Purple Emperor - Fermyn woods

Nick Clayton · **Posted:** Fri Jul 04, 2008 10:51 pm

I have been working most of this week in Northampton and couldn't resist a trip to nearby Fermyn woods for the Purple Emperor. In the short time I had available I managed to see one pristine example of this cracking Butterfly. Its just amazing how they can look fairly plain similar to a White Admiral until the sun catches the wings at a certain angle and they then take on an incredible electric blue sheen. Needless to say I managed a few shots for my website

Stephen Routledge · **Posted:** Sun Jul 06, 2008 10:01 am

Hi Nick,
Went to Fermyn/Lady Wood yesterday,as part of a joint Butterfly Conservation field trip with the Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire branches and spent a full day there.When we arrived it was overcast and showery,but by about 11.30 it was very warm and almost unbroken sunshine.The following species are what we saw:

12+ Purple Emperor(our group saw at least 9 of these,including 2 on the ground which we photographed,stunning butterflies).All the Purple Emperor's we observed,where in the adjacent Lady Wood.
20+ White Admiral
Purple Hairstreak
White-letter Hairstreak
1 Silver-washed Frittilary(not seen by us,but by some other visitor's).
Male Emperor Dragonfly
1 female Broad-bodied Chaser
4 Southern Hawker
3 Brown Hawker
We also saw at least 12 Red Kite's and a single Hobby,while we where looking for the Emp's.
Another cracking day out,unfortunately it's back to work on Monday.

Regards

Steve.

Nick Clayton · **Posted:** Sun Jul 06, 2008 5:52 pm

Looks like you had a very productive and enjoyable day Steve. I only wish I could have had more time there, I canâ€™t grumble though as I managed to see the Emperor of British Butterflies. As you say back to work Monday, roll on retirement!!!

Stephen Routledge · **Posted:** Sun Jul 06, 2008 6:20 pm

Ditto!!

The Lincolnshire Bird Club

Purple Emperor - Fermyn woods

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