Abernyte.org and Abernyte Community Company

The first Abernyte butterfly sightings of the year (that we know about) were made on the Glebe and adjacent woodland. Both a small tortoiseshell and a peacock were seen there on 2nd April. They've also been appearing in gardens around the village. On 15th we also saw our first white butterfly - a green-veined white.

If the weather stays warm, there should be some orange-tip butterflies around soon. Let us know if you've seen some already. Last year they were out in Kinnaird before we saw them in Abernyte. These have caterpillars that often feed on Garlic mustard ("Jack by the Hedge") or cuckoo fower (also know as "ladies smocks").

The Bilberry Bumblebee has turned up again (14th April). It seemed quite happy feeding on a Corylopsis in our garden. Today (19th April) I saw one feeding on some Muscaris. Other bumblebees seen in the garden over the last week - Red-tailed bumblebee, White-tailed bumblebee, Early bumblebee, Garden Bumblebee, Carder Bee and Buff-tailed bumblebee.

Cathy

A Kinnaird Butterfly report from Trefor;
14 April:1 Peacock, 1 Small Tortoiseshell
16 April: 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Comma
24 April: 2 Orange Tip, 1 Green-veined White

The Comma sighting is interesting because Nature Watch has three previous reports for Comma, all in August. So this record may suggest that the Comma has over wintered with us as an adult.

Keep your eyes open and if you see one please let us know.

A Kinnaird Butterfly report from Trefor;
14 April:1 Peacock, 1 Small Tortoiseshell
16 April: 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Comma
24 April: 2 Orange Tip, 1 Green-veined White

The Comma sighting is interesting because Nature Watch has three previous reports for Comma, all in August. So this record may suggest that the Comma has over wintered with us as an adult.

Keep your eyes open and if you see one please let us know.

The recent sunny days have certainly brought out the Peacock butterflies in the garden at Infield. I counted over 24 on one Buddlia on the 30th. Lovely sight.