at once, and only one coming down below 10 ft. above the ground (see attached). Also, an Orange-tip still on the wing, Holly Blue, Speckled Woods and my first Meadow Brown of the year. Then to Little Scrubbs Meadow where, among the Common Spotted Orchids, there are still a few Marsh Fritillaries about. And, courtesy of Toby Ludlow, my first Dingy Skipper of the year. Emperor Dragonfly also there. Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth and Ruby-tailed Wasp at the Butterfly Garden car park. 
• Dave Wright reported: "My first Ringlets of the year this morning, 2 seen during a brief visit to the Pyewipe Line at Great Coates. Also noted 4 Large Skipper, 5 Common Blue, 1 Speckled Wood and a male Orange-tip."
• John Walker messaged: "I walked the Rimac Transect at Saltfleetby-Theddlerhorpe Dunes NNR today and noted the following: 5 Large Skipper, 1 Small Copper, 5 Common Blue, 1 Red Admiral, 3 Speckled Wood, 5 Meadow Brown and 36 Small Heath. No other species seen on or near the Transect route."

Monday 12th June 2023

• Gary Fenwick emailed: "This afternoon I popped over to Linwood Warren LWT Nature Reserve and saw my first Large Skipper (2) of the year. There were also about 4 Holly Blue and 10 Meadow Brown." 
• Malcolm and Marilyn Goodman emailed: "Today we visited Chambers Farm Wood and a few hours around early afternoon produced 3+ Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moths around the butterfly garden gate. A quick walk around Little Scrubbs Meadow had 5 Marsh Fritillary (although others had more - mostly going over now). Few other species - 1 Brimstone and a few Speckled Wood."

Sunday 11th June 2023

Martin Kew reported from Twyford Wood: "I walked the Transects this morning and recorded two new species for the season - a single Marbled White and 6 Large Skipper. Other species recorded across the two reserves were: 3 Grizzled Skipper, 7 Dingy Skipper, 16 Small Heath, 16 Common Blue, 1 Brown Argus, 1 Brimstone, 1 Large White and 2 Speckled Wood."

Saturday 10th June 2023

• Roy Harvey emailed: "I decided to visit Nettleton LNR this afternoon and found several butterflies on the wing. The following species were seen: 1 Brimstone, 1 Large White, 6 Common Blue, 8 Brown Argus, 4 Small Heath, 3 Speckled Wood and 3 Orange-tip. I also noted several medium sized whites flying around but these evaded identification."
• Nige Lound emailed: "107 moths of 47 species to MV Robinson overnight at Syke's Farm,

  

  Gibraltar Point NNR. Undoubted highlight was a Clouded Buff which I believe is a first for the NNR."
• Gary Fenwick emailed: "This afternoon I enjoyed a couple of hours exploring Kingerby Beck LWT Nature Reserve, on a guided walk with the Market Rasen Branch of the Lincs Trust. In the superb meadows were numerous Common Blue (c.60), 8 Speckled Wood and a Red Admiral. Moths were represented by 2 Yellow Shell and 2 Silver Y. It was good to see literally hundreds of orchids too! Earlier in the day I had my first Meadow Brown of the year, 2 in the surrounding fields of Toft Newton Reservoir."
• Dave Wright reported: "After days of unseasonal weather, it was great to get out today with wall-to-wall sunshine and much higher temperatures. My wife and I decided to take a walk in the Donnington on Bain area, taking in the Public Bridleway south from Mill Lane, past Benniworth House Farm to Benniworth Haven. Surprisingly, and rather disappointedly, there were few butterflies on the wing, and we only noted the following: 2 Brown Argus, 2 Brimstone, 1 Large White, 1 Small White, 1 Orange-tip and 1 Speckled Wood. At Low Pond (Benniworth Haven) 20+ Red-eyed Damselflies were over the lilypads and I also found a Silver Ground Carpet moth. We returned to the car via the Public Footpath down to Donnington on Bain, noting 1 Brown Argus, 1 Small Copper, 1 Brimstone, 3 Speckled Wood and a Holly Blue along the

  

  way. We then paid a brief visit to Redhill LWT Nature Reserve nearby, concentrating on the old quarry side of the reserve, and noted the following: 18 Common Blue, 3 Small Heath, 1 Large Skipper, 1 Orange-tip, 1 Speckled Wood and 1 Small White. As a bonus, a Quail was heard calling from the field just below the reserve."

Friday 9th June 2023: Large Heath at Crowle Moor!

• Phil Lee emailed: "The Large Heath is out on Crowle Moor. This is one of seven seen along north tram this afternoon in blustery but sunny conditions."
• Pete Cawdell emailed: "I was doing my regular survey of an old quarry about 2 miles west of Louth this afternoon by kind permission of the owner. The warm sunny weather was spoilt by a gusty breeze which kept butterfly sightings lower than usual. I was fortunate enough to have Laura Gundy with me as her sharp eyes spotted a Wall Brown making short flights about 40 ft. up a chalk cliff face. We were both nearly certain of the identification but, as this was a really good record, we wanted to be 100% sure. As it had settled on a bare rock with its silhouette being clearly visible through binoculars, I sent her scampering up to get as close as possible for a 'record' shot (ungentlemanly conduct you might think, but she is younger than me!). Thankfully she brought down the proof in a picture that certainly would not win any awards, but showed it to be a definite Wall Brown. I hadn't recorded this species here for about ten years so this was really pleasing. Other butterflies seen were 18 Common Blue, 1 Small Copper, 1 Meadow Brown, 11 Small Heath, 2 Large Skipper, 2 each of Large White, Small White and Green-veined White, 3 Brimstone and a male Orange-tip. We also visited Welton le Wold LWT Nature Reserve  and saw another 16 Common Blue, 1 Small Copper and 2 Small White."
• Helen Kirk emailed: "I visited Sedge Hole Close LWT Nature Reserve today, where moderate

  

  numbers of Chimney Sweeper moths were active in the meadow. What was particularly fascinating to observe was the moth settling lowish down on stems and stalks (flowers and grasses) and agitating their wings, was this to disperse pheromones to attract males (none observed in cop)? Later, at Crowle Moor South Reserve, 8 mobile Large Heath, possibly a couple more, but not exclusively monitoring this species. Nemophora degeerella leking by the entrance gate."

Thursday 8th June 2023

• Phil Lee emailed: "A Lime Hawk-moth of the form brunnea was in the garden trap here at Misterton last night, and is the first time we have had this form in the garden. Note the colour difference to a normal one."
• Graham Catley messaged: "This morning I had my first Meadow Brown of the year on a private site near Searby."

Wednesday 7th June 2023

Dave Wright reported: "On a day that felt more like autumn rather than 'flaming June', Chris Atkin and I had a great time at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR, despite the weather trying to dictate otherwise! Our perseverance paid off with two new butterfly species for the year - Large Skipper and Meadow Brown. We also noted: 3 Speckled Wood, 3 Small Heath and 1 Brown Argus. Moths included: 4 Burnet Companion, 2 Straw Dot, 5 Cinnabar, 5 Yellow Shell, 2 Fox Moth, 1 Silver Y, 2 Timothy Tortrix, 16 Grass Rivulet and a Garden Tiger caterpillar crossing the track along Willow Hedge, Rimac. However, the highlight of the day was seeing 2 Turtle Doves in flight over the dunes north of Churchill Lane car park."

Monday 5th June 2023

• Josh Forrester messaged: "I found a mating pair of Lime Hawk-moths today, along Weelsby Road in Grimsby."
• Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "This morning the trap produced a new species for the garden, a Chamomile Shark."
• Helen Kirk emailed: "I visited Little Scrubbs Meadow at Chambers Farm Wood and although this morning's weather wasn't ideal for a sun loving butterfly, I caught up with one Marsh Fritillary around 10:30 quietly settled on a bramble flower. In the afternoon I was able to find a few more, settled or nectaring on bramble, but not in any significant numbers. I was also lucky to find a few Emperor Moth larvae on bramble leaves. Also of note was the Tortrix Aethes piercei (Devil's-bit Conch) and whose larval food plant is unsurprisingly Devil's-bit Scabious."

Sunday 4th June 2023

• Phil Lee emailed: "At least a dozen Chimney Sweeper moths were on the wing today at Sedge Hole Close, which is its stronghold here in the Isle of Axholme. In a good year the count can be over a hundred."
• Laura Gundy emailed: "Three years ago I sowed a mix of wildflower seeds into a rubbishy area of left-over hardcore in the farmyard at Benniworth Walk Farm. Since then the poor plants that grew

  

  have endured various droughts, crazy hailstorms and being driven over by lorries. In spite of this they have done well, and I was really pleased to spot both a Treble-bar sitting right next to its larval foodplant of St John's Wort and several Six-spot Burnet moth larvae feeding on Bird's-foot Trefoil. So to paraphrase, 'if you plant them, they will come'."
• John Davison emailed: "This morning I had my first Large Skipper of the year at Messingham Sand Quarry LWT Nature Reserve."

Friday 2nd June 2023

• Pete Cawdell emailed: "Fresh Meadow Brown and 2 Small Tortoiseshell at Grimsthorpe today - summer must have arrived?"
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Paid a visit to Chambers Farn Wood this afternoon and it was

  

  immediately evident that we've hit the 'June Gap': I don't recollect seeing a single butterfly on the journey there! On arrival, at the CFW Centre, a Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth was frantically going about its business, nectaring on the Sweet Rocket, and a couple of Holly Blues and a male Brimstone flew through the car park, but that was all. A walk down to Little Scrubbs Meadow did produce a fresh, second-brood Speckled Wood, enjoying an area of dappled shade. A circuit around LSM produced approximately a couple of dozen Marsh Fritillaries, most now past their best and getting a little 'greasy', but there were a couple of females there in reasonable condition. Whilst there, I didn't see any Dingy Skippers, but could hear that one had been seen in the meadow extension. I walked back to the CFW Centre and there were now 2 Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moths nectaring on Red Valerian, and I later spotted what could have been a third one in the Butterfly Garden."

---

May 2023

Bank Holiday Monday 29th May 2023

Richard Smith emailed: "Two years ago I checked a brownfield site, south of Dysart Park and along the River Witham in Grantham, and found Grizzled Skipper. Today I noted 11 Grizzled Skippers, 14 Common Blues and 2 Small Heath. 

Saturday 27th May 2023: Twyford Wood BC Field Trip

• Pete Cawdell emailed: "For once we chose an excellent day for this Field Trip with blue skies and sunshine throughout and temperatures in the low 20 degrees C. A healthy turnout of 16 adults and 3 children seemed to really enjoy the event. A surprisingly large group of South Lincs botanists had, by chance, also assembled in the car park, and several of them were known to the Branch for recent help with contributing important butterfly records and assisting in protecting a key site near Castle Bytham. We set off at 10:30am and made our way to the BC Lincs Sanctuary Reserve in the north west corner of the wood. We soon notched up good sightings of our 3 target species:

  

  Grizzled Skipper, Dingy Skipper and Green Hairstreak. All species and numbers of butterflies and other wildlife were recorded separately here, on the 'in between areas', and at our later afternoon visit to the BC Lincs Glades Reserve in the south east corner of the wood. The Final totals are as follows: 1 Small Copper, 60 Grizzled Skipper, 57 Dingy Skipper, 9 Green Hairstreak, 52 Common Blue (including 3 mating pairs), 8 Holly Blue, 4 Brown Argus, 18 Small Heath (including a mating pair), 6 Speckled Wood, 5 Peacock, 2 Brimstone, 1 Orange-tip, 8 Green-veined White, 2 Large White, 2 Small White and a single Comma. Moths included Cinnabar, Burnet Companion and Mint Moth. We were really pleased to view so many butterflies about doing their business. Some members were able to see species for the first time and for some it was their first visit to this wood. It was rewarding to see that the winter volunteer work over many years has kept this habitat in such good condition for these scarce county butterflies. We were all flagging a bit in the heat and completed the walk back at the car park about 3:30 pm - a bit later than planned! Thanks to Martin Kew (transect recorder) for leading the event.
• John Walker messaged: "Walked up through organic grassland out of Donnington on Bain, and picked up the bridleway leading north past Benniworth House. Butterflies seen: 3 Brimstone, 2 Large White, 3 Common Blue, 1 Holly Blue, 1 Small Heath, 1 Small Tortoiseshell and 3 Orange-tip.  
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "Perfect conditions today on Gooseman's Field in Grimsby, produced only 1 Large White and 1 Small White. I can only assume that everything is late emerging. I did slightly better in the Woodland Burial Ground, with 2 Holly Blue, 3 Speckled Wood, 3 Orange-tip and 1 Large White. Later on I saw 2 Holly Blue and 1 Small White in my Scartho garden. Yesterday I walked through St Giles Churchyard in Scartho and saw 1 Speckled Wood and my first Red Admiral of the season."
• Richard Doan reported: "The butterfly transect at Heath Meadow LWT Nature Reserve this afternoon produced: 1049 Common Blue (never seen anything like it, with 580 in just one section), Small Copper, 2 Brown Argus, 6 Orange-tip, Brimstone and 1 Small White."

Friday 26th May 2023

• Dave Wright reported: "This morning I spent about a couple of hours at Cleethorpes Coast LNR, concentrating on the area between the leisure centre and Buck Beck car park. The highlight for me was a Sharp-angled Peacock, which flew up out of the grass and settled in the Sea

  

  Buckthorn (see attached). It was my first along this stretch of the Lincolnshire coast. Other moths included Blood-vein and Mother Shipton. Most of the butterflies were seen in the sheltered areas amongst the dune scrub, and I noted the following: 3 Green Hairstreak, 1 Small Copper, 1 Brown Argus, 14 Common Blue, 1 Holly Blue, 1 Peacock, a mass of Small Tortoiseshell larvae, 11 Orange-tip, 1 Large White, 2 Green-veined White and 11 Small White (including a mating pair)."
• Pete Cawdell emailed: "It is pleasing to read that the Green Hairstreak are having another excellent season along the Lincs coastal strip. A friend told me he had seen 5 on a Hawthorn bush at Spurn Point the other day. Yesterday Tony Burgess, who lives on the edge of Grimsby, about 5 miles from the coast, informed me that he had one in his garden this year. The species is also doing quite well in south west Lincs - unless I am just being lucky with my sightings. I was particularly taken with the record of Dave Wright, and associated photograph by Mike Pickwell, of an egg-laying female at Rimac on Sea Buckthorn, even including an egg. Green Hairstreak are described as having the most catholic taste of any British butterfly in its choice of egg/larval host plant (although from my experience I would rate Holly Blue as a close rival). Favourites are Rockrose (particularly in south England), and Bird's-foot Trefoil. Alder and Purging Buckthorn are mentioned but they are completely different species of a different plant family. When we started Lincs BC in the early 1980's there was some debate as to the Green Hairstreak's status and larval foodplant in coastal Lincs. I made several trips to the area and eventually found a female egg-laying at ground level on Bird's-foot Trefoil. However, we still kept getting Green Hairsteak records of sightings stating that they 'were seen around their foodplant bushes Elder, Hawthorn or Sea Buckthorn'. We, and I include myself here, were rather dismissive of these mentions which we attributed to male territorial bushes just being used in perching and mating behaviour. Anyway, now we know Sea Buckthorn is utilised, occasionally at least, so well done for the record and picture. Never too old to learn!"

Thursday 25th May 2023

Pete Cawdell emailed: "Fears over the Marsh Fritillary population at Little Scrubbs Meadows have been allayed somewhat by recent sightings. Emergence of adult butterflies has been at least 2 weeks later than in recent years due to the cold, wet spring weather. Today, I counted 20 butterflies including 2 females - all but one on the original meadow. Not a great year but probably enough to keep the colony going. The FC decision to make an earlier than usual cut in late summer last year put this species in peril with the danger of removing the larval webs before they were settled low down for winter hibernation."

Wednesday 24th May 2023: National Nature Reserves Week

Dave Wright reported: “To celebrate National Nature Reserves Week, myself and Toby Ludlow were invited by Owen Beaumont and Renata Jackson from Natural England to lead a guided butterfly and moth walk at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR today, focusing on the Rimac area. Twenty of us spent an enjoyable two and a half hours exploring the site in glorious weather, starting from the car park, south through the dunes to the MOD track and returning via the seaward side of the dunes. We noted the following butterflies: 13 Wall, 8 Small Heath, 10 Brown Argus, 15 Green Hairstreak (including 3 females egg-laying on Sea Buckthorn), 10 Small Copper, 6 Common Blue, 1 LargeWhite, 1 Small White, 1 Orange-tip (female), and a Peacock. Moths included: 8 Burnet Companion, 4 Silver Y, 1 Latticed Heath, 3 Mother Shipton, 1 Cinnabar, 2 Yellow Belle, and 12 Grass Rivulet.

There were lots of dragonflies on the reserve and included the following species: Broad-bodied Chaser, Four-spotted Chaser, Hairy Dragonfly, Large Red Damselfly, and Azure Damselfly. As a bonus, a Common Lizard was seen making the most of the warm sunshine, sat on a fence rail close to the car park. We also had excellent views of Marsh Harriers and a Grasshopper Warbler, in full voice, sat on top of a small bush.

After a break for lunch, Toby and I stayed around and decided to cover two more areas not included in the walk. The first of these, was the dune area just north of Quarry Hill, and we added the following: 23 Wall, 21 Small Heath, 31 Brown Argus, 6 Green Hairstreak, 4 Small Copper, 11 Common Blue, 1 Peacock, 2 Burnet Companion, 1 Silver Y, 7 Mother Shipton, 2 Cinnabar, and 1 Common Carpet.

To end the day we surveyed the Zion Hill area which produced: 27 Wall, 8 Small Heath, 6 Brown Argus, 3 Green Hairstreak, 5 Small Copper, 3 Common Blue, 1 Small White, 5 Burnet Companion, 4 Mother Shipton, and 1 Silver Ground Carpet. It was an excellent and most rewarding day at Rimac, especially seeing so many Wall. A Red Listed species, which has been lost from so many inland areas of Lincolnshire, is definitely thriving on this important coastal reserve."

Tuesday 23rd May 2023

• Richard Doan reported: "The butterfly transect at Heath Meadow LWT Nature Reserve this afternoon produced 537 Common Blue (mass emergence - most I've seen for many years), 9 Orange-tip, 4 Small Copper, 2 Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Painted Lady, 2 Brimstone and a Peacock."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "A walk through the dunes at Cleethorpes Coast LNR this morning produced 5 Common Blue, 2 Green Hairstreak, 1 Holly Blue, 12 Orange-tip, 1 Small Copper, 1 Peacock and 2 Green-veined White." 
• Toby Ludlow phoned: "Paid a flying visit to Chambers Farm Wood today, and noted 20+ Marsh Fritillary in Little Scrubbs Meadow, with another 2 in the Extension. Also 5 Dingy Skipper."
• David Bee emailed: "I really enjoyed my visit to Chambers Farm Wood today - quite a few eager butterfly spotters about! My tally was: 6 Marsh Fritillary, 3 Dingy Skipper, 3 Orange-tip and 5 Common Blue."

Monday 22nd May 2023

• Pete Smith emailed: "Had a look at Greetwell Quarry on Saturday 20th hoping to see Green Hairstreak, and also maybe some Common Blues and Small Heaths, but ended up finding none of the above. A return trip today was rather different - Common Blues emerging in numbers! I counted 43 during a stroll through the more sheltered areas, all but one of these being males frantically scouring the vegetation for females. The one female I did find clearly didn't stand a chance in the face of such priapic behaviour and was swiftly paired up. Still no sign of Small Heath there yet, surely due any day?"
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "I had a walk around Gooseman's Field and the cemetery in the Grimsby area this afternoon when the sun came out at 14:00. Despite the cold, blustery northerly wind I managed to photograph 2 Speckled Woods in the Woodland Burial Ground, where its was more sheltered. I noted the following: 5 Holly Blue, 14 Orange-tip (10 male and 4 female), 2 Large White, 4 Speckled Wood, 6 Small White and 2 Small Tortoiseshell. I have recently started a project to record and photograph the wildlife in Scartho St Giles churchyard. In an hour visit on Sunday at 12:00 I noted 2 Speckled Wood, 1 male Orange-tip and 1 Holly Blue."

Sunday 21st May 2023

• Paul Daubney emailed: "Today I dropped in at Chambers Farm Wood in the hope of finding early fritillaries. Very few butterflies of any description  at Little Scrubbs Meadow but, on my second circuit, I found one small Marsh Fritillary. Result! Also saw my first Common Blue of the year there. Another first for me at this site were three spikes of Green-winged Orchid, unfortunately past their best, right next to the path in the newer meadow."
• John Walker messaged: "Walked vehicle track alongside dune at Donna Nook Realignment whilst doing the WeBS count, 07:30 to 09:30, and noted 3 Wall, 1 Speckled Wood, 2 Peacock and 1 Small White."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Paid a visit to Woodhall Spa Airfield today, and was rewarded with my first Common Blue of the year - a fresh male. This was closely followed by 2 further males, and 3 Brown Argus, which were all favouring Common Vetch ssp. nigra on which to nectar. Apart from 6 Brimstones, nothing else on the butterfly front was flying!"

Saturday 20th May 2023

• Keith Walton emailed: "Visited Chambers Farm Wood today and there were at least 7 Marsh Fritillary in Little Scrubbs Meadow."
• Graeme Baker emailed: "Today I counted 8 freshly emerged Marsh Fritillaries in Little Scrubbs Meadow, during early afternoon."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Today I went to Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve, and a walk along the main track over the heath from the main gate to the old car park produced a total of 43 Small Coppers. For a butterfly that is usually seen in ones and twos elsewhere, this would be a decent count on another day, but Small Copper numbers have dropped by more than half from their recent peak. So, if you wish to see Small Copper in really good numbers, I would urge you to visit Kirkby Moor in the next few days. Also of note, I saw my first Brown Argus at this site today. In addition, there has been an explosion of blue damseflies and Four-spotted Chasers, and many Hairy Dragonflies were also on the wing." 
• Martin Kew reported: "I had a good afternoon walking the transects today with four new species for the season, which included at the Glades: 2 Small Heath, 1 Brown Argus, 2 Green Hairstreak and 4 Common Blue. Other species recorded were 5 Grizzled Skipper, 11 Dingy Skipper, 2 Green-veined White and a Peacock. At the Sanctuary numbers were: 4 Grizzled Skipper, 15 Dingy Skipper, 1 Small Heath, 2 Common Blue and a Speckled Wood. Several moths on the wing as well including Latticed Heath, Mother Shipton, Cinnabar and a Silver Y."
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "I went to Monks Wood (Ashing Lane Nature Reserve) near Dunholme

  

  today to look for Broad-bodied Chasers, but they hadn't emerged yet, sadly. However, I did find a few butterflies - 3 Orange-tips, 3 Small Whites, 3 Brimstone, 1 Peacock and 2 Mint Moths."

Thursday 18th May 2023

• Pete Cawdell emailed: "Stopped off at Colsterworth Butterfly Bank at lunchtime to check this cracking little LWT Roadside Reserve. It is either side of a cross-over bridge for the A1, just to the north of the village. Last year there were a couple of Green Hairstreak there, but today I viewed 5 different individuals, all at ground level, including a female egg-laying on Bird's-foot-trefoil. There were also at least 4 Dingy Skipper. The stoney limestone habitat, full of Wild Strawberry,

  

  seems perfect for Grizzled Skipper, but they do not appear to have 'found' the site yet. I the ventured on to visit Grimsthorpe Estate in the Scottlethorpe Road area. I spent about 2 hours there and found a good selection of butterflies - 1 Green Hairstreak, 24 Dingy Skipper, 16 Small Heath, 2 Speckled Wood, 3 Holly Blue, 3 Common Blue, 3 Brown Argus, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Peacock, 4 Brimstone including 1 female, 8 Orange-tip including a female and several eggs, 1 Large White, and half a dozen . All together 13 species."
• Phil Lee emailed: "This afternoon I called in at Chambers Farm Wood and had a Dingy Skipper on Little Scrubbs Meadow, but no Marsh Fritillaries yet!"

Wednesday 17th May 2023

• Phil Lee emailed: "We are slowly catching up here in the Isle of Axholme, where at Crowle Moors today, we had our first Small Copper for the year and a male Wall on the road near the car park, that was very flighty."
• Dave Wright reported: "Orange-tips seem to be having an excellent year in the Grimsby area. It was still warm and sunny late this afternoon, when I decided to take a walk along a small section of the Pyewipe Line between Great Coates and Mawmbridge Drain. Here, I counted an amazing total of 21 male Orange-tips, with a mating pair nearby. The only other butterflies seen were 2 Small Whites and 2 Green-veined Whites."

Tuesday 16th May 2023

• Peter Cawdell emailed: "I visited Welton le Wold near Louth this afternoon. On a south facing chalk hillside, during a warmer sunny spell, 2 fresh Small Heath males became active. Then, a very fresh Common Blue male appeared. At the top of the hill, 2 tatty Peacock were still interacting while at the bottom a supercharged Painted Lady was zooming around - too fast for a photo unfortunately."
• David Bee emailed: "A walk at Saltfleet produced 3 Green Hairstreak and 1 Wall."
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "An impromptu transect at Rimac today, as the weather stayed good: 9 Wall, 3 Green Hairstreak, 2 Small Heath, 2 Orange-tip, 1 Brown Argus and 2 Peacock. Mother Shipton and Burnet Companion moths also seen."

Monday 15th May 2023

• Phil Lee emailed: "I had this Brown Argus this afternoon along Langholme Lane, and it's our earliest ever In the Isle of Axholme by three days, which is not bad for this year."
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "A minimum of 18 Wall today, between Sea View and Rimac at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR."
• Ian McGlynn emailed: "I saw 3 Dingy Skippers today, on private land near Robert's Field LWT Nature Reserve."
• Peter Cawdell emailed: "Checked out the Castle Bytham sites this afternoon and bagged the 'Holy

  

  Trinity' of Grizzled Skipper (1), Dingy Skipper (12) and Green Hairstreak (1), in the remaining patches of habitat left at the old Quarry, now being developed for housing."

Sunday 14th May 2023

• Les Catchick emailed: "I saw 3 Grizzled Skippers at Twyford Wood today."
• John Walker messaged: "Both Common Blue and Small Heath in the Rimac area today."
• David Bee emailed: "20 Small Copper at Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve today."

Thursday 11th May 2023

• Martin Kew reported: "Walked the transects this afternoon during a break in the showers and saw my first Dingy Skipper of the season. They have appeared in good numbers over the two reserves and I recorded a total of 11. Grizzled Skipper are still thin on the ground with 3 recorded. Other sightings were: 4 Speckled Wood, 3 Orange-tip, 4 Green-veined White and a Peacock. Lots of Mint Moths around and also a large Grass Snake crossing transect 2 at the Glades."
• Pete Cawdell reported: "Had a tour around some of the South Lincs sites today with Rhona, our Regional Officer. The weather was generally kind, but by the time we reached our last destination, Twyford Woods Lincs BC Sanctuary Reserve, rain showers set in. In a brief sunny spell a Dingy Skipper flew around onto a grass stem and a Red Admiral landed a few metres away. Earlier in the day Brimstones, Orange-tips and Green-veined Whites were at most sites with fresh Holly Blue males at Swayfield Drift and in the centre of Corby Glen."
• Phil Bowler emailed: "There are about 6 Red Admirals in the vicinity of our Amber Hill garden, plus today a Painted Lady came hurtling through in a NW direction."
• John Walker messaged; "Lovely sunny day here at Coastguard Gardens butterfly count: 2 Holly Blue, 2 Small White, 2 Orange-tip, 2 Peacock, 1 Brimstone, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Wall and 1 Small Copper."

Wednesday 10th May 2023: 'Green' Day at Rimac!

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "A 'green' day at Rimac: Green Hairstreak, Green Carpet and Green Woodpecker. After two failed attempts to see Wall on the Lincolnshire coast, the third visit finally produced the goods! A 45-minute circuit before lunch at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR with my son, Elliott, resulted in several sightings of our target species. But before that, while I was still getting out of the car and sorting my life out, Elliot had spotted 3 Green Hairstreaks fighting over a desired perch on a Hawthorn bush. By the time I had gone over to investigate, he had already spotted a Brown Argus - a new species this year for both of us. We walked on and not only notched up the butterfly species, but we recorded numerous moth species too: Burnet Companion (honorary Dingy Skipper), Mother Shipton (honorary Grizzled Skipper), Green Carpet, Common Carpet, Silver Y and Ruby Tiger. In addition we saw our first dragonfly of the year - a Four-spotted Chaser, closely followed by our second - a Hairy Dragonfly, both having just emerged. By the time we left, we had seen 11 species of butterfly, the most notable being the 15 Wall we'd seen. Most of them were male, but there were a few females on the wing too, and we were absolutely delighted when we discovered a mating pair clinging to a tussock of grass. The 14 Green Hairstreaks and 3 Brown Argus were a bonus!"
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Visited Cleethorpes Coast LNR this morning and noted the following butterflies: 11 Green Hairstreak, 6 Orange-tip, 1 male Brimstone, 2 Holly Blue, 2 Green-veined White and 2 Peacock."

