Sign in

Dr Marcus Rhodes

@marcusrhodes.bsky.social
3.3K followers 923 following 641 posts

Ecologist in pursuit of butterflies. Postdoc at the University of Exeter, Cornwall working on nature recovery and species' responses to climate change. Chair of Cornwall Butterfly Conservation. He/Him

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Cornwall Butterfly Conservation @bc-cornwall.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
October marks the start of conservation season for Cornwall's butterflies! We have a packed programme of volunteer days on offer across our priority landscapes of Bodmin Moor and the Mining Districts around Redruth. Sign-up & get involved at volunteer.butterfly-conservation.org/opportunitie...
Conservation Work Parties 2026/27
United Downs Raceway - Sun 4th Oct, St Day, Redruth
Jordan - Sun 11th Oct, St Breward, Bodmin
West Basset Stamps - Thu 22nd Oct, Carnkie, Redruth
De Lank Outer Track – tbc, St Breward, Bodmin
Church Hay Down - Sat 7th Nov, St Breward, Bodmin
De Lank Outer Slope – tbc, St Breward, Bodmin
Carnon Valley - Thu 19th Nov, Devoran, Truro
Pendavy - Sun 29th Nov, St Breward, Bodmin
De Lank Inner Track – tbc, St Breward, Bodmin
Fellover - Sun 13th Dec, St Breward, Bodmin
United Mines - Fri 18th Dec, St Day, Redruth
United Mines - Thu 7th Jan   St Day, Redruth
Church Hay Down - Sat 16th Jan, St Breward, Bodmin
Wheal Maid - Tue 19th Jan, St Day, Redruth
Fellover - Sun 31st Jan, St Breward, Bodmin
Wheal Maid - Sat 6th Feb, St Day, Redruth
Cook's Kitchen Mine - Thu 11th Feb, Pool, Redruth
Fellover - Sun 21st Feb, St Breward, Bodmin
Poldice Mine - Sat 27th Feb, St Day, Redruth
042
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Cornwall Butterfly Conservation @bc-cornwall.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Have you checked out the new mural on Perranporth Library? Painted by street artist Mark Anthony, aka ATM, it depicts the Silver-studded Blue and Grizzled Skipper butterflies, both of which breed on nearby Gear Sands, along with their larval foodplants.
Street artist Mark Anthony (ATM) using a brush to paint a Silver-studded Blue butterfly on the library wall.Street artist Mark Anthony (ATM) painting the butterfly mural on the exterior wall of the library. The mural features two male Silver-studded Blue butterflies (one in flight, the other nectaring on Common Bird's-foot Trefoil), a Grizzled Skipper butterfly, and two children, set against a backdrop of sand dunes.Perranporth Library with street artist Mark Anthony (ATM) painting the butterfly mural on an exterior wall. The mural features two male Silver-studded Blue butterflies (one in flight, the other nectaring on Common Bird's-foot Trefoil), a Grizzled Skipper butterfly, and two children, set against a backdrop of sand dunes.
1135
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Richard Fox @richardfoxbc.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
📣 New paper alert. Latest study by @mingrui-li.bsky.social as part of his PhD @uniexecec.bsky.social on the impact of public access to land on #CitizenScience butterfly recording. 🥾⛔️📋🦋 @savebutterflies.bsky.social @ukceh.bsky.social link.springer.com/article/10.1...
link.springer.com
Modelling spatial deficits in citizen science recording: a case study from UK butterflies - Journal of Insect Conservation
Abstract Citizen science data are increasingly used to infer species distributions and monitor biodiversity at large spatial scales. However, recording effort is often uneven across space, potentially...
2218
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Cornwall Butterfly Conservation @bc-cornwall.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Did you hear our Chair @marcusrhodes.bsky.social talking about the #BigButterflyCount results on BBC Radio Cornwall this morning? Catch-up on BBC Sounds (interview starts at 3hr:43min) www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
bbc.co.uk
BBC Sounds - Music. Radio. Podcasts
Listen without limits, with BBC Sounds. Catch the latest music tracks, discover binge-worthy podcasts, or listen to radio shows - all whenever you want.
042
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Cornwall Butterfly Conservation @bc-cornwall.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Our Chair @marcusrhodes.bsky.social will be on BBC Radio Cornwall tomorrow morning to discuss the results of the #BigButterflyCount. Listen in at 09:40am to hear how Cornwall's butterflies have fared this year.
A Gatekeeper butterfly perched on a Bracken frond with its wings closed. The underside of its hindwings are mottled brown. The forewing is orange with a black, double pupilled eyespot.
0122
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Cornwall Butterfly Conservation @bc-cornwall.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
There have been several exciting reports of Queen of Spain Fritillary from across Cornwall in recent weeks. If you are lucky enough to see one of these rare visitors, please send us the record via iRecord or email records@cornwall-butterfly-conservation.org.uk
0185
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Penwith Birder @penwithbirder.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Bit of a struggle walking to Cot but worth it for this Queen of Spain fritillary
3212
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Butterfly Conservation @savebutterflies.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
