Butterflies 2017

I've just seen my first butterfly of the year - I'm pretty sure it was a tortoiseshell, although it was above my head and it didn't stay still so I couldn't see the markings - it was quite a large one for the common Small Tortoiseshell so might have been something else - fluttering in the sunlight by the south-facing wall of the house before flying over the fence to next door's garden.
Whatever it was, it was a butterfly
“I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh
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wow that is early
Not seen any yet.....
Ooh, ooh, just saw a red admiral fly past
Did the thought summon him? Spooky 
I saw a red admiral in a walled garden on Monday.
Some people have seen butterflies as early as January 8th.
https://web69.secure-secure.co.uk/gardenbutterflysurvey.org/statistics_for_year.php?year=2017
Two Red Admirals here in our garden, spotted the first time about three weeks ago! Amazingly early!
Small Tortoiseshell today, temperature in garden 14 degrees in sheltered corner. Quite a lot of bees on the Snowdrops too today. Blackbird, Blue Tits and Mistle Thrush singing today.
Oh wow Cottage Compost, I've got insect envy now
Off topic but talk of butterflies reminded me of the exotic enclosure at Hampton Court Flower Show, the vivid blues and blacks from overseas - although the humidity in there on an already humid July day was almost intolerable but overall worth it! They landed all over and unfortunately some escaped much to the dismay of the young staff and their nets
Hoping to see a lot more this year - have been planting for bees but butterflies are always a pleasant surprise.. verbenas, sedums, agastaches etc
Last edited: 17 February 2017 14:50:41