Tuesday 9th May 2023

• Phil Bowler emailed: "Managed to fit in a couple of hours this afternoon at Kirkby Moor LWT

  

  Nature Reserve before the rain came, and at long last - with the guidance of Toby Ludlow - I managed to get some photos of the Emperor Moth. Toby came across a male crash landing into the heather, having sniffed out a freshly emerged female. They posed wonderfully for us. I later saw a further two males dashing across the heath, but I didn't have the chance to check out the more wooded areas properly. I did however see a Common Heath moth, 4 male Brimstones, 1 Small White, 1 Orange-tip, and 77 Small Copper all along the track feeding on Heath Violet, Common Storksbill (the Brown Argus foodplant here), and what I believe to be 'Changing Forget-me-not'."
• Dave Wright reported: "Although heavy showers were predicted for the Grimsby area today,

  

  around midday it was pleasantly warm and sunny. Therefore, I decided to keep it local and take a stroll down to Town's Holt. Not surprisingly, good numbers of butterflies were on the wing with Orange-tip being the dominant species. The final tally was 18 (16 males & 2 females). I also noted the following: 2 Red Admiral, 8 Peacock, 7 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Large White, 7 Small White, 4 Green-veined White, 5 Holly Blue and 8 Speckled Wood." 
• Trevor Baily emailed: "Today I saw 1 Brimstone, 1 Orange-tip and 2 Holly Blue in the graveyard of St Thomas Church in Boston."
• John Walker messaged: "Walked a circuit around the private nature reserve at Thorpe Park in Humberston today and recorded the following butterflies: 12 Small White, 4 Green-veined White, 6 Orange-tip, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 4 Peacock, 2 Holly Blue and 2 Speckled Wood."
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "I had an hour at Donna Nook NNR this morning photographing Green

  

  Hairstreaks. The weather was better than forecast, warm and sunny, so there was plenty of activity. We saw 10 Green Hairstreaks and singles of Speckled Wood and Small White."
• Graham Catley emailed: "My morning haul at a site near Searby included the following butterflies:

  

  3 Orange-tip, 1 Brimstone, 1 Red Admiral, c10 Small and Green-veined White,  and a single Small Copper."

Monday 8th May 2023

Mark and Sally Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "We had the garden trap out last night for the fourth time this year - 14 moths of 9 species caught. Highlight was 5 Seraphim, last year we had one which was a new moth for us. Others were - 1 Flame Shoulder, 1 Muslin Moth, 1 GreenCarpet, 1 Shuttle-shaped Dart, 1 Purple-bar, 2 Cinnabar, 1 Chocolate-tip and 1 Clouded Drab. On the butterfly front, we had 1 Large White, 1 Small White and the first Wall in the garden this morning. This afternoon we went to try and relocate a Great White Egret that Sally had seen earlier in the day, but unfortunately there was no sign. However, we did have a fleeting glimpse of a Painted Lady!"

Sunday 7th May 2023

• Toby Ludlow emailed: "An afternoon walk in the Woodhall area with my son Elliott produced a cracking total of 146 Small Coppers. Many females have emerged, and lots of courtship

  

  behaviour was witnessed, so looks good for the future progeny. Amongst the total were many caeruleopunctata aberrations, along with two more unusual aberrations: an ab. radiata, where the copper marginal band on the hindwings has been reduced to leave copper streaks, or rays, and a second aberration which had a pale dorsal area on its right-hand forewing. It was also pleasing to see a good number of Brimstones, 35 in total, with 6 females looking for suitable egg-laying locations on Alder Buckthorn."
• Andy Weston emailed: "I have only a basic knowledge of butterflies and moths, but today, about

  

  mid-afternoon, I spotted a Green Hairstreak on gorse near Hungerton."
• Phil Bowler emailed: "Today we had our first 2 Red Admiral in our Amber Hill garden. And, at long last, 3 Holly Blue centred around a dogwood bush, but I saw 1 egg-laying on holly. I was beginning to think that the periodic population drop had kicked in around here. 5 Speckled Wood, 6 Brimstone with eggs being laid, 6 Orange-tip, 9 Green-veined White, 3 Small White, 2 Large White, 2 Small Tortoiseshell and a Peacock made up the rest."
• Dave Wright reported: "As soon as the sun broke through the cloud this afternoon, I had multiple sightings of Holly Blue in my Grimsby garden with a maximum of 3 at any one time. Also, singles of Large and Small White."
• Mark Johnson emailed: "This afternoon I had a walk across the dunes from Stonebridge car park to the breach, at Donna Nook NNR. I found an amazing total of 54 Green Hairstreaks and my first Wall of the year. Also noted 4 Speckled Woods, 2 Peacocks and a male Brimstone."

Saturday 6th May 2023

Kev Armstrong from Wold Farm Nettleton emailed: "Had the trap out tonight, but only caught 5 moths of 5 species - Pale Tussock, Muslin Moth, Poplar Hawk-moth, Waved Umber and an unidentified Pug."

Wednesday 3rd May 2023

• Pete Smith emailed: "I think everyone has found this year a bit of a slow starter for butterflies, but today I had a few sightings that show promise for at least two of our native Lincolnshire species. A quick visit to Woodhall Spa resulted in excellent numbers of Small Coppers on the wing - 52

  

  counted during a 30 minute stroll - quite impressive numbers for the first generation. Returning home via Chambers Farm Wood, I found two mud-puddling Holly Blue males. It is usually a good sign when Holly Blues turn up in the wider countryside in sites such as woodlands, away from their normal strongholds in towns and villages, and this was further confirmed when I took the dog out for her afternoon walk in Heighington, where males were appearing left, right and centre! Fingers crossed for a good Holly Blue year."
• Owen Beaumont reported from Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR: "7 Green Hairstreak, 2 Peacock, 1 Brimstone, 3 Speckled Wood and 1 Orange-tip in the dunes south of Crook Bank as per Dean Nicholson."
• Martin Kew reported: "Today I visited Twyford Wood with Pete Cawdell and we saw our first

  

  Grizzled Skipper of the season, a single individual at the Sanctuary. Other butterflies on the wing were: 8 Peacock, 4 Green-veined White and a Comma."
• John Davison reported: "A sunny day at Snakeholme Pit with Large, Small and Green-veined White on the wing. Others included Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Common Blue, Holly Blue and Peacock."
• Graham Catley emailed: "This morning I must have walked about two miles down sunny rides in Laughton Forest, but only came across 1 Peacock, 3 Speckled Wood, 1 Small White and a Holly Blue. Later, a stroll in another part of the forest produced 3 Brimstone, 3 Holly Blue, 4 Orange-tip, 1 Speckled Wood  and a Comma."

Monday 1st May 2023

• Dave Wright reported: "It was typical Bank Holiday weather today - cloudy and cool - when my wife and I decided to take a walk along the seafront at Cleethorpes. Not ideal conditions for butterflies, but a brief unexpected sunny spell prompted me to walk along the landward side of the dune scrub, just south of the leisure centre. Amazingly, 3 Green Hairstreaks were found in sheltered pockets of vegetation and these were the first for me this year at this particular site. The only other butterfly seen was a single female Orange-tip."
• Tina Negus emailed: "Small Tortoiseshell feeding on Purple Wallflowers and a female Holly Blue on Arbutus in my garden on the Manthorpe Estate in Grantham today."

---

April 2023

Sunday 30th April 2023

• Mike Pickwell emailed: "I had a walk along the Freshney and Town's Holt in Grimsby this afternoon. Not much activity on the butterfly front, just 1 distant unidentified White and 2 Speckled Woods."
• Dave Wright reported: "Met up with Laura Gundy this morning to do a recce for a future Butterfly Conservation walk around Hallington near Louth. The weather wasn't ideal, but we did manage six species including Holly Blue and a female Orange-tip."
• Cliff Morrison messaged: "2 Wall, Orange-tip, Holly Blue and Peacock, all seen today whilst trying to sort the garden out, here at Brickyard Lane (Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR)."
• John Walker messaged: "Wall and Small Copper on the Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR today.

Saturday 29th April 2023

• Dave Wright reported: "A male Holly Blue appeared in my Grimsby garden this morning, on a day when Spring seemed to have arrived at last! Warm sunshine and a light breeze was a refreshing

  

  change from the dismal weather of late. The Holly Blue was first seen flitting about the Hydrangea petiolaris and then proceeded to nectar on Forget-me-not. It was later joined by a single Small White. Shortly afterwards I decided to take a walk around the outskirts of Great Coates, but surprisingly butterflies were thin on the ground, just a few Green-veined Whites and a Peacock. After lunch I resorted to my local patch of Town's Holt and was rewarded with the following species: 1 Large White (male), 6 Small White, 5 Green-veined White, 3 Brimstone (2 males and a female), 15 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Peacock, 1 Comma, 5 Speckled Wood, 1 Holly Blue and 5 Orange-tip (all males), the latter being my first of the year."
• Mark Johnson messaged : "This morning I visited Donna Nook NNR  and had a walk along the

  

  dunes from Stonebridge car park towards Somercotes Haven. The only butterflies seen were 4 Green Hairstreaks and 2 Peacocks. During the afternoon an Orange-tip appeared in my North Somercotes garden." 
• Dean Nicholson reported: "4+ Green Hairsteak today within dune scrub near Brickyard Lane (Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR)."
• Steve Palmer messaged: "First Holly Blue in my Healing garden today." 
• Kev Armstrong from Wold Farm, Nettleton messaged: "Had my first Orange-tip around the garden today. Also noted: Comma, Peacock, Brimstone and Holly Blue."

Tuesday 25th April 2023

• Mike Pickwell emailed: "We were going to try for the Green Hairstreaks at Donna Nook today, but the forecast was a bit bleak. I went to Covenham birding instead, but along the roadside on the south side, found 1 Speckled Wood and my first Orange-tip of the year."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "With the weather forecast for the rest of the week looking decidedly iffy, I ventured out to Moor Farm LWT Nature Reserve to see if anything was enjoying today's sunshine. On arrival, there was a cold  NNW breeze blowing and the temperature was only a mere 8 degrees C. This meant that despite the sunshine nothing much was flying. After about half an hour the wind dropped and, although the thermometer read 9 degrees C, it felt considerably warmer, more like 11 degrees C. This was enough to coax a few butterflies out: a Speckled Wood was the first to show itself, followed by a couple of Green-veined Whites, and then a brace of Small Coppers, both really fresh and resplendent in their fiery livery."
• Graham Catley messaged: "My first Orange-tip of the year this morning along Pasture Road near the railway crossing in Barton-upon-Humber."
• Mark Johnson reported: "Around midday I saw my first Orange-tip of the year along Ings Lane in North Cotes." 

Monday 24th April 2023

Laura Gundy from Benniworth Walk Farm emailed: "I currently have a little herd of Common Footman larvae living on my house wall eating the lichens. During the day they are active and out in the open, but as night approaches (or bad weather) they retreat down the wall behind some vegetation for protection."

Saturday 22nd April 2023: Scarlet Tiger Larva in Heighington!

Pete Smith emailed: "I saw my first ever Lincolnshire Scarlet Tiger Moth in my Heighington garden back in July 2021 and had a fabulous sighting of 3 Scarlet Tigers in the air at once, one memorable sunny evening back in June 2022. I have suspected that they have been breeding locally for a while, and this morning I finally found conclusive evidence of this - an almost full grown larva feeding on Green Alkanet just outside my back porch! Green Alkanet is closely related to Comfrey, a well-documented foodplant for this species. Great to have this beauty breeding so close to home. It really has spread significantly at the national level in recent years, from its south-westerly UK distribution. Green Alkanet is a very common opportunistic plant in our area, so the fact that Scarlet Tigers are using this as a foodplant bodes well for their future!" 

Thursday 20th April 2023

• Dave Wright reported: "Following Chris Atkin’s sightings of Green Hairstreak at Rimac earlier this week, I met up with him this morning in the hope of finding a few more at Donna Nook NNR, a site traditionally good for this species. The cool north-easterly breeze was certainly a hindrance, so therefore we concentrated on the sheltered landward side of the dunes, north of Stonebridge car park. It was hard going, but we eventually managed to find 3 Green Hairstreaks. There was very little else on the wing apart from 1 Green-veined White, 10 Peacocks and a Cinnabar moth. We also noted lots of Brown-tail larvae on their webs amongst the Sea Buckthorn.   
• Owen Beaumont reported from Saltfeetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR: "First Wall of the year on the landward side of the dunes, just south of Churchill Car Park (John Walker), Green Hairstreak, Comma and male Orange-tip at Sea View (Peter Roworth), and Holly Blue seen at Brickyard Lane for the last 3 days (Cliff Morrison)."  
• Toby Ludlow phoned: "My first Small Copper of the year today, during a brief visit to Moor Farm LWT Nature Reserve."

Wednesday 19th April 2023

Owen Beaumont reported from Saltfeetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR: "Green Hairstreak at Saltfleet Haven today (Geoff Williams), and Orange-tip and Green-veined White at old terminal site at Theddlethorpe (Dean Nicholson)."

Tuesday 18th April 2023: Green Hairstreak at Rimac!

• Chris Atkin emailed: "Visited Rimac today and had 2 Green Hairsteaks, my first of the year! The first was found high up on a Hawthorn bush in the dunes, south of the car park. Also noted the following: 14 Peacock, 1 Green-veined White, 2 Brimstone and a Speckled Wood." 
• Ian McGlynn emailed: "I saw a Holly Blue in my Bourne Garden this morning. Later, during the afternoon, I had a walk in Bourne Woods and saw numerous Peacocks, 1 Brimstone, 1 Comma, 1 Small White and 2 Speckled Woods."
• Dave Wright reported: "Just before midday, I took a walk down to Town's Holt in Grimsby, and noted 52 Butterflies of 7 species. These included 19 Small Tortoiseshell, 12 Peacock, 2 Comma, 6 Speckled Wood, 1 Brimstone, 7 Small White and 5 Green-veined White, the latter being my fist of the year. Later, another new species for the year came in the form of a single Holly Blue, which conveniently flew across in front of my car, while I was parked near the junction of Weelsby Road and Park Drive in Grimsby."

Monday 17th April 2023 

 

 

• Mike Pickwell emailed: "I had another walk around the cemetery and Gooseman's Field this afternoon. Plenty of butterflies about again, but some are getting quite worn now. I saw 10 Peacock, 2 Speckled Wood, 9 Small Tortoiseshell and 2 Comma."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "This afternoon I paid a visit to my local patch just off Westward Ho in Grimsby, and noted the following: 8 Peacock, 15 Small Tortoiseshell, 5 Comma, 2 Speckled Wood, 2 Brimstone, 2 Small White and 2 Green-veined White."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Species no. 10 for the year in the bag - a male Orange-tip at Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve."
• Phil Lee emailed: "Our first Holly Blue of the year this afternoon in our Misterton garden."                                                                                                                                                           

Sunday 16th April 2023

• Kev Armstrong from Nettleton emailed: "Decided to put the trap out overnight, here at Wold Farm, and caught 59 macro moths of 15 species. New for the year included: 1 Streamer, 2 Early Grey, 2 Waved Umber, 1 Brindled Beauty, 3 Red Chestnut, 1 Pebble Prominent and 1 Powdered Quaker."
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "I enjoyed a very pleasant walk along the Freshney and Town's Holt in Grimsby this morning, with quite a few butterflies about. I saw my first Brimstone and Holly Blue of the year, along with a Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma and 5 Small White. 
• Dave Wright messaged: "This weekend, the first butterflies of the year appeared in my Grimsby garden. Yesterday, a female Large White lingered briefly, and this morning probably the same butterfly was seen interacting with a male Small White." 
• Graham Catley emailed: "Today I had 3 Green-veined Whites at Winteringham Haven. "

 

Saturday 15th April 2023

• Owen Beaumont reported from Saltfeetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR: "6 Peacock, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Small White, 1 Brimstone, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Red Admiral and 1 Comma seen between Churchill Lane and Brickyard Lane today (John Walker)."
• Mike Pickwell from Grimsby emailed: "I had visits from a Small White and a Speckled Wood in my Scartho garden this afternoon."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Had another 2 Holly Blues today on The Pingle LNR, spiralling up around some Ivy."

Tuesday 11th April 2023: Holly Blue in Coningsby!

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "My son, Elliott and I, had a Green-veined White, 2 Speckled Woods and 2 Holly Blues on the Pingle LNR in Coningsby today."
• Brian Hedley emailed: "I had a Hummingbird Hawk-moth nectaring on wallflowers in the rainy garden here at Marton today."
• Phil Lee emailed: "This afternoon, Langholme Wood was a sheltered sun-trap and in 20 minutes I saw 2 Brimstone, Orange-tip, 3 Speckled Wood, 3 Green-veined White, 5 Comma and a Peacock."
• Mark Johnson messaged: "Green-veined White this morning, along High Street in Grainthorpe."
• Paul Daubney emailed: "I went to Owlet Wood, Blyton this morning and saw my first Orange-tip of the year. The small number of butterflies seen there included Green-veined White, Small White, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell.                                                                                                 

  

                                                                                                                                           

Easter Sunday 9th April 2023

Toby Ludlow messaged: "After the cloud finally cleared around noon, decided to have a walk around Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve. However, even though it was quite warm, it proved hard going at first, and the only butterfly I saw for some considerable time was a male Green-veined White - my first sighting for 2023, which seems to be a couple of weeks late this year. Gradually, a few butterflies began to appear, and I notched up a brace of Peacocks and 4 Commas, and then a couple of Brimstones on the walk back to the car."

Saturday 8th April 2023

• Ian McGlynn emailed: "I went to some private land today, close to Robert's Field and I saw 7 Brimstone, 2 Peacock and 2 Orange-tip."
• Alan Barker emailed: "In spite of a cool breeze, our garden in Doddington Park was visited in the spring sunshine today by a male Brimstone, Comma and male Orange-tip, which settled for a while on some yellow pansies."
• Mike Pickwell emailed:"I have just had a very pleasant walk around the cemetery and Gooseman's Field in Grimsby. I saw 2 Comma, 10 Small Tortoiseshell and 18 Peacock."
• Dave Wright reported: "A vast improvement in the weather in the Grimsby area today, warm and

  

   

  sunny with a light breeze, meant that a walk down to my local patch of Town's Holt was definitely on the agenda. Along the way, I had to negotiate the Wybers Wood Estate field margin and noted the following: 15 Small Tortoiseshell, 8 Peacock, 3 Small White and a single Comma. At long last, it was refreshing to see butterflies on the wing! Town's Holt was no exception and produced 8 Small Tortoiseshell, 6 Peacock, 1 Comma, 2 Small White, 5 Speckled Wood and an immaculate female Large White, the latter being a totally unexpected find and my first of the year."

 

Thursday 6th April 2023

Toby Ludlow messaged: "My sixth Small White of the year today near Coningsby, but the first female."

 

 

Tuesday 4th April 2023

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Double-digit day! With the sun shining and not a single cloud in the sky, the temperature gradually rose to 11 degrees C. In the sun, it felt much warmer, and this enticed many butterflies onto the wing. A couple of hours spent in the Coningsby/Kirkby area produced a magnificent haul of 41 butterflies, comprising 6 species, but, alas, there were no new ones for the year. However, of note, I did see my first female Brimstone of the year, which was in a courtship flight with an amorous male - a true sign that spring is in the year! Also, having been told by my son that he had just seen a Red Admiral in our garden, a search together on the neighbouring Pingle LNR produced another brace, surely a further indication that this butterfly is overwintering in our county."
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "This week at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR, has largely

  

  been rather nice and, despite the cold nights, we've seen a few butterflies on the wing. Sunday 2nd: 2 Small Tortoiseshell and a Red Admiral at Brickyard Lane. Monday 3rd: male Brimstone and Comma at Crook Bank, and Small Tortoiseshell at Churchill Lane. Today, the first butterfly transect of the year recorded 2 Peacock. There were also 6 Peacock off the transect and a Comma at Crook Bank again."
• Trevor Bailey emailed: "Hummingbird Hawk-moth and Peacock nectaring on Grape Hyacinth in

  

  my Boston garden today."
• Keith Robinson reported: "This morning I found 4 Small Tortoiseshells while walking a circuit of Covenham Reservoir. Later, in my Holton le Clay garden, I had another Small Tortoiseshell and my first Small White of the year."
• Mark and Sally Johnson reported: "Today we had 2 Brimstones in North Somercotes, the first along Conisholme Road and the second at Bank End."
• Dave Wright reported: "This afternoon, I had my second Small White of the year, this time along Humberston Road in Cleethorpes."

Monday 3rd April 2023

• Dave Wright reported: "This morning I had to visit the Grimsby Community Recycling Centre on the Pyewipe Industrial Estate, and was amazed to see a Small White on waste ground close to the entrance of the site. This was my first of the season and brings my species total to seven for the year."
• Chris Atkin messaged: "Speckled Wood, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell today at Doona Nook NNR, all in a sheltered area close to Stonebridge car park."

Sunday 2nd April 2023

Dave Wright reported: "Today I met up with Laura Gundy and visited two LWT Nature Reserves - Kirkby Moor and Moor Farm. It was quite cool in the north-easterly breeze, but the sheltered areas of both sites produced a few butterflies when the sun decided to shine. Kirkby Moor: 2 Peacock and singles of Comma and Brimstone (male). Moor Farm: 4 Peacock and 2 Comma.

---

March 2023

Thursday 30th March 2023

Dave Wright reported: " Along with Chris Atkin, spent an enjoyable few hours at Messingham Sand Quarry LWT Nature Reserve, despite the changeable weather. During one of the brief sunny spells, we came across a Speckled Wood, our first for the year, as were 2 Commas and a single male Brimstone. The latter was seen briefly in flight, before it sought shelter under a nettle leaf during a heavy shower. Later, shortly after leaving the reserve, we saw another Brimstone patrolling the verge along Brigg Road."  

Monday 27th March 2023

• Phil Lee emailed: "A couple of Comma were basking in the warm sunshine at Haxey Turbary this afternoon, where an unidentified White flew past and kept going."
• Dave Wright reported: "With virtually wall-to-wall sunshine in the Grimsby area today, I decided to make a brief visit to my local patch of Town's Holt, in the hope of seeing a few butterflies. I could only muster 3 Small Tortoiseshells along the River Freshney, close to where the bridge crosses over to Laceby Acres. On my way home another Small Tortoiseshell was seen along Oakwood Drive on the Wybers Wood Estate."

Friday 24th March 2023: Small White in Coningsby!

 

Toby Ludlow messaged: "My first 'true' butterfly of 2023 today - a Small White flying in my garden, which takes my species total to 6 for the year! Nearby, I had my second Hummingbird Hawk-moth of the week, when my son Elliott, found one in my Mum's garden!"

Thursday 23rd March 2023:

 

Toby Ludlow messaged: "Had my first 'garden' butterfly today - my son Elliott spotted a Comma, so I went out to enjoy the sighting of the first butterfly, of what we hope will be many more, in our garden."

Wednesday 22nd March 2023

 

• Toby Ludlow emailed: "With the sun shining, had a walk around Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve with my son today. We walked over the heath, and it wasn't long before we spotted a Peacock flying - our first for 2023. A little further on and we saw another Peacock flying over the heathland, although this one was less graceful due to some wing damage. By now, the air temperature had risen to 13 degrees C., but it felt cold in the open due to the Moderate Breeze that was blowing. However, in the rides where it was sheltered, it felt warm. Here, Elliott soon spotted a male Brimstone, which was roosting on some dried reeds, basking in the sunshine - this Brimstone being our first of the year. Within seconds, a shout went up, and Elliott pointed to a Comma which was heading skyward, up into a Silver Birch tree. This Comma represented my fifth species of the year and Elliott's fourth, after he found a Small Tortoiseshell earlier in the day. As we continued on our way, we came across another male Brimstone; this one flew past us and began sparring with the first one we'd seen, before separating and going their separate ways. The cloud began to thicken and the sunny intervals became less frequent, so we decided to head back to the car. We were lucky to disturb a third Peacock before it had totally clouded over. Earlier in the day, I had a Hummingbird Hawk-moth in my Coningsby garden. It investigated the pansies, but they weren't to its liking. Eventually, it found the lungwort plants that were in flower and these were more to its liking."
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "It seems to have been a long winter, but I have finally seen my first butterfly of the year: a Comma at Far Ings NNR.
• Kev Armstrong messaged: "A male Brimstone and my first Small Tortoiseshell of the year today, here at Wold Farm, Nettleton."
• Steve Palmer messaged: "Small Tortoiseshell today, at the local nature reserve at the back of Healing."
• Ian McGlynn emailed: "A Peacock was in my Bourne garden this morning, the first I have seen this year!"
• Chris Atkin messaged: "A visit to Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR today, produced my first butterflies of the year - 2 Peacocks and a Small Tortoiseshell at Rimac."

Monday 20th March 2023

• Michelle Bellini messaged: "I saw a Hummingbird Hawk-moth at Castlethorpe this lunch time."
• Phil Bowler emailed: "3 Brimstones (2 males and a female) in the garden today. Off to a good start!" 

Sunday 19th March 2023

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "My third Small Tortoiseshell of the year, this morning, in Coningsby."
• Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "Just the usual suspects in the garden trap this morning - 19 Common Quaker, 1 Clouded Drab, 2 Hebrew Character and 6 Red Chestnut. Later in the day, butterfly sightings included 2 Small Tortoiseshells at Thoresby Bridge, and a male Brimstone and Peacock close to home."

 

Friday 17th March 2023

• Dave Wright reported: "It was quite mild, with the occasional sunny spell in the Grimsby area this morning. I decided to take another walk along the Wybers Wood Estate field margin, and was rewarded with my first Small Tortoiseshell of the year."
• Graham Catley from Barton-upon-Humber messaged: "Brimstone in my garden today - first butterfly I've seen this year!"
• Kev Armstrong from Wold Farm, Nettleton messaged: "First male Brimstone of the year in my garden this afternoon."
• Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "This morning the trap produced 1 Twin-spotted Quaker, 2 Hebrew Character, 4 Common Quaker, 6 Clouded Drab and a single Lead-coloured Drab, which was new for the garden."
• Kev Armstrong from Wold Farm, Nettleton messaged: "The conditions looked favourable this evening and so I decided to put the moth trap out overnight, managing 84 macro moths of 9 species - 10 Small Quaker, 14 Clouded Drab, 1 Dotted Border, 4 Red Chestnut, 2 Twin-spotted Quaker, 24 Common Quaker, 3 Oak Beauty, 18 Hebrew Character and 8 March Moth."

 

Thursday 16th March 2023

Mark Johnson messaged: "This afternoon, as I came out of the builders merchants in Louth, I found the attached Small Tortoiseshell at the bottom of the steps."

 

---

February 2023

Sunday 26th February 2023

Dave Wright reported: "This afternoon I took a walk along the field margin, bordering the Wybers Wood Estate in Grimsby. Traditionally this is a good site for early sightings of Small Tortoiseshell, but no such look today. However, I was rewarded with my second butterfly of the year, this time a Red Admiral!"

Friday 24th February 2023: Hummingbird Hawk-moth in Coningsby!

Kathy Burrell emailed: "This morning I had a Hummingbird Hawk-moth hovering over winter flowering violas in my garden at Coningsby."

Wednesday 22nd February 2023

Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "Decided to put the trap out last night and was rewarded with an Oak Beauty, which was new for the garden."

Tuesday 21st February 2023

• Mark Bannister reported: "Brimstone and Red Admiral this morning in my garden along Westfield Road in Barton."
• Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "Red Admiral in my garden today, feeding on pansy."

Monday 20th February 2023

 

Kev Armstrong from Nettleton messaged: "Trapped overnight for the first time this year and caught 28 macro moths of 8 species - 3 Common Quaker, 1 Chestnut, 1 Satellite, 1 Clouded Drab, 6 Pale Brindled Beauty, 2 Dotted Border, 1 Spring Usher and 13 March Moth. Not a bad start!" 

 

Sunday 19th February 2023

Phil Bowler from Amber Hill emailed: "We had a male Brimstone in the garden on the 11th February, but we had disturbed it whilst cutting the privet hedge. Today was a genuine sighting of a male out of hibernation, traversing the whole garden as if getting to know the layout already for its Spring patrols. It was full sun but only 10.5 degrees C."

Wednesday 15th February 2023

Phil Lee emailed: "We had our first butterfly of the year today, a Red Admiral along the old railway line at Langholme, but it wouldn't pose for a photo."

Saturday 12th February 2023

 

Roy Harvey from Grasby messaged: "This Pale Brindled Beauty (see attached) came to our house window this evening."

Sunday 5th February 2023

Dave Wright reported: "A Peacock flying along Haven Bank at Saltfleet this afternoon, was my first butterfly of the year. Also, a Ruby Tiger caterpillar was found crossing the track nearby."

 

Friday 3rd February 2023

Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "First moth of the year tonight in the garden trap, a Dotted Border. My sister Michelle, had 2 Spring Ushers at North Thoresby on the same night."