This year's #BigButterflyCount results show it was a very good summer for many of our widespread butterfly species. But how will the extreme heat and drought impact next year's populations? ☀️🦋 Dr Dan Hoare, Director of Nature Recovery, breaks down the results.
0379
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Cornwall Butterfly Conservation @bc-cornwall.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Did you take part in the #BigButterflyCount this summer? The results are now in! Find out which species were this year's winners and losers. 🦋🦋🦋 butterfly-conservation.org/news-and-blo...
butterfly-conservation.org
Big Butterfly Count results 2026: Heatwaves help butterflies but could kill caterpillars
The results of Butterfly Conservation's 2026 Big Butterfly Count have revealed it was a great summer for butterflies, but what comes next could be dire.With the Met Office confirming it ‘increasingly ...
033
Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Thrilled to find a Queen of Spain Fritillary in Cot Valley, St Just, this afternoon! My first encounter with this wonderful butterfly on British soil.
A Queen of Spain Fritillary butterfly basking on asphalt. The upperside of its wings are orange with black spots.A side-on view of a Queen of Spain Fritillary butterfly basking on asphalt. The upperside of its wings are orange with black spots.A Queen of Spain Fritillary butterfly resting on asphalt with its wings partially closed. The underside of its wings are orange with large, pearly white spots.A Queen of Spain Fritillary butterfly basking on asphalt. The upperside of its wings are orange with black spots.
61217
Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
I did a double take with this Clouded Yellow at Penryn Campus this afternoon: noticeably much paler than the others it was flying with. It appears to be male, so not f. helice, but based on the bold, black wing margins, I'm pretty sure it's Colias croceus.
A Clouded Yellow butterfly sat on a patch of grass with its wings closed. The underside of its wings are yellow with a pale spot in the centre of the hindwing.An upperside shot of the Clouded Yellow in flight. Its wings are pale yellow, with a bold, black border to both the fore- and hindwings.An upperside shot of the Clouded Yellow in flight. Its wings are pale yellow, with a bold, black border to both the fore- and hindwings.An upperside shot of the Clouded Yellow in flight. Its wings are pale yellow, with a bold, black border to both the fore- and hindwings.
2262
Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Mating Clouded Yellows at Tater Du last Monday.
A pair of Clouded Yellow butterflies mating. One individual is perched on a dried seedhead, whilst the other is hanging from its partner by the claspers. The underside of their wings are bright yellow with a pale spot in the centre of each hindwing.
1515
Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Along the coast path from Mousehole to St Loy on Bank Holiday Monday.
A Clouded Yellow butterfly feeding from a yellow Fleabane flower. The underside of its wings are bright yellow with a pale spot in the centre of the hindwing.A Painted Lady butterfly basking on Bracken. Its wings are salmon pink, with black spots, and black & white tips.A Chough calling from a clifftop. It has black feathers with a bright red bill and legs.The sloping, granite sea cliffs of Boscawen, looking west towards Logan Rock.
2350
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
John Walters @johnwalterswildife.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Highlight of a seawatch this afternoon at St Ives Island, Cornwall were 52 Ocean Sunfish Mola mola the most I have ever seen in one day and just shy of the record count for the site! www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDtw...
youtube.com
Ocean Sunfish Mola mola St Ives Island 29August2026edit long
YouTube video by John Walters
211321
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
UKBMS @ukbms.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Just published: UK and England butterfly population indicators using UKBMS data. These show a long-term decline in the all-species index in the UK of 18% and a 37% decline for habitat specialists in the UK. Check out the full statistics here ⬇️ www.gov.uk/government/s...
25440
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Butterfly Conservation Norfolk @norfolkbutterflies.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Peacock caterpillars normal food plant is Common Nettle so one of our transect walkers was surprised to see them feeding on Marsh Thistle. Anyone else noticed this change of behavior? 📷️ Tessa Needham
1306
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Charlotte Wright @charlottewright.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Delighted this huge team effort is out! By surveying >20,000 people from >100 countries, we used to butterflies to show that aesthetic biases distort scientific research & environmental policy. Understanding this bias is a key step towards more balanced decision-making 🦋 www.doi.org/10.1016/j.cu...
47828
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Cornwall Butterfly Conservation @bc-cornwall.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
We're at Porthpean Community BioBlitz Festival this weekend! Join us for a butterfly walk on Saturday morning (10:30am-12:00pm). www.therockpoolproject.co.uk/community-bi...
Join us at the Community BioBlitz Festival 

