anyone else seen strange things...?

[toolbox]

I guess this may not be as strange as i originally thought, but on the 1st January outside my place of work, on the ground was a Small Tortoiseshell with its wings splayed, but intermitently closing and opening. I just thought this was a bit odd as it was so soon after heavy snow and freezing weather in Wrexham, North wales. Anyone else experienced similar sightings??
peace x

[Wild-Woman]

Yes, I have seen butterflies that have come out of hibernation early, mine was a Red Admiral on the 1st Jan a few years back and a Small Tortoiseshell in late Jan.
Oh- and I've seen a bumble bee today!!!!

[Dogghound]

Hibernating animals often wake up or are disturbed especially during warm spells. The butterfly may have been trying to ward you off or dry its wings. Species like small tortoiseshell hibernate as adults so could potentially turn up at any time through winter.

[toolbox]

Bumble Bee? woah! I guess the early butterflies are caused by humans, ie warm houses etc..
thanks Wild-Woman

[toolbox]

Thanks Dogghound, much appreciated
peace x

[earthdragon64]

Butterfly Conservation would be interested to hear about your sighting, they have a yearly 1st sightings section on the website;

First sightings 2011 - Butterfly Conservation

There's a "Contact Us" link near the top right of that page, which is empty so far this year.

Regards, Audrey.

[toolbox]

will do Audrey

[Paul mabbott]

I had one fly past the window yesterday - probably a nymphalid but against the light. It was bright sunny but cold; have seen nothing else lately.