Flutterbies

Up till now I've only managed to see four species of butterflies on the wing in the UK, and never more than 1 species on a day. Taking advantage of unexpected afternoon at home I just stayed very local to the house - probably traveled no more 500m from the house. In that time a managed to see 5 species, 3 for the first time. It started with the first of 3 Holly Blues, followed by several Speckled Woods (first seen last Monday). A Small White was next up (first recorded two weeks ago). Next up a Orange Tip, followed quickly by a Comma.

Other first sightings for the year included a fly over House Martin, a Hawthorn Shieldbug, Ashy Mining-bee and a probable Grey-patched Mining-bee.

probable Grey-patched Mining-bee - note the patches of grey/white hairs along the side of the abdomin

                                           Holly Blue

                                           Hawthorn Shieldbug