I put the moth trap out last night even though it was cold overnight (Min Temp 2.5 degrees centigrade was recorded) and there were just 3 moths in the trap this morning.
I was pleased though to see this Twin-spotted Quaker (Anorthoa munda) as I rarely trap this species and its a good "tick" for the year.
Brindled Beauty (Lycia hirtaria) was also snuggled up in one of the egg-boxes - I know a posted a photo the other day but at least this one isn't still in a pot!! Common Quaker completed the trio.
Early Grey (Xylocampa areola) together with another Brindled Beauty (sorry Stewart if you read this post!)trapped on Tuesday night.
Tuesday night also produced 2 of the dreaded pugs - I have huge problems identifying pugs down to species level. As you can see from this photo they never keep still and its very difficult to get even a picture. If anyone has any ideas which species it is would love to hear from you! The other pug flew off before I could get a photo as is usually the case!!
Two garden butterfly "firsts" for 2015 today - Orange Tip (Anthocaris cardamines) and Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus)
I spotted the male Orange Tip when I was watering some pots sadly it didn't linger so this is a photo of one I took last year. The Holly Blue was seen on ivy but it was flying over the garden fence before I could get the camera.
Two new species for the 2015 garden bird list last week too - a female Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) bathing in the garden pond and a Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto). Collared Doves used to be daily visitors but in recent years we only see a couple a year. Probably coincidence but the decrease in doves seems to correspond with an increase in Wood and Feral Pigeon sightings.
Yes I'm reading it with green eyes!
ReplyDeleteStewart - lol :) but just think of all those moths you trap and I never have :) and, of course there was Atropos!! :) ps Don't read my timeline on Twitter today (yet more BB's!!)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful week you have had in your garden, lots of great ticks, feeling the need to go out to day and find something !
ReplyDeleteAmanda xx
Twin-spotted Quaker is always a nice moth to trap isn't it, and I too am envious of the Bindled Beauty. I think they do occur here in East Yorkshire (VC61) but not in large numbers. However I am even more covetous of the Orange Tip & the photo!!!
ReplyDeleteAs regards the Pug could it be a Double-stripe?
Kindest regards :-)
I hadn't realised you had more than one blog! I shall follow this one too (dunno how you find the time!!) :-)
ReplyDeleteAmanda Peters - Thanks Amanda. Yes, its been a great week in the garden. Hope you managed to get out today and found some good wildlife. Problem at moment here is that I am having days out but not really wildlife orientated (have 2 more next week!!) and I so want to go to Marsh Lane!
ReplyDeleteDavid Turner - Thanks so much David. Yes, I was chuffed with the Twin-spotted - have only trapped 1 or 2 before so its not really a "regular". Brindled Beauties seem to have a limited distribution must check it out! Was pleased too with the Orange Tip - such lovely butterflies and not around for long! Thanks re: the pug help. Yes, I think you are right re: Double-striped.
Millymollymandy - Thanks so much for the comment. I am not sure how I find the time either although I only started this one this year and am really posting stuff I would normally have put on Nature Notes. You can see my reluctance to join Facebook - I spend far too much time on computer as it is!
Sorry all I should have replied individually to your comments. Just realised I can do that on this blog but not the Nature Notes one!! Hope you pick up my replies if you re-visit! Thanks all again. Comments are much appreciated :)
ReplyDelete