Cold, wet and windy, the tides of October spelling the end to the 2017 butterfly season. In a final little fanfair however, the first few days of the month threw a few unexpected highlights, eleven species of butterfly seen, three fritillary species the most unexpected.

And then, right through to the month's end, occasional butterflies on the wing - truly remarkable for the Baltic States!

Departure of birds, abundant fungi, cool blustery conditions, summer a memory. On sunny days however, still butterflies flying, not least Queen of Spain Fritillaries and Pale Clouded Yellows, plus late records of Silver-spotted Skipper, Brown Hairstreak and Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary. Even more remarkable, a Large Copper, Large Skipper and two Camberwell Beauties in the latter parts of the month.