Day flying moth or butterfly

[Naturenutz]

The weekend, at a veiwpoint in the forest of dean there were lots of moth/butterflies flying around the conifer tree tops. I would guess they were approx 25 - 30mm bright Rusty brown kinda colour .The only butterfly i can think of that looked anything like it is a small copper but they were flying quite high,so i guess they are moths.any ideas ?

[earthdragon64]

Could it have been an Orange Underwing Moth? I've seen them flying quite high around Birch trees in previous years. It's too early and snowy for them up here, but maybe they're already about in the sunny south.

Regards, Audrey.

[aeshna5]

Bit early for Small Copper + behaviour is wrong too.

Any birch or aspen around? If so maybe Orange Underwing or Light Orange Underwing.

[Naturenutz]

I think there was birch trees in the area. Thanks for the suggestions.They looked quite butterfly like in flight.A bit like vapourers.

[Dogghound]

Probably moths which had been hibernating within the conifer, due to the temperature increasing they will have become active and maybe changed resting place.