Good moths and a few dragonflies

Last night began warm and overcast, good conditions for mothing, but by 8pm the clouds had dispersed and subsequently, the temperature dropped.
A visit to the trap around 9.30 gave views of 3 species: Acleris variegana, Emmelina monodactyla and a new species for 2016, the splendid Merveille du Jour. The latter was potted and fridged ready for a photocall this morning.
With little expectancy I wandered down to the trap at 6.20 and immediately realised it had been a far better night than I had anticipated.
Another new for year species, a Blair's shoulder knot was potted, along with my 1st chestnut of the autumn. Other species less regularly seen included pink barred sallow and black rustic.
In total: 28 moths of 16 species were recorded. Best numbers since late September.

The more I placed this moth on good lichen background, the less the Merveille du Jour stayed put!

Merveille du Jour

Chestnut

Pink barred sallow

Black rustic

A very late straw dot

Shuttle shaped dart

2 forms of shuttle shaped dart

Blair's shoulder knot

Total species list for 04.10.16

• Acleris variegana
• Merveille du Jour
• Emmelina monodactyla
• 6 Setaceous hebrew character
• Plutella xylostella
• 2 Shuttle shaped dart
• Large yellow underwing
• Blair's shoulder knot
• Black rustic
• pink barred sallow
• 2 Beaded chestnut
• 2 Lesser yellow underwing
• 5 Lunar underwing
• Angle shades
• Straw dot
• Chestnut

A trip out this afternoon for a check on the lagoon by Hadham Hall. In the past, during and after strong Easterlies as we are presently experiencing, this site has come up with some unusual parish birds. Today, nothing! the 2 or 3 resident grey wagtails and plenty of crows, jackdaws and rooks enjoying flying in the strong breeze.

Plenty of ruddy and common darter dragonflies and 3 migrant hawkers. 

one of many common darters

Possible ruddy darter

small copper sheltering from the breeze