The Lincolnshire Bird Club

Noting Lance's comment on these boards being quiet I post this 'tongue in cheek' article for perusal and hopefully some humour.

Mr Britton might want to pop a blood pressure pill before reading further.

A certain 'Gentleman from Notts' has been mentioned on here as allegedly being behind certain butterflies appearing out of place.

Black Hairstreaks at Chambers
Large Coppers in Derbyshire
Scotch Argus at Epworth and Crowle
Heath Frits at Daneshill near Retford
SS Blues near Lindrick golf course to mention but a few.

I dont know the 'Gent' but a fellow Spurn birder whom I chatted with last Autumn does, and in fact has visited his house near Worksop and seen his Butterfly breeding set up. We ended our chat with me questioning,'What can we expect next'?

His reply was - (another pill Stuart) - Don't be surprised if you see Purple Emperors at Chambers next year.

Food for thought.

Dont shoot the messenger!

Hi Phil

How about these to add to your list of introductions........

Wood White at Chambers Wood (although I don't think there were any records for 2006)

Marbled White at Little Scrubs Meadow (part of Chambers) and Red Hill LWT

Marsh Fritillary also at Little Scrubs Meadow

And what about the large Fritillary spp that were reliably seen at Chambers during 2006?

Any others I've missed?

And finally I did hear a rumour ( but don't quote me on this!) that Chalkhill Blue could re-appear at a former site in S Lincs!

Regards

Grahame

Don't worry, Phil - now I don't organise the events at Chambers I've mellowed somewhat! Any lepidoptera turning up at Chambers doesn't surprise me and hasn't for a couple of years. The only thing I will say is that the only authorised introduction during my time there turned out to be an abject failure!! - there may be a moral in this?

A letter posted for a non-subscribing person referred to in the above--

To those concern.

Virtually all of the statements made by Phil Lee and Grahame Hopwood regarding butterfly introductions are correct. But, for the sake of clarity and accuracy I would correct the errors.

Both the well known Notts professional butterfly man (expert) Martin White and the well known Spurn birder Dave Hursthouse are surprised to learn of Scotch Argus at Epworth, Chalkhill Blue in south Lincs and large fritillaries at Chambers.

Regarding Large Coppers at Carr Vale NR, Derbyshire, MW was responsibly for supplying the stock but it was released by another.

For the record, it yet again appears to be armature night. All I ever hear is complaints about MW's introductions. Do they not realise that man knows more about the subject than most in the country, including English Nature.
All of MW's working like has been self-employed breeding butterflies. His stock regarded to be of the highest quality, sold to professional outfits nationwide.
Sometimes his introductions are unwanted breeding stock that are surplus to requirement, they have to feed or they will die if you do not release them he would have to destroy them. Most would find doing that a non-starter!!
Some introductions are made at historical sites, but not before a lot of visits to research habitat, etc, then if all seem alright an introduction is undertaken. He is very aware that in some instances they will only survive a year or so.
He certainly does not get involved in expensive introductions that never stand a chance, like some we could mention.

What really get my goat, is those guys who every year without fail visit Little Scrubs Meadow or other site, to seen the likes of Marsh Frits. Then when the mood takes them moan about introductions!! Even FC publish Marsh Frits on their notice boards then you hear their personnel moaning. The truth is you cannot have it both ways.

We all like to see butterflies, etc but, there are many among you who are not informed about exactly what is going on, so you moan instead!!!

If you really upset me I might tell you about some other stuff, what about a few real shockers, Bath White, Black-veined White. I'll not get into the birds or it could cause a storm about what's bred in Lincs.

Have a nice read Big Dave

I would like to apologise to Martin White.

My article was never meant to be critical of him or anyone else now named.

As my article said it was 'tongue in cheek' and the humour was meant as a 'leg pull' to Mr Britton, who has replied privatly to me, and recieved the leg pull quite amicably.

I dont wish to enter the politics of releasing anything into the wild, and I dont know Martin, but I would like to say that his life long dedication to Butterfly conservation is to be applauded and that if others showed similar dedication our countryside would be a much better place.

Phil

As a newbie
I would appreciate any information on the history of the introductions at Chambers. I thought the MF's were introduced as part of a programme of some sort. Please can somebody in the know email me privately and put me in the picture as to what should be found there and what has been introduced. I was planning to go and see the MF's this year!!

By the way....I was one who definitely saw a large frit in Chambers last summer and reported it on these boards.

Thanks

Lance

I've learnt more from GPC's entry than six years of enquiries with the local Butterfly Conservation members! I, too, am not going to enter the politics of the debate, but thank GPC's source for clarifying the origins of some of Chambers' butterflies.

Sirs, Gentlemen of the Forum,

With regard to your postings which concern my quest to reacquint the county of Lincoln with various kinds of butterfly. I am perturbed by the realisation that added to my long list of failings must be included a lack of openness. This in turns has wrought confusion, apparant distress and caused feelings of ill towards myself. For these I offer my heart felt apologies and ask for your forgiveness. Of particular attention I tender an especial apology to Mr. Struart Britton, Esq., against whose stoicism my actions have necessitated a receipt of pills to treat some hitherto uncommon humour. This begs my sorrow most deeply.

Thus, I wish to upset the errant ways of the past. And, in so doing, I can only express my sincere gratitude towards my excellent confidant, "Big Dave". His exemplary services, indeed at times somewhat over zealously carried out, have been wholly undertaken at my own breathtakingly immodest bidding... To him I grant a fond fare thee well with promotion to pastures anew. I now reproach myself and, charge myself alone with the task of supplying the unbridled truth. This I swear in good faith and render myself to free avail to all members of The Forum at the following address:

12 Kedleston Road, Worksop
Nottinghamshire
S81 OLX
Tel: (01909) 474524

I remain, ever your obedient servant, Martin White, Esq.

_________________
Regards
Dean Eades



Take nothing but photos - Leave nothing but footprints - Waste nothing but time

My website: http://www.birdmad.com
https://www.facebook.com/dean.eades1
http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdmad/
http://www.lcegroup.co.uk
http://www.Canon.co.uk