 

Thursday 2nd February 2023

 

Phil Lee emailed: "The 2nd February was mild, so we put the trap out in our Misterton garden and next morning we had the attached micro in the trap. There are a couple that look very much alike, Acleris logiana which we have seen in Lincs at Langholme Wood and Messingham Sand Quarry, and Acleris kochiella which is an Elm feeder and very rare this far north. To be sure, we took it to Martin Gray who performed the gen. det. which confirmed it as being a female Acleris kochiella. The first record for Notts, VC56 with only two Lincs records and only one for Yorkshire, so a rarity and one to keep a lookout for!" 

---

January 2023

Tuesday 31st January 2023

Josh Forrester messaged: "I've just seen my first butterfly of the year: a Red Admiral jetting past at the junction of Peaks Parkway and Weelsby Road in Grimsby."

Sunday 29th January 2023: Southrey Work Party

John Davison emailed: "A Brimstone flying made the work all the more worthwhile."

Saturday 21st January 2023: Small Tortoiseshell in Coningsby

Toby Ludlow phoned: "Just had my second butterfly of the year this afternoon, a Small Tortoiseshell along Marmion Road in Coningsby."

Bank Holiday Monday 2nd January 2023: We're off!

 

Toby Ludlow emailed: "The attached Red Admiral was in my mum's garden along Marmion Road in Coningsby today. She phoned me to say that there was a brown butterfly flying around her driveway. So popped over, but couldn't find it initially. Looked in her backed garden and hey presto! Surprised to see it flying as it was only about 4 degrees C."

---

December 2022

Boxing Day Monday 26th December 2022

Grahame Hopwood emailed: "I managed to photograph a Boxing Day Red Admiral on my neighbour's porch roof at Lissett Close in south Lincoln."

 

Tuesday 20th December 2022

Chris Atkin messaged: "I had a Red Admiral in off the saltmarsh today at 12:40 pm, just south of the conifers at the bottom of Sea Lane, Saltfleet."

---

November 2022

Friday 18th November 2022

• Darren Wozencroft emailed: "Visited Gibraltar Point NNR today and had a Red Admiral near Syke's Farm and a Peacock at the Visitor Centre."
• Kev Armstrong phoned: "Surprised to see a Red Admiral in my garden at Wold Farm, Nettleton today."
• Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "A male and female December Moth in the trap this evening and a new species for the garden."

Wednesday 16th November 2022

Chris Atkin messaged: "A Red Admiral today down Sea Lane at Saltfeet."

Monday 14th November 2022

Nige Lound emailed: "Two nights recently at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR - 14 moths of 9 species on 10th and 63 moths of 15 species on 14th. Scarce Bordered Straw on both nights with Mottled Umber new for the year on 14th."

Friday 11th November 2022

Darren Wozencroft emailed: "A Red Admiral at Far Ings NNR today."

Wednesday 9th November 2022

Dave Wright reported: "Visited Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR with Chris Atkin today and a warm sunny spell just before midday at Rimac, produced 2 Red Admirals. Later, we bumped into Cliff Morrison on the reserve and he said that he'd also had 2 Red Admirals yesterday, but in his garden at Brickyard Lane."

Saturday 5th November 2022

Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "Put the trap out in my garden this evening and had a new species for the garden - Scarce Bordered Straw. Also had 2 Feathered Thorns which were new for the year."

Friday 4th November 2022

 

• Toby Ludlow emailed: "It was a beautiful sunny morning, so decided to visit Moor Farm Nature Reserve, Kirkby on Bain. Despite being sunny, the sun was low in the sky and this combined with the cold west-northwesterly wind made the temperature seem cooler than the recorded 11 degrees C. This ultimately had a bearing on the sightings and 2 faded Peacocks were all I could find there. Later in the afternoon, in Coningsby, I spotted another butterfly – a fresh Red Admiral.
• Kev Armstrong messaged: "Small Copper in my garden today at Wold Farm, Nettleton. Yesterday a Hummingbird Hawk-moth made a brief appearance."

---

October 2022

Monday 31st October 2022

• Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR again overnight, and despite the strong wind and rain, I managed 64 moths of 19 species. Nothing new for the year, but 6 Scarce Bordered Straw, 3 Dark Sword-grass and 4 Delicate were of note."
• Kev Armstrong emailed: "This morning I disturbed this Herald moth while walking through some vegetation on my land at Wold Farm, Nettleton."

 

Sunday 30th October 2022

Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "A few migrants in this morning's trap - 2 Diamond-back Moths, 6 Rush Veneers, 3 White-points, Scarce-bordered Straw and Vagrant China-mark Diasemiiopsis ramburialis. The last two species were not only new for the garden, but also lifers for me. Apparently the Vagrant China-mark is the 3rd record for Lincolnshire and the first since 1998."

 

Saturday 29th October 2022: Crimson Speckled at Gibraltar Point NNR!

 

Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped again at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight, and given the unseasonably warm weather, I put out four traps. For those of you who know Gib, I had one in Syke's Farm yard, one in the plantation, one in the orchard and one behind the workshop. I was rewarded with 143 moths of 32 species. The undoubted highlight was a Crimson Speckled, a first for the NNR and as far as I am aware the only modern-day county record! Other bits included the 9th Delicate of the year and the 4th Scarce Bordered Straw, as well as a few other migrants. 

Thursday 27th October 2022

 

• Collette Tait emailed: "Found this Pale Tussock moth caterpillar at the kid's school in Toynton All Saints today."
• Graham Catley messaged: "Surprised to see a female Brimstone on the wing at Searby today."
• Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "Had the garden trap out overnight and was pleased to catch a Merveille du Jour this evening."
• Kev Armstrong from Wold Farm, Nettleton emailed: "Not a great night, but the Feathered Thorns keep coming! 14 in the trap this morning and that makes it 63 this year so far, compared to 20 last year.                       

   

  

Wednesday 26th October 2022

• John Walker reported: "Three species of butterfly in my garden near Churchill Lane, Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR today - 5 Red Admiral, 1 Comma and 1 Small Tortoiseshell."
• Dave Wright reported: "Spent the day birding with Chris Atkin and came across three butterflies - a single Red Admiral along the north embankment of Covenham Reservoir and 2 Red Admirals at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR, between Rimac and Sea View."
• Kev Armstrong from Wold Farm, Nettleton emailed: "An interesting night! As of today it looks as though November Moth aggs have peaked and it's not even November, and in the trap this morning a December Moth, which was new for site. All the cold December nights trying to catch one last year! Other highlights included 22 Feathered Thorns, another superb Merveille du Jour and a White-point."                  

   

  

Tuesday 25th October 2022

Toby Ludlow messaged: "Small White, Painted Lady and 9 Red Admiral in the Coningsby area today."

Saturday 22nd October 2022

• Richard O'Connor emailed: "I was astonished to see a Small Copper feeding on a dandelion flower this morning at Syston Park 'Pick Your Own' Farm near Grantham."
• Dave Wright reported: "The ivy flowers in my Grimsby garden are still providing an important source of nectar for various insects, and this afternoon they attracted a single Red Admiral." 
• Chris Atkin messaged: "Had a brief sighting of a Wall at Toby's Hill LWT Nature Reserve this afternoon."
• Laura Gundy messaged: "Red Admiral and Comma in my garden at Benniworth Walk Farm today."

Friday 21st October 2022

 

Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and managed 70 moths of 17 species. The undoubted highlight was a female Tunbridge Wells Gem, a rare migrant and the 1st county record. Many thanks to Martin Gray for confirming the record. Feathered Thorn was also new for the year. Another 2 Delicate were of note and brings the year total to 8 individuals."

Wednesday 19th October 2022

Kev Armstrong from Wold Farm, Nettleton emailed: "Decided to put the trap out and had a good night for the time of year, and despite quite a strong wind. Had 56 moths of 20 species, the highlight being a Merveille du Jour, long awaited and a nice surprise to find in the trap. Also a Blair's Shoulder-knot, my second of the year so far."

 

Tuesday 18th October 2022

• Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and managed 100 moths of 16 species. The 6th Delicate of the year (albeit a rather worn one) the highlight with 2 November Moth agg new for the year."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Spent a couple of hours on the coast at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR today. Although sunny with hardly a cloud in the sky, the cold breeze made for hard going on the butterfly front. Apart from an initial fly-by by a Red Admiral, it was nearly an hour before I saw anything else. Then, in a few sheltered spots, I started to see the odd Wall. Although not fresh, there were a few brighter examples amongst my final tally of 8, but interestingly, all 8 were male, so perhaps the females were having a lie-in!"
• Dave Wright reported: "Following the report last week by Andrew Kurch on his visit to Cleethorpes

   

  

  Coast LNR, I decided to make a brief visit there myself just after midday today. During the unseasonal warm and sunny conditions I managed to find 6 male Common Blue, 3 Brown Argus and a single Small White. I also noted 3 Common Darter dragonflies, which included a mating pair."

 

Monday 17th October 2022

• Freddy Johnson emailed: "To celebrate my successful cataract removal operation (distance spectacles no longer needed), my son Alex and I visited Southrey Wood and Chambers Farm Wood Butterfly Garden. In the sunny intervals we saw: 1 Red Admiral at Southrey Wood, and 6 Red Admiral on one large bed of Michaelmas Daises plus one Comma in Chambers Farm Wood Butterfly Garden."
• Kev Armstrong from Wold Farm, Nettleton messaged: "Today I saw 2 Red Admiral, 1 Comma, a male Brimstone and 1 Hummingbird Hawk-moth (2 yesterday) in the garden."

Sunday 16th October 2022

Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR where the overnight low was a mild 12 degrees C. I managed 92 moths of 18 species. One of the volunteers checked the trap around 22:00 and managed a photo of a Clifden Nonpareil just inside. Unfortunately, there was no sign of the moth when I checked it this morning. This is the 2nd record for Gib, a long time since the first one back in 1976. A personal highlight was another new moth for me in the form of a Streak (the last record here was 2011). Another fresh Delicate was also of note."

Saturday 15th October 2022

Andrew Kurch phoned: "This afternoon I made a return visit to my local patch, just off Westward Ho in Grimsby and noted 1 male Small White and 3 Red Admiral. "

Friday 14th October 2022

Andrew Kurch phoned: "Popped over to my local patch, just off Westward Ho in Grimsby and was surprised to find a Holly Blue! Also noted 2 Speckled Wood and 1 Red Admiral."

Thursday 13th October 2022

Andrew Kurch phoned: "It was quite warm and sunny in the Grimsby area today and so I decided to take a walk through the dunes at Cleethorpes Coast LNR. It was great to see a few butterflies on the wing and included the following: 1 Red Admiral, 1 Small White, 2 Small Copper, 4 male Common Blue and 1 male Brown Argus."

Tuesday 11th October 2022

Chris Atkin messaged: "Today I visited Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR, and a walk between Sea View and Rimac produced the following butterflies: 1 Peacock, 1 Red Admiral, 3 Wall, 1 Common Blue, 1 Speckled Wood, 4 Small Copper and 2 Small White."

Saturday 8th October 2022

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Popped over to Moor Farm LWT Nature Reserve today for an hour. Although there was a Moderate Breeze blowing from the west and the mercury only registered 13 degrees Celsius, it felt quite warm and I braved the conditions in my T-shirt! It was slow going to start with, but some sheltered spots on the edge of the heathland started to produce the goods. I only saw one species whilst I was there, but notched up 22 Small Coppers, not bad for the time of year and considering the two earlier broods had been poor. The third brood has been rather protracted and there are several fresh specimens, only a day or two old, mixed in with some that are (like me) well past their best! It was good to see several egg-laying females today, which bodes well for the next generation. Also on the plus side, the Sheep's Sorrel has recovered well after the intense summer temperatures, and it is in good condition and carpeting the second heath."
• Dave Wright reported: "While sat in the football stand and waiting for the 'Mighty Mariners' to come onto the pitch at Blundell Park, Grimsby this afternoon, I saw a single Red Admiral flying along the touchline. It was obviously a good omen as 'Town' went on to win their first home match of the season!"

Thursday 6th October 2022

 

Pete Cawdell emailed: "I made a brief visit to the Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe coast today to check out the 3rd brood Walls. Despite the strong winds I am pleased to say there were at least 5 seen during the sunny spells. 2 males were flying at Sea View and, in another tetrad, 2 males and 1 female made several appearances at Rimac. Also at Rimac I recorded 1 Red Admiral, 1 Small White and 3 Small Copper (1 male, 2 female)."

Tuesday 4th October 2022

 

• Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and managed 108 moths of 14 species. The highlight was another pristine Delicate. The attached Hummingbird Hawk-moth was on Station Road, Burgh le Marsh yesterday."
• Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "Merveille du Jour and Red-line Quaker new for the year in the garden trap this morning."

 

Sunday 2nd October 2022

• Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and managed 112 moths of 18 species. Green-brindled Crescent was new for the year and noteworthy was the 2nd Scarce Bordered Straw of the year."
• Dave Wright Reported: "It was sunny and quite warm in the Grimsby area this afternoon. I decided to take a walk in my local area in the hope of seeing a few late butterflies and noted the following: 1 Small White along the Wybers Wood Estate field margin, 3 Speckled Wood and 1 Large White in Town's Holt, and 1 Large White in Freshney Bog. On returning home, 2 more Large White were seen in my garden, where a single Red Admiral was nectaring on the ivy flowers on the back fence."

Saturday 1st October 2022

 

• James Smith messaged: "I was at Whitgift Academy in Grimsby this morning and was surprised to see this Painted Lady on the school playing field."
• Derek Fox from Langworth emailed: "I never ever thought I would see a Holly Blue in my garden in October. Unfortunately, I was unable to obtain a photograph, thanks to a gust of wind which dislodged it into next door's garden. Despite searching for about thirty minutes, I was unable to relocate it."

---

September 2022

Friday 30th September 2022

Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "Deep-brown Dart, Black Rustic, Large Wainscot and Small Blood-vein from the garden trap this morning."

 

Thursday 29th September 2022

 

Chris Atkin messaged: "Visited Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR today and had a walk between Rimac and Sea View. Still a few butterflies about and I noted the following: 2 Common Blue, 4 Wall, 2 Speckled Wood, 1 Meadow Brown, 2 Small Copper and a Small Heath, the latter the first I've seen in a few visits and I just presumed they'd gone off the wing."

Friday 23rd September 2022

• Pete Cawdell emailed: "Visited my acre of land next to the Water Rail Track near Southrey today. Pleased to find 10 Red Admirals feeding up on my late flowering yellow buddleias. Will they look for a place to hunker down here for the winter or attempt the migration back to warmer European destinations? How do they decide? Maybe it's the lazy ones that stay! Also present were a couple of Commas, 2 Large Whites and 3 Small Whites. Overhead 2 late Swallows polishing off a variety of smaller flies over the bushes.... they too probably contemplating the long journey south?
• Dave Wright reported: "Recently, the only butterflies visiting my Grimsby garden have been Large and Small White, so imagine my surprise this afternoon when a Painted Lady made a brief appearance, nectaring on the Red Valerian."
• Phil Bowler emailed: "Went to Rimac today. Was good to see third brood of Walls doing fine (10 males and 4 females). Also saw 8 Small Copper, 5 Common Blue, 7 Meadow Brown and 1 large Small Heath. No Whites!"

Thursday 22nd September 2022

 

• Nige Lound emailed: "Another busy trap overnight with 349 moths of 40 species. Feathered Ranunculus was new for the year. Earlier a Convolvulus Hawk-moth larva was found in Beach Car Park. Attached Photograph courtesy of the finder Phil Millns."
• Chris Dobson from Langworth emailed: "Thought you might like to see this super

   

  

  Pale-lemon Sallow I got last night. On the 22nd September 2006 I got the first record for Lincolnshire and then managed further examples on 3rd October 2016 and 20th September 2019. Could be coincidence, but it makes you wonder whether there might be a small population in the locality?

Wednesday 21st September 2022

• Dave Wright reported: "It's been a good year for Hummingbird Hawk-moth sightings in the County and this morning I had yet another in my Grimsby garden, nectaring on the Red Valerian."
• Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "This morning the garden trap produced Dark Sword-grass, Pink-barred Sallow and Grey Shoulder-knot."

Tuesday 20th September 2022

 

• Nige Lound emailed: "Busy traps at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight with 347 moths of 43 species. New for the year were Barred Sallow, Blackneck and a Vestal found on the saltmarsh late afternoon. Other migrants included Dark Sword-grass and Pearly Underwing. Personal highlight was Deep-brown Dart, a new moth for me and I believe a first for the NNR."
• Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "This morning the garden trap produced two new species for the year - Large Ranunculus and Large Wainscot."

 

Sunday 18th September 2022

 

• Stewart Haynes emailed: "Another Clifden Nonpareil in my trap this morning at Roughton Moor near Woodhall Spa. I expect you will consider two in one year as lucky!"
• Steve Palmer from Healing emailed: "2 Beaded Chestnut and 3 Black Rustic were new for the year in my garden trap this morning."

Saturday 17th September 2022

Toby Ludlow messaged: "Nipped over to Moor Farm LWT Nature Reserve mid-morning. It was a beautiful, sunny day, 13 degrees C when I got there, but with a cold northwesterly Moderate Breeze taking the edge off the temperature and it felt quite cool. As the day progressed the temperature rose by a couple of degrees, and the wind lost its cold bite. After a slow start, butterflies started to become more frequent. Following two poor broods this year, the third brood Small Copper numbers seemed fair, 16 being seen on this occasion. There were a smattering of Commas (7) too, most nectaring on the late-flowering Devil's-bit Scabious, and half a dozen Speckled Woods dotted around the reserve, still feisty and combatant, but there was little else about apart from a single Small White and several Large Whites. My biggest surprise, however, was the total absence of Brown Argus, which I would have laid money on seeing."

Friday 16th September 2022

 

Kev Armstrong from Wold Farm, Nettleton messaged: "Tried the trap again overnight - 24 moths of 7 species, mainly Lunar Underwings and Beaded Chestnuts. Also, the first Red Underwing of the year so a nice surprise!"

Thursday 15th September 2022

 

Kev Armstrong from Wold Farm, Nettleton emailed: "Only 28 moths of 12 species in the trap overnight, but included a Dusky-lemon Sallow, which was new for site!"

Wednesday 14th September 2022

 

• Keith Walton emailed: "Ron Henderson and I travelled down from Washington today with the detailed help of Phil Bowler to see the Clouded Yellows near Swineshead Bridge. We managed to find 65+ Clouded Yellow and 3+ f. helice in the field. At least 20 Common Blue were also present. A friend was down the day before us and saw 35+ Clouded Yellow. It would appear that a couple of gravid females laid eggs at the end of July and the adults are still emerging."
• Dave Wright reported: "Accompanied by Chris Atkin, visited Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes

   

  

  NNR today, concentrating on the area between Paradise and Churchill Lane. Our visit had a distinctly autumnal feel, emphasized by the skeins of Pink-footed Geese passing at regular intervals overhead. The final total involved over a thousand birds. 3 Short-eared Owls quartering the saltmarsh first thing was another interesting addition to the bird list. During the day we managed to find a respectable nine species of butterfly, mainly in the Rimac area, and noted the following: 21 Small Copper, 4 Common Blue, 1 Brown Argus, 11 Wall, 1 Painted Lady, 9 Meadow Brown, 5 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, and 1 Speckled Wood. Moths included singles of Vapourer and Silver Y, and 2 huge Fox Moth caterpillars. There were lots of dragonflies on the wing, mostly Common Darters and Migrant Hawkers, but we also saw 7 Ruddy Darters, 2 Southern Hawkers and a single Willow Emerald damselfly. 2 Common Lizards were also seen during a spell of warm sunshine."

 

Tuesday 13th September 2022

 

Kev Armstrong from Wold Farm, Nettleton emailed: "The trap overnight produced only 15 moths of 8 species, with Pink-barred Sallow and Beaded Chestnut new for the year. However, I've been aware of recent reports of Clifden Nonpareil in Lincolnshire, so imagine my excitement when I realised that one was actually resting on the outside of the trap. I've caught some interesting moths this year, including my second Vestal on 4th September, but this 'lifer' is the Holy Grail as far as I'm concerned."

 

Monday 12th September 2022

 

• Laura Gundy emailed: "With the forecast of light rain all night, I decided to put the moth trap out in the dog run in my Benniworth garden last night - that way it had a roof over it (no dogs in the run!). I didn't hold out much hope of a catch doing this, but was pleasantly surprised to find that 15 species had found their way into the trap, with Beaded Chestnut new for the year and a very pretty Vestal as the highlight - new to my garden."
• Keith Robinson messaged: "During a short sunny spell there were 8 Clouded Yellows along the east bank of Covenham Reservoir this morning (4 yesterday)."

   

  

• Phil Bowler emailed: "Today I disturbed this resting moth in our Amber Hill butterfly garden meadow and managed this record shot of it before it vanished into the undergrowth. I consider myself lucky to stumble across this migrant Vestal in the daytime!"

Sunday 11th September 2022

• Dave Wright reported: "This month has seen only Large and Small Whites visit my Grimsby garden, apart from a single Holly Blue on 1st. Therefore, I was surprised to see a pristine Small Tortoiseshell, a species I've not seen since 27th August, nectaring on the few remaining flowers of the Buddliea this afternoon. Later, a walk to Freshney Bog nearby, produced 3 Speckled Woods, small numbers of Large and Small White, and a single Green-veined White. However, the highlight was finding Willow Emerald (3 - including a mating pair), the first time that I've seen this damselfly species at this site!"
• Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and it was rather quiet given the conditions. Thick cloud, light wind, and an overnight low of 14 degrees C resulted in 97 moths of 24 species, with Lunar Underwing being new for the year."

Saturday 10th September 2022

 

• Laura Gundy from Benniworth Walk Farm emailed: "I discovered one of my Purging Buckthorn plants has been completely defoliated by this Peppered Moth caterpillar. It took me ages to realise I wasn't looking at one of the twigs on the plant! Not many butterflies in my garden - only a few Small and Large Whites. Usually the sedums are covered in Small Tortoiseshells and a few Commas, but no such luck this year. Went for a little wander locally and saw 5 Red Admirals and 3 Commas feasting on blackberries, and 1 worn Brown Argus along a field margin. 6 Speckled Woods looked lovely and fresh though, so they're still going!"
• Mark Johnson messaged: "Singles of Wall, Small White and Common Blue at Donna Nook NNR today, between Stonebridge car park and Pye's Hall."

Friday 9th September 2022

 

Phil Bowler emailed: "Following on from my previous post re the neighbouring Clouded Yellows, I can now confirm the presence of at least one helice form. I even managed a half decent photograph of it open-winged. Chuffed!"

Thursday 8th September 2022

Owen Beaumont messaged: "Just after midday I had a Clouded Yellow on Elm House Farm, Saltfleetby."

Wednesday 7th September 2022

• David Bee emailed: "Yesterday I visited Chambers Farm Wood, but unfortunately there wasn't a lot to see, just 2 Comma and 4 Speckled Wood. However, one of the volunteers in the butterfly garden drew my attention to about 6 Brown Hairstreak eggs. Sadly, it appears as though the butterfly year is all but over. Today I visited three other sites and noted the following: Southrey Wood - 1 White Admiral, 1 Peacock, 2 Red Admiral, 2 Comma, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 10 Large White, 12 Small White, 3 Green-veined White, 1 Brown Argus and 2 Hummingbird Hawk-moths. Mill Hill Quarry - 4 Large White, 1 Green-veined White, 1 Comma, 2 Speckled Wood and a very forlorn Common Blue. Red Hill - 3 Large White, 4 Small White and 2 Green-veined White (mating pair)."
• Phil Bowler from Amber Hill emailed: "The other evening Ros and I discovered that the large field just down the lane from us is an environmental stewardship scheme, comprised of Red Clover, vetches and Bird's-foot Trefoil. There are two more even larger fields sowed similarly in the village. Today, almost as expected, we found at least 6 Clouded Yellows bobbing around our neighbouring field, possibly more, and I think one was a f. helice. We only have until next week before the crop has to be cut, but I managed a few shots in the meantime. After all the searching I've done over the last few years for them, they crop up in numbers almost on our doorstep. How ironic!"

 

Tuesday 6th September 2022

Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and managed 184 moths of 30 species. Archer's Dart, and European Corn Borer were the highlights."

Monday 5th September 2022

Keith Robinson messaged: "3 Clouded Yellows at Covenham Reservoir this morning."

Sunday 4th September 2022

• Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and managed 434 moths of 43 species. New for the year were Sallow, Vapourer and Brown-spot Pinion."
• Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "This morning's trap had a few migrant moths - 5 Diamond-backs, 3 Rush Veneers, 2 Dark Sword-grass and pick of the bunch 2 Convolvulus Hawk-moths."

 

Saturday 3rd September 2022

Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "This week I've had two new moths for the garden. This morning the trap revealed a Pinion-streaked Snout, I thought it was a micro at first! Yesterday I caught a Loxostege sticticalis which took me a while to sort it out. Not in my books!"

 

Friday 2nd September 2022

Keith Robinson messaged: "A single Clouded Yellow this morning on the east bank of Covenham Reservoir."

Thursday 1st September 2022

• Phil Bowler emailed: "An afternoon at Snakeholme Pit resulted in one very fresh female Brown Hairstreak being seen fumbling around in short shrubs on the bank, before flying off into the higher Blackthorn. Very little else seen: 1 Large White, 6 Small White, 5 Green-veined White, 3 fresh Small Copper (third brood?), 3 Brown Argus, 1 female Common Blue, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Comma and 5 Speckled Wood."
• Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and managed 312 moths of 37 species. Brick was new for the year."

---

August 2022

Wednesday 31st August 2022: Clifden Nonpareil at Healing, near Grimsby!

 

Dave Wright reported: "This morning I received a message from Steve Palmer, who lives at Healing, stating that he'd struck gold in the garden trap - a Clifden Nonpareil! Needless to say I shot round immediately to inspect this amazing moth, a lifer for both of us! This was just reward for Steve who had continued trapping despite recent poor catches producing mainly Large Yellow Underwing, Square-spot Rustic and Setaceous Hebrew Character. Last night's catch also revealed an Angle Shades and a White-point, which was new for the garden."

Monday 29th August 2022: Clifden Nonpareil at Swanpool!

Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "A Clifden Nonpareil in my garden trap this morning was new for the year and my third ever!"

 

Saturday 27th August 2022

 

Toby Ludlow reported: "I decided to pay a visit to Chambers Farm Wood today and met up with Dave Wright there. The weather was gorgeous - lengthy sunny periods with little in the way of wind being the order of the day. However, the fauna gave a distinctly autumnal feel to the place: squadrons of Migrant Hawker dragonflies patrolled overhead and numbers of most butterfly species have plummeted. The only exception to this in the wood proper was Speckled Wood. Here, a new crop of individuals have supplemented and overlapped the previous brood giving an interesting contrast between the really fresh, and the tired and faded ones. Over the course of the day we counted 80 Speckled Wood in total. The main target of the day was, obviously, Brown Hairstreak and between us we managed to see 4 females: 2 at Fiveways and 2 past Minting Triangle. With little else about in the wood, we paid a late afternoon visit to the meadows where, again, butterfly numbers in total were low. We did have a decent count of 20 Common Blues there, supplemented by 8 Brown Argus, one of which was incredibly fresh and posed beautifully in the late afternoon sunshine, showing a resplendent array of colours in the process."

 

Friday 26th August 2022

 

Dave Wright reported: "During the last couple of weeks, there has been a dearth of of butterflies in my Grimsby garden, apart from the occasional Large and Small Whites. Therefore, following yesterday's prolonged downpour, I wasn't expecting much of an improvement today, but was surprised by the appearance of the following: 1 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Comma, 3 Holly Blue, 3 Large White and 5 Small White. Also, another Hummingbird Hawk-moth was seen 'buzzing' around the Red Valerian, that's the third in a week!"

Thursday 25th August 2022: Clifden Nonpareil at Roughton Moor!

 

Stewart Haynes from Roughton Moor near Woodhall Spa emailed: "This Clifden Nonpareil was in my garden trap last night. Looking at all the information on this moth it appears as though it's not seen very often in Lincolnshire."

Wednesday 24th August 2022

 

Ian Saggers emailed: "We travelled up to Chambers Farm Wood from our Norfolk home today and arrived there shortly before lunch, despite the best efforts of two separate road closures to the east of the Lincoln bypass to thwart us. A very hot and sticky afternoon, but virtually no direct sun. I found a particularly washed-out Brown Argus at Minting Triangle. Eventually the sun shone for approximately 20 minutes, during which time we spotted 2 Brown Hairstreaks about halfway between Minting Triangle and Fiveways."

