Sussex Branch

Despite an overnight frost, it was sunny enough in suburban North Lancing to bring out 6 Red Admiral and a Speckled Wood. It only reached about 5°C, but nobody cared! Even 2 Common Lizard were basking. Butterflies were seen between 11.30 (4°C) and 14.15. (Lindsay Morris, North Lancing )

Many thanks to (L-R in image) Richard, JC, Debbie, Dave, Paddy (welcome to the team), Helen, John, Roy, Two-fires and Paul (photographer) for all their hard work at the conservation work party yesterday. Fuelled by Helen's delicious cake (thank you), we completed a varied list of tasks in warm sunshine, which really enhanced the wonderful autumn colours and at times we were joined by Red Admiral and Comma. We learned a few new skills too, including how to make ourselves appear more elegant in our group images (posture, stance, breathing etc.), although one member of the team continues to man-splay. Our next event is Sunday 24 November - all welcome. (Neil Hulme, Park Corner Heath)

Suburban North Lancing was sunny and 10°C until shortly after midday. 9 Red Admiral, 3 Speckled Wood, 3 Common Darter. From the weather forecast, I guess that's it for double figure butterfly counts until that lovely mild spell we will have in February!? Hope springs eternal... (Lindsay Morris, North Lancing)

Red Admiral flying high into the conifers on Ardingly Road in Cuckfield. (Martin Buck, Cuckfield )

Having said it was too cold for butterflies in this neck of the woods, my wife and I came across a male Holly Blue (when we were doing our afternoon steps). It was in flight but as I couldn't see any dark on the forewing tips I was fairly sure it was a male. I believe that is my latest-ever date for a Holly Blue. (Martin Kalaher, Storrington) - TQ082140

Zero sun in my garden today. No butterflies, but a Humming-bird Hawk-moth put in a brief appearance. (Lindsay Morris, North Lancing)

Sunny and 12°C in North Lancing where I spied 13 Red Admiral, 7 Speckled Wood and my first Small White for some time. (Lindsay Morris, North Lancing)

Val & I went for a local walk this morning and saw 5 Red Admirals, one in Lansdowne Road by St Raphael Road, one in Robson Road, one flying towards us over the road bridge by Durrington Station and two in Field Place Gardens. This municipal park is so well hidden that we didn't discover it for over a year after moving to West Worthing despite it being less than 2 kilometres from our house. We did some gardening in the afternoon and sadly a Silver Y Moth was injured in the process. (John Heys, West Worthing)

Just got off the 12x bus at the country park and a Red Admiral flew past. After lunch at the pub hoped to see more but it had cooled off too much. (Martin Buck, Seven Sisters Country Park)

Five Red Admiral seen today on a Horsham, Nuthurst loop. None appeared to be heading south. In fact one appeared to be attempting to egg lay on Nettles. (Patrick Moore , Nuthurst Horsham area) - TQ1926

One Red Admiral on the buddleia today, now that some sunshine has returned after over a week of solid grey skies. (Jon Ruff, Crawley Down)

We saw a Speckled Wood flying around the end of the east arm of Brighton marina. Plus a few Red Admirals basking on Red valarians on the undercliff walk from the marina to Saltdean. (Debbie Alston, Brighton marina and undercliff walk)

A female Holly Blue in South Road, Hailsham, it settled on the edge of the busy road. I rescued it before it was run over by traffic and it then flew off. Weather was sunny and 12 degrees C. (Alan Hillman, South Road, Hailsham)

A walk round suburban North Lancing was sunny and 12°C. 14 Red Admiral, 5 Speckled Wood, Peacock. That is the 112th day this year I have seen Red Admiral in my garden! 3 Common Lizards basking on a Wall. (Lindsay Morris , North Lancing )

At last a November butterfly that hung around for enough time for me to grab my camera. A welcome Peacock basking on the south facing Wall in my back garden this morning. Also seen in my garden this month ( but not photographed ), two Red Admirals and a possible Speckled Wood, no positive ID for that one. (Trevor Rapley, Hailsham)

Speckled Wood and two Red Admiral seen outside Bramber Castle today. (Charlie Crump, Bramber)

Val and I spent the morning at Wakehurst Place and got the best of the sun. It was quite cool so we didn't really expect any butterflies, but a Red Admiral targeted us near the children's mud garden. (John Heys, Wakehurst Place)

Two Red Admirals at or near Wakehurst. One in the fields to the east and the other on the northern loop of the woods. Nice that they have been patiently waiting for the sun this morning. (Martin Buck, Wakehurst)

13 Red Admirals and a single Speckled Wood at Beacon Hill LNR, Rottingdean. A pleasantly warm 13 degrees in the midday sun and then the cloud arrived! (Heather Ball, Rottingdean)

Again a promising sunny start to a wander round suburban North Lancing, but again it clouded over before I could visit all the sites. 12 Red Admiral, 4 Speckled Wood, Comma. Thank you for reminding me of the December glories of my youth, Martin. I dug into the records and now realise I have seen a butterfly in January too. Well I never, how did I forget that! (Lindsay Morris, North Lancing)

JUST TO LET YOU KNOW THE POSTS BETWEEN 2006-2016 MAY NOW BE VIEWED IN ARCHIVES (IN THE MENU BAR). MARTIN K (Martin Kalaher, Storrington wildlife garden)

It was looking promising before midday in suburban North Lancing with some welcome but intermittent sun and a high of 12°C. After midday it clouded over. 11 Red Admiral, 4 Speckled Wood, 2 Darter (Common?). In answer to a certain gentleman of Storrington (Martin!) I don't think I've had butterfly sightings in either December or January. I might be wrong. Certainly February to November is the usual season hereabouts these days. (Lindsay Morris, North Lancing) - TQ185058

As I turned left into A259 from the Highdown Gardens lane, a butterfly on my right was disturbed by passing traffic - size and colour said probably a Red Admiral, but too distant for absolute certainty. No sign of any in the Gardens, despite the unusual presence of sunshine. (John Heys, Goring)

Red Admiral in my lane, 30 metres from my front door. (Martin Kalaher, Storrington wildlife garden) - TQ082140

Red Admiral fly-past in the garden this morning. Surprising given the lack of sun. Wondering if we'll beat last year's latest sighting here (23rd Nov). Then it's usually nothing until February (12th last year). We still get bumblebees and a few moth species in December & January, but yet to have any butterfly sightings in those months. Has anyone else managed butterflies on their patch every month of the year? (Nick Ostler, Plumpton Lane)