As a result of uploading my sightings, using KML files produced by GPS Logger, it’s now possible to see a list of trips on Google Maps and choose to display each one. Sightings from multiple days can be overlaid, gradually building up a picture of populations in an easy to visualise way.
This list will build as the summer progresses (weather permitting).
It’s been a while since my last post, but much has been going on in East Sussex and the Rother Woods Project has achieved a great deal with Steve Wheatley at the helm. Indeed, a walk in a local wood could well result in your bumping into him and possibly other butterfly enthusiasts!
Personally, I’ve been investing some time on recording methods using my recently acquired Blackberry Bold, whilst visiting a number of local woodlands.
With the aid of its inbuilt GPS and a newly customised version of GPSLogger (grateful thanks are due to Matthias at www.emacberry.com/gpslogger.html) I can record the exact locations of butterfly sightings and export them to a CSV format. Even more useful, is the ability to upload to Google Maps.
Today, in Beckley Woods I recorded a few Silver-washed Fritillary, including several in a ride widened by Butterfly Conservation volunteers, numerous Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Comma, Large and Small White, Peacock, Gatekeeper and a single White Admiral – the locations of all these can be seen on Google Maps.
On a walk in Beckley Woods today, a single male Brimstone was flying in the ride newly widened as part of the Rother Woods project.
Further up the main track, towards the power lines, I also encountered a pristine Peacock patrolling the track between the conifers, occasionally settling on the warm, sunlit ground.
The Forestry Commission are doing a fair bit of work to widen rides also, so it will be interesting to see what difference it makes this summer – assuming we get one this year!
Butterflies and Moths in the Brede Valley 