Swallowtails 2003

Last updated on 7th August 2003

2003 is proving to be a busy butterfly year, and many butterflies seem to be on the wing earlier than normal. This year also seems very good for migrants. Since May, Kent has seen around 12 Swallowtail's!

Below are the current Swallowtail sightings, that have been reported to the Kent Branch.

Date	Location & Information	Recorder(s)	Number Seen	Species
6th May	Samphire How Country Park	Tom Bretton & Richard Fox (BC head office)	1	sp
9th May	Farm in Lamberhurst	Mrs Jennifer Overy	1	sp
13th July	Bluebell Hill, Chatham One was seen at the top of Bluebell Hill (possibly at the KWT Burham Down reserve)	Bob Bland	1
24th & 28th July	Oare Marshes, Faversham One was seen on 24th July, and reported by some Kent Ornithological Society members. On 28th July Colin Firman saw one on the vegetation on the seawall, just behind the visitors centre.	KOS members & Colin Firman	2
24th July	Reculver Nr Herne Bay One seen in the area. No other details are currently available.	Currently Unknown	1
30th July	Reculver Nr Herne Bay Seen in an area of Wild Carrots & Teasels.	Dave Morgan	1
31st July	Elmley One seen in the area. This butterfly was reported by Sean Huggins, but not seen by him.	Currently Unknown	1
2nd August	Broadstairs Feeding on a buddleia in his garden. This butterfly was netted and taken to Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory for photos. It was identified as the continental race. For more information please visit http://www.sbbo.co.uk/swallowtail.htm	10 year old James Goodbun	1	cr
2nd August	Blean, Nr Canterbury Feeding on a buddleia in his garden. Martyn photographed this butterfly with his webcam, as the butterfly stayed around for 3 hours.	Martyn Young	1
3rd August	Pegwell Bay This butterfly was trapped. No other details are currently available.	Currently Unknown	1

This page will be updated with any new sightings. If you have seen a Swallowtail, in Kent in 2003, please inform our butterfly recorder Mike Easterbrook.