Butterflies and moths fit perfectly into the birding year. Just at the time when birds generally sink from view whilst busily raising their chicks and starting to look shabby, butterflies reach their peak. We've only 58 species of butterflies. This figure excludes N.Ireland, and is subject to some debate. They're all see'able, with some travel and a degree of patience. Research is vitally important though, if you want to track down many of our rarer species. For the majority of species you need to find out their known locations, typical habitat and flight time. Many are limited to only a few weeks of the year. Then you need to get the weather right. Having satisfied all those factors you are quite likely to find your quarry. There are a few that can still challenge you though, notably some of the hairstreaks and perhaps the biggest prize of all the Purple Emperor. I love the fact that butterflying takes you to some beautiful sites, often well off the beaten track. Woodlands, hillsides, wildflower meadows, rough grassland, dunes etc., where most people never venture. Keeps you fit too. It's a shame that the vast majority of the population only ever see our top 10 or so widespread species. The rest are every bit as beautiful and fascinating.

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In June 2023 I tracked down my last species - the Chequered Skipper. So it's taken me about 14 years. Targeting just a few species each year. It can be done in a year, but it would be very demanding.