Mixed nature 01.04.14

Selection of creatures recently encountered.
At the moth trap, the usual fare of hebrew characters, common and small quakers were enhanced by the first brindled pug and nut tree tussock of the year. Also in attendance, 2 early greys and an early thorn.

early thorn taken by the light from the trap

nut tree tussock

brindled pug

Also, a spider was obviously enjoying several moths that may have come to roost on the wooden arch adjacent to the trap. Not sure which species but reminds me of a garden cross species. Just been advised that this is a walnut orb weaver spider. A common spider most often found under the bark of dead trees. See http://www.uksafari.com/nucteneaumbratica.htm for more details

walnut orb weaver spider

In the small pond I put in last year, a welcome small common frog. Great as I have planted out some plants that are favourable to slugs, so hopefully the frog will hoover these up.

small common frog

Also, a new bird for the garden list yesterday afternoon, a solitary red legged partridge shot through, low and gliding into the field next door. Not a bird I thought I would get on the garden list, so pleased to have seen this fly past.