Until this sighting, the last in Upper Thames had been seen on August 21st in Homefield Wood [BBOWT], Berks.
"Hello Dennis – alas no, I didn’t take a pic. It’s always the same – no
camera when you need one. I’d never seen a PE before and didn’t know what it
was, but checking the internet leaves me in no doubt whatever. The flashes of
purple sheen on its wings as it flew – just like a hummingbird! – were
astonishing and unmistakeable. But, knowing that one witness may easily be
mistaken even when not positively dishonest, I mentioned my companion. He
is John Howard of 6 Market Place, Woodstock. John,
who is chairman of the Cotswold Antique and Art Assn and therefore ever so
respectable, isn’t a butterfly boffin at all, but we both got a very good
sighting for half a minute or more.
The date was September 2, the time c. 1.30pm, the place Woodstock
churchyard, the weather warm and sunny, the breeze barely stirring the leaves.
The butterfly was resting on a tombstone (I think – I paid more attention to the
noble beast than the architectural environs) in dappled shade under a tree, to
the left of the gate on the Blenheim Palace side of the church. From its size
and underwing colour I knew immediately it was a new one on me and pointed it
out to John. Then it bestirred itself and started to fly about – a most
wonderful spectacle, like a vision of the tropics in deepest Oxon. It was a
great privilege, and no doubt a lifetime experience.
Thank you for letting me know the sighting was very unusual for Sept. That
adds even more to my pleasure and excitement.
I am a farmer in Cornwall. This year the tonnage of butterflies on my land
has been remarkable – the silver-washed fritillaries are so numerous you’ve
almost got to beat them off with a stick. Small whites in veritable clouds, like
when we were young. So I’m sort of butterfly-aware, but make no claims to
expertise.
kind regards
Nick"
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