Tuesday 23rd August 2022

• Nige Lound emailed: "I took advantage of the warm weather and trapped again at Gibraltar Point NNR overnight. Busy again with 718 moths of 61 species. Most numerous species was Setaceous Hebrew Character with 177. 2 Hedge Rustic were new for the year."
• Gary Fenwick emailed: "This afternoon, on my third visit in a week, I finally connected with Brown Argus (3) and Brown Hairstreak (1), so very pleased! Today I also saw 1 Painted Lady, 2 Common Blue and seemingly equal numbers of Green-veined White, Small White and Speckled wood (approximately a dozen). In addition, on Sunday 21st I saw singles of Comma and Painted Lady."
• Pete Smith emailed: "For more years than I care to remember, I have driven past Lincoln's South Common on my way to work, or to go shopping or generally travelling about. It never stood out to me as a particularly promising site for butterflies, and I never went there. However, Philip Johnson informed me some months back that he had found Small Heath there recently, and I decided that I would look for myself this year. I found one Small Heath on the common way back in June, and today I found three on the wing - one of these being notable as ab. biocellata. I was also struck during my June visit by the quantity of sorrel in flower, and sure enough, I also found an egg-laying Small Copper there today. Much of the common is quite rank grassland/scrub/thistle etc, but there are some nice areas of more heavily grazed, finer, heathy grassland, and occasional interesting small patches of flora such as Devil's-bit Scabious, Ladies Bedstraw, etc. It won't win any prizes as a butterfly site, but is nice to find another local spot where Small Heath and Small Copper can still be found."

 

Monday 22nd August 2022

 

• Andy Simms from Swanpool emailed: "This morning the garden trap produced my second ever Bordered Straw."
• Helen Kirk emailed: "Attached below is one of my record shots of Brown Hairstreak from today's visit to Chambers Farm Wood. Two females were observed (first was spotted by Toby Ludlow) and posed obligingly. The second I spotted in flight further along the track and which was higher up and where frustratingly it settled only briefly on Blackthorn, upper wings seen but unable to get a photpgraph. Otherwise, usual supporting cast including: 2 Large White, 4 Small White, 9 Green-veined White (including 2 mating pairs), 3 Purple Hairstreak, Common Blue (well worn female), 9 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 3 Peacock, 6 Comma, 18 Speckled Wood and a well worn Meadow Brown. A couple of Silver Y moths also observed in Little Scrubbs Meadow."

 

Sunday 21st August 2022

Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped At Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and had 555 moths of 75 species. New for the year macros were Feathered Gothic, Large Thorn, Pale Mottled Willow and a migrant Pearly Underwing. A single Vine Moth Eupoecilia ambiguella was of note here."

Saturday 20th August 2022

 

• Laura Gundy from Benniworth Walk Farm emailed: "25 macro species in the garden trap last night, consisting mainly of Setaceous Hebrew Character; 123 of them in fact! The prize for prettiest moth went to Tawny-barred Angle and new for the year was Centre-barred Sallow. New for the garden was Square-spotted Clay, not a common species in these parts.  

•  

  

  Keith Walton emailed: "Visited Chambers Farm Wood today and was disappointed by the lack of butterflies, so went to Snakeholme Pit for dragonflies. Walking on the path near the gate I noticed a fresh Meadow Brown fluttering around, but was distracted by a chocolate-brown butterfly which dashed across in front of me - a female Brown Hairstreak! Amazingly three or four were in the area of the entrance gate, two were very elusive, but two photographable."                                                                 

   

  

• Dave Wright reported: "This evening I had a Hummingbird Hawk-moth nectaring on the Red Valerian in my Grimsby garden at 18:45."
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "I had a walk around Gooseman's Field in Grimsby today and saw very little in the way of butterflies. Everywhere was dried to a crisp with no plants left in flower for butterflies to nectar on. In total I saw 2 Small White, 2 Speckled Wood (bordering the Woodland Burial Ground) and 3 male Common Blue. The Woodland Burial Ground itself produced a further 3 Speckled Wood and a handful of Whites."
• Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "This morning the trap produced a Plain Wave, which was new for the garden. Yesterday a Gold Spot was new for the year."

 

Friday 19th August 2022

 

• Own Beaumont messaged: "A fair selection of butterflies on the wing at Rimac today and, despite recent heavy rain, some were looking remarkably fresh. On transect were 6 Small White, 2 Green-veined White, 2 Small Copper, 1 Brown Argus, 11 Common Blue, 2 Red Admiral, 3 Painted Lady, 12 Speckled Wood, 8 Wall, 4 Meadow Brown and 25 Small Heath."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Wow! 6 Hummingbird Hawk-moths nectaring on my neighbour's Buddleia at the same time."
• Phil Bowler emailed: "Today I spent the afternoon in Chambers Farm Wood and eventually saw 2

   

  

  Brown Hairstreak. A male was flying high around a Blackthorn at Fiveways, then in the favoured area beyond Minting Triangle, I stumbled across a pristine female low down on the Blackthorn, right next to the path. My luck got even better when she obliged by laying an egg! (See attached photograph). Also seen: 5 Purple Hairstreak, 4 Brown Argus, 1 female Common Blue, 2 Holly Blue, 15 Speckled Wood, 1 Gatekeeper, 3 Meadow Brown, 17 Small White, 12 Green-veined White, 4 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 4 Comma and 1 female Silver-washed Fritillary."

 

Thursday 18th August 2022

 

• Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and managed 472 moths of 76 species. Scarce Bordered Straw was new for the year. Bycatch included Oak Bush-cricket and Great Diving Beetle."
• Pat Scott emailed: "4 Hummingbird Hawk-moths on one clump of Red Valerian today in Timberland."

Monday 15th August 2022

• Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and had 351 moths of 76 species.The only new for the year was a Frosted Orange."
• Chris Dobson from Langworth emailed: "Despite the heat I'm getting lower catches than I would've expected and certainly species more suggestive of autumn than summer! Two nights back I caught a Centre-barred Sallow, the earliest I have had in nineteen years of garden trapping!"

Saturday 13th August 2022

Steve Swain emailed: "I live in Brant Broughton near Lincoln and this week in the garden we've had the following: Red Admiral, Comma, Peacock, Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Common Blue, Holly Blue and Hummingbird Hawk-moth."

Friday 12th August 2022

 

Phil Bowler emailed: "I spent the day at Rimac, part of the Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe NNR, primarily looking for Wall. I only found them in and around the 'quarry' that is right next to the car park. I saw 13 in total, 2 of which may have been female. Until later in the day they always had their wings closed, despite it being much cooler here than further inland. Some were vividly fresh, others very worn. What I found really interesting is that none of them were basking or resting on the ground, as is their wont, but instead perched on the Sea Buckthorn growing up the sides of the 'quarry', from where they lurched themselves at passing butterflies. At least 5 of the males were seen doing this at any one time, only later in the afternoon did they open their wings. There was extremely little nectar around for them, unless they were taking something from these bushes? Also noted were: 53 Meadow Brown, 36 Small Heath, 2 Gatekeeper, 30 Common Blue, 11 Brown Argus, 5 Small Copper (including what was either an excessively worn typical Copper, or one of those white aberrations), 2 Small White and 1 Red Admiral."

Wednesday 10th August 2022

 

• Zoe Shreeve from Healing emailed: "We thought that we has seen a Hummingbird Hawk-moth laying eggs on the bedstraw in the back garden earlier this year. Today, I rescued this from becoming a Robin's lunch!"
• Pete Cawdell emailed: "I spent this afternoon doing the 4 butterfly transects over at Grimsthorpe Park near Bourne. On another hot, sunny day, butterflies were found to have rapidly decreased amongst the parched grasslands and woodland rides; only 114 of 15 species recorded in about 4 hours. The highlights had been a single Silver-washed Fritillary on Bramble, and a faded Dark Green Fritillary nectaring on Dwarf Thistle. On the last leg of my long walk I glanced down, and then had to do a double-take on what I was gazing at....a second brood Dingy Skipper nectaring on Birdsfoot Trefoil - something I was not expecting. This is a rare occurrence in Lincs and certainly the first time I've witnessed it. If I remember correctly the last time this was reported was a second brood individual at Twyford Wood several years ago. It only happens this far north in exceptionally hot summers."
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "I went back to Rimac today to try to improve on my Wall images. There were plenty about, but they were very flighty and reluctant to settle, especially with wings open, so photography was a challenge. There were lots of butterflies on the wing and I was especially pleased to see so many Common Blues (29), as well as lots of Ruddy Darters, the occasional Migrant Hawker and a few Emerald Damselflies. I walked south down the path between dunes and marsh and then around the freshwater marsh by the pond, which is virtually dry now. Many butterfly species are starting to look very worn! In total I saw: 29 Common Blue, 9 Meadow Brown, 11 Gatekeeper, 14 Wall, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 4 Peacock, 1 Small Heath and 1 Small White."

 

Tuesday 9th August 2022

 

• Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "White-point, Six-striped Rustic and Frosted Orange were new for the year in my garden trap this morning. The White-point was only my 2nd ever record!"
• Brian Hedley emailed: "August Thorn in my garden trap here at Marton last night and a new moth

   

  

  for me! I get plenty of Early and Dusky Thorns, plus occasional Canary-shouldered and Purple Thorns, so this was a nice addition."

Monday 8th August 2022

 

• Phil Lee emailed: "Attached is a photo of one of the two Brown Hairstreaks I saw today at Chambers Farm Wood, between Fiveways and Minting Triangle."
• Pete Smith emailed: "After blanking on the Brown Hairstreak last Thursday, I decided a return trip to Chambers was in order today. In my haste to get to my favourite spot east of the main woodland complex, I missed out on a couple of females that were seen by others between Fiveways and Minting Triangle, but did manage to find a male, down on knapweed, alongside a hedgerow about 300 metres from the eastern wood edge. Returning to the Triangle, Toby Ludlow and Mark Joy had found a lovely female Common Blue, ab supra-caerulea. Just along from here were a mating pair of Common Blues, both lovely and fresh. Nice to see decent numbers of second brood Common Blue and Brown Argus appearing on the wing in various places!"

 

Sunday 7th August 2022

 

• Eliot Taylor emailed: "A group of six of us from Butterfly Conservation East Midland Branch made a visit to Chambers Farm Wood today. 18 butterfly species were seen, plus a Latticed Heath. The highlight was a female Brown Hairstreak seen egg-laying from the path past Minting Triangle. Also, 24 Silver-washed Fritillary (mostly females) all looking past their best, 5 Green-veined White, 25 Small White, 4 Large White, 3 Brimstone, 1 Large Skipper, 5 Common Blue, 1 Holly Blue, 1 Small Copper, 6 Peacock, 3 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 3 Comma, 5 Meadow Brown, 1 Ringlet, 20 Gatekeeper and 2 Speckled Wood."
• Les Austin emailed: "A trip to Chambers Farm Wood today rewarded us with only one Brown Hairstreak egg-laying female, just beyond Minting Triangle. We did see a male on the main ride. Many Silver-washed Fritillaries, good numbers of fresh Brimstones, 3 Common Blues, 2 Brown Argus and 6 Red Admirals." 
• Mark Johnson phoned: "This afternoon I walked the sea embankment from Horse Shoe Point north towards the old airfield and had brief views of a Clouded Yellow, before it sped off in the direction of Northcoates Point. Also noted 1 Wall, 2 Gatekeeper, 2 Meadow Brown and at least 30 Common Blue."
• Neil Storey emailed: "Today I paid a visit to Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve and the highlight was undoubtedly a Clouded Yellow seen nectaring on heather (see attached photograph). 

 

Saturday 6th August 2022

 

• Dave Wright reported: "This morning 9 members from Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch attended the field trip at Rimac, which is part of the Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe NNR. We were joined by Owen Beaumont (reserve manager) and John Walker (volunteer warden), and in an attempt to cover the area more thoroughly for our target species the Wall, we decided to split into two groups. Owen led the first group through the dunes basically adopting the transect

   

  

  route, while John took the second south from the car park along the footpath on the edge of the saltmarsh. I accompanied Owen and we noted 18 species, with 27 Wall being the obvious highlight, plus the following: 22 Small Skipper, 2 Large White, 6 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 3 Small Copper, an impressive 17 Brown Argus, 44 Common Blue (including a mating pair), 1 Red Admiral, 2 Painted Lady, 4 Small Tortoiseshell, 14 Peacock, 1 Comma, 5 Speckled Wood, 32 Gatekeeper, 56 Meadow Brown, 5 Small Heath and 4 Ringlet. Moths included 7 Shaded Broad-bar, 2 Latticed Heath and a single Silver Y. Lots of dragonflies on the reserve and we must have counted at least 50 Migrant Hawkers, but 7 Willow Emerald damselflies was an unexpected bonus and a first for me at this site. John's team produced similar species with Wall totalling 10. We also had a further 3 Wall in the car park area."                                               

   

  

• John Walker emailed: "I walked a circuit in the dunes from home (Churchill Lane) to Brickyard and back, then continued around dunes to MoD counting a total of 26 Walls. Makes a total of 66 with the morning's count at Rimac and then Brickyard."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Had a trip over to Moor Farm LWT Nature Reserve today. Even though the weather was gorgeous, there were several indicators which gave a distinct autumnal feel to the site: virtually all the Bramble blossom had gone, giving rise to a bountiful crop of blackberries, there were squadrons of Migrant Hawker dragonflies patrolling just overhead, and some of the summer species of butterfly, such as the skippers, had disappeared. Fortunately, a good number of female Gatekeepers were still on the wing, a legacy of the amazing year this butterfly has had, which must rank as one of the best ever for this species. Also on the plus side, there were some fresh Brown Argus about and some Small Coppers, a few of which were slightly darker in appearance due to a wider marginal band, perhaps a result of the extreme temperatures we have recently had to endure. Totals were: 13 Brown Argus, 7 Common Blue, 5 Small Copper, 3 Large White, 2 Small White, 13 Green-veined White, 1 Brimstone, 1 Painted Lady, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Ringlet, 2 Speckled Wood, 80 Meadow Brown and 75 Gatekeeper."
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "Today I went for my usual walk around the cemetery and Gooseman's

   

  

  Field in Grimsby. It was warm and sunny at 22 degrees C and I saw: 1 Holly Blue, 1 Peacock, 15 'Whites', 3 Gatekeeper, 3 Meadow Brown, 4 Small Heath, 6 Common Blue, 2 Brown Argus and 1 Speckled Wood. Also, 2 Common Darters and 2 Migrant Hawkers."
• Laura Gundy messaged: "Popped over to Sotby Wood today and it was beautiful! 17 species of butterfly, including 16 Brimstone, 30 Peacock, 37 Gatekeeper, 4 Silver-washed Fritillary and even a Large Skipper!"
• Jan Rousseau emailed: "I visited Chambers Farm Wood this morning with John Scott. We had a good morning seeing pretty much the same as recently recorded. However, at Minting Triangle we found the valesina form of Silver-washed Fritillary."

Friday 5th August 2022

 

Dave Wright reported: "This morning I spent an enjoyable couple of hours with my grandson Thomas, searching for insects at Cleethorpes Country Park. On entering the site, Thomas immediately heard a loud 'buzzing' sound resonating from multiple locations in the long grass. He was initially perplexed and then somewhat amused when I revealed I couldn't hear a thing. Sadly, the days of listening to Roesel's Bush-cricket have long gone, but fortunately we did manage to unearth a few. We also came across several Lesser Marsh Grasshoppers and an impressive large hoverfly - Volucella inanis. Not long after we found a female Emperor Dragonfly roosting in tall vegetation, followed by lots of Migrant Hawkers, 9 Common Blue Damselflies, 2 Blue-tailed Damselflies, 6 Common Darters and 12 Small Red-eyed Damselflies on floating weed on the main lake. Nearby, I managed to find one of the latter settled on a bramble leaf along the edge of the path. Butterflies noted included the following: 32 Meadow Brown, 17 Gatekeeper, 7 Common Blue, 1 Large White, 1 Small White, 4 Green-veined White, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Speckled Wood and 1 Holly Blue. Also, 1 Shaded Broad-bar, 1 Latticed Heath and 2 Cinnabar caterpillars."

 

Thursday 4th August 2022

 

• John Davison emailed: "Called in at Ingoldsby Wood this morning.....5 Large White, 11 Small White, 4 Green-veined White, 16 Brimstone, 1 Peacock, 3 Red Admiral, 3 Large Skipper, 2 Ringlet, 3 Meadow Brown, 3 Gatekeeper, 2 Painted Lady and 8 Silver-washed Fritillary. Highlight - a Clouded Yellow!
• Graham Catley emailed: "5 Wall today at the top of the escarpment above Alkborough Flats."
• Phil Bowler emailed: "At least five enthusiasts, besides Pete Smith and myself, were at Chambers Farm Wood today searching for Brown Hairstreak, but none of us found any! It's a bit alarming really considering how advanced the season is. For me, their friends the Purple Hairstreak made up for it by 3 of them coming down to low level and feeding from the acorns (see attached). A further 3 were encountered elsewhere.The star of the show once again has to be the wonderful Silver-washed Fritillaries. I could watch them all day! 17 males and 13 females counted. Also seen: 1 Small/Essex Skipper, 2 male Large Skipper, 7 Brimstone, 10 Large White, 15 Small White, 18 Green-veined White, 2 Small Copper, 2 Brown Argus, 4 Common Blue, 1 Holly Blue, 7 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 7 Peacock, 7 Comma, 2 Speckled Wood, 5 Gatekeeper, 12 Meadow Brown and 3 Ringlet. As you can see, mainly very low numbers, especially Peacock and Speckled Wood. Moths included 2 Mint Moth and 2 Latticed Heath."

 

Wednesday 3rd August 2022

 

• Mike Pickwell emailed: "I had a trip down the coast today to show my brother Saltfleetby/Theddlethorpe NNR. We parked at Rimac and walked south through the dunes, returning along the path on the edge of the saltmarsh. There were lots of butterflies on the wing and they were very much attracted to the Fleabane. I was delighted to find 12 Wall but they were challenging to photograph. There were large numbers of Meadow Brown (including a mating

   

  

  pair), Small Tortoiseshell, Gatekeeper, Common Blue (including a mating pair), Small White, Red Admiral and Peacock. The ones I counted included  a single Six-spot Burnet moth, 12 Wall, 2 Small Copper, 1 Large White, 6 Small Skipper (all very worn), 3 Small Heath, 2 Speckled Wood and 1 Painted Lady. There were also a lot of Ruddy Darters (mainly male), quite a few Migrant Hawkers and over the water a few superb Emperor Dragonflies."
• Dave Wright reported: "This afternoon my wife and I had a walk through the dunes at the Humberston Fitties. Initially it was mostly cloudy and breezy, but we still managed to note the following: 1 Large White, 6 Small White, 7 Green-veined White, 3 Brown Argus, 7 Common Blue, 1 Red Admiral, 2 Painted Lady, 1 Peacock, 6 Gatekeeper and 2 Meadow Brown. We continued our walk along the bridleway bordering Thorpe Park and encountered similar species, with the addition of Small Tortoiseshell, Comma and Speckled Wood." 
• Adrian Royle emailed: "Visited Chambers Farm Wood today and there were good numbers of Silver-washed Fritillaries, some fresh, some really worn and included a female f. valesina."

 

Tuesday 2nd August 2022

 

Ian McGlynn emailed: "I saw a Clouded Yellow today and the attached photograph was taken from the footpath between Great Humby and Kirton Woods."

Monday 1st August 2022: Brown Hairstreak at Chambers Farm Wood!

 

• Paul Daubney emailed: "I took advantage of the sunshine this morning to take a trip to Chambers Farm Wood, in the hope of finding Brown Hairstreaks. The place was swarming with butterflies - I saw 21 species without getting as far as the meadow, and yes, I did see a single female Brown Hairstreak, along the path past Minting Triangle. I've never seen so many Silver-washed Fritillaries at Chambers before, most were quite worn, but one or two were looking very fresh. And on the way back to the car park I had a special fly past, a Purple Emperor to round off the morning. Although the access road and car parks are now open, they are horribly dusty! Be warned!"
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "The transect at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR was fairly

   

  

  productive today, although some numbers are starting to drop off now. Around the Rimac route were 27 Small/Essex Skipper, 3 Large White, 4 Small White, 5 Green-veined White, 3 Small Copper, 2 Brown Argus, 27 Common Blue, 6 Peacock, 1 Speckled Wood, 18 Wall, 77 Gatekeeper, 83 Meadow Brown, 4 Ringlet and 1 Small Heath. John Walker had 11 Wall between

   

  

  Churchill Lane and Brickyard Lane. Also, there were 9 Gatekeeper, 6 Meadow Brown, 1 Speckled Wood, 2 Red Admiral, 2 Small White and 1 Small Skipper."

---

July 2022

Saturday 30th July 2022

• Richard Rowland emailed: "I found a pristine Clouded Yellow on some waste ground at the side of Ridge Walk, Scunthorpe this morning."
• Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "This morning my garden trap produced a Webb's Wainscot, which was new for the year. Also, so far this year I have caught 9 Tree-lichen Beauty, compared to 5 last year, the first ever being caught in July."

 

Friday 29th July 2022

• Mike Pickwell emailed: "This morning I went for a quick walk around Scartho Woodland Burial Ground in Grimsby. It was rather quiet, possibly because both sides of the path have been flailed. Nevertheless, I managed to see the following: 4 Large White, 2 Small White, 6 Speckled Wood, 3 Meadow Brown, 3 Gatekeeper, 1 Red Admiral and 1 Peacock."
• Phil Lee from Misterton emailed: "We had the attached Dark Crimson Underwing in our garden trap last night."

 

Wednesday 27th July 2022: Chalk Hill Blue at Southrey Wood!

 

• Darren Wozencroft emailed: "Arriving at Chambers Farm Wood at 09:45 the butterfly garden was alive with activity, Silver-washed Fritillary, Peacock, Comma, Red Admiral, a single Painted Lady, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, numerous Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Whites, a few Ringlet, 2 Small Skipper and singles of Small Copper and Holly Blue. Heading on the main path towards Fiveways a Purple Emperor glided overhead with another female sat on the track and a few Speckled Wood basked. At Little Scrubbs Meadow, another Painted Lady, a Brimstone, more Silver-washed Fritillary, Peacock and Red Admiral, with Common Blue added to the day list and Purple Hairstreak in the oaks nearby. After only three hours, 20 species had been seen. A quick visit to Southrey Wood produced more of the same plus a stunning White Admiral. A large pale blue species then caught our attention as it moved south down the main ride, stopping to feed briefly, allowing a good view and a single photograph. This was enough to confirm later what I suspected at the time, that the butterfly was a Chalk Hill Blue! With the nearest colony maybe 40 miles away and the habitat completely wrong for this species, I can only guess what/how it ended up there? It did cap a fantastic few hours in the field. Could the heatwave last week have played a part in displacing this individual? (As ever it was exciting and a privilege to see something so unexpected).
• Richard O'Connor emailed: "Today I was out doing some botanical recording on the runways of the former RAF Colsterworth airfield in Twyford Wood. I was accompanied by Malcolm Pool and around midday we disturbed a superb Clouded Yellow in mint condition. Good views were obtained as the butterfly came to rest a few times with wings closed." 
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "This afternoon 5 Wall were the highlight of the butterfly transect around Rimac."
• Graham Catley messaged: "18 Silver-washed Fritillary at Laughton Forest today and at least 15 Red Admirals. Also had a Wall on the wet heath track as well."                                                      

   

  

• Mike Pickewell emailed: "I went for a walk around Gooseman's Field and the Woodland Burial

   

  

  Ground in Grimsby today. Unfortunately, as I reached the burial ground the sky clouded over, but I still enjoyed a good session! On Gooseman's I found: 4 Large White, 9 Small White, 23 Gatekeeper, 19 Meadow Brown, 1 Comma, 2 Peacock, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Small Copper, 12 Common Blue, 4 Speckled Wood and a Dusky Sallow moth. I also saw a 1 Migrant Hawker and 7 Common Darter. In the Woodland Burial Ground I noted: 2 Large White, 9 Speckled Wood, 2 Peacock, 2 Meadow Brown, 2 Ringlet and 2 Gatekeeper."
• Nige Lound: "I trapped in the East Dunes at Gibraltar Point NNR some 200 metres north of Mill Hill and managed 449 moths of 72 species. Not as busy as expected mainly due to quite a strong onshore breeze keeping the temperature down maybe? 140+ of the moths were Pediasia contaminella and Straw Underwing was the only macro new for the year. A bycatch Brown Hawker was the first time I have seen one in a moth trap."
• Andy Sims from Swanpool emailed: "Bordered Straw was new for the garden today! 2022 has

   

  

  been an excellent year for new species in my garden - Tawny Marbled Minor on 28th May, Treble Brown Spot on 18th June, Plain Golden Y on 23rd June, Lackey on 27th June, Least Carpet on 9th July, Silky Wainscot on 12th July and Brown-veined Wainscot on 19th July."

 

Monday 25th July 2022

Graham Catley messaged: "A Wall today on bank at Marsh Lane, Winteringham.

Sunday 24th July 2022

• Roy Harvey emailed: "Linda and I visited Red Hill LWT Nature Reserve this afternoon. It was mostly cloudy, with occasional sunshine, but windy. Not a single Marbled White was seen. Accurate counting of Meadow Brown was not carried out, but this was the most common species seen. Gatekeeper was the next most numerous. Other species noted were as follows: 2 Large White, 5 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 2 Small Skipper and 3 Peacock. 
• Nige Lound emailed: "Trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR again - 400 moths of 102 species, with Copper Underwing agg and Red Underwing new for the year."

Thursday 21st July 2022

• John Walker emailed: "Rob Scott and I watched a Purple Hairstreak in Swinn Wood today, my first sighting of one there!"
• Nige Lound emailed: Trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight - 458 moths of 97 species with Bird's Wing (another new one for me), a pristine Delicate and Tawny-speckled Pug all new for the year."
• Graham Catley messaged: "A pristine Painted Lady and a few Large Whites at Alkborough today. Yesterday I noted a single Comma and at least 100 Gatekeeper."

 

Wednesday 20th July 2022

 

• Mike Pickwell emailed: "Nice to have a cooler day today! It was good to be able to do my usual butterfly walk in the Grimsby area, taking in the Scartho Woodland Burial Ground and Gooseman's Field after three weeks away. The first site produced 3 Large White, 2 Small White, a mating pair of Green-veined White, 1 Peacock, 1 Red Admiral, 10 Speckled Wood, 8 Gatekeeper and 1 Holly Blue. In Gooseman's Field I found 19 Meadow Brown, 5 Ringlet, 5 Gatekeeper, 3 Small Skipper, 2 Red Admiral and a single Six-spot Burnet moth."
• John Davison emailed: "Had Silver-washed Fritillary at Burkinshaw's Covert, Immingham last week, but 3 White-letter Hairstreaks there today!"

 

Tuesday 19th July 2022

• Toby Ludlow emailed: "On the hottest day ever recorded in the UK, I spent a few hours out at Chambers Farm Wood. Needless to say, I was the only one stupid enough to be out there in THAT heat: on arrival, the temperature was already 35 degrees Centigrade and rose to 39 degrees Centigrade whilst I was there. Given the conditions, I thought I would struggle to find any Purple Emperors, but it pays to not second-guess nature, and on a walk up to ‘Fiveways’ I recorded three females down on the track and three males which were also grounded. However, this was not the strangest behaviour seen out there: the heat had caused a bizarre phenomenon – Purple Hairstreaks littered the path and every footstep kicked up 4 or 5. In the walk to ‘Fiveways’ alone I recorded 377 down low, and there must have been thousands throughout the entire complex. Most were sheltering from the heat (as much as they could) by resting down low in shade and orienting themselves towards the direction of the sun, so as to present a minimal profile. However, not all were successful and, on the walk back to the car, it was quite sad to see that some had paid the ultimate price, wings bent back displaying their purple uppersides."
• Alan Pike emailed: "While running through our local wood (Potterhanworth) yesterday evening, I

   

  

  came across a bloom of Purple Hairsteaks. I was quite excited as we had only just moved into the area last year and was hoping the wood would provide some butterfly interest. Today, I managed to persuade my wife that it was worth a return visit around 6 pm in the 40 degrees C heat! There were Purple Hairstreaks everywhere and I gave up trying to count how many - a really special day! Also, 2 Silver-washed Fritillaries, Speckled Woods, lots of Large, Small and Green-veined Whites, Gatekeepers, Peacocks, Commas and Small Tortoiseshells."

