Common Whitethroat (Sylvia communis), Barlow Tip
Great to see the Whitethroats beginning to return from Africa. With the recent warm weather leading to a plentiful supply of insects it looks like this year they’ve timed it to perfection.
With a brownish tinge to its head I think this one is probably a 1st summer male.
Several, fresh Brimstone’s on the wing.
With the sun behind them their iridescent wings are superbly disguised.
Also a few Green-veined Whites beginning to appear.
A surprisingly early Speckled Wood basking in the warmth of the afternoon sun.
Noticeably more female Orange Tips about.
Male Orange Tip nectaring on Lady’s Smock.
Still a few of the Peacock Butterflies that successfully over wintered to be found.
One of several Small Tortoiseshells – unfortunately beginning to fade. Normally survive until mid-May before being followed by a 2nd generation in July.
With the cold start to Spring the past few weeks really have seen an explosion of colour – rich pickings for the local Bees.