Would a mid week walk work? Would anybody turn up on a Wednesday? No need to fear as 24 people arrived at Oversley Wood near Alcester just for the chance to see a Purple Emperor.

Having a key for the gate meant that the party drove to the first location before surveying the area for the target species.

Despite the variable weather it wasn’t long before our other targets, the Silver-washed Fritillary and White Admiral, were located. One good thing about cooler weather is that the butterflies do pose well for the many photographers in the party. Happily sated by good views of these species the hunt started for a sight for a female Emperor. Timing is critical for the best chance and you need to look between 12 noon and 2pm. Some of the group were not disappointed and got a good view of a female flying in and out of a broad leaved Sallow its larval food plant. Unfortunately as the group was strung out in a line some only got a glimpse while others had to take our word for what we had seen.

Once 2pm had arrived we went off to the male congregation area. Unusually this congregation area is made up of pine trees which makes it only the second known site of its type in Britain. Also unusually, the congregation area appears to extend over approximately 50 metres. The party had arrived at the congregation area via a steep hill and a longer route than originally planned. The weather also turned and it became very clouded with rain clouds and the temperature dropped. You have to be patient looking for Emperors especially in poor weather. Not unexpectedly after the days exertions most of the party left at 4pm without as much as a glimpse of the main quarry. I think its Murphy’s Law. But once everyone had been let out of the wood the weather changed again and it looked like a short spell of sunshine had arrived. Two intrepid observers returned to the congregation area. Their persistence was rewarded by sightings of two males in six flights. Two of these flights were the spectacular chasing flights (clashing males).

All in all a good day, with 12 species of butterfly including the three target species seen and the day flying migrant moth the Silver Y.