by James Forster (Fozzy)
One poor month trundles into another. June differed slightly from the preceding months by having a short-lived week of summer weather before the high pressure made way for another low, which lingered over the country. As a result, the average temperature climbed slightly, from May’s 14°C to 17°C as a result.
The month opened with a Butterfly Walk on the Reserve on 2nd and a lingering male Orange-tip greeted the participants at the Tanfield Hide. However, no Walls were found; in fact, no Walls were reported all month…. simply overlooked or a potential loss from the area? From the car park to North Hide there was variety, including Large Skipper, Common Blue, Small White, Green-veined White, two Speckled Woods and two Brimstones. A Peacock was spotted later in the day. At the quarry, another male Orange-tip and Brimstone were on the causeway, with a Speckled Wood holding territory in the woods along Flasks Lane and a Brown Argus was also reported.
Brown Argus Fozzy
There was a significant gap in records until 14th, when an Orange-tip larva was spotted on tower mustard in the nursery. A Brimstone was also reported from the recording area and on 16th a Red Admiral put in an appearance quarry side. A few days later the first Ringlets of the year were spotted, with several near the Silt Lagoons and causeway.
On 20th, Flasks Lane and the causeway held two Common Blues, two Brown Argus, 11 Ringlets, two Meadow Browns, three Speckled Woods, and a Green-veined White. The following day, the weekly quarry transect showed great improvement, with five Brimstones, single Large and Green-veined Whites, ten Speckled Woods, 13 Meadow Browns and 17 Ringlets recorded.
Ringlet Gareth Jones
From 22nd until the end of the month, Ringlet numbers peaked at 33, with Meadow Browns hitting 18. Speckled Wood numbers remained low, with odd individuals scattered around the recording area. Other notable sightings included a late Orange-tip still on the wing, a Large Skipper at the quarry and Brimstone numbers peaking at 11.
Orange Tip Adrian Wetherill
Worryingly, with half the calendar year gone, it doesn’t feel as though the season has yet started. There is still time, with some specialist species still to emerge so keep scanning elms and oaks for White-letter and Purple Hairstreaks respectively and hopefully, hopefully, warmer weather is to come!