A 24 hour celebration of coastal wildlife and recording

29th - 30th August

Porthpean Outdoor Education Centre
052
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Cornish Choughs 〓〓 @cornishchoughs.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Well done to our brilliant and resilient Cornish choughs - taking over Cornwall! www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
RSPB reports record-breaking Cornish chough numbers
RSPB England says 161 Choughs have been counted - 32 more than the 129 recorded last year.
44312
Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Brilliant to see this spotlight on Fal Rivers to Reef - one of the transformational projects that has emerged out of the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Nature Recovery Strategy. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
‘Small changes can make a big difference’: how getting farmers, fishers and beavers together could save a Cornish river
A local initiative is testing simple ways to stop algal blooms in the River Fal threatening some of England’s most biodiverse marine habitats
03815
Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
With autumn just around the corner, we are starting to think about habitat management again @bc-cornwall.bsky.social. A busy weekend of site visits around Camborne-Redruth and the Carnon Valley planning conservation work for our Jewels in the Cornish Mining Landscape project.
The upper tailings lagoon at Wheal Maid: a flat-bottomed valley, sparsely vegetated with heathland, and with engine houses on the slope opposite. The near slope (in the foreground) is an area of heathland that Cornwall Butterfly Conservation cleared of scrub last winter.The lower Carnon Valley: an open area of heathland, traversed by an arched viaduct.West Basset Stamps viewed from across the valley at Wheal Basset. The landscape is dotted with engine houses, mine stacks, and vanner houses, with Carn Brea Castle and the Basset Monument crowning the distant granite hilltop.Wheal Basset viewed from across the valley at West Basset Stamps. The landscape is dotted with engine houses, mine stacks, and vanner houses, with an expanse of moorland crowning the far hilltop.
1170
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
UK Butterflies @ukbutterflies.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Well done Naomi Addleton on finding a Holly Blue larva feeding on Erica cinerea (Bell Heather) in the New Forest. This is the first record of the use of this foodplant in the UK. Just look how pink the larva is - perfectly matching the plant! And a Lasius ant to boot!
013930
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
BirdGuides @birdguides.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Southern England has been treated to a record-breaking influx of Queen of Spain Fritillary in recent weeks, sparking discussion that the butterfly could become established in Britain:
f.mtr.cool
Record Queen of Spain Fritillary influx to England
Southern England has been treated to a record-breaking arrival of Queen of Spain Fritillary butterflies in recent weeks, sparking hopes that the species could become established in Britain.
33210
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Mats Ittonen @matsittonen.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
New paper! Insects commonly time dormancy based on daylength, and responses to daylength have evolved in range-expanding populations facing novel daylength calendars. But how crucial is this for expanding species tracking climate niches? Maybe less than you’d think. (1/6) doi.org/10.1098/rspb...
doi.org
Fitness effects of local seasonal adaptation depend on the timing of reproduction in a range-expanding butterfly
Abstract. Local seasonal adaptation across latitudes is ubiquitous, but its fitness consequences are rarely estimated in the field. Using a common-garden f
175
Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Three Small Tortoiseshells on my walk to the hide at Drift Reservoir yesterday. Sadly, my highest count of this once common butterfly in the last two years.
A Small Tortoiseshell butterfly feeding from the purple flowerhead of a Devil's-bit Scabious plant. Its wings are orange with black spots and a row of metallic blue spots around the outer edge.
3506
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Emilie Ellis @e-ellis1.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
🦋 I’m recruiting a fully funded PhD student at the University of Helsinki: understanding how butterflies respond to climate change across Europe. Apply by 30 Sept: Full details: jobs.helsinki.fi/job-invite/5... Please share! #ecology #job #phd
jobs.helsinki.fi
Doctoral Researcher (PhD student) in Butterfly Ecology and Climate Change across Europe
Doctoral Researcher (PhD student) in Butterfly Ecology and Climate Change across Europe
07480
Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna hunting off Land's End yesterday.
0291
Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Dark Bordered Beauty moth rediscovered in Northumberland after 70 years butterfly-conservation.org/news-and-blo...
butterfly-conservation.org
Conservationist describes 'highlight of his career' rediscovering rare moth colony after 70 years
A Butterfly Conservation ecologist who has spent his life searching for a second colony of one of England's rarest moths has said it was the 'highlight of his career' when he achieved his dream.Dr Dav...
210020
Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
It may be hot outside, but for these Peacock butterflies, winter has already begun! Found in the entrance to an old mine at Cabilla Wood on Saturday, they will overwinter here until next spring.
Three Peacock butterflies roosting amongst roots protruding from the earthen roof of a tunnel. The underside of their wings are dark and mottled like dead leaves.Three Peacock butterflies roosting amongst roots protruding from the earthen roof of a tunnel. The underside of their wings are dark and mottled like dead leaves.
4302
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Cornwall Butterfly Conservation @bc-cornwall.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
An exciting find at Penryn Campus today! This Large Tortoiseshell was spotted and filmed by @grahancock.bsky.social 🎥 George Hancock
0347
Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Down the Lizard today on the hunt for Marsh Fritillary caterpillars. After the dismal flight season they've had this year, it was a considerable relief to find three larval webs on Goonhilly Downs this afternoon.
Several Marsh Fritillary caterpillars climbing up blades of Purple Moor Grass with their larval web in the background. The caterpillars are a dark ochre in colour with shiny, black heads and covered in spines.A dense ball of silk webbing woven amongst grasses. Numerous Marsh Fritillary caterpillars can just be made out on the inside of the silk.A ball of silk webbing woven amongst grasses and dotted with frass. A couple of Marsh Fritillary caterpillars can just be seen poking out through a hole at the top of the web.The tussocky heathland of Goonhilly Downs with the satellite dishes of Goonhilly Earth Station in the background.
0304
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Luke Phillips @lukephillips.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Just BBQing in the garden and got a visit from a Long-tailed Blue!! Totally taken by surprise and no phone to hand for even a rubbish picture. We have Everlasting Pea in the garden so will keep tabs on that! Bridport in West Dorset. @dorsetbutterflies.bsky.social
0405
Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
No second generation Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries at Pendrift Bottom on Bodmin Moor yesterday, but we were treated to some excellent views of low down Purple Hairstreaks.
A Purple Hairstreak butterfly nectaring from a thistle flower. Its wings are silvery-brown, with a white streak across them. There are two orange eyespots and a small tail at the bottom corner of the hindwing.A Purple Hairstreak butterfly and Drone Fly nectaring from a thistle flower. The butterfly's wings are silvery-brown, with a white streak across them. There are two orange eyespots and a small tail at the bottom corner of the hindwing. The Drone Fly resembles a Honeybee.A Purple Hairstreak butterfly perched with open wings on an Alder Buckthorn leaf.
1362
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Cornwall Butterfly Conservation @bc-cornwall.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
We've been sent this striking photo of an albino Meadow Brown (ab. grisea-argentacea). Seen near Coverack last week by Peter Wood. 📷 Peter Wood
A Meadow Brown butterfly basking in the grass. Its wings and body are completely white, except for a patch of bright orange in the middle of each forewing.

