Butterflies North-east England (1 Viewer)

[DaveB]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me of where I could find Hairstreaks, Grayling, Large Heath in NE England, preferably in County Durham?

Is there a thread that involves watching Butterflies in NE England?

Thanks!

DaveB

 

[IanF]

I've never noticed a dedicated local forum for them Dave.

I think Hedleyhope Fell Nature Reserve is supposed to be about the best area for Green Hairstreak. A good few years ago they used to be on the bilberry bushes on a minor road near Folly Top at Egglestone - the road runs between the Barnard Castle to Egglestone Road and Staindrop to Egglestone Road about a mile south of Folly Top.

 

[DaveB]

I've never noticed a dedicated local forum for them Dave.

I think Hedleyhope Fell Nature Reserve is supposed to be about the best area for Green Hairstreak. A good few years ago they used to be on the bilberry bushes on a minor road near Folly Top at Egglestone - the road runs between the Barnard Castle to Egglestone Road and Staindrop to Egglestone Road about a mile south of Folly Top.

Ian,

Thanks for that |=)|

I Haven't heard of that one for Green Hairstreak. I normally get them up Knitsley Fell (quite reliable) and easy to get to.

I've yet to see all the other hairstreaks. Hairstreaks, Grayling and Large Heath are my next targets, but I think I may have to travel for them.

Tried for White-letter Hairstreak on Saturday morning (before seeing you on Zinc Road). No joy as the wind was too high.

DaveB

 

[Oenanthe]

Hi Dave,

Most likely the nearest place I know of Grayling for you is at Coatham Marsh and South Gare,Large Heath will probably be Fen Bog (fylingdales) unless there are some nearer you.
I would check any Elms and Oaks near you for the other Hairstreaks as both White-letter and Purple are recorded just about everywhere where the food plants are in East Cleveland and probably this would apply to your area of Durham.
Purple Hairstreak are best looked for from approx 4.00pm onwards around the tops of Oak trees and often fly until dark.

Damian

 

[IanF]

Teesmouth Bird Club sightings page shows Graylingx2 seen at Maze Park - just down from the Tees Barrage a few days ago - south of the river though!

 

[Jamie D]

Hi,

There are a couple of sites for White letter hairstreak in Stockton. I think Hardwick Dene is the easiest. There are also some at the Wynyard Woodland Walkway on a tree near the ponds. I think there should be a few places where there are Purple Hairstreaks. There are also Graylings near the Tees Barrage near the big spoil heap. Fen bog is the nearest place I know of for Large Heath.

I know there are people who check this forum who know a lot more about the local butterflies so hopefully they can also help when they notice this thread,

Regards,
Jamie

 

[DaveB]

Graylings

Thanks all.

I have just been browsing the gateshead birders site and found a wonderfull page on the insects that can be found in that area.

http://www.gatesheadbirders.co.uk/Insects/Insect%20News.htm

Armed with the information on that page and the information you guys have provided, I shouldn't fail (fingers crossed).

Just a matter of waiting for the right moment now. Will be touring north-west Scotland for a fortnight soon, so I hope the weather (and work) allows me to get out soon.

Thanks again,

DaveB

 

[harry eales]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me of where I could find Hairstreaks, Grayling, Large Heath in NE England, preferably in County Durham?

Is there a thread that involves watching Butterflies in NE England?

Thanks!

DaveB

Hello Dave,

Large Heath have been extinct in Co.Durham since the mid 1800's. Northumberland on the other hand has 158 seperate sites where it can be found, but nearly all are on land where access permission is difficult to obtain.

Green Hairstreaks are long over for this season but White-letter and Purple Hairstreaks are out at present. Grayling can be seen on the edge of Portrack Marsh and also near Birtley where a strong colony exists.

Harry.

 

[DaveB]

Hello Dave,

Large Heath have been extinct in Co.Durham since the mid 1800's. Northumberland on the other hand has 158 seperate sites where it can be found, but nearly all are on land where access permission is difficult to obtain.

Green Hairstreaks are long over for this season but White-letter and Purple Hairstreaks are out at present. Grayling can be seen on the edge of Portrack Marsh and also near Birtley where a strong colony exists.

Harry.

Thanks Harry!

I was teaching near Birtley today, so I had a quick scout around the area of Lamesley and Kibblesworth.

The weather was far from perfect. Only one butterfly seen, which was quickly taken by a Swallow before any attempt at identification could be made (typical).

I'll be out again over the weekend (weather permitting).

DaveB

 

[DaveB]

A bit of sun brought out a few butterflies today (very few seen over the last 2 - 3 weeks).

Small Tortoiseshell (1) and a couple of Meadow Brown on Etherley Moor.

Large White (1), Small White (3+), Green-veigned White (1), Comma (2), Red Admiral (1) and Small Skipper (2, worn) were at Bishops Park (The Batts). A male and a female Banded demoisselle were also there.

DaveB

 

[IanF]

I had a look along to Bishop Middleham old quarry on Saturday hoping for a few Northern Brown Argus - just one seen and just two Common Blue. Loads of Ringlet 30+, a few Small Heath and a few Meadow Brown. The day was overcast and probably not the best conditions for looking for butterflies.

 

[DaveB]

Kibblesworth

A teaching session at Beamish this afternoon meant that I had a chance to visit a small selection of sites in South Tyneside. The birdwatching was very poor, with only several common birds seen.

Butterflies included Grayling (1), Comma (1), Small Heath (20+), Meadow Brown (2), Small White (10+) and Wall Brown (5+).

DaveB