Migrants in Ireland

[Boydtd at aol.com]

Having read of reports of Clouded Yellows in England and Wales last weekend, I
can report that this species was seen in Ardee (Co. Louth, Republic of
Ireland), Kearney Co. Down and in Belfast on 20/6, with a further Belfast
sighting on 21/6.  Painted Ladies were seen at Inishargy, Co. Down on 21st and
a Humming-bird Hawk at Helen's Bay, Co. Down on the same date.  Occasional
Silver Y moths have also been seen here in recent weeks.  On the night of the
20th, after a very warm day with winds from a southerly direction, a rain
shower brought a fall of Saharan dust.  Unfortunately this weather type was
short-lived, and cooler, changeable Atlantic weather has now returned.
However, these sightings have revived expectations during what has, up to now,
been an unexceptional season with very few migrants.

Trevor Boyd, Butterfly Conservation
(Butterfly Recorder for Northern Ireland)