Photo: Peter Wood
18316
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Butterfly Conservation @savebutterflies.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
It's the final weekend to get out for the #BigButterflyCount and help take nature's pulse 🦋 You don't need to be an expert to make a big difference for butterflies and moths. All you need is 15 mins, a spot of sunshine and patience! 👉 butrfli.es/3SVFepj Where will you be doing yours?
Butterfly Conservation's Big Butterfly Count identification guide for England with photos of each speciesButterfly Conservation's Big Butterfly Count identification guide in Welsh with photos of each speciesButterfly Conservation's Big Butterfly Count identification guide for Scotland with photos of each speciesButterfly Conservation's Big Butterfly Count identification guide in Irish with photos of each species
14530
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Mark Tutton @marktutton.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Long-tailed Blue in Hampshire today - one of about half a dozen sparring males all in similar condition which suggests to me that they are probably recent arrivals?
2316
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Shawan Chowdhury @shawan-chowdhury.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Our new Nature Eco Evo paper documents range shifts in 1,758 butterfly species across 105 countries, primarily due to climate change. 🦋80% expanded 🦋27% contracted 🦋22% shifted elevation 🦋342 showed multiple shift types. doi.org/10.1038/s415... @monashbiol.bsky.social @monashscience.bsky.social
411667
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
martinswarren.bsky.social @martinswarren.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Its been another record year for Silver-studded Blue at Studland NNR with total count of 2164, just beating 2024. That's nearly a 12 fold increase over 16 years. The huge rise with little management is a puzzle and is explored in our paper dispar.org/reference.ph.... @ukbms.bsky.social
A chart showing the rise of Silver-studded Blue, Plebejus argus, on two transects at Studland Heath in Dorset, going from a total count of 183 in 2011 to 2164 in 2026
43913
Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
I was delighted to meet this Small Tortoiseshell during my #BigButterflyCount in Camborne this afternoon. Increasingly, an uncommon sight these days.
A Small Tortoiseshell butterfly nectaring from a purple Allium flowerhead. Its wings are orange with black and yellow spots and a row of metallic blue spots around the outer edge.
3472
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Craig Jones @craig63jones.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Sometimes the butterfly gods smile down on you... A bilateral gynandromorph Common Blue at Grafton Wood, Worcs 1/8/26. @westmbms-99.bsky.social @worcswt.bsky.social @savebutterflies.bsky.social @ukbutterflies.bsky.social
618636
Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
I've been in Devon for a few days this week and was surprised to find several Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries at Aish Tor yesterday. I would guess that a second generation is fairly unusual at this moorland site and symptomatic of the recent heatwaves.
A Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary butterfly perched on a Bracken frond. The underside of its wings are a geometric mosaic of orange, ochre, and white.
1678
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Flo | Naturstudium @flo-naturstudium.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Ein Haufen Schmetterlinge. 😄 Wohl Argus-Bläulinge (Plebejus argus)
Argus-Bläulinge im Knäuel auf Dung.
3212
Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
The second generation of Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries on the wing at St Gothian Sands this evening.
A Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary butterfly basking in the evening sun. Its wings are bright orange with black dots, dashes, and chevrons.
1435
Reposted by Dr Marcus Rhodes
Butterfly Conservation (Dorset Branch) @dorsetbutterflies.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
STOP PRESS: Queen of Spain seen near Wareham www.dorsetbutterflies.com/2026/07/quee...
dorsetbutterflies.com
Queen of Spain Fritillary near Wareham
24/07/26 A very rare sighting seen in a private field near Wareham of a Queen of Spain Fritillary feeding on clover.
15312
Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Arrived home yesterday evening to find this Unarmed Stick Insect nymph whilst deadheading the roses. The first I've seen in seven years living in Cornwall!
A small, green stick insect on a rose leaf.
0320
Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
A brilliant day out at Arne yesterday. Lots of Grayling and Dartford Warblers on the heaths, my first UK sighting of a Sand Lizard, and an Osprey fishing late afternoon to top it off.
A Grayling butterfly sat on the bare earth of a trackway. Its closed wings are cryptically mottled.A Dartford Warbler perched atop a pine sapling. It has a grey-brown head and wings, a russet breast, and a red eye ring.A juvenile Sand Lizard resting in the undergrowth. It is brown with black-ringed, cream spots on its back.

