26th & 27th July Update

I counted 26 on the Knepp PE 'transect' on Mon 26th, down a bit from 32 the previously Friday, which was almost certainly peak day there. Many males were still quite dark and fresh-looking, though most must now be middle aged gents. A few were still sallow searching, suggesting that some females are still emerging. My guess is that the butterfly will last at Knepp until about August 10th, maybe longer if the weather is kind, though they will become increasingly localised and males will only be active during the afternoons, on territory.  

Elsewhere yesterday, Mark Tutton did well at Botley Wood / Whiteley Pastures in S Hants, including watching males sallow searching, but people are now struggling to see the butterfly at all in Fermyn Woods - which has a rather short season (it's a difficult site to work once the males have stopped sallow searching and descending to the ride surfaces to feed, as there are few good male territories).  

Today, Tuesday 27th, I accidentally found a new site very near me in Glos. Herself, no less, was flying in front of me along the lane past Cherington Lake (a wooded valley between Tetbury and Minchinhampton, with plenty of nice sallows). I've long suspected that the butterfly might be there. Yet another record from the southern Cotswolds.