October
The Suffolk Argus
Spectacular Migrants by Steve Goddard As Jean Garrod suggests in her article elsewhere in this newsletter, this was certainly the year of the Painted Lady. However, although perhaps less attractive, the Silver Y must have run a close second in terns of numbers. But how did they reach us in numbers which arguably were the largest in living memory? Well first of all, breeding conditions must have been ideal in their country of origin probably the south of France, Spain or even North Africa. Then, as their natural urge takes them north so the southerly winds • which developed at the end of May and continuing well into June, were respo~sible for drawing them on to our shores. Millions must have been involved on a broad front. Jean and Ken Garrod and I saw scores streaming north across Dunwich Heath during the first week of June never stopping to be examined. The perfect summer weather that followed meant that their offspring emerged in vast numbers during August their life only seeming to have been cut short by those late August storms and the early September cold. Painted Lady and Silver Y were not the only insects to make their way in on the southerly winds. Three Bedstraw Hawkmoth were seen at Bromeswell on 18th, June and well-grown larvae were recorded at Tunstall towards the end of July. A Striped Hawk-moth was reported from Thorpeness. Humming-bird Hawk-moths were also present.
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Again however, it was the butterflies that captured everyone's imagination. Clouded Yellows must have been part of the early summer immigration with their progeny being regularly seen from many parts of Suffolk during August and possibly augmented by further immigration. Up to ten, including a female Helice, could be seen for two weeks or so at Peewir Hill, Felixstowe. Here also, two Chalkhill Blues were seen on separate occasions in August. It will be interesting co hear learned views on their origin. Bur undoubtedly, the scar of them all must be the Queen of Spain Fritillaries which frequented an area not normally accessibleto the public on the RSPB Minsmere reserve from 17th to 28/29 August the time of those August storms! Due co excellent and considerate wardening arrangements and regular communications on the 'birdiines'by the RSPB, these beautiful butterflies were enjoyed by enthusiasts from allover the country with up co three being seen on most occasions providing superb views and marvellous photographic opportunities. Although these butterflies may well have arrived at a later time, it must be reasonable to speculate that they were raised from an earlier arrival on the southerly winds referred to earlier. Certainly, wild pansy was in evidence, a recognised larval food plant. Interestingly, an adult was found on the reserve last year but unfortunately the victim of a pit-trap. Let us hope this Fritillary becomes a regular feature of the Suffolk countryside and that we are graced with their presence again in 1997. Finally, August also gave us sightings of Death's Head Hawkmoth by the Suffolk Moth Group at Halesworth on the 16th and earlier would you believe, from the Eel's Foot Inn at Eastbridge! Altogether, a remarkable summer and one to be long remembered.
Butterfly Conservation (Suffolk Branch) Balance Sheet as at 31/03/1996
1996
Butterfly Conservation (Suffolk Branch) Income and Expenses Report 01/04/1995to31/03/1996
Assets
Total
Category
Total
Bank and Cash Accounts
Income
Deposit ............................................... 0.00 Girobank (current) ......................... 720.45 Petty Cash ........................................ 18.62 Total Bank & Cash Accounts ......... 739.07
Fundraising ....................................... 26.36 General Donations ........................... 12.10 Membership Subs ........................... 572.10 Sales Revenue ... Zero VAT ............... 54.50 Sales Std Rate ................................. 200.00 Income- Unassigned .......................... 0.00
Other Assets Accounts Receivable ........................... 0.00 Stocks for Resale .............................. 70.00 Total Other Assets ........................... 70.00
Total Income ................................. 865.26
Expenses
Liabilities
Total
Other Liabilities Accounts Payable .............................. 60.60 Total Other Liabilities ..................... 60.60
TotalLiabilities ................................ 60.60
Bank Charges .................................... Conservation .................................... Exhibition Costs ............................... Newsletters ... . .. .. ... . .. .. .. . ... .... . ... .. .. . ..
23.50 33.11 75.00 164. 51
Office Expenses..Std. VAT ............... 36.86 Office Expenses.. Zero VAT .............. 39.67 Photocopy ........................................ 11.40 Post .................................................... 3.13 Purchases ... Zero VAT ..................... 33.12 Purchases ... Std Rate ...................... 105.80
Net Worth ..................................... 748.47 Room Hire ....................................... 30.00 Subscriptions .................................... 23.50 Sundry .............................................. 15.82 Travel ............................................... 40.00 Expenses - Unassigned ....................... 0.11
Total Expenses ............................... 648.58 Income Less Expenses ................... 224.68
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