Photo: Logan OdyAn Osprey in flight. It has a brown face mask, back and wings, and a white crown and underside.
0320
Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Some avian highlights from Brownsea Island yesterday. I particularly liked the Oystercatcher that had brazenly decided to nest in the café courtyard.
A Sandwich Tern perched on a fence post with its beak open. It has a black crest, white body, and pale grey wings. Its beak is black with a yellow tip.An Oystercatcher stood over its egg in a large plant pot in the courtyard. The bird is black and white with a long, orange bill.A group of Spoonbills sleeping and preening on the Lagoon. They are white with long legs and a long spoon-shaped bill tipped with yellow.
0140
Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Caught the ferry across to Brownsea Island today to see the Red Squirrels.
A Red Squirrel feeding on Beech nuts high up in a Beech tree.A Red Squirrel grooming its hind foot on a fallen log.Open Pine forest with an understory of Heather and Bracken on Brownsea Island.
2202
Dr Marcus Rhodes @marcusrhodes.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Along the coast from Durlston to Dancing Ledge yesterday: so many Lulworth Skippers zipping about, eight Clouded Yellows and lots fresh Painted Ladies, a few Marbled Whites still on the wing, and the second generation of Wall just starting.
A Lulworth Skipper butterfly perched on a spiky flowerhead. It has orange-brown wings with a pale orange "sun-ray" mark on each forewing.Durlston lighthouse atop a maritime slope dominated with Tor-grass.Rolling calcareous grassland and limestone sea-cliffs at Dancing Ledge. The ledge itself is an old quarry with a gently slanting shelf of rock that dips into the sea.A Clouded Yellow butterfly nectaring from the purple shaving-brush of a Thistle flower. The underside of its wings are lemon yellow, with a small, pale yellow spot in the middle of the hindwing.
1494