Monday 18th July 2022

 

• Dave Wright reported: "Early this morning there seemed to be a small influx of butterflies into my Grimsby garden, before the intense heat could take affect. I found a second brood Holly Blue nectaring on Hemp Agrimony (see attached), followed by a fresh male Brimstone and a Small Skipper on the Buddleia, the latter being a first for my garden. Other species attracted to the Buddleia included 1 Red Admiral, 5 Peacocks, 4 Small Tortoiseshells, 3 Large Whites, 4 Small Whites and a single Meadow Brown. A Gatekeeper also made an appearance."
• Mike Pickwell from Grimsby emailed: "This morning while it was still cool enough to be in the

   

  

  garden (it reached 38.3 degrees C this afternoon), I did a 'Big Butterfly Count'. I noted 3 Large White, 2 Small White, 1 Gatekeeper, 1 Holly Blue and 1 Red Admiral."
• Josh Forrester messaged: "Despite the hot weather warning decided to visit Chambers Farm

   

  

  Wood today. Had a look in the butterfly garden first and was astounded to find a Purple Emperor at the pond. It went to drink from the water and got stuck, so we had to rescue it. Having it in the hand was a very special experience. Also, fairly reasonable views of Purple Hairstreaks and we had them flying between our feet and over our heads. Very hot today during our visit, but very worthwhile!"
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "I did the butterfly transect at Rimac today which was a bit chaotic, especially in areas with patchy shade, but my best counting efforts are as follows: 126 Small/Essex Skipper, 7 Large White, 13 Small White, 11 Green-veined White, 2 Brown Argus, 11 Common Blue, 3 Peacock, 1 Speckled Wood, 299 Gatekeeper, 99 Meadow Brown, 163 Ringlet and 3 Small Heath."
• Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped near Mill Hill at Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and had 571 moths of 135 species. Macros new for the year were Double Lobed, Least Carpet (5), Mere Wainscot, Rosy Rustic, Rufous Minor, Small Phoenix, Small Wainscot, Tree-lichen Beauty (2), Twin-spotted Wainscot and White Satin. Bycatch included Long-winged Conehead, Roesel's Bush-cricket and 2 Great Diving Beetles."
• Phil Bowler emailed: "More news from my garden. We have been receiving visits from the

   

  

  occasional Silver-washed Fritillary since 2018. Coincidentally since, the violets have gone berserk throughout the garden, almost as if they know they are needed! On the 15th July I witnessed a pristine female Silver-washed Fritillary weaving in and out of the woodland garden pathways, assumedly looking for violets. It was so good to see her in such fine condition after the ragged ones the day before in Southrey Wood. There had already been a male passing through some days prior to this sighting, so it is highly likely that this female was gravid - otherwise why would she be acting in this manner? Here's hoping that this is the next butterfly to claim residency in our garden! Also, today despite the heatwave, the Brown Argus is suddenly seen all over the garden in ones and twos. Everywhere I walk one pops up! An excellent recovery from their almost non-existent first brood."

 

Sunday 17th July 2022

Stuart Mackman emailed: "With little time to spare and the forecast of a hot day, I had just an hour available for a stroll on the main ride in Southrey Wood this morning. Within less than five minutes I had spotted half a dozen Purple Hairstreaks, all at low level in the small trees. I had a total count of 8 along with just 1 White Admiral, 1 Silver-washed Fritillary, many Meadow Brown, Large and Small White, 3 Green-veined White, 6 Peacock and 20+ Gatekeeper. I was delighted to capture a couple of photographs of the hairstreaks and to see good numbers overall in the very limited time I spent there."

 

Saturday 16th July 2022

• Laura Gundy emailed: "Several farmers in my local area have given me permission to wander about on their land to record butterflies this year. I am very grateful to them and struggling to find the time to fit it all in! I got a couple of hours in this morning on a new site near Market Stainton - land that has been left unmanaged for several years. Amongst other species I counted 48 Small Skipper, 214 Meadow Brown, 38 Ringlet and 2 Purple Hairstreak. Oh, and did I mention the Purple Emperor above my head and the Marbled White that flew past my chin!"
• Gary Fenwick emailed: "Earlier today I spent a good few hours at Red Hill LWT Nature Reserve and noted the following: c350 Meadow Brown, 3 Marbled White, 12+ Small White, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 8+ Large White, 1 Small Heath, 3 Peacock, 1 Common Blue, c40 Gatekeeper, 20+ Ringlet, 3 Large Skipper and 1 Small Skipper. Moths included c120 Six-spot Burnet."
• Freddy Johnson emailed: "Buddleias and large patches of Marjoram have brought a good selection of butterflies to my Bracebridge Heath garden today: Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Red Admiral, Comma and the 3 Whites. In the past week I've also had Brimstone and Small Copper, and a Painted Lady visited in May."

Friday 15th July 2022: Female Silver-washed Fritillary (f. valesina) in Morkery Wood! 

 

• Toby Ludlow reported: "Met up with Dave Wright early this morning and we headed southwards to visit Temple Wood. As seems customary now at our southern woodlands, we were greeted on arrival by a Red Kite flying low over the trees at the entrance to the wood. We walked southwards along the main north/south track in the wood, but as the sun had not got high enough to percolate down into the ride system there was little butterfly activity; it even proved difficult to find the ubiquitous Ringlet at first! But as we ventured on and the sun got higher, it eventually lit the top of the Oak and Ash trees. This was just the catalyst to spur Purple Hairstreaks into life and they began to dance upon high and every tree seemed to contain a few of these small, silvery butterflies. We soon amassed a respectable total of 80 before concentrating on some of the other woodland denizens at ground level. Here, of particular note, were the Silver-washed Fritillaries.

   

  

  After a bend in the track, we encountered a short stretch of Bramble that was covered in them - 35 in total; one small patch just a few feet across had 9 on alone. For a moment we had to just stand and watch the interaction between them all: combatant males sparring on the one hand contrasting with several instances of courtship behaviour between males and females on the other. We eventually tore ourselves away and continued on; by the time we had reached the end of the north/south ride we had seen 86 of these graceful creatures and had thoroughly enjoyed our time spent in this woodland. Later in the afternoon we headed to Morkery wood in the hope of seeing a few Purple Emperors, but the cloud had thickened by then and it initially looked like we would be unlucky. Nevertheless, we headed up the hill from the car park and in a brief sunny spell we saw a male Purple Emperor flying high up around a Field Maple. Enthused by this, we carried on up to the top of the rise. Here we spotted a female Purple Emperor circling low down just above the track. Initially we thought it was going to land, but alas it didn't and continued further along the track before sailing up and into the trees. A couple of minutes later and we had the sighting of the day: a female Silver-washed Fritillary f. valesina. This is the first valesina that I've seen in Lincolnshire, so a historic day for me, but it didn't hang around for us to get a photograph and we were left rueing what could have been! However, a little further down the ride a second valesina caught our attention. This was definitely a second individual because it was marked slightly differently. We managed to get a quick photograph of this one before it headed into deep cover and out of sight. By now the cloud had cleared significantly and the heat of the sun brought with it an increase in butterfly activity. In particular, we went on to see a further 4 male Purple Emperors of which the last one was grounded, which made a welcome change!
• Richard Doan reported: "A female Purple Emperor at Swinn Wood this morning along with 4 White Admirals."
• Kev Graham emailed: "We saw a White Admiral on our walk this morning in Manby, near Louth. Didn't have a camera with me and despite going back, it had disappeared 15 minutes later."

Thursday 14th July 2022

• Phil Bowler emailed: "The Southrey Wood mission was a huge disappointment, mainly because the weather went against the forecast and there was very little sun. So no Purple Emperor on the track as had been reported yesterday - plenty of Nymphalids warming up on the ground though: 3 brand new Red Admirals, a very worn Painted Lady, 3 Commas, male Silver-washed Fritillary and 17 Peacock. The Silver-washed were another disappointment - only 3 of each sex seen and curiously the males were much fresher than the badly worn females. One attempted to lay an egg on my trouser and then tried thistle stems instead! There were no White-letter Hairstreaks down on the thistles in the bottom corner of the reserve (or anywhere), and I only saw 3 Purple Hairstreaks. Just the one female Common Blue and 2 Brown Argus. No Brimstones were evident and the Whites counted: 5 Large, 3 Small and 26 Green-veined. Just 4 Small Skippers and 3 Large. Gatekeepers were very fresh and seemingly all male - 16 seen. Meadow Brown totalled 40 and as ever, the real numbers were reserved for the Ringlet - 190. Only day-flying moths seen were a Blood-vein and a Silver Y."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Today I found 4 Purple Hairstreaks in Town's Holt, and this is just one site where I've come across this species in the Grimsby area recently. The others are as follows: 25 Dixon's Wood on 13th, 35 Bradley Woods on 11th, 28 Weelsby Woods on 10th and 2 People's Park on 9th."            
• Derek Fox emailed: "I cannot believe my luck! Just came back from Welton and this big butterfly was nectaring on the Buddleia nearest to my house at Langworth. It was a female Silver-washed Fritillary!

 

Wednesday 13th July 2022

 

• Chris Atkin messaged: "Visited Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR today, and had a Wall just south of Paradise Wood gate. I haven't heard of any other sightings of 2nd generation Wall on the wing at the moment, so I think this might be a slightly early one. Lots of butterflies about and it was great to see a Hummingbird Hawk-moth on Viper's Bugloss."
• Pete Cawdell emailed: "On Sunday I spent the day at Grimsthorpe Estate covering for Chris and Susan Howes doing their four transects. In the wall to wall sunshine it actually took me 6 hours from when I started the 1st until I finished the 4th! Anyway there were plenty of butterflies about and I counted and identified 808 of 21 species. Highlights were 76 Marbled White, 31 Dark Green Fritillary, 6 Silver-washed Fritillary, 10 Purple Hairstreak and 1 White-letter Hairstreak. Furthermore, on Monday Chris tells me he had a sighting of a Purple Emperor - the first he has seen there in his 25 years as Park Ranger and living on the Estate. (One was also reported to him by a visitor last year."

Tuesday 12th July 2022

• Toby Ludlow emailed: "On Sunday 24th July I'm helping Dave Wright with the Butterfly Walks at the 'Wild Wilsford' event. With that in mind, I had to take my son to Grantham station today and passed through Wilsford, so I decided to do a quick recce at the Quarry. It was overcast, but really warm, and I only had 10 minutes there. I saw about a dozen Meadow Browns there before I walked around the back of the playing field. As I was stood behind the goal I looked up and saw a large butterfly gliding around an Ash tree. I initially thought (stupidly) that it looked a bit like a Purple Emperor, so I paid it more attention and had a good look at it. Lo and behold, it WAS a male Purple Emperor!!! It circled round and landed two feet in front of me on the embankment. You could have knocked me over with a feather! 
• David Broome emailed: "An hour and a half at Morkery Wood this morning produced 10 butterfly species, including 3 Purple Emperor, 11 Silver-washed Fritillary logged (difficult to be totally sure how many individuals) and 5 Purple Hairstreak."
• Martin Meechan emailed: "I visited Chambers Farm Wood today, but not many butterflies on the wing, in the cloudy, and sometimes showery conditions. The highlights were seeing a Purple Emperor on the ground, half a dozen pristine Peacocks and a similar number of Silver-washed Fritillaries."

Monday 11th July 2022

• David Broome emailed: "I had opportunity for a first to visit to Bourne Woods today during a work-related trip to Lincolnshire. Butterflies seen included 1 Purple Emperor gliding off an Oak not far NW of the car park, 1 White Admiral, minimum 9 Silver-washed Fritillary and 5 Purple Hairstreak."
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "The transect at Rimac today produced the following: "201 Small/Essex Skipper, 6 Green-veined White, 1 Small Copper, 121 Gatekeeper, 123 Meadow Brown, 146 Ringlet, 8 Small Heath and a Common Blue seen off transect route."
• Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped At Mill Hill at Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and managed 616

   

  

  moths of 134 species. New macros for the year were the following: Clay, Cloaked Minor, Coast Dart, Crescent Striped, Currant Pug, Dot Moth, Ear Moth agg, Fen Wainscot, Haworth's Pug, Lackey, Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, Lesser Cream Wave, Lesser Yellow Underwing, Lyme Grass, Rosy Minor, Shaded Broad-bar, Shore Wainscot, Small Dotted Buff and Twin-spotted Wainscot."
• Helen Kirk emailed: "Recently I had a fabulous first visit to Chambers Farm Wood, so much so I ventured back today. I enjoyed at least 6 Purple Emperors,

   

  

  but none as obliging as that of last Wednesday. Attached is an image of one on dog poo. A few White Admirals and plenty of Silver-washed Fritillaries about, but all very mobile. Purple Hairstreak still in reasonable numbers as well as other usual supporting cast."

Sunday 10th July 2022

 

• Phil Bowler from Amber Hill emailed: "At last! After all these years and having many mature elms in the garden and close by, we finally see White-letter Hairstreak for definite. I even managed the attached photo of one quite high up in an ash tree. Three seen in total, hopefully this is the start of our very own breeding colony in our butterfly garden."
• Suzanne Nelson messaged: "Today I visited Crowle Moors and noted the following species:

   

  

  Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Small White, Green-veined White, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood and only 4 Large Heath."
• Derek Fox from Langworth emailed: "Had a fresh second brood Holly Blue in the garden today."

Saturday 9th July 2022

 

• Dave Wright reported: "This morning I met up with Laura Gundy at Sotby Wood and spent an enjoyable few hours searching for butterflies. The highlight was undoubtedly 2 Purple Emperor sightings along the main track from the car park. We also saw 2 female White-letter Hairstreaks, egg-laying low down on the Elm further along this track. Nearby, a Silver-washed Fritillary made an appearance and was a first for both of us at this site. We also counted a staggering 395 Ringlets! Other species noted

   

  

  included the following: 5 White Admiral, 13 Purple Hairstreak, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 9 Comma, 56 Meadow Brown, 52 Gatekeeper, 13 Large White, 3 Small White, 21 Green-veined White, 16 Large Skipper, 26 Small Skipper, 3 Speckled Wood and a very fresh Brown Argus. Moths included a single Hummingbird Hawk-moth, 2 Dingy Footman, a Common Carpet and a mating pair of Yellow-tails. It was also great to hear and see a Turtle Dove in a recently felled area, sadly a very rare occurrence these days!"
• Suzanne Nelson messaged: "I visited Risby Warren today and here is my list: numerous Meadow

   

  

  Brown and Ringlet, 13 Gatekeeper, 15 Grayling, 5 Dark Green Fritillary, 50 Small Heath, 1 Large White, 4 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 1 Painted Lady, 7 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Small Copper, and numerous Small Skipper."
• Graham Catley messaged: "I had at least 14 Essex Skippers today at Alkborough Flats, but got

   

  

  the impression that they were just getting going. Last week I had 1000+ Meadow Browns on a rewilding site I am monitoring at Searby."
• Alan Daws emailed: "Today I called in at Swinn Wood LWT Nature Reserve near Aby. There were lots of butterflies about, including 4 White Admirals."
• Derek Fox from Langworth emailed: "Today in my garden I had one fresh Peacock and one fresh female Brimstone. Yesterday another Hummingbird Hawk-moth made an appearance, nectaring on the buddleia. This is the third one I have seen this year!"
• Gary Fenwick emailed: "I went to Chambers Farm Wood today and had a great four hours! I saw the following: 3 or 4 Purple Emperor, 15+ Silver-washed Fritillary, 4 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Gatekeeper, 60+ Meadow Brown, 10+ White Admiral, 2 Comma, 30+ Ringlet, 3 Speckled Wood, 15+ Small/Essex Skipper, 1 Brimstone, several Large White, and lots of Small and Green-veined White."
• Roy Harvey emailed: "Sadly, we saw no Purple Emperors at Chambers Farm Wood today,

   

  

  although one or two were reported by others. We did not see Purple Hairstreaks, but others did. I did not do any counting, but to give an idea there were 25+ Silver-washed Fritillaries and 20+ White Admirals. As you might expect, there was an abundance of Meadow Browns and Ringlets. Other species noted: Large White, Green-veined White, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and Gatekeeper."

 

Friday 8th July 2022

• Phil Bowler emailed: "Today I trudged my way to Chambers Farm Wood in the heat, but it was worth the effort. Star of the day was the Silver-washed Fritillary: 16 seen in total but only one female, so plenty of time to still see them fresh. White admirals were mainly still fresh - 11 seen. Purple Emperors were mainly keeping to the tree tops, but I saw 3 at ground level out of a total of 10, including a female in an Ash tree. Only 4 Purple Hairstreaks were seen, but no White -letter Hairstreaks. Ringlets were the most numerous with 124 clicked. Only 2 Gatekeepers - running late! A brand new male Brimstone was encountered plus 3 Peacocks. Small Tortoiseshells scored 15 and I saw 8 Commas, all of the hutchinsoni form. Making up the rest were: 6 Large Skipper, 2 Small Skipper, 1 Essex Skipper, 6 Large White, 2 Small White, 22 Green-veined White, 4 Speckled Wood and 16 Meadow Brown. Unfortunately the road works are way off completion."
• Stuart Mackman emailed: "Visited Chambers Farm Wood this afternoon, the approach road and

   

  

  car park are still closed to visitors, but I parked at the entrance on Hoop Lane and walked into the wood hoping to photograph some butterflies. I saw only 1 Purple Emperor near the visitor centre, but he was uncooperative and didn't settle. Similarly, spotted 8 Purple Hairstreaks at the very top of the Oak trees, but unfortunately too far away for any photographs. Better luck next time! However, there were still others to see with many Silver-washed Fritillaries, a few White Admirals, lots of Ringlets and 3 Hummingbird Hawk-moths. 

 

Thursday 7th July 2022

 

• Dave Wright reported: "The cloudy conditions in the Grimsby area this morning, gradually gave way and it became quite warm and sunny, with a light breeze. Therefore, I decided to pay another visit to Long Strip Wood on Immingham Dock, a site where I recently saw my first White-letter Hairstreaks of the year. This species can be elusive at the best of times, but I spent a magical hour around midday watching at least 15 of these special little butterflies. Most of them were 'buzzing' around the tops of the Elm and accompanying Oak and Ash, occasionally descending onto Elm sucker re-growth, where I managed to get the attached record shot. The wood also produced 5 Gatekeeper (my first of the year), 25 Ringlet, 1 Large White, 4 Green-veined White, 2 Speckled Wood, 2 Comma and a single Red Admiral. Nearby, at North Beck Drain, I had a further 10 Gatekeeper, 1 Small Heath and 1 Small Skipper."
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "I got out for the Rimac transect this afternoon with the clear blue

   

  

  skies. 83 Small Skipper, 10 Essex Skipper, 33 Small/Essex Skipper, 5 Green-veined White, 2 Small Copper, 1 Speckled Wood, 40 Gatekeeper, 86 Meadow Brown, 129 Ringlet and 10 Small Heath. A Silver-washed Fritillary was seen by John Walker at Churchill Lane this afternoon, before flying south. It had been seen briefly at Brickyard Lane, just after lunchtime, but only identified as a fritillary sp. at the time."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "On the 29th June I found 9 Purple Hairstreaks (my first of the year), on my local patch, just off Westward Ho in Grimsby. This evening I returned and saw a staggering 42, by far my highest count for this site! Earlier in the day I noted: 2 Essex Skipper, 33 Small Skipper, 125 Ringlet, 12 Meadow Brown, 2 Gatekeeper and a single Holly Blue. I also found a huge female Privet Hawk-moth in the long grass."
• David Goff emailed: "Graylings out in good numbers today at Risby Warren. Also in high double figures - Small Heath, Skippers, Meadow Browns and Gatekeepers. Also, 3 Dark Green Fritillaries!"

Wednesday 6th July 2022: Clouded Yellow at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR!

• Pete Roworth reported: "On two occasions this morning, a bright yellow butterfly 'fizzed' through my garden at Sea View. It was too small for a Brimstone and I'm almost certain it was a Clouded Yellow!"
• David Goff emailed: "I spent a pleasant hour at West Wood, Broughton today. Apart from the usual suspects - Ringlets and Meadow Browns - I came across 3 Essex Skippers, 2 Brown Argus and 3 Silver-washed Fritillaries."
• Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and had 479 moths

   

  

  of 86 species. New for the year macros were Antler Moth, Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, Brown-line Bright-eye, Dotted Fanfoot, Iron Prominent, July Highflyer, Large Twin-spot Carpet, Mouse Moth, Scalloped Oak, and the highlight was another new moth for me in the form of a Small Mottled Willow."
• Helen Kirk emailed: "I managed to photograph the attached Purple Emperor at Chambers Farm Wood today, quite an amazing

   

  

  find given the dull weather. Other species observed were White Admiral, Purple Hairstreak (including the attached image), and very mobile Silver-washed Fritillaries, as well as the usual supporting cast. It was the first time I'd visited this site and given the weather I'd not expected the two gems but was highly delighted they obliged."

 

Tuesday 5th July 2022: Camberwell Beauty at RSPB Frampton Marsh!

• Roy Harvey reported: "This afternoon it was brought to my attention that a Paul Sullivan had seen a Camberwell Beauty at the bottom car park at RSPB Frampton Marsh. Apparently it drifted in and settled close to his car, but before he could grab his camera and take a photograph, it was spooked by a Reed Warbler."
• James Parry emailed: "Ran a moth trap in Louth town centre last night and was surprised to get

   

  

  as many as 12 species, including 2 Swallow-tailed Moths (see attached)."
• Adrian Royle emailed: "Another bike ride over to Chambers Farm Wood today, mostly cloudy but with sunny intervals. Lots of Ringlets, but not much else until the sun popped out at 10:30. White Admirals are still about in good numbers, plus 12 Silver-washed Fritillaries. Of course at this time of the season we all want Purple Emperors, but I only managed 3, 2 high up at Fiveways and another along the main ride, but it was very shy and didn't stick around for a photo shoot."
• Phil Bowler from Amber Hill emailed: "The first Peacocks are out in our garden today, alongside our first 3 Purple Hairstreaks. Exciting!"

Monday 4th July 2022

 

Pete Smith emailed: "As a post-script, I referred this example of a Ringlet aberration from 30th June on to Paul Dunn (author of 'Aberrations of the Ringlet Butterfly') and it now has a name - ab. novem-luscens."

Sunday 3rd July 2022

• Laura Gundy messaged: "This morning I nipped over to Sotby Wood and found a White-letter Hairstreak on Elm sucker regrowth along the main track. Also, 2 Purple Hairstreaks before the sun disappeared." 
• Suzanne Nelson messaged: "Despite the closure of the access road and main car park at Chambers Farm Wood, I paid a visit today and noted the following: 4 Purple Emperor, 1 Purple Hairstreak, 4 White Admiral, 2 Silver-washed Fritillary, 4 Large Skipper, 1 Small Skipper, 40+ Ringlet, 6 Meadow Brown, 2 Comma, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 1 Large White and 4 Speckled Wood."
• Marian Markham emailed: "I visited Morkery Wood this morning in the sunshine . It was quite busy with butterflies along the track vegetation. These are my counts: 4 Comma, 1 Red Admiral, 6 Purple Emperor, 10 Dark Green Fritillary, 5 Ringlet, 1 Meadow Brown and 2 Large Skipper."

Saturday 2nd July 2022

• Lesley Robinson messaged: "Six people (3 from out of county) attended our field trip today at Crowle Moor. 13 Large Heath seen as well as Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock larvae, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Large, Small and Green-veined White, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Ringlet, Meadow Brown and Comma. A good day, sunny intervals and quite blustery at times."
• John Nelson phoned: "Today I visited my local patch, an area of waste ground just behind Grimsby Town's football ground. It was quite productive for butterflies and I noted the following: 130 Ringlet, 24 Meadow Brown, 35 Large White, 15 Small White, 5 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Common Blue, and several each of Large and Small Skipper. A few Six-spot Burnet moths were also present."

Friday 1st July 2022

 

• Toby Ludlow emailed: "Today I met up with Keith Robinson at Chambers Farm Wood and we enjoyed a few hours searching for Purple Emperors. We had a few brief tree-top sightings before the light level dropped considerably and these sightings dried up. It was almost midday before it brightened up and sightings resumed. When the sun finally broke through, we had a sustained good spell, which included seeing 6 Purple Emperors in one vista. Four of these

   

  

  males were particularly interested in the top of a Sallow tree, and I suspect a female was lurking there, but it was just out of sight so we couldn't confirm that. As we progressed on, I spotted a Comma in flight that was black instead of the usual russet colour, so I knew it would be a good aberration. Fortunately, it settled in front of me, so I immediately took a good look and confirmed it was a Comma ab. suffusa, the most extreme Comma aberration I have seen to date. As I approached with the camera, the Comma annoyingly flew onto my lens, thus preventing me from getting a picture. As I encouraged it off the lens, it took flight again and circled above before landing on my head. I think, as they say, it was extracting the urine!"
• Martin Meechan emailed: "I was down the seafront at Cleethorpes today, photographing bees on Lavender, when a Hummingbird Hawk-moth paid me an all too brief visit. One day I'll manage to get a photo! Butterfly wise, one each of Large White, Small Tortoiseshell and Painted Lady.
• Roy Harvey messaged: "A quick late afternoon visit to Cress Marsh near Stallingborough, produced lots of butterflies along the main track, including my first Gatekeepers of the Summer. Also Painted Lady and Small White."

 

---

June 2022

Thursday 30th June 2022

 

• Pete Smith emailed: "Early this evening my wife drew my attention to a Ringlet in our back garden which she thought might be mildly aberrant. As is often the case, although it pains me to admit it, she was correct! Although I don't believe it is a recognised named aberration, there is definitely an extra spot in the underside hindwing at S4, and almost an extra un-pupiled spot in S2, with the S2 spot becoming cuneiform, or tear-drop, in shape. It has elements of several other known aberrations, but for now I think it goes down as ab. nov."
• Stuart and Eileen Mackman emailed: "Attached is a photograph of a Privet Hawk-moth seen in our Washingborough garden this afternoon."

 

Wednesday 29th June 2022

 

Derek Fox emailed: "After doing my Snakeholme Pit transect and a quick call to see my sister who lives about two miles from the reserve, I thought I would have a few minutes in Hardy Gang Wood to see if I could find any White Admirals. After ten minutes I saw this large butterfly on dog poo and I realised that it was His Majesty the Purple Emperor! I was ecstatic and could not believe my luck to think I found him only five minutes away from where I live. Other butterflies included 2 White Admiral, 3 Red Admiral, 1 Comma, 2 Purple Hairstreak and good numbers of Meadow Brown and Ringlet, plus a few fresh Whites."

 

Tuesday 28th June 2022

• Nige Lound emailed: "Overnight I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR and managed 273 moths of 88 species. New for the year were Blue-bordered Carpet, Common White Wave, Ghost Moth, Green Pug and Rufous Minor."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "7 White-letter Hairstreaks this morning on the eastern boundary of People's Park in Grimsby."
• Laura Gundy messaged: "Today there were 3 Hummingbird Hawk-moths feeding on my little honeysuckle plant in my Benniworth Walk Farm garden."
• Phil Lee emailed: "I had one of my better days at Crowle Moor today! It was was very windy which

   

  

  kept the 'mossies' off and the whole moor was alive with insects. At least 40 Large Heaths were seen of the form polydama, mainly along the north tram and along Swinefleet Warping Drain. However, this last area produced the star of the day when a Lunar Hornet Moth came to my lure amongst the willows within five minutes."

 

Monday 27th June 2022

 

David Bee emailed: "I visited Redhill LWT Nature Reserve this evening and saw at least 30 Marbled Whites, including 2 mating pairs. There must have been the same number of both Meadow Browns and Ringlets, with 10 Small Heath, 2 Large Skippers and 2 Small Skippers. I also noted Six-spot and Narrow-bordred Five-spot Burnet moths in good numbers."

Sunday 26th June 2022

• Roy Harvey emailed: "I made a quick visit to Nettleton LNR this afternoon, didn't have time for a proper count, but saw my first Comma of the summer. Meadow Brown, Ringlet and Small Heath were present in good numbers. This evening I went to Killingholme Haven and saw 2 Painted Lady on the wall - they were looking rather worn."
• Sally Sawyer emailed: "Spotted a Black Arches moth on our motor home door handle in Lincoln. It's been there all morning!

Saturday 25th June 2022

 

• Ian McGlynn emailed: "I decided to go to Morkery Woods today and saw 3 Purple Emperors. I've also been to Bourne Woods three times recently, and have not seen Purple Emperor or White Admiral. Unfortunately many trees have been cut down!"
• Pete Cawdell emailed: "Today I decided to visit two sites in the south of the county.

   

  

  The first of these, Morkery Wood, produced a Hummingbird Hawk-moth. I'm more used to seeing these 'humming' around nectaring on flowers like garden valerian. This one had staked out a terrritory in the middle of the ride and would circle round when disturbed like a Painted Lady, only to land again in just about the same place each time. At the second site near Castle Bytham, I came across a mating pair of Marbled Whites and the attached photograph illustrates the background underwing

   

  

  colour difference of the sexes - female on top."                                           
• Pete Burnett emailed: "I visited College Wood near Apley, Wragby during the week. Good numbers of Meadow Browns and Ringlets, plus at least half a dozen White Admirals, they were very flighty and none settled for a photo! Did not see anything purple!"

   

  

• John Davison emailed: "2 Silver-washed Fritillaries out this afternoon at Broughton West Wood, and a Comma larva."
• Dave Wright reported: "This afternoon I visited Sotby Wood in the company of Laura Gundy, who found a Purple Emperor at this site last year. No such luck today, but we did see at least 14 White Admirals. Some of the rides were very rich in flora and we noted a further ten species of butterfly

   

  

  - 1 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 9 Comma, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 8 Green-veined White (including a pair mating), 29 Large Skipper, 9 Small Skipper, 5 Speckled Wood, 20 Meadow Brown and 107 Ringlet. Moths seen included 1 Cinnabar, 1 Silver Y and a Knot Grass caterpillar. We also had two sightings of a Hummingbird Hawk-moth in different parts

   

  

  of the wood, but it turned out to be the same individual, identified by the fact it had one antenna. Good to see a few dragonflies on the wing, with both Brown Hawker and Southern Hawker patrolling the rides. A single Common Darter was new for the year! Earlier, another Hummingbird Hawk-moth was seen in Laura's garden at Benniworth Walk Farm, where there was also a Mullein caterpillar."

