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James Botterill recorded the following at Grantown-on-Spey today (+57° 20' 8.46", -3° 37' 22.10"):

1 Large White, 6 Meadow Browns (photo opposite), 20+ Scotch Argus, 2 or 3 Ringlets, 6+ Chimney Sweepers. James added that he had not seen so many butterflies in such a small area before and was amazed at the number of Scotch Argus.

On a bike ride from Craigellachie to Ballindalloch on the Speyside Way, Ringlets were the most numerous species, followed by Speckled Woods. 10 Scotch Argus (photo opposite) were also counted - conspicuous among the faded Ringlets.

Thanks to Cherry Fairley for reporting a Hummingbird Hawkmoth in her garden in Alves, Moray, feeding on lavender, around midday.

Sightings of this fascinating moth should be logged on Butterfly Conservation's national website, via this link: http://www.butterfly-conservation.org/sightings/1096/humming_bird_hawk_moth.html

At Glen Ling today (weather sunny), Brian Neath saw his first Large Heath (2) and Scotch Argus of the year and also 6 Common Blue, 2 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, 4 Dark Green Fritillary, 14 Meadow Brown and 9 Small Heath.

The moths included a late Chimney Sweeper plus Common Lutestring, Magpie and Gold Spot.

On a walk along the beach from Kingsteps, Nairn, Suzanne Gyseman saw several Graylings, numerous Six-spot Burnets and a few Common Blue all in one spot on the dunes.

She also saw a Ringlet along the path to Culbin just as they left the Kingsteps carpark. Speckled Woods were also seen on the walk.

Thanks to Suzanne for permission to use her photo.

Tony Mainwood found 1 Ringlet at the Dunrobin Castle site, and on 20th July a rather worn one at Lothbeg Point north of Brora (NC 958 097).

This extends the range north by more than 20km.

Thanks to James Botterill for the following report (with photos) from Grantown-on-Spey:

1 Common Blue male, 1 Speckled Wood, several Ringlets, numerous Chimney Sweepers (photo opposite) in and around the caravan park, in particular, on the banks behind the old railway line. GPS is 57.335532 - 3.620424.

Ian Paterson, HC Ranger for East and Mid Sutherland reports:

"In the course of a creepy crawly walk on Thursday 8th we managed to capture 4 Ringlets at Dunrobin Castle (SE Sutherland)."

This is a new site showing further expansion north.

Barbara Brodie recorded 3 Ringlets on rough grassland by the River Nairn (NH 736424 approx).

Thanks to Barbara for permission to use her photo.

Despite gale force winds and showers, Bob and Audrey Turner recorded the following on the Speyside Way just south of Grantown-on-Spey, grid ref NJ0326 and NJ0226:

10 Ringlets - their first this year,

4 Northern Brown Argus,

1 Common Blue,

1 Meadow Brown - first this year,

1 Red Admiral,

1 Small Tortoiseshell,

1 Large White - first this year and

1 Dark Green Fritillary - first this year.

They also saw 4 Chimney Sweeper moths, and a Silver-ground Carpet.

On the sea braes from Findochty to Portknockie, Ringlets, Common Blues (mostly males) and Dark Green Fritillaries are the most numerous species at present. The latter seems more plentiful than in previous years.