Thursday 10 February 2011

The Moths are back!

Not that the moths have ever gone away but last night was the first night we trapped this year, we, being Steve Broyd and I, Pete the warden will join us later. This morning we found 7 species of moths including 2 new to the site, they were new mainly because we didn't start trapping until March last year! The new species were Spring Usher and Early Moth. We also had Hebrew Character, Pale Brindled Beauty, Chestnut, March Moth and Dotted Border.
Spring Usher

Early Moth
After checking the moths, I did have half an hour to look round, a Greylag Goose flew south and a Pied Wagtail was interested in what we were up to with the moths! At least 3 Great Spots were drumming and a Goldcrest called from the thick Holly by the B&B, several flocks of Fieldfares were flying in no particular direction and Jackdaws were making a lot of noise over the wood. It was another noisy morning for birds in general which always makes it just great to be out walking, last night I did again listen for Owls and in addition to the birds from the night before there were a couple of Tawny's giving various calls and the Water Rail, which Stephen and I had thought was mute! called from the stream, behind the top lake.
'what's for breakfast?'

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Nice one regards the moths Alan. I lamped in a small wood consisting of Oak & Birch yesterday evening and failed to see a single moth.

Alan Pavey said...

Hi Dean,

I wasn't expecting much, so 7 species was a good start, last year we ended on around 390 Macros for the year.Hope you have better luck next time, although unfortunately I think it's getting colder over the next few days.

Cheers

Al

Rachel J said...

Don't moths have fabulous names!

Alan Pavey said...

Hi Rach,

They do sound like they belong in a literary classic sometimes!