 

Friday 24th June 2022

 

• John Davison emailed: "Short walk at Risby this morning produced 3 Grayling."
• David Bee emailed: "This week, altogether, I spent about 10 hours at Southrey Wood over four

   

  

  visits. My first visit of four hours on Monday was the most productive in terms of White Admiral numbers seen - easily 20 individuals, maybe as many as 30. They were everywhere, even settling on my boots! Today I saw 3 during my visit to Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve."

 

Thursday 23rd June 2022

 

• Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped in the East Dunes at Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and managed 553 moths of 110 species. Macros new for the year were Clouded Magpie, Common Rustic agg, Dun-bar, Four-dotted Footman, Freyer's Pug, Lyme Grass, Rivulet, Rosy Footman, V-Pug, White-line Dart and Wormwood Pug."
• Dave Wright reported: "This morning I decided to visit Long Strip Wood on Immingham Dock, in the hope of seeing my first White-letter Hairstreak of the year. After about 30 minutes of searching my patience was rewarded with at least 3, seen 'buzzing' around the top of an Ash tree close to the Elm. Little else on the wing apart from a few Ringlets and a single Speckled Wood."
• Andrew Kurch reported: "Following my first sighting of the year of a White-letter Hairstreak in Grimsby a few days ago, I decided to visit two woodland areas on the edge of town, traditionally good for this species. The first of these, Dixon Wood, produced 6 White-letter Hairstreaks and the second site nearby, Bradley Wood, revealed a further 2 on the Elm near the car parking area."
• Derek Fox reported: "On a very warm sunny day I recorded 42 butterflies of 12 species. Most

   

  

  numerous were 15 Ringlet and 8 Meadow Brown. Considering the weather, I was expecting much greater numbers of these two species. Also present were 4 Brimstone, 3 Small Skipper, 1 Large Skipper, 1 Large White, 4 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Speckled Wood mud-puddling on the bed of the stream and a Comma which kept settling on my arm and taking salts from my sweat."
• Maureen Moscrop emailed: "Today I spotted a Hummingbird Hawk-moth in my garden in Woodhall Spa. It was around the Red Valerian and stayed for several minutes."

Wednesday 22nd June 2022: Purple Emperor at Chambers Farm Wood!

 

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Three new species for 2022 for me today: White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak and Purple Emperor, the latter being my earliest record for a Purple Emperor in Lincolnshire. I was really uncertain where to go today, but eventually decided on Southrey Wood. En route, at the very last minute, I had a change of heart and decided it would be Chambers Farm Wood instead. I'm really glad I changed my mind! Once at Chambers Farm Wood, I decided to try and find some White-letter Hairstreaks. A search of the Elms immediately bore fruit and I soon notched up a respectable tally of 7. Whilst scanning the elms, I noticed another butterfly on an elm leaf that wasn't moving very much; closer inspection revealed it to be a fresh Purple Hairstreak. Early on in the day, dozens of male White Admirals were on the wing, scouring the rides for a mate. I should think that some were successful because on my walk I also came across 3 female White Admirals, the first ones I've seen this year. Whilst there, I bumped into Michael Goddard and we had a bit of a natter. All of a sudden a shadow loomed over us and we looked up to see what it was - it was a majestic male Purple Emperor, gracefully gliding around the nearby Oak, fairly low down, tantalising us before sailing off further down the ride. What a treat and totally unexpected! As the heat of the day wore on, butterfly activity diminished. We checked at Fiveways for Black Hairstreaks and after about 20 minutes we finally saw a bit of action high up in the Blackthorn and recorded 3 individuals. Apart from that there was little else apart from a noticeable increase in the number of Whites, with Large and Small Whites on the wing. The only other thing of note was the total absence of Silver-washed Fritillaries. That aside, it was great to see 3 species of Hairstreak in a day."
• Martin Meechan emailed: "This morning a solitary Hummingbird Hawk-moth paid us a visit at the Grimsby Garden Centre, just off the Laceby bypass."
• Tim Harvey emailed: "I made my first ever visit to Ancaster Valley LWT Nature Reserve this

   

  

  afternoon. Highlights of this glorious habitat included a few Dark Green Fritillary (a new species for me) and numerous Marbled White. There were abundant Meadow Brown and Ringlet, as well as many Chimney Sweeper moths."

Tuesday 21st June 2022: Goodbye to the June Gap!

 

• Pete Smith emailed: "Good to see that the June gap is closing up nicely now, with plenty of summer species appearing on the wing! I spent a few hours out at Skellingthorpe Old Wood today, where the highlights were 3 White-letter Hairstreaks, a couple of dozen fresh White Admirals (all males), and 40+ Silver-washed Fritillaries, again, all males. Amongst the latter was the attached individual. It looked quite different in flight. Not a great photo - I only managed a record shot before it was off and away up over the canopy - but the usual bright orange ground colour was only really present along the leading costa and forewing tip area. The ground colour over the rest of the upper-wings was a much more washed out, almost silver-grey colour, even though this was a fresh example. A pathological aberration no doubt, but interesting to see!"

   

  

• Josh Forrester from Grimsby messaged: "I haven't had the garden trap out for the past two nights, but I was pleased to find this Hummingbird Hawk-moth roosting up on the house wall this morning. I think this is the first time I've seen this species not in flight!"
• Dave Wright reported: "Having not seen a Ringlet so far this year, I decided to make a flying visit to the Great Coates section of the Pyewipe Line, a site traditionally good for this species, just on the edge of Grimsby. I was amazed to find 93 Ringlet in such a small area, along with 5 Meadow Brown, 1 Small Skipper (my first of the year), 1 Large Skipper and 1 Small Tortoiseshell. The adjoining Mawmbridge Drain section of the Pyewipe Line produced a further 44 Ringlet, 4 Meadow Brown, 1 Small White, 1 Green-veined White and 1 Common Blue. On my way home I popped in to Europarc Reedbed nearby, and had 10 Ringlet, 3 Small Skipper, 9 Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet moths and a single Cinnabar." 
• Martin Kew reported: "Walked the transects at Twyford Wood today and was pleased to see my first Marbled White of the year, recording 7 at the Glades and 3 at the Sanctuary. There were good numbers of other butterflies on the wing and totals for the reserve were: Glades - 15 Meadow Brown, 32 Ringlet, 6 Large Skipper, 3 Small Skipper, 2 Small Heath, 2 Speckled Wood and a Painted Lady. Sanctuary - 12 Meadow Brown, 15 Ringlet, 6 Large Skipper, 4 Small Skipper, 1 Large White and 1 Red Admiral."
• Phil Bowler emailed: "Today, I had an afternoon in Southrey Wood, accompanied by no less than

   

  

  26 White Admirals. Brilliant! Just 2 male Silver-washed Fritillary, 2 White-letter Hairstreak, 6 Comma, and supporting cast of 2 Small Skipper, 6 Large Skipper, 7 Green-veined White, 2 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Speckled Wood, 25 Meadow Brown and approximately 75 Ringlet. I scanned the oaks for Purple Hairstreak, but saw none."

 

Monday 20th June 2022: Swallowtail in Grimsby!

• Dave Wright reported: "This afternoon it was brought to my attention by several friends in the area, that a Swallowtail had been seen in Grimsby. The sighting had been posted on 'Rare Bird Alert', but unfortunately the exact location and finder remains a mystery. This evening a friend managed to find a Twitter post containing a brief video of the butterfly and this can been seen by clicking on the following link - https://twitter.com/katet571/status/1538888690847698944?t=mlkKAZST660RoRgADbRA1A&s=08
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "I visited People's Park in Grimsby today and found my first White-letter Hairstreak of the year."
• Phil Bowler emailed: "Today we had 5 Hummingbird Hawk-moths in our Amber Hill garden,

   

  

  supplementing the 10 Silver Y, 18 Red Admiral and 5 Painted Lady. But the real find of the day was another Small Heath. Not just the fact that this is our tenth in its comeback year, but this one, a female, fully opened its wings whenever it settled. A photographer's paradise!
• Ian McGlynn emailed: "Today I went for a walk from Morton, just north of Bourne, and noted over 30 Small Tortoiseshells, but I have never seen them like this before (see attached). Also, I saw my first Ringlet of the year in Temple Wood."

 

Sunday 19th June 2022

 

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Decided to go for a walk this morning to Chambers Farm Wood, but as I drew close to the wood it had all but totally clouded over. I was fortunate to see a White Admiral and a few Ringlets before the bright patches of sky were squeezed out altogether. Very little flying due to the conditions, but there were several Large Skippers and Meadow Browns that were disturbed as I walked round. As I walked around the extension to Little Scrubbs Meadow,

   

  

  coinciding with the last few minutes of sunshine in the morning, several butterflies took to the wing. Over the far side of the meadow, what I thought was a pale yellow-orange butterfly, about the size of a Clouded Yellow, grabbed my attention. However, the colour wasn't quite right: it was more of a pastel shade of yellow-orange. As it flew across the meadow towards me, I could see that it was a moth, but was still perplexed as to its identity. The only thing I could think of was that it was similar to a male Clouded Buff, but the habitat was obviously wrong for that heathland species. Totally confused, I was delighted when it dropped to my feet, sitting perfectly on a blade of grass for inspection! All became clear instantly: it was a female Orange Moth."
• Dave Wright reported: "Dull and overcast in the Grimsby area this afternoon, but spirits were lifted when I noticed a Hummingbird Hawk-moth 'buzzing' around the Red Valerian in my back garden."
• Howard Robinson from Scunthorpe emailed: "I saw 2 Hummingbird Hawk-moths in our back garden today, feeding on Red Valerian."
• Matt Watts emailed: "Visited the Coronation Meadow at Redhill today and saw good numbers of

   

  

  Meadow Brown despite the blustery conditions, mainly in the shelter of the hedgerows. Also saw 1 Small Heath and 2 fresh Marbled White in the grass verges near the entrance."

Saturday 18th June 2022

• John Clarkson emailed: "After seeing my first Red-necked Footman at Gibraltar Point NNR two days ago, one was in my trap in Louth this morning. Also new for the garden was Brown Rustic."
• Chris Dobson from Langworth emailed: "Just had one of my best catching nights for a very long time, so much so that I'm still working through it all. I've already got two new species for the garden at least, with possibly more after some checking with Martin/Colin. Pleased to get a Broken-barred Carpet, which has been on my target list for 19 years, but by far my best species is a super Treble Brown Spot, a species new for my 10k square and a moth I haven't seen before!" 
• Graham Catley messaged: "I visited Alkborough today and noted 35 Small Tortoiseshells, 125 Meadow Browns and my first 2 Ringlets of the year. Two days ago, the same site produced 15 Common Blues  and 15 Large Skippers."

 

Friday 17th June 2022

 

• Pete Smith from Heighington emailed: "We were sat in our back garden early this evening, enjoying a glass of wine in the balmy heat, when I spotted what I initially thought was a rather small Red Admiral flying rapidly around our back hedge. But something wasn't quite right about the 'jizz', so I got up and had a closer look. Turned out it was a Scarlet Tiger moth, and over the next half an hour we had repeated sightings, not just of this one, but of at least two others, as we had three on the wing in a single vista at one point! This is a species that I never expected to see in Lincolnshire. I had a sighting locally last summer, so it seems that they are now breeding successfully in the Heighington area. What beauties! 
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "Quite a difference in a week with a skipper invasion in

   

  

  progress! Nice and warm in the dunes, but partially overcast most of the day and a westerly breeze kept it from getting too hot. Transect around Rimac early afternoon: 66 Small Skipper, 16 Large Skipper, 5 Common Blue, 4 Red Admiral, 7 Speckled Wood, 45 Meadow Brown, 5 Ringlet and 22 Small Heath - 170 individuals of 8 species."
• Alan Pike emailed: "This afternoon I visited Southrey Wood with wife to be, Louise. It was very hot

   

  

  and we spotted lots of White Admirals in all areas, a few whites, Red Admiral, fresh Comma along the BC ride, Ringlets and Meadow Browns. Also, lots of Common Spotted-orchids."
• Laura Gundy from Benniworth Walk Farm emailed: "This morning the garden trap revealed a Red-necked Footman and 2 Peach Blossom moths, the latter being a first for me!"
• Nige Lound emailed: "Overnight in my Skegness garden, the trap attracted my first Treble Brown Spot."
• Roy Harvey messaged: "Had my first Ringlet of the year today in my Grasby garden."
• Philip Johnson emailed: "A Silver-washed Fritillary was a first for us at Old Wood, Skellingthorpe today. Also noted a few other species, including White Admiral, and a YouTube video of my visit can be seen by clicking the following link: https://youtu.be/H9jyIOgBBcM

Thursday 16th June 2022

 

• John Clarkson emailed: "This Red-necked Footman was at Gibraltar Point NNR this morning - well spotted by Adrian Royle as we walked along the footpath to Harvey's hide."
• Kev Armstrong from Nettleton phoned: "Hummingbird Hawk-moth this morning in my garden at Wold Farm." 
• Mark Schofield emailed: "Monday was Red-necked Footman in the evening at Chambers Farm

   

  

  Wood (see attached photo). I really enjoyed discovering this species' bright yellow abdomen and proboscis in stark contrast to its velvety black wings.  A woodland moth whose larvae feed on lichens and algae. Although well established in south and south-west England, south-west Scotland and Wales, those in the east are thought to be immigrants. Black Hairstreak was showing well at Five-ways during the warm days this week, with 5-6 on the wing at any one time during peak activity today. 
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Twelve species of butterfly today at Cleethorpes Coast LNR: a late Green Hairsteak and three species new for the year - 8 Meadow Brown, 8 Ringlet and 2 Small Skipper. Also noted: 3 Red Admiral, 4 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Painted Lady, 3 Green-veined White, 1 Small White, 3 Speckled Wood, 4 Common Blue, 1 Large Skipper and a single Hummingbird Hawk-moth." 
• Nige Lound emailed: "I've had quite a productive week on the coast. Yesterday, a Red-tipped Clearwing came to pheromone lure in my Skegness garden, then trapping at Mill Hill at Gibraltar Point NNR overnight, produced 366 moths of 92 species. The obvious highlight was a Tawny Wave and the 2nd record for the site. New for the year were Beautiful Hook-tip, Fern, Burnished Brass, Round-winged Muslin, Kent Black Arches, Shark, Yellow Shell, Common Emerald and Cream-bordered Green Pea."                                            
• John Davison reported: "Nice hot day, but few butterflies about at Southrey Wood. Several Red Admirals and Speckled Woods, but nice to see the first White Admiral out."

 

Wednesday 15th June 2022

 

• Derek Fox emailed: "An early Ringlet seen today at the gravel pits on Barlings Lane, Langworth. Also, good numbers of Banded Demoiselle on the small stream running at the back of the pits."
• John Davison emailed: "Visited Burkinshaw's Covert near Immingham this morning. Not many butterflies, but Small Tortoiseshell, Large Skipper, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and my first Ringlet of the year with a slight nick in its wing. I did see a better second one!"
• Nige Lound emailed: "Trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and had 209 moths of 71 species. Macros that were new for the year were Mottled Beauty, Peach Blossom, Red-necked Footman, Riband Wave and Rustic/Uncertain. Painted Neb (Oxypteryx wilkella) was a noteworthy micro." 

Tuesday 14th June 2022

 

• Adrian Royle emailed: "A bike ride over to Chambers Farm Wood again today produced 5 Black Hairstreaks, including a mating pair high up at Fiveways and another at perfect height on the way to Minting Triangle. The access road is still closed!"
• Paul Daubney emailed: "I trekked to Chambers Farm Wood today (access road and car parks still closed) with occasional sunshine, and saw a good selection of butterflies, though in small numbers. Little Scrubs Meadow threw up a single Marsh Fritillary and a few Meadow Browns and Large Skippers. There was lots of Black Hairstreak activity at Fiveways, although the most I could count at any given time was 4. A supporting cast of a few Speckled Woods, Brimstones and Small Tortoiseshells, and singles of a very faded Painted Lady, Red Admiral and Green-veined White. All topped off with 2 Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moths, a Broad-bodied Chaser dragonfly and Ruby-tailed Wasps at the Butterfly Garden. Worth the walk!
• Roy Harvey emailed: "Linda and I visited Nettleton LNR today and noted the following butterfly

   

  

  species: 15 Small Heath, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 5 Meadow Brown, 3 Red Admiral, 3 Large Skipper, 2 Large White, 2 Speckled Wood and 1 Common Blue. Also, we had a very brief view of two butterflies together in the mating posture on a bramble bush. One was a Red Admiral and the other a Small Tortoiseshell. Sadly, they flew off before I could raise the camera."
• Brian Hedley emailed: "Was delighted to come across a Nemophora fasciella, a brightly coloured

   

  

  small longhorn moth, on outskirts of Marton village today. It's apparently the first record for VC54 according to Martin Gray, so well chuffed!"
• Pete Burnett emailed: "A decent haul of over 60 moths in my Fiskerton garden last night, with Bird's Wing, Poplar Hawk-moth and Miller being the highlights. I have noticed a distinct lack of micro moths this year!"

Monday 13th June 2022

 

• Mike Pickwell emailed: "I went for a walk in Cleethorpes Dunes this afternoon. The weather had turned somewhat cloudy, but I still found quite a few butterflies on the wing: 4 Painted Lady, 16 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Meadow Brown, 1 Green-veined White, 5 Large White, 1 Small White, 2 Peacock and a single Six-spot Burnet moth. The Southern Marsh and Common Spotted-orchids looked stunning and I enjoyed a close encounter with a Red Fox."
• Nige Lound emailed: "206 moths of 66 species overnight at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR. New for the year were Double Square-spot, Light Arches, Rosy Wave, Saltmarsh Plume, Single-dotted Wave, Star-wort and Striped Wainscot."

Sunday 12th June 2022

 

John Davison emailed: "Two micro moths from the LNU Field Meeting at Dunston Beck, west of Metheringham today - Nemophora fasciella and Thistle Ermine."

Saturday 11th June 2022

 

• Mike Pickwell emailed: "I walked around my local patch of Gooseman's Field and the Woodland Burial Ground in Scartho today. Although warm at 22 degrees C, there was a strong wind from the south-west. Despite this it was a good session, including superb views of a Roe Deer buck on Gooseman's. I found the following: 1 Meadow Brown (my first of the year), 1 Holly Blue, 9 Red Admiral, 23 Small Tortoiseshell, 12 Large Skipper, 3 Small Heath, 1 Common Blue and 2 Speckled Wood. Red Admirals seem to be doing well at the moment; I had 3 in my garden yesterday and 2 today."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "I managed to get out to Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve today for a bit of fresh air - not much flying at all, but did spot a Red-necked Footman, which is a nice find."
• Laura Gundy messaged: "While walking the dogs at Benniworth Walk Farm this afternoon, I flushed my first Meadow Brown of the year."
• Alan Daws emailed: "This afternoon I had a walk around the conservation area next to Winters Pond at East Halton. In three hours I noted the following: 37 Small Heath, 24 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Painted Lady, 10 Common Blue, 1 Brown Argus and 3 Large Skipper."

Friday 10th June 2022

 

• Dave Wright reported: "This afternoon I visited Wold Farm at Nettleton and despite the breeze

   

  

  noted the following butterflies: 2 Meadow Brown (my first of the year), 3 Red Admiral, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Common Blue, 1 Brown Argus, 3 Speckled Wood, 1 Green-veined White and 3 Brimstone. Also found 20+ larvae of the latter, feeding on several Alder Buckthorn sprigs that were only planted earlier this year. Moths included 4 Cinnabar, 1 Latticed Heath, 1 Silver Y, 3 Silver Ground Carpet and 5 Chimney Sweeper."
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "Transect around Rimac this afternoon was a bit windy in places but nice and warm. Noted the following: 6 Large Skipper, 2 Common Blue, 3 Red Admiral, 5 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Peacock, 7 Speckled Wood, 2 Meadow Brown and 38 Small Heath. Off transect earlier in the day were 2 Painted Lady, 1 Small Copper and 3 Green Hairstreak." 
• Paul Rose reported: "Visited Crowle Moor North today and noted at least 8 Large Heath."

Thursday 9th June 2022

• Lesley Robinson from Scunthorpe emailed: "Today I had a female Brimstone egg-laying on Alder Buckthorn in the back garden. Looks like there have been caterpillars on the Alder Buckthorn out the front. Also, Painted Lady, Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell on white flowered Red Valerian. A good garden day - happy days!"
• Nige Lound emailed: "Trapped overnight at Sykes Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR and had 315 moths of 62 species, with Dusky Brocade, Fox Moth, Latticed Heath, Shaded Pug and Snout all new for the year."  

Tuesday 7th June 2022

 

Dave Wright reported: "Following the unseasonable weather of late it was pleasing to see a few butterflies in my Grimsby garden again. This afternoon produced 3 Red Admirals and a Small Tortoiseshell nectaring on the Red Valerian, with at least 4 Holly Blues making an appearance." 

Saturday 4th June 2022

Mike Pickwell emailed: "Having planned a butterfly trip to Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR today, I persevered despite the weather, concentrating on birds rather than butterflies. I had a very pleasant, if chilly, birding session. Nothing spectacular, but it was good to get my first Cuckoo of the year. Despite all the odds, I did manage to find a few butterflies: 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Speckled Wood, 2 Small Heath and 1 Red Admiral.

Friday 3rd June 2022

 

• Pete Cawdell emailed: "Great to see newly emerged Dark Green Fritillaries at Castle Bytham this afternoon. Other summer butterflies coming out bang on cue were 3 Common Blue males, several Meadow Browns, including a female, and 7 fresh Small Tortoiseshells. A Green-veined White completed today's sightings. Last month I recorded a Grizzled Skipper at this new site."
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "When it brightened up this afternoon, I went for a walk around Gooseman's Field and the Woodland Burial Ground in Grimsby. I saw 2 Painted Lady, 1 Large Skipper (first for the year), 6 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Small Heath and 3 Speckled Wood. Moths included 1 Cinnabar and 1 Latticed Heath." 

Thursday 2nd June 2022

• Nige Lound emailed: "Not a lot of variety overnight, managed 220 moths of 38 species with Buff Ermine, Dark Arches and Eyed Hawk-moth the only ones new for the year."
• Laura Gundy messaged: "Visited Sotby Meadows LWT Nature Reserve this afternoon and was surprised to find a Bordered Straw! Little else about apart from a few Grass Rivulet moths and 2 male Common Blues."

Wednesday 1st June 2022

 

• Dave Wright reported: "Had a thoroughly enjoyable day at Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR today, in the company of Chris Atkin and Josh Forrester. Despite the cool northerly breeze, we noted a few butterfly species, although not surprisingly numbers were low compared to last week - 3 Wall, 77 Small Heath, 1 Orange-tip, 14 Large Skipper, 14 Speckled Wood, 4 Green

   

  

  Hairstreak, 19 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Large White, 1 Green-veined White, 13 Common Blue and 1 Small Copper. Moths included - 1 Gold Spot, 1 Silver Y, 14 Burnet Companion, 1 Mother Shipton, 2 Silver Ground Carpet, 2 Common Carpet, 1 Green Carpet, 2 Yellow Shell, 7 Cinnabar, 30 Grass Rivulet, 5 Drinker (larvae), 1 Lackey (larva), 4 Common Nettle-tap and 7 Timothy Tortrix."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Fed up of the poor weather over the past few days, decided to nip over to Moor Farm LWT Nature Reserve today in an all-to-brief bright spell. I was hoping to see my first Large Skipper of the year and, more importantly, to catch up with Herr Schmidt again! Alas, I failed on both counts. The best I could do whilst there was 7 Small Coppers, all way past their best, 7 Common Blues, a brace of Brown Argus and a solitary Brimstone."

---

May 2022

Sunday 29th May 2022

Mark Johnson emailed: "Walked the sea embankment from Grainthorpe Haven to Horseshoe Point car park this morning and counted the following butterflies: 32 Common Blue, 1 Brown Argus, 1 Green-veined White, 7 Small White, 1 Large White, 1 Orange-tip, 26 Painted Lady, 5 Small Heath and 11 Small Tortoiseshell. Moths included 2 Silver Y and 2 Yellow Shell. Also, found over 100 spikes of a Broomrape species." 

Saturday 28th May 2022

 

• Laura Gundy emailed: "This morning I visited some damp grassland near Raithby by kind permission of the landowner. Pignut was growing there in profusion and I was pleased to see that it had its usual attendant Chimney Sweeper moths - I counted 33, including 2 mating pairs. The cool, cloudy weather meant that butterflies were in short supply - a few Green-veined Whites, Orange-tips, a Speckled Wood and a Small Tortoiseshell did show themselves briefly though. Back at home at Benniworth Walk Farm I saw my first Common Blues of the year (all males) resting at the top of grass stems. Nearby, I noticed that a group of Ox-eye Daisy flowers that were sheltered from the wind, were covered in Cocksfoot Moths Glyphipterix simpliciella."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "I saw my first Hummingbird Hawk-moth of the year today, nectaring on Red Valerian in my Grimsby garden."

Friday 27th May 2022

 

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "With a Force 5 Fresh Breeze blowing and large swathes of cloud ever squeezing the areas of blue sky smaller, the weather today was sub-optimal to say the least! The day started off rather lacklustre and the prevailing conditions, combined with the 'June Lull' come early, did nothing to suggest that the rest of the day would be any different. A walk around Moor Farm LWT Nature Reserve had produced only a handful of butterflies, but then, just before

   

  

  midday, that all changed with the sighting of a particular butterfly. This butterfly was on my 'bucket list', and I have previously spent considerable time looking for it. So, today, I was delighted to tick this one off! The butterfly in question was a white Small Copper ab. schmidtii."
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "The butterfly transect was a tad blowy at Rimac today, but still produced a decent variety - 1 Large White, 1 Orange-tip, 2 Green Hairstreak, 1 Small Copper, 1 Brown Argus, 5 Common Blue, 1 Speckled Wood, 3 Wall and 32 Small Heath. Also had additional species of Brimstone and Painted Lady after transect."
• Zoe Shreeve emailed: "We had a Hummingbird Hawk-moth feeding on the Red Valerian in our back garden in Healing this morning."

Wednesday 25th May 2022

 

Nige Lound emailed: "Trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight, with the temperature down to 7 degrees C and increasingly windy. Managed a total count of 372 moths of 52 species. New for the year were Sand Dart (5) and Dark Sword-grass (5)."

Tuesday 24th May 2022

 

• Mike Pickwewll emailed: "Not having seen a Wall Brown for some years and suitably inspired by Pete Smith's report from Covenham, I paid a visit today. I managed to find 4 Wall, but they were challenging to photograph to say the least! I was pleased to find 11 Common Blue and also 1 Large White, 1 Small White, 3 Painted Lady and a male Orange-tip."
• Dave Wright reported: "Along with Chris Atkin, I returned to Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR

   

  

  today and focused on the area between Paradise and Churchill Lane car parks. It was quite cool and cloudy at first, but developing sunny periods helped to produce a decent butterfly count! We noted the following: 154 Small Heath, 11 Wall, 9 Green Hairstreak, 16 Painted Lady, 7 Red Admiral, 1 Peacock, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 38 Common Blue, 6 Brown Argus, 5 Large Skipper, 2 Small White, 5 Green-veined White, 4 Orange-tip and 4 Speckled

   

  

  Wood. Moths included: 4 Silver Y, 9 Drinker (larvae), 3 Burnet Companion, 2 Mother Shipton, 3 Cinnabar, 8 Brown-tail (larvae) and 2 Common Carpet. Lots of dragonflies on the wing and included 3 Banded Demoiselle in bankside vegetation near the small bridge at the entrance to Rimac. Bird wise, the highlight of the day was undoubtedly an Osprey which flew low over the car park at Rimac during a break for lunch."

 

Sunday 22nd May 2022: Striped Hawk-moth in Lincolnshire!

 

• Laura Gundy from Benniworth Walk Farm emailed: "Going out to check the moth trap at early doors this morning revealed a stunner - a Striped Hawk-moth. This is only the 4th record of the species in Lincolnshire, and a very beautiful moth it is too! Slightly worrying, therefore, that I almost trod on it before I saw it on the ground. I also recorded Scorched Carpet, which is new for my garden, but of course today that seemed a bit of an aside." 
• Nige Lound emailed: "491 moths of 76 species overnight at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR.

