Adonis Blue. Photo: Mike Kirby

Marsh Fritillary. Photo: Mark Kirby

Mark says:

Having been on holiday and only getting back last night, I realised there were lots of great butterflies now showing and felt I was missing out.

A trip out to Compton Down this afternoon (Sunday 4 May) soon rectified that! I saw six new species for the year – Glanville & Marsh Fritillaries, Dingy Skipper, Painted Lady, Small Heath & an Adonis Blue.

There were good numbers of Small Heath, Grizzled & Dingy Skippers showing. It was my earliest recorded dates for Small Heath, Marsh & Glanville Fritillaries & Adonis Blue (Marsh & Adonis by 10 days!). Other species seen were Speckled Wood & Orange Tip.