Much better weather at Knepp today, without the irritating wind. However, an unforecast band of rain came over at 2.15pm, lasting till 4pm. Then the sun came out strongly and the Emperors went berserk (they even launched themselves at a Chinook helicopter, albeit rather lamely, and an Egyptian goose [new to the Purple Bird Hit List]).
One pristine male down on the track by Patrick's Tree around noon -
They do seem rather patchy, with some popular territories still unoccupied, and are most numerous close to the younger sallow stands, suggesting that the breeding grounds have shifted.
An indication of how slow the season is here is provided by the fact that Ringlet only started at Knepp today.
I had a close encounter with a freshly emerged female Purple Hairstreak, though this species too isn't well out here yet (I worked the evening flight, but only saw 10) -
Knepp's Purple Emperor Walk is now up and running - same as last year, with PE HQ in the black barn down Green Lane -
Elsewhere, 10 seen down on the rides in Fermyn Woods today, and Worcestershire has declared itself Purple for the season. This weekend is going to be Mega...
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