It seemed like a slow start to the year. Usually expect to see some of the emerging hibernators and over-winterers in later February. However, my first UK butterfly of the year wasn’t until 5th March, a Brimstone. My first Orange Tip last year was 17th March, and apparently it was the first UK record for 2024. I will update this article as the year progresses and the butterflies appear.
Brimstone – 5th March, Cottenham
Comma x3 – 8th March, Cottenham
Peacock x2, Small Tortoiseshell x1 – RSPB Ouse Washes – 9th March
Footnote
We were in Tenerife in early February, we saw several butterfly species: Monarch, Canarian Cleopatra (F), Small Tortoiseshell, Large White, Red Admiral