Little Hadham Birding

Another early start 27.01.12

2012-01-27T16:09:00.003Z

Another walk started at 7a.m. from Winding Hill, Much Hadham. This time I took the ridge footpath and observed a good range of wildlife. Early morning buzzards called along with rooks, carrion crows, jackdaws, robins and blackbirds. A fly over herring gull was followed by a solitary black headed gull as I watched 2 foxes sitting in the middle of a winter wheat field. Other wildlife interest was watching several hares, plenty of rabbits and a single muntjac. Other birds noted were great spotted woodpecker, kestrel, green woodpecker, fieldfare and redwing.
Photos to follow

Early morning 26.01.12

2012-01-26T18:49:00.000Z

Dropped off at Winding Hill, Much Hadham at 7a.m. and then walked along the Ash Valley, over the golf course and home by 8.30a.m. A total of 4 tawny owls were heard and 1 little owl. The hoped for barn owl didn't show, unfortunately. Other noteworthy birds were green woodpecker, 125+ fieldfares, 60 jackdaws heading north and a pair of bullfinches in the small coppice adjacent to the 18th fairway. Very poor light meant I couldn't get a photo of a singing song thrush. Other songsters were dunnock, robin, skylark and blackbird. A phone camera shot here, showing the general greyness in light drizzle

Dungeness photos: 22.01.12

2012-01-24T20:40:00.000Z

All photos here by Graeme Smith. See his website: www.britainsbirder.co.uk

Dungeness 22.01.12

2012-01-24T11:42:00.001Z

A full day of birding with local birder Graeme plus Therese and Stuart from Berdmonsey. Weather was kind although blowing a gale as we approached the sea watch hide at 7.45a.m. Reasonable movement offshore, with auks, gannets and gulls although nothing of quality. Off to The Patch to check gulls but just the regular lesser, great black backed, herring and black headed. A search for possible glaucous, little, med and caspian proved fruitless
A visit to the fishing boats gave us the first winter caspian gull along with great views of guillemots close to the shore and several kittiwakes. From here we headed to the RSPB reserve. Coffee and the hides; plenty of wildfowl: wigeon, teal, shoveler etc but a highlight bird was a flyby merlin as we exited the Firth Hide. Onwards we picked up Marsh Harrier, stonechat, plenty of robins and the great white egret at Denge Marsh Hide. Good views that Grame missed as he had stayed behind to photo the male stonechat. A wander further round didn't realise much more than dunnock and wren although a suspected bearded reedling was seen shooting into a reed bed, plus our first mallards. A few oystercatchers and shelduck and little egret were added before we headed over to the ARC pit, picking up another great egret and tree sparrow. Long tailed duck, pintail, bittern, grey heron and another diistant merlin were recorded before we dropped Graeme off to get snaps of the caspian whilst us three visited The Pilot for a fish and chip lunch.
Reconnecting with GJS we then went to Scotney Pits for barnacle geese, golden plover, dunlin and numerous lapwings. A group of 4 strange geese had us thinking blue phase snow goose, but turned out they were hybrid efforts, probably barnacle x greylag. From here we paid a flying visit to Rye Harbour where mistle thrush, turnstone, common gull, curlew and redshank were added.
In all a super day out and trust Stuart and Therese found it fun.
Species list:
red throated diver; great crested grebe; gannet; cormorant; bittern; little egret; great white egret; grey heron; mute swan; greylag goose (10 sp); canada goose; barnacle goose; brent goose; shelduck; mallard; gadwall; pintail; shoveler; wigeon; teal;( 20 sp) pochard; tufted duck; long tailed duck; goldeneye; marsh harrier; common buzzard; kestrel (en route): merlin; moorhen; coot;( 30 sp) oystercatcher; golden plover; lapwing; turnstone; dunlin; redshank; curlew; snipe; black headed gull; common gull; herring gull;(40) caspian gull; lesser black backed gull; greater black backed gull; kittiwake; guillemot; razorbill; wood pigeon; collared dove; pied wagtail; wren; (50) dunnock; robin; stonechat; mistle thrush; blackbird; great tit; blue tit; long tailed tit; magpie; jackdaw (60); rook; carrion crow; starling; house sparrow; tree sparrow; chaffinch; (66 species)
Be back at Dungeness on Wednesday 28th March: should be a big change in the bird life by then
Photos to follow

1st walk of the year 02.01.12

2012-01-02T16:07:00.000Z

A long wander, in wonderful conditions, led to seeing over 24 species of bird. Nothing too noteworthy but a common buzzard in trees near Hadham Hall was a new bird for this site. A 2nd buzzard was seen near Ford Hill as I returned from the hall, Bury Green via Millfield Lane and Hoecroft Lane. Plenty of starlings (200+) and fieldfare (250+)in horse fields around Millfield Lane, along with both green and great spotted woodpeckers. A good find was a roost where a barn owl had been, with 5 large pellets found which I can use for my school science shows. Will need to return to see if the owl itself is present. Photos of the buzzard at the hall and, an as yet unidentified, fungus found in hedgerow by thge village school.

30.12.11

2011-12-30T18:49:00.000Z

Another early start before light to be on the beach and then searching for the elusive western sandpiper on Arnold's Marsh or Pat's Pool. Firstly; 25+ red throated divers and 2 black throated divers heading east before the sun rise over Walsey Hills. Also gannets and regular gulls. Then off to Arnold's Marsh and then to Pat's Pool if no sign. Roosting dunlin, curlew, black tailed godwit, redshank and golden plover needed to be checked. As the light improved I latched on to a small calidrid wader. Within 5 minutes the white face and dark scapulars were apparent: the rare western sandpiper. A slight rufus from the mantle appeared to be present but this might have been increased by the sunrise as shown in attached photos. Time was short as I wanted the smoked haddock and poached egg breakfast at The George. I tried for some photos of the bird but it was too far away: see shot including dunlin and godwit silhouettes. My first lifer since 2009.
Other photos: waves at Cley beach, overhead brent geese and sun rise.

North Norfolk 29.12.11

2011-12-29T17:10:00.000Z

First day of two in Cley next the Sea staying at the wonderful George Hotel. Up early at 1st light for a quick pre breakfast trip to Cley beach car park and the North Hide. Usual suspects ( brents, wigeon, shoveler, golden plover, gadwall, teal, marsh harriers etc.) After a fine full breakfast a walk setting out to Blakeney Point, some 10 mile round trip over constant shingle. Low temps and high winds meant we got to Halfway House before retracing our steps, this time on the sea side of the spit. Red throated divers, dunlin, knot, turnsatone, ringed plover, full set of expected gulls, shelduck, meadow pipits, goldfinches and reed bunts observed along with at least 4 hares. However: highlight was watching grey seal pup take its first swim. After birth they remain on shore for 3 weeks, being fed by mother before they moult abnd can take to the sea. This creature found it difficult getting through the breakers, being washed back on to the shore. Both parents watching from the water. Eventually it made it, accompanied by an adult. Set of photos attached along with