   

  

  My personal highlight was another new moth for me in the form of a Broken-barred Carpet. Also of note were singles of Flame Wainscot and Obscure Wainscot, as well as the 3rd Alder Moth of the year (last records were 2005) and another Seraphim. Others new for the year were Common Wainscot, Common Wave, Heart and Dart, Large Nutmeg, Large Yellow Underwing,

   

  

  Lychnis, Marbled White-spot, Middle-barred Minor, Peppered Moth, Scorched Wing, Shears, Silver Y, Straw Dot, Waved Umber and Wormwood Pug."
• Alan Pike emailed: "I've been making an effort to try and see Green Hairstreak this year, and today I found one at Greetwell Quarry near Lincoln. Also, saw numerous Small Heath, Common Blue, Large Skipper, Small White, Speckled Wood and Orange-tip, plus a fresh Red Admiral, a tatty Small Tortoiseshell and a Mother Shipton moth."
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "Having been away for ten days, I felt Gooseman's Field and the

   

  

  Woodland Burial Ground in Grimsby needed a visit, so I walked around both today. Surprisingly, I  found only one white but, although warm, it was overcast most of the time. I did find my first Common Blue of the year and 6 Small Heaths, plus 1 Green-veined White, 1 Speckled Wood, and 1 Holly Blue. Moths included 1 Silver Y and a Silver Ground Carpet. I also had a Holly Blue and Red Admiral in my Scartho garden."
• Suzanne Nelson messaged: "Paid a last minute visit to Chambers Farm Wood today and, despite it being overcast and breezy, I managed to spot the following: 2 Brimstone, 1 Large White, 1 Orange-tip, 2 Peacock, 2 Green-veined White, 4 Marsh Fritillary and 3 Dingy Skipper. Later, a visit to Snakeholme Pit produced 2 Brimstone, 1 Brown Argus, 4 Green-veined White and 2 Common Blue (pair)." 
• Oliver Woodman emailed: "One Painted Lady at Hill Holt Wood, near Norton Disney today, feeding briefly on thyme flowers, until flying purposefully north-east. Also, at least 20 Four-spotted Chasers at Norton Bigwood and a single Banded Demoiselle."
• Graham Catley emailed: "Despite the access restrictions at Chambers Farm Wood, I attempted a visit and I'm very pleased that I did, with 6 Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moths around the small car park in front of the education centre. In little Scrubbs Meadow there must have been at least 35 Marsh Fritillaries."

 

Saturday 21st May 2022

 

• Josh Forrester messaged: "My first Common Blue of the year today at Humberston Fitties, and a few Painted Ladies around as well."
• Dave Wright reported: "Managed to get down the coast just after midday and visited Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR. I walked a small circuit of the Rimac section of the reserve and noted the following: 65 Small Heath, 11 Wall, 13 Common Blue, 3 Brown Argus, 3 Green Hairstreak, 5 Orange-tip, 2 Painted Lady, 2 Large White and 4 Green-veined White. Moths included 3 Common Carpet and a Mother Shipton. Also, great to hear 2 Turtle Doves and see a Hobby flying low over the marsh, before disappearing over the dunes."
• Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "Moths in the garden overnight using my 15W

   

  

  Synergetic trap included the following: "1 Eyed Hawk-moth, 6 Treble-lines, 4 Small Square-spot, 1 Poplar Hawk-moth, 2 Shuttle-shaped Dart, 1 Rustic Shoulder-knot, 2 Muslin Moth, 4 Setaceous Hebrew Character, 2 Green Carpet, 1 White Ermine, 1 Pebble Prominent, 1 Shoulder-striped Wainscot, 3 Common Pug, 1 Tawny Marbled Minor, 3 Common Swift, 4 Flame Shoulder, 1 Grass Rivulet, 1 Yellow Belle and 1 Black-headed Conch."

Thursday 19th May 2022

 

• Mark and Sally Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "Around lunchtime today we popped home and saw a Wall in our garden, along with 1 Red Admiral, 1 Large White, and a male and female Orange-tip. Nearby, 2 Painted Ladies were seen on the farm estate."
• Dave Wright reported: "It was pleasantly warm and sunny in the Cleethorpes area this afternoon. I decided to take a walk around a section of the Country Park and was rewarded with two new species for the year - 2 Red Admiral and a single Large Skipper. Also noted 1 Brimstone, 2 Large White, 1 Small White, 5 Green-veined White, 1 Holly Blue, 4 Orange-tip (3 Male and 1 female), 2 Speckled Wood and a single Silver Y moth."
• Nige Lound emailed: "240 moths of 53 species at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight. New for the year were Beautiful Golden Y, Brown Silver-line, Buff-tip, Coxcomb Prominent, Light Emerald, Mottled Pug, Pale-shouldered Brocade, Setaceous Hebrew Character, Turnip and Willow Beauty."
• Roy Harvey emailed: "I went to Nettleton LNR again this afternoon - warmer and brighter than last

   

  

  time. No sign of Green Hairstreak, but did see the following - 1 Brown Argus, 6 Orange-tip, 3 Small Heath, 2 Large White, 1 Green-veined White and 1 Speckled Wood."
• Phil Bowler emailed: "Visited Little Scrubbs Meadow today at Chambers Farm Wood. I saw no Speckled Woods on my journey through the woods, backing up what I thought about them being in low numbers as yet. Same with Common Blue, only seeing the one worn female. They are still to emerge in our garden! I cannot be certain, but I thought I saw 2 Green Hairstreaks. Something resembling one flew up to the top of the hedgerow that separates the two main meadows, the other was something interacting with a Dingy Skipper in the actual meadow around Birds-foot Trefoil. It was not another Dingy nor a blue, and certainly looked very similar to when I've seen these two species flying together elsewhere. However, I noted the following: 13 Dingy Skipper, 30 Marsh Fritillary (including 3 females), 3 Painted Lady (passing northwards, although one did stop to refuel on Ragged Robin), 1 Common Blue, 2 Orange-tip, 4 Green-veined White, 1 Large White and 8 Latticed Heath." 
• Alison Brownlow emailed: "Today on the A156 between Torksey and Marton, I noticed that the hedges are shrouded in caterpillar webs, looking as if a white blanket has been thrown over them. Probably caused by Small Ermine caterpillars."

Wednesday 18th May 2022

 

• Pete Smith emailed: "After seeing Josh's Wall Brown aberration from Sunday, I got a bit of an itch to go and see some Lincolnshire Wall Browns of my own this week. I usually see plenty during my travels in Europe, but as this species has become more and more localised and rare on a county basis, I thought it was time to see a few genuine 'Yellow-belly Wall Browns'. This usually involves a 30+ mile road trip from my home. So I set off for Covenham late morning today, and despite the moderate breeze, a full circuit of the reservoir gave me a count of 11 Wall Brown. After this, I decided to follow up with a trip to Rimac on the coast, where I found 25 Walls, chief amongst them the attached photo of a male pathological aberration, which appeared very different in flight with its much paler hindwings. Well worth a trip!
• Chris Atkin messaged: "Visited Rimac today and found 8 Painted Lady and 2 Large Skipper - firsts of the year for me! Also, Banded Demoiselle new for the year."
• Graham Catley messaged: "Walking around Chowder Ness, near Barton-upon-Humber this afternoon, had 2 Red Admirals and 2 Painted Ladies."
• Phil Bowler from Amber Hill emailed: "A little addition to yesterday's post - today I saw a third Small Heath, another Painted Lady, 4 Red Admiral, and a brand new Small Tortoiseshell. This is the earliest summer brood individual in our garden!"

Tuesday 17th May 2022

 

• Phil Bowler emailed: "Today provided some interesting sightings in our Amber Hill garden. As well as the now customary comings and goings of at least 5 Holly Blues, similar numbers of Brimstone, and Orange-tip having one of their best years, it is not the case for Speckled Wood. We have seen very few in our garden so far this year - is this the case elsewhere? The main

   

  

  reason for writing however, is firstly the arrival of the Painted Ladies. 2 individuals blessed us with their presence, alongside a couple more Red Admirals. Even better than that though was the sighting of a male Small Heath having a dispute with a male Small Copper as he patrolled our meadow strip back and forth. Elsewhere in the garden I came across another Small Heath, this time a female, which I know for sure, because I was fortunate to see her shuffling around in very sparse grasses, laying eggs. I feel blessed!
• Gary Fenwick emailed: "Report of sightings from today: Covenham Reservoir - 2 Wall Brown. Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR (from Brickyard Lane car park) - 7 Green Hairstreak, 2 Wall Brown, 1 Peacock, 3 Orange-tip and 2 Cinnabar moths. Rimac - 8 Common Blue, 1 Wall Brown, 4 Green Hairstreak, 14 Small Heath, 1 Large White, 1 Painted Lady and 2 Orange-tip."
• John Davison reported: "Warm and sunny at Snakeholme Pit today, but still no great numbers of

   

  

  butterflies about. Mostly Brimstone (male and female), but also Large and Green-veined White, Orange-tip, Common Blue and Brown Argus. Moths included Latticed Heath in the meadows, with a few larvae about including Yellow-tail and Emperor Moth. Later, I visited Southrey Wood, but butterflies still few and far between. However, it was nice to see my first Marsh Fritillary of the year."
• Tim Harvey emailed: "A brief afternoon visit to Snakeholme Pit afforded the opportunity to photograph Brown Argus. I noted all three Whites, Brimstone, Common Blue, Orange-tip, Peacock and a few Latticed Heath moths. There were also good numbers of dragonflies and damselflies on the wing including Large Red Damselfly, Azure Damselfly and smaller numbers of Banded Demoiselle."
• Martin Kew reported: "Walked the transects at Twyford Wood today and recorded the following: Glades Reserve - 11 Common Blue, 10 Grizzled Skipper, 19 Dingy Skipper, 7 Small Heath and a Green Hairstreak. Sanctuary Reserve - 6 Common Blue, 5 Grizzled Skipper, 10 Dingy Skipper, 1 Small Heath, 2 Brown Argus, 2 Green Hairstreak and an Orange-tip." 
• Nige Lound emailed: "185 moths of 53 species overnight at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR, with Alder Moth and Tawny-barred Angle the highlights. Others new for the year were Bright-line Brown-eye, Brindled Pug, Brown Rustic, Clouded border, Clouded Silver, Common Marbled Carpet, Common Swift, Coronet, Elephant Hawk-moth, Figure of Eighty, Gold spot, Marbled Minor agg, Poplar Hawk-moth, Silver Ground Carpet and White-point."

Monday 16th May 2022

 

• Graham Catley messaged: "Today I finally caught up with some Walls (3) at Alkborough Flats!"
• Dave Wright reported: "Further to Pete Cawdell's posting on Sunday 24th April regarding Holly Blues having a good year in Lincoln; that's certainly the case in my area of Grimsby! I've had multiple sightings in my garden over the last few weeks, including four at any one time. Although the main foodplant of the spring generation is holly, a wide range of other plants are used, and today I witnessed a female egg-laying on Hydrangea petiolaris (see attached)."

 

Sunday 15th May 2022

 

• Josh Forrester messaged: "Not a lot to report of late, save for this aberrant Wall seen at Covenham Reservoir this afternoon. Looks like the aberration called 'quadriocellata'. Nice to see, stumped me for a second when I first saw it! Little else on the wing apart from a smattering of Orange-tips due to the strengthening winds."
• Chris Atkin messaged: "Paid a visit to Donna Nook NNR today and walked south from

   

  

  Stonebridge car park towards Quad 3. Noted a few butterfly species along the way, including a couple of Wall, the odd Green Hairstreak and my first Small Heaths of the year. Also found a Garden Tiger moth caterpillar."
• Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "This morning the garden trap produced 31 moths of 18 species, of which 11 were new for the year. These included: 1 Lime-speck Pug, 1 Blood-vein, 1 Clouded Border, 1 Red Twin-spot Carpet, 1 Latticed Heath, 1 Waved Umber, 3 Common Swift, 1 Green Carpet, 1 Treble Lines, 1 Cinnabar and 1 Black-headed Conch."

 

Saturday 14th May 2022

 

• Pete Smith emailed: "Just been out to Little Scrubbs Meadow today and am pleased, to report that, despite not being able to find any Marsh Fritillary larvae earlier this spring, there is a small emergence of adult butterflies now on the wing. I counted just over twenty adults today, almost all males (just one female seen), and similar numbers of Dingy Skippers (all males). Hopefully there are more of both species yet to emerge!" 
• Dave Wright reported: "Managed to get out first thing this morning and so decided to make a brief

   

  

  visit to Nettleton LNR, one of my favourite sites close to Grimsby. It was still cool on my arrival at 08:50 AM, and by the time I'd got to the top of the hill I'd only managed to flush a single male Orange-tip and Small White. I was becoming quite despondent, but spirits were lifted when I heard my first Cuckoo of the year. Shortly afterwards, and with temperatures rising, I found 5 Wall

   

  

  along a sheltered track and these were my first ever at this site! 5 Green Hairstreaks were seen nearby and I also noted the following: 4 more Orange-tip, 2 more Small White, 1 Large White, 1 Brimstone, 12 Green-veined White and a Common Carpet moth."
• Nige Lound emailed: "66 moths of 34 species overnight at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR. New for the year included Blood-vein, Dark Sword-grass, Fox Moth, Grass Rivulet, Scalloped Hazel, Scorched Carpet, Shoulder-striped Wainscot, Water Carpet and Yellow-barred Brindle. However, the highlight was my first ever Seraphim, which I think may be a reserve first."
• Mark Johnson emailed: "Had a trip to Rimac today in search of dragonflies, but while there kept a tally of butterflies. Saw 5 Common Blues and a single Large Skipper, both my first of the year, 20 Small Heath, 4 Green Hairstreak, 9 Wall, 1 Peacock and 4 Orange-tip. Also found a female Fox Moth upside down on the path which I thought was dead. On picking it up, it latched onto my finger and so I placed it on a bench and within a couple of minutes it was found by a male. I left them to it!"

 

Friday 13th May 2022

 

Owen Beaumont messaged: "Good transect today at Rimac, despite the fairly strong westerly wind - 1 Large White, 1 Green-veined White, 1 Orange-tip, 6 Green Hairstreak, 1 Small Copper, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Peacock, 18 Wall and 22 Small Heath."

Wednesday 11th May 2022: Chambers Farm Wood Car Park and Road Closure!

• Dave Wright reported: "It has been brought to my attention by Mark Schofield, a resident at Chambers Farm Wood, that there is going to be disruption to access for Chambers Farm Wood car parks over the next few weeks. Work should be starting this week and concluding by the end of June with some overnight work. There will be closure of the car parks during the whole construction period, so effective closure to all but residents. Alternative parking could be Goslings Corner Wood and walk about 2 kilometres."
• Phil Bowler emailed: "Today I visited the Sanctuary Reserve at Twyford Wood. The weather was not great, but I managed the following: 4 Grizzled Skipper, 24 Dingy Skipper, 1 Brimstone, 1 Large White, 11 Green-veined White, 3 Orange-tip, 1 Holly Blue, 2 Common Blue, 2 Speckled Wood, 3 Small Heath and a fresh-looking Red Admiral. Also noted two species of moth: 2 Burnet Companion and 8 Wavy-barred Sable."

Tuesday 10th May 2022

 

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Still annoyed at not seeing a Wall this year, I decided to visit Rimac, but with reinforcements (Elliott) this time. On arrival, we got out of the car and were nearly blown away by the fresh west-southwesterly breeze! Standing by the car, we instantly thought we'd struck lucky when a dark brown butterfly got blown past us, but closer inspection revealed it to be a Small Tortoiseshell. However, we didn't need to worry because we'd only spent ten minutes on the reserve when we finally saw a female Wall gliding along the track ahead. Whilst we thought the strong wind would be a limiting factor on our sightings, in less than two hours on site we amassed a good range of species between us and we were buoyed by the good number of Wall seen: our total of 28 on a circular walk back to the car was the most Wall I've seen in a single day for a considerable time! Other butterfly species seen were: 11 Small Heath, 1 Orange-tip, 6 Green-veined White, 4 Green Hairstreak, 2 Small Copper, 2 Common Blue, 5 Brown Argus, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Peacock and 1 Red Admiral. There were also a couple of species of day-flying moths seen: 3 Burnet Companion and 2 Cinnabar."

   

  

• Mark Johnson emailed: "After lunch today, I grasped the opportunity of visiting Donna Nook NNR  in search of Green Hairstreaks. I walked from Stonebridge car park to Pye's Hall end and found 54. Other species encountered included: 5 Wall, 3 Peacock, 2 Small White and 2 Small Heath, my first of the year."
• Gary Fenwick emailed: "I visited Rimac today between 11:50 AM and 13:40 PM and saw the following butterflies: 8 Green Hairstreak, 4 Common Blue and 5 Wall."
• Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "This morning the garden trap produced 24 moths of 11 species. New for the year were Gold Spot, Streamer,Flame Carpet, Garden Carpet, Common Pug and Heart and Dart."
• John Davison reported: "Sunny and warm, but windy at Snakeholme Pit today. Peacock, Small

   

  

  Tortoiseshell, Orange-tip, Speckled Wood and all the Whites were out. Quite a few Brimstones about, including one female egg-laying on Common Buckthorn. Also noted a couple of moths, the micro Vetch Piercer Grapholita jungiella, and the Latticed Heath."

Monday 9th May 2022

 

• Nige Lound emailed: "83 moths of 34 species, with 15 new for the year in the trap at Syke's Farm. The undoubted highlight was my first Birch Mocha which I believe is a first for Gibraltar Point NNR.
• Owen Beaumont  messaged: "Minimum counts from a walk around Rimac south and Churchill Lane (Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR) this morning: 7 Wall, 6 Orange-tip, 1 Common Blue, 1 Small Heath and 3 Green Hairstreak. Near Crook Bank yesterday: 4 Wall, 5 Orange-tip and 5 Green Hairstreak. Also, 2 Mother Shipton."
• Howard and Penny Smith emailed: "We left Yorkshire and drove down the A1 to delightful Twyford Wood today and we were not disappointed. We visited both the Sanctuary and the Glades reserves and can report the following butterfly sightings: Sanctuary and adjacent area - 2 Speckled Wood, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Green-veined White, 22 Dingy Skipper, 5 Grizzled Skipper, 4 Orange-tip, 4 Brimstone and 1 Green Hairstreak. Glades and Adjacent area - 4 Orange-tip, 4 Green-veined White, 8 Peacock, 11 Dingy Skipper, 6 Grizzled Skipper and 1 Speckled Wood. In addition we saw 2 moths in the Sanctuary, which we believe to be Clouded Border and Ancylis myrtillana. Wonderful place! We really appreciate the work undertaken by the Lincolnshire volunteers to maintain this location." 

 

Sunday 8th May 2022

 

• Mark Johnson emailed: "Seeing the Twyford Wood trip was cancelled, I decided to make a visit today and met up with Allan Rodda from the Yorkshire Branch of Butterfly Conservation. We spent a couple of hours in the Sanctuary area searching for Grizzled and Dingy Skippers. On such a lovely day, we were slightly disappointed in the number of other species present. Totals were: 7 Grizzled Skipper, 13 Dingy Skipper, 1 Brimstone, 1 Comma, 3 Green-veined White, 2 Large White, 2 Small White, 1 Peacock, 1 Orange-tip and a Small Heath."
• Toby Ludlow from Coningsby emailed: "Had my second Common Blue of the year this morning at The Pingle LNR close to home. Later, a walk across the heath at Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve produced at least 20 Small Coppers and a single Brown Argus."

Saturday 7th May 2022

 

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Went to the coast today for a walk around Gibraltar Point NNR. On arrival in Skegness, the clouds parted in biblical fashion and I enjoyed an hour of clear, blue sky whilst there. I had hoped to finally see Wall this year, but it just wasn't meant to be and I 'dipped' again on this species! On a more positive note, I did see two new species for the year: a male Common Blue was engaged in an aerial battle with a Brown Argus, so these two individuals took my tally up to 20 species for 2022 in Lincolnshire. Only two other butterflies were seen there, probably a result of the cold north-northeasterly that was blowing. These were a male Orange-tip and a female Green Hairstreak." 

   

  

• Laura Gundy emailed: "Collette Tait and I walked a small portion of the disused railway line at Hallington, with the kind permission of the landowner. It was cool and cloudy, so only a Green-veined White and one Orange-tip were seen flying. We did see our first Peacock larvae of the

   

  

  year too, which was great!"
• Brian Hedley emailed: "A new species for the garden here at Marton tonight, a Lesser Treble-bar." 

Friday 6th May 2022

• Suzanne Nelson messaged: "Today I spent a rewarding and enjoyable couple of hours walking around Twyford Wood and noted the following: 2 Grizzled Skipper, 10+ Dingy Skipper, 1 Green Hairstreak, 1 Red Admiral, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Peacock, 1 Small White, 7 Green-veined White, 4 Orange-tip, 2 Holly Blue and 3 Brimstone."
• Laura Gundy from Benniworth Walk Farm messaged: "This morning the garden trap produced a really fresh Mullein. There were plenty of Green-veined Whites around the farm and a female Muslin Moth in the wood nearby. Later in the day, I popped over to Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe NNR and concentrated on the Rimac area noting the following: 11 Wall, 3 Orange-tip, 1 Small Copper, 8 Peacock, 1 Green Hairstreak and 1 Burnet Companion moth."

Thursday 5th May 2022

 

• Pete Smith emailed: "I spent 90 very pleasant minutes out at Greetwell Quarry today, watching 3 male Green Hairstreaks repeatedly fighting over territory up in the hawthorn bushes. Great to see this species still doing OK at this site right on the edge of Lincoln, although sadly the quarry is earmarked for housing development in the very near future. For years it has provided a safe haven for many butterfly species, including Small Heath, Common Blue, Brown Argus and Small Copper, among others. Today whilst watching the hairstreaks there were also plenty of Orange-tips, Speckled Woods, Holly Blues and other commoner species on the wing."
• John Nelson phoned: "This morning I had 2 Green Hairstreaks on waste ground between Grimsby Town's football ground and the railway line. Presumably, this is a new site for this species in Cleethorpes!"
• Kev Armstrong from Nettleton phoned: "A beautiful morning here at Wold Farm today, and a walk at the back of the house produced 12 Orange-tips, 1 Green-veined White, 1 Peacock, 5 Speckled Woods and 7 Brimstones, including 3 females egg-laying on recently planted buckthorn."
• Martin Kew reported: "Walked the transects at Twyford on a lovely sunny morning. Skipper numbers were: Glades Reserve - 5 Grizzled and 4 Dingy. Sanctuary Reserve - 4 Grizzled and 22 Dingy. Also recorded my first Small Heath of the season at the Sanctuary and sighted 2 Grizzled Skippers between the reserves."
• Lorraine Money emailed: "With over 22 species of butterfly seen yearly coming to our garden in Horncastle, at 12 noon today my husband Paul managed to find a Small Copper and it is the first sighting for us for over 12 years."
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "This morning I decided to have a walk around my Scartho Cemetery/Gooseman's Field/Weelsby Woods patch. There were a tremendous number of whites on the wing, although many were too far away or gone before I could identify them. However, I did manage to positively ID 26 Small White, 2 Green-veined White and a single Large White. Also noted 2 Holly Blue, 23 Orange-tip, 7 Peacock, 9 Small Tortoiseshell, 5 Brimstone and 2 Speckled Wood."

 

Wednesday 4th May 2022

Chris Atkin messaged: "Spent the day at Donna Nook NNR and, although the weather wasn't ideal, I managed to find a few Green Hairstreaks and a single Wall."

Monday 2nd May 2022

Martin Kew reported: "I visited Twyford Wood today and found this notice in the car park. Unfortunately, this means that the Butterfly Conservation Field Trip planned for Saturday 14th May will now have to be cancelled."

 

Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May 2022: Large Tortoiseshell at Little Ponton Quarry!

 

Toby Ludlow messaged: "Had to pick my son up from Grantham railway station today, so decided to go a bit earlier and call in at Little Ponton Quarry for a couple of hours beforehand. Despite the leaden skies, I soon found a Dingy Skipper roosting with its wings open on top of a dead flower head and, as luck would have it, there was a Grizzled Skipper roosting a few inches from it. I made the most of the opportunity and took many, many photographs of them. I was annoyed with myself when the memory card was full because I made the ultimate schoolboy error of not deleting photos that I had taken previously. How this would come back to bite me.... Luckily I had a second camera, so carried on. Found a couple more Grizzled Skippers, a couple more Dingy Skippers and disturbed a Small Tortoiseshell when traversing up to the top level of the quarry. I decided to venture down to the bottom of the quarry, where I had previously seen a few Grizzled Skippers. Just as I was about to descend, I disturbed another Dingy Skipper, which landed with its wings open on a bit of bare ground, sat perfectly as if posing for its photograph to be taken. As I approached it and loosed off a few shots, I disturbed a large butterfly which took flight and then landed again about a foot in front of me. When I took a good look at it, my eyes nearly popped out of their sockets, I could hardly contain my excitement - it was a Large Tortoiseshell, the first one that I've ever seen in the wild in the UK. I fumbled to get the camera up to my eye and in my haste I took one of the worst photographs ever. At this moment the Large Tortoiseshell took flight and moved further up the quarry, looking for somewhere to roost, before disappearing out of sight. I hung around for another hour, but knew I wouldn't see it again given the fading light levels."

 

Sunday 1st May 2022

 

Pete Burnett from Fiskerton emailed: "This year it's been a slow start trapping as far as moth numbers go, but overnight the garden trap produced this nice Lunar Marbled Brown."

---

April 2022

Saturday 30th April 2022

• Richard Rowling emailed: "I came across this Dingy Skipper at the Blue Lagoon, a site situated on the

   

  

  northern edge of Scunthorpe. Apparently this area is being made attractive for Grayling by a conservation group! Also Small Copper present." 
• Ian McGlynn emailed: "I saw 4 Dingy Skippers today at Temple Wood. On my way home I visited a private field near Robert's Field LWT Nature Reserve and found a Common Heath moth."
• Mike Pickwell from Grimsby emailed: "This morning I saw a Holly Blue in my Scartho garden. Later my wife and I visited Sotby Meadows LWT Nature Reserve and went for a walk along Sotby Green Lane and the Old Roman Road. We saw: 14 Brimstone, 12 Orange-tip, 12 Small White 6 Small Tortoiseshell and 3 Peacock."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Visited Cleethorpes Coast LNR this morning and found 15 Green Hairstreaks in the dunes near the leisure centre. Also noted: 3 Brimstone, 1 Large White, 9 Green-veined White, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 6 Orange-tip, 6 Peacock and 1 Speckled Wood."
• Nige Lound emailed: "67 moths of 26 species overnight at Syke's Farm, Gibratar Point NNR, with Common Pug, Dog's Tooth, Golden-rod Pug, Grey Pine Carpet, Knot Grass, Oak-tree Pug, Pebble Prominent and Ruby Tiger all new for the year."

Friday 29th April 2022

 

• Owen Beaumont messaged: "Walked the transect at Rimac (Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR) this afternoon, which produced a slightly better survey, once the cloud cleared - 1 Small Copper, 3 Wall, 2 Peacock, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Green Hairstreak and 1 Green-veined White."
• Dave Wright reported: "Good to see a butterfly on the wing again after a cold week. Green-veined White, Large White and Holly Blue all made an appearance in my Grimsby garden this afternoon, during a period of warm sunshine."

Wednesday 27th April 2022

Chris Atkin messaged: "That Wall I had at Rimac on 24th April must be made of steel! I returned today (temperature 9 degrees C), woolly hat and gloves on, no sun all day and not surprisingly no butterflies, then I had a Wall flying along that same stretch as last week!"

Tuesday 26th April 2022

Trevor Sherwood emailed: "Spotted a Ruby Tiger moth today, on a wide verge next to a lane in Scamblesby on the Wolds. First one I'd personally seen this year."

Monday 25th April 2022

 

• Mike Pickwell emailed: "I went for a walk around the Cemetery/Woodland Burial Ground and Gooseman's Field this afternoon. It was cool and grey to start with, but warmed up as the afternoon went on. I saw 6 Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Peacock, 2 Green-veined White, 4 Speckled Wood and 1 Small White." 
• Richard Rowland from Burton upon Stather emailed: "Found an Early Grey in my garden this afternoon."

Sunday 24th April 2022

 

• Martin Kew reported: "Walked the transects today at Twyford Wood and in spite of the fresh breeze recorded my first skippers! Two Grizzled Skippers at the Glades and one at the Sanctuary. Also one Dingy Skipper at the Glades. Other butterflies recorded over the two reserves were 2 Brimstone, 3 Green-veined White, 3 Orange-tip, 1 Holly Blue and 4 Peacock."
• Laura Gundy emailed: "Still not many butterflies up here on the Wolds and can't put the moth trap

   

  

  out due to incessant cold winds. Nevertheless, I did see my first Small Copper of the year and 4 Six-spot Burnet moth caterpillars on the disused railway line near Benniworth Haven today. Later in the afternoon, I paid a visit to Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve and saw 7 Small Coppers and appproximately 10 Emperor Moths over the heath."
• Pete Cawdell emailed: "Holly Blue seem to be having a good year. This afternoon I had several

   

  

  sightings of males in central Lincoln near the junction of West Parade and The Avenue, around the hollies. At 4 p.m. I spotted a less than pristine female egg-laying on holly. At 7 p.m. she eventually roosted for the night on a holly leaf, with an egg nearby at the base of a flower bud. This was on my work site and is my first sighting of an adult or other stage of Holly Blue in 24 years of looking there!

Saturday 23rd April 2022

 

Kev Armstong from Wold Farm, Nettleton reported: "I couldn't resist putting out the trap again last night, but fewer moths this time - 30 of 12 species. However there were two new species for the year, Red Twin-spot Carpet and a stunning Purple Thorn, the latter being new for the site."

Friday 22nd April 2022

 

Dave Wright reported: "This morning I popped over to Kev Armstrong's place at Wold Farm, Nettleton, to inspect last night's catch in his moth trap. 41 Moths of 14 species and included three new for the year, an early Cinnabar, Knot Grass and a Shuttle-shaped Dart. Later, a walk around the sheltered spots of his land produced 4 Speckled Wood, 3 Brimstone, 1 Large White, 1 Small White, 5 Green-veined White, 4 Orange-tip and 4 Peacock."

Thursday 21st April 2022

 

• John Davison reported: "It was nice and warm during my visit to Snakeholme Pit LBC Nature Reserve today, but surprisingly only a few butterflies on the wing - Small White, Green-veined White, Orange-tip (all males), Peacock and Brimstone. The Brimstones were laying eggs on the Buckthorn."
• Dave Wright reported: "Just after midday I decided to take a walk in my local area of Grimsby, incorporating Great Coates village, Freshney Bog and Town's Holt, returning via the field margin along the Wybers Wood Estate. The usual butterflies on the wing, but in good numbers, and a male Large White at Cooks Lane Meadow in Great Coates village, was my second of the year. Species totals included the following: 3 Brimstone, 1 Large White, 11 Small White, 20 Green-veined White, 7 Orange-tip, 13 Peacock, 38 Small Tortoiseshell, 12 Speckled Wood and 3 Holly Blue."

   

  

• Richard Rowland emailed: "I photographed the attached Sulphur Tubic Esperia sulphurella on buddleia here in Burton-upon-Stather."
• Cliff Morrison reported: "6 Green Hairstreaks today, in the dunes around my home at Brickyard Lane, Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR."

Wednesday 20th April 2022

 

• Chris Atkin emailed: "Visited Saltflleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR today, concentrating mainly on the Rimac area. Despite the cool north-easterly breeze, I flushed my first Green Hairstreak of the year, which not surprisingly soon hunkered down in the grass to escape the wind. Shortly afterwards, I found a Small Copper, followed by a Wall, both firsts for the year! As the day progressed, it became quite warm in the sheltered areas and I also noted the following: 25 Peacock, 2 Orange-tip, 1 Speckled Wood and several Green-veined White."
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "An excellent day today! I went to Donna Nook first and found 3 Green

   

  

  Hairstreaks and 2 Peacocks. Also my first Swallows of the year. I then moved on to Covenham Reservoir where I was pleased to find 4 Yellow Wagtails along with 3 Small White, 3 Orange-tips (all male), 1 Small Tortoiseshell and 1 Peacock."
• Steve Palmer from Healing messaged: "First Orange-tip of the year in my garden today."

Tuesday 19th April 2022

Mike Pickwell emailed: "I went for a long walk around the local patch in Grimsby this afternoon (Cemetery/Woodland Burial Ground, Weelsby Woods and Gooseman's Field). There were plenty of butterflies on the wing in the sun: 4 Speckled Wood, 24 Small Tortoiseshell, 9 Peacock and 1 Small White. I also saw my first Holly Blue of the year along Scartho Road this morning."

 

Easter Monday 18th April 2022

 

• Kev Armstrong from Wold Farm, Nettleton reported: "Had the trap out again overnight, but this time positioned it among the trees on the hillside above the house. Managed 27 moths of 11 species and included the following: 1 Muslin Moth (male), 2 Red Chestnut, 1 Brindled Beauty, 1 Pale Pinion, 1 Shoulder Stripe, 12 Hebrew Character, 2 Twin-spotted Quaker, 2 Powdered Quaker, 3 Clouded Drab, 1 Chocolate-tip and a Bee Moth."
• Richard Rowland emailed: "Lots of Orange-tips on a walk near Burton-upon-Stather today. Later, I found a Streamer moth on a stinging nettle."
• Trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and caught 43 moths of 10 species, including some cracking fresh specimens that were new for the year - Chocolate-tip, Muslin Moth and Red-green Carpet."
• Chris Dobson from Langworth emailed: "I nearly didn't bother with the garden trap tonight, but was pleased I did, as four new for the year turned up: Chocolate-tip, Lunar Marbled Brown, Swallow Prominent and Lesser Swallow Prominent. Also, my neighbour showed me a female Emperor Moth, picked up off the road only a couple of hundred yards away!"

Easter Sunday 17th April 2022

 

• Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "Last night's garden moth trap didn't have a lot ,

   

  

  but Chocolate-tip always lifts the mood. Shuttle-shaped Dart and Brindled Beauty were also new for the year. Had a walk through Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR in the Rimac area yesterday in the hope of something. Not much really - 7 Peacock, 2 Speckled Wood and 3 Large Red Damselfly."
• Roy Harvey emailed: "Had my first visit of the year to Nettleton LNR this afternoon and noted the following: 1 Speckled Wood, 1 male Orange-tip and 5 Green-veined White."

 

Saturday 16th April 2022: Early Green Hairstreak!

• Andrew Kurch phoned: "This morning I visited the dunes at Cleethorpes Coast LNR and was surprised to find my first Green Hairstreak of the year. Also noted 3 Peacock, 4 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Comma, 1 Brimstone and 1 Green-veined White. Before returning home I popped into my local patch just off Westward Ho in Grimsby where 10 Speckled Wood, 8 Green-veined White and a single Holly Blue were the highlights." 
• Dave Wright reported: "Thomas, my grandson, has always wanted to see a snake in the wild. To remedy this I decided to take him to two LWT Nature Reserves - Moor Farm and Kirkby Moor, arguably two of the best sites in the county for these elusive reptiles. Our luck was in and we managed to find 3 Grass Snakes at Moor Farm, although two of the sightings consisted of just brief glimpses. He was also keen to see some butterflies and we noted the following: 6 Brimstone (5 male & 1 female), 5 Peacock, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Green-veined White and 1 Small White. As we transferred to the second site, my first Orange-tip of the year was seen patrolling along Wellsyke Lane with another male Brimstone. Kirkby Moor produced 2 more Grass Snakes, but the highlight for me was finding 2 Small Coppers, by far my earliest sighting for this species. We also noted 6 Brimstone, 5 Orange-tip, 8 Peacock, 1 Comma, 1 Green-veined White, 2 Small White and 2 Speckled Wood (my first of the year). Both reserves produced my first damselfly of the year, with a single Large Red Damselfly at Moor Farm and 2 more at Kirkby Moor."
• Josh Forrester from Grimsby messaged: "A most pleasant surprise today! While I was moving the

   

  

  recycling bin, a stunning Herald moth dropped off. It landed on its back, but I knew it straight away - so distinctive and new for the garden!
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "I had a bird photography trip to Bonby Carrs today hoping for some migrants, but no luck! However, I did see 3 Small White, 1 Small Tortoiseshell and 1 Peacock."
• Toby Ludlow emailed: "Following a tip-off from Dave Wright and his grandson Thomas, I called in

   

  

  at Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve late on this afternoon to try and find a Small Copper. After a brief search, I found 3. On the walk over the heath, I thought I'd found my second Painted Lady of the year, but when it was joined by a second individual, I realised that they were in fact, male Emperor Moths searching for a female. They both seemed to be interested in a particular clump of heather, so I bent down and investigated and, lo and behold, found a freshly-emerged female. As I parted the heather, one of the males darted in and instantly paired with the female. After a few photos, I moved on across the heath and found many more male Emperor Moths quartering low across the heather."

 

Good Friday 15th April 2022

Jan Rousseau from North Hykeham emailed: "Holly Blue in the garden today!"

Thursday 14th April 2022: First Painted Lady of the Year! 

 

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Amazing, amazing, amazing! My 12th species of the year 'in the bag': a

   

  

  really fresh Painted Lady seen nectaring on a dandelion on the Pingle LNR, Coningsby, which was initially spotted by my son Elliott. A total of 11 species were seen on our walk there today, the others being: Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Orange-tip (my first female for 2022), Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma, Speckled Wood and Holly Blue."
• Owen Beaumont messaged: "I managed to get out for the first butterfly transect of the year at

   

  

  Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR today. Only 1 Small White, 3 Peacock and 1 Comma, but it's a start! A stunning male Redstart appeared briefly as I was walking the transect, so that was a nice bonus!"
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "Had a very pleasant walk at Messingham Sand Quarry LWT Nature Reserve today. No dragonflies or damselflies yet, but quite a few butterflies on the wing: 4 Brimstone, 7 Green-veined White, 4 Small White, 2 Orange-tip, 2 Small

   

  

  Tortoiseshell and 4 Speckled Wood. Birds on the reserve included lots of Chiffchaff, my first Willow Warbler of the year and a singing Cetti's Warbler. Also, I found a Common Lizard basking in the sun."
• Jan Rousseau from North Hykeham emailed: "I saw a male Orange-tip in the garden today." 
• Dave Wright reported: "My first Holly Blue of the year today made a brief appearance in my daughter's garden at Cleethorpes Country Park, along with a single Small White and 2 Small Tortoiseshells. On returning home, I found another Holly Blue sat among the ivy in my Grimsby garden."

 

Wednesday 13th April 2022

Michelle Bellini from North Thoresby emailed: "Had a wander around my garden this afternoon and disturbed 10 Peacocks and 1 Small White."

Tuesday 12th April 2022

 

• Phil Bowler from Amber Hill emailed: "A bit of warmth makes all the difference! 4 Brimstones in the garden today at one time. It was great to see a female laying eggs on the buckthorn (hardly in leaf) and another one flying nearby intercepted by a male, forced to the ground and immediately mated with. No courtship! They stayed hidden at ground level under the leaves of Garlic Mustard. A rare sight indeed!"
• Toby Ludlow from Coningsby messaged: "2 Holly Blues in the garden today, found by my son Elliott."
• Pete Cawdell emailed: "My friend, Andy Pegg, reported a first Holly Blue male in his West Keal garden this afternoon."
• Nige Lound emailed: Trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR overnight and had 27 moths of 9 species, with Streamer being the highlight."

Monday 11th April 2022

Toby Ludlow messaged: "My first Orange-tip of the year today, along a roadside verge in Woodhall Spa."

Sunday 10th April 2022

• Dave Wright reported: "There was a vast improvement in the weather today in the Grimsby area, bright and sunny, with a lighter and less cool breeze. As a result it was great to see a few butterflies on the wing again during a walk in my local area, and included three firsts for the year - Small White and a male Brimstone in Freshney Bog, and a Green-veined White in Town's Holt. Also noted a total of 49 Small Tortoiseshell and singles of Peacock and Comma. Later, a second Small White appeared in my garden."
• Mike Pickwell from Grimsby emailed: "After a bit of an absence from the local patch, I had a wander around the woodland burial ground and Gooseman's Field today. Quiet on the bird front with just the regular burial ground Chiffchaff, but I saw 18 Small Tortoiseshells on Gooseman's. Some of them are looking quite worn now, but it was nice to see one nectaring on dandelion."
• Geoff Beasley from Irby upon Humber messaged: "2 Orange-tips and a male Brimstone in the garden today."
• Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "After brushing the frost off the garden trap this

   

  

  morning, I was amazed to find six moths within - 1 Common Quaker, 3 Clouded Drab, 1 Chestnut and a Pale Pinion. Later at Covenham Reservoir, I saw 3 Small Tortoiseshells and a Peacock."

Saturday 9th April 2022

Mark Joy emailed: "This afternoon I visited Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve and, despite the cold wind, in sheltered spots I managed to see three butterflies. A male Orange Tip, a male Brimstone and my first Speckled Wood of the year. I had visited in the hope of seeing Orange Underwing moths, but failed and wondered if I've missed the main emergence this year after the hot spell of weather towards the end of March."

Friday 8th April 2022

Toby Ludlow phoned: "It was bright and sunny in the Coningsby area this morning, and although it was still quite cool, I decided to visit two local LWT nature reserves, Moor Farm and Kirkby Moor. I drew a complete blank at the first of these sites, but the latter produced three butterflies - 2 Peacock and my first Speckled Wood of the year!"

Wednesday 6th April 2022

 

Dave Wright reported: "My second Large White of the year appeared in my Grimsby garden this morning and eventually settled on an ivy leaf. However, closer inspection revealed that it was the same female I recorded last Sunday, due to an identical deformity on the right forewing."

Tuesday 5th April 2022

Nige Lound emailed: "The usual fayre at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR tonight with 67 moths of 7 species. A single Shuttle-shaped Dart was new for the year."

Monday 4th April 2022

 

Kev Armstrong from Wold Farm, Nettleton reported: "Decided to put out the moth trap this evening for the first time this year and managed 45 moths of 10 species - 1 Twin-spotted Quaker, 6 Common Quaker, 6 Small Quaker, 1 March Moth, 4 Early Thorn, 5 Early Grey, 5 Hebrew Character, 2 Red Chestnut, 14 Clouded Drab and 1 Diurnea fagella." 

Sunday 3rd April 2022

Dave Wright reported: "My first white of the year this afternoon, a stunning female Large White, which turned up in my Grimsby garden." 

---

March 2022

Monday 28th March 2022

 

• Mark Joy emailed: "This afternoon I went to Twyford Wood near Colsterworth and saw a mimimum of 16 Peacock, 11 Small Tortoiseshell and 10 Comma. The highlight of the afternoon though was my first ever March Orange Tip (male). Going back many years in the Lincolnshire farmland areas, I would normally see my first Orange Tip around the 7th May. In recent years it has become mid to late April, so today's March sighting was a nice surprise, but not totally unexpected with the recent great weather we have had. I must admit I went with the hope of seeing an Orange Tip!"
• Phil Bowler emailed: "Pleased to report the sighting of a Red Admiral in my Amber Hill garden today. It was a blink and you miss it moment, as it briefly fed from sloe blossom." 
• John Davison reported: "Visited Snakeholme Pit today and recorded five butterflies of four species - 2 Comma, 1 Brimstone (male), 1 Small Tortoiseshell and one very fresh Green-veined White."

Sunday 27th March 2022

• Phil Lee messaged: "Had our first Speckled Wood of the year today at Langholme."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Recorded my seventh species of the year today: a male Green-veined White on The Pingle LNR in Coningsby."

Saturday 26th March 2022

Laura Gundy emailed: "The moth trap in my Benniworth garden overnight revealed some nice spring species: Small Quaker, Common Quaker, Hebrew Character and Clouded Drab. Also, one beautifully marked Shoulder Stripe and a new one for my garden, a Grey Shoulder-knot."

Friday 25th March 2022

 

• Phil Lee emailed: "Attached is one of several Orange Underwings seen at Haxey Carr today."
• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Went for a walk with my son, Elliott, to Moor Farm LWT Nature Reserve today. Whilst there, we saw all of the usual suspects along with one really unusual suspect! In the distance, Elliott spotted what we both initially thought was a Brimstone, but as it got closer and then flew past us, we were amazed to see that it was, in fact, a male Large White. This was also our first white of the year, so it was unusual for that to be a Large White."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "While walking into the centre of Grimsby today, I came across my first Speckled Wood of the year in a sheltered corner of a small green space adjacent to Alfred Terrace."

Thursday 24th March 2022

 

• Mike Pickwell emailed: "We had a walk around Snipe Dales LWT Nature Reserve today and found 11 Brimstone, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Peacock and a Comma. It was interesting to find some of the Brimstones nectaring on the primroses."
• Roy Harvey emailed: "Saw my first Brimstone butterflies of the year today at Messingham Sand Quarry, where 2 were on the wing. Also noted 2 Peacocks."
• Mark Johnson reported: "Today I had 2 Brimstone, 1 Peacock and my first Small White of the year in my mum's garden at North Somercotes."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Visited People's Park in Grimsby today and saw my first Red Admiral of the year! Also noted singles of Comma and Peacock."
• Nige Lound emailed: "Despite a hard frost and overnight low of -1 degree C at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR, managed a surprising 51 moths of 8 species - Clouded Drab, Common Quaker, Dotted Border, Hebrew Character, Red Chestnut, Satellite, Small Quaker and Twin-spotted Quaker."

Wednesday 23rd March 2022

Mark Joy emailed: "Today I visited Callans Lane Wood near Kirkby Underwood and saw 7 Peacock (one nectaring on Sallow), 7 Comma and 5 male Brimstone (two were nectaring on Primrose)."

Tuesday 22nd March 2022

Nige Lound emailed: "I trapped at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR again and caught 26 moths of 9 species, including a Yellow Horned, which I think may well be a reserve first. Certainly a new one for me on the coast!"

Saturday 19th March 2022

 

Mike Pickwell emailed: "A late afternoon visit to the Freshney and Town's Holt in Grimsby yielded 10 Small Tortoiseshells and a Comma. Also, 2 Chiffchaff, a fleeting glimpse of a Cetti's Warbler and similar of a Kingfisher."

Friday 18th March 2022

• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Following a productive visit earlier in the week to my local patch, just off Westward Ho in Grimsby, I returned today and was rewarded with 3 Small Whites, my first of the year! Also noted 48 Small Tortoiseshells, 5 Commas and 2 Peacocks."
• Phil Bowler from Amber Hill emailed: "Butterflies are starting to show more regularly in the garden, but it's still a bit on the chilly side down here near the coast. Nevertheless, the first Small White showed today, joining Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma and both sexes of Brimstone."
• Collette Tait emailed: "Lovely Brimstone in my Hundleby garden today."
• Nige Lound emailed: "A very steady start to the year - the overnight trap at Syke's Farm, Gibraltar Point NNR, produced 13 moths of 6 species and included Clouded Drab, Common Quaker, Hebrew Character, March Moth, Twin-spotted Quaker and Agonopterix arenella."

Thursday 17th March 2022

Ian McGlynn emailed: "I saw a Red Admiral today in Temple Wood, Aslackby."

Wednesday 16th March 2022

 

Josh Forrester from Grimsby messaged: "This morning the trap revealed one moth of one species: Hebrew Character. A new record for me and the first moth recorded in my garden for the year! This will be my first full year of trapping."

Tuesday 15th March 2022

 

• Mark Joy emailed: "Today I checked a local farmyard near my Gosberton Risegate home hoping to see a few early Spring butterflies. I didn't expect to see as many as normal, as a few weeks ago I checked their main hibernating site in an old barn where I would normally see a total of 20 to 30 Peacocks and Small Tortoiseshells (along with a few Herald Moths). I drew a total blank then, with not one hibernating and from the amount of broken butterfly wings on the concrete floor, I could see they had all been predated! So today looking around the farm I managed to find (in sunny sheltered areas where there were small nettle patches) just 3 Small Tortoiseshells and 1 Peacock that had survived hibernation in other buildings or sheltered places. I made the most of these sightings though and watched and waited to hopefully see Small Tortoiseshells mate for my first ever time. I watched a male Small Tortoiseshell chasing a female around and perching behind her with the usual fluttering wings for over 45 minutes. Eventually the female dived into some grass with the male flying around it for some time looking like he had lost her! All of a sudden he dived straight into one area and then I witnessed them mating. They remained paired from 2:04 P.M. to 2:28 P.M. when the female decided to break off and left the male very happily sunning himself.
• Dave Wright reported: "Around midday ventured out and took a walk down to Town's Holt in Grimsby. Along the way, the field margin bordering the Wybers Wood housing estate produced an amazing count of 50 Small Tortoiseshell and 2 Peacock (my first of the year). In Town's Holt itself, another 19 Small Tortoiseshell added to the tally, along with 2 Comma (my first of the year). Great to hear at least 4 Chiffchaff in song."
• Josh Forrester from Grimsby messaged: "3 Comma today by St. Giles Avenue in Scartho and 3 Small Tortoiseshell on Gooseman's Field."
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "A good day today: my first Chiffchaff of the year, 3 Small Tortoiseshells, one on the edge of Weelsby Woods and 2 on Gooseman's Field, along with a very tatty Comma."
• Howard Bunn phoned: "During my lunch break, while working at a property along Charles Avenue in Louth, I noticed about a dozen Small Tortoiseshells and a single Brimstone on the adjaceant allotments." 

Monday 14th March 2022

• Graham Catley messaged: "My first Comma of the year in the forest at Laughton today. Had another 2 later on, but nothing else on the wing." 
• Geoff Beasley from Irby upon Humber messaged: "Had my first Comma of the year in the garden today, a week or so earlier than last year."
• Mark Joy emailed: " Today I saw a male Brimstone along the road from my Gosberton Risegate home. Along the old railway line at Woolsthorpe by Colsterworth were 1 Peacock and 1 Small Tortoiseshell. In Twyford Wood just 1 Small Tortoiseshell."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Paid another visit to my local patch, just off Westward Ho in Grimsby and the Small Tortoiseshell number had gone up to 30. Also noted my first Peacock and Brimstone of the year."

Sunday 13th March 2022

 

Mark Johnson from North Somercotes emailed: "The first trap of the year in my garden last night produced the usual suspects - 1 Clouded Drab, 2 Hebrew Character and 2 Common Quaker."

Friday 11th March 2022

• Dave Wright reported: "It was bright and sunny in the Grimsby area this morning, so I decided to take a walk along a few field margins and in my local patch of Town's Holt. Despite the fresh breeze, I managed a total count of 37 Small Tortoiseshell. 
• Adrian Royle emailed: "5 Small Tortoiseshells in Louth this morning."
• Collette Tait reported: "Male Brimstone in our Hundleby garden this morning."
• Steve Palmer from Healing emailed: "I put the moth trap out for the first time this year last night

   

  

  and had 5 species including a March Moth, which was new for the garden. The catch also included singles of Common Quaker, Hebrew Character, Early Grey and and an unidentified micro."

Thursday 10th March 2022: Double-digit Day!

 

• Toby Ludlow messaged: "Forget about astronomical and meteorological spring, today is officially

   

  

  the start of Butterfly Spring, which coincides with my first Brimstone sighting of the year! That individual was a sulphurous male, which was seen at Moor Farm LWT Nature Reserve near Kirkby on Bain. In an hour-long walk there, I recorded a further 4 males, all patrolling in search of a female. In the surrounding area, more Brimstones were evident, all enjoying the balmy

   

  

  weather, bringing my total for the day to 9. Back home in Coningsby, Small Tortoiseshells were on display 7 being my final tally, along with my first Comma of 2022. However, my best sighting of the day was that of a Red Admiral, flying westward between Kirkby on Bain and Woodhall Spa."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "With a vast improvement in the weather in the Grimsby area today, I decided to return to my local patch, just off Westward Ho and noted 2 Comma and 24 Small Tortoiseshell."
• Adrian Royle emailed: "Visited Chambers Farm Wood today and got some butterflies at last! The morning was quite productive while the sun shone, and produced the following sightings: 12 Brimstone, 2 Peacock, 1 Comma and 1 Small Tortoiseshell."
• Martin Kew emailed: "My first Brimstone of the year appeared this morning in my Colsterworth garden."
• Alan Barker emailed: "Had a brief sighting of a female Brimstone just before midday, in woodland close to Doddington Road, Lincoln."
• Ian McGlynn emailed: "Just seen a Small Tortoiseshell in my garden at Bourne, resting on some daffodils."
• Mike Pickwell emailed: "I have just seen my first butterflies of the year on the outskirts of Grimsby at Gooseman's Field today - singles of Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock. I saw another Small Tortoiseshell outside my house when I got home."
• Laura Floyd reported: "While out walking this morning I saw a fine male Brimstone in Saint Nicolas Churchyard in Great Coates." 
• Jan Rousseau emailed: "My first butterfly of the year today, a lovely male Brimstone in my North Hykeham garden."
• Mark Joy emailed: "Today I saw my first butterflies of the year, 5 Brimstone. Driving between Essendine and Stamford flying along the roadside verges of the A4121 were 2 male and 1 female Brimstone (with another 2 male Brimstone out of county in a Northants Wood).

Wednesday 9th March 2022

Elliott Ludlow reported: "A single Small Tortoiseshell this afternoon, while walking along the Humber Embankment at Far Ings NNR."

Friday 4th March 2022

 

Phil Lee emailed: "It's probably impatience on my part, but it seems to be a slow start to the 'mothing' season in my Misterton garden. Last night I thought I would put the trap out until bedtime with the rain forecast for later and it arrived early at 9 PM. On checking this morning I had just the one moth, a Satellite which is the earliest garden record and the first since 2019."

---

February 2022

Monday 28th February 2022

Mark Johnson phoned: "My first butterfly of the year today, a Small Tortoiseshell in the grounds of the Havelock Academy, Holyoake Road, Grimsby."

Sunday 27th February 2022

Toby Ludlow messaged: "I thought I might have seen a few butterflies today, because it was quite warm, with hardly any wind in the Coningsby area. After walking miles and not seeing a thing, I managed to find a Peacock just as I got home!" 

Saturday 26th February 2022

 

• Toby Ludlow reported: "With the weather forecast looking quite good, I arranged to meet up with Dave Wright today and together we decided to visit Kirkby Moor LWT Nature Reserve hoping to see an early butterfly. On arrival there at about midday, the sun was shining and it was starting to feel warm. Optimistically, we headed out over the heath and things were looking good until the wind started to get up. Although it was blowing from the south, it provided an uncharacteristic, icy chill to the proceedings, enough to turn success into failure, in my opinion. We spent almost two hours on site and covered the whole of the Visitors' Route, but the only thing we saw of note on the walk was one micromoth that we had disturbed. However, we were unable to identify the little blighter because it just headed skywards like a homesick angel! We headed back to the car feeling slightly down, but my pulse suddenly started to race when I saw a dark object flying further along the Main Stone Track. Initially, I didn't get my hopes up because I had been fooled earlier on when I'd mistakenly seen some leaves being blown along the track. This time I shouted to Dave and together we investigated the dark UFO. However, on this occasion we were both delighted to see our first Small Tortoiseshell of 2022! Buoyed by this result at Kirkby Moor, we headed over to nearby Moor Farm LWT Nature Reserve in the hope of adding to our tally. With the afternoon drawing on, the temperature started to drop, and we were not hopeful of seeing another butterfly. And so it was! That said, whilst there, we were lucky to see our first Grass Snake and our first Adder for 2022."
• Tracey Lenton from Boston emailed: "My first butterfly of the year! Had a Small Tortoiseshell fly into my garden this afternoon, it stayed for around 20 minutes, feeding on heather and basking in the sunshine."
• Andrew Kurch phoned: "Decided to make the first visit of the year to my local patch, just off Westward Ho in Grimsby, and was rewarded with my first 4 Small Tortoiseshells of the year."
• Howard Bunn phoned: "Had a Small Tortoiseshell this morning, while working in the People's Park area of Grimsby."

Wednesday 9th February 2022

Audrey and John Spring reported: "Our first butterfly of the year today in our Scartho garden, a Small Tortoiseshell. "

Tuesday 8th February 2022

 

• Phil Lee emailed: "The forecast was good, so we set the garden trap again last night over here at Misterton, where the temperature stayed up at 8 degrees C. We were rewarded with 3 moths, Hebrew Character, Chestnut and a micro which is either Acleris notana or Acleris ferrugana, but you have to check the genitalia to be sure. We think it is notana as we have birch in the garden which is the larval foodplant, whereas ferrugana prefers oak or willow." 
• John Davison reported: "Had my first butterfly of the year today - a Brimstone in Southrey Wood."

Sunday 6th February 2022

 

Brian Hedley emailed: "Agonopterix arenella, found in house here at Marton and quite a smart looking micro I think!"

Thursday 3rd February 2022

 

Phil Lee from Misterton emailed: "We don't usually set our garden trap until March, past years have never turned up anything interesting until then, but yesterday the weatherman said it was going to be a mild night and so we chanced it. I couldn't believe my eyes this morning with the attached Early Moth on the shed door awaiting me at 07:30! Early Moth does not appear to be common around here and in fact we have only come across it once before and that was at Mission Carr NR on New Year's Eve back in 2011. Over the years we have trapped the local LWT woods around us at this time of year, but have not caught it. Other moths in the garden included a Dotted Border and a Light Brown Apple Moth. So Early Moth is a very welcome addition to our garden list and hopefully a sign of a good year ahead!"

---

January 2022

Wednesday 26th January 2022

Toby Ludlow from Coningsby phoned: "Had my first butterfly of the year today, thanks to my son Elliott who spotted a Peacock flying around the garden."

Monday 17th January 2022

 

Paul Floyd messaged: "Unfortunately, this morning I disturbed 2 hibernating Peacocks while moving some plastic pipes in the grounds of North Somercotes C of E Primary School."

Sunday 2nd January 2022

• Toby Ludlow from Coningsby messaged: "Off and running for 2022! Put the garden trap out last night with the temperature at 12 degrees C, and recorded 2 Mottled Umbers: one heavily patterned and the other obscurely marked."
• Laura Gundy messaged: "This morning I found a single Herald moth hibernating in my garden shed at Benniworth Walk Farm."

Saturday 1st January 2022

Adrian Royle emailed: "I saw a Green-veined White yesterday, up on the Wolds at Welsdale Bottom, east of Donnington on Bain. It flew across the road as I was walking through the area and landed in an apple tree full of rotten apples. Apparently, this sighting is the joint latest Lincs record ever!"

---

Previous Year's Sightings

• Lincolnshire 2021 Sightings
• Lincolnshire 2020 Sightings
• Lincolnshire 2019 Sightings
• Lincolnshire 2018 Sightings

IMPORTANT: We can continue to receive your sightings, but please be aware of our guidance for recorders in response to the Government coronavirus restrictions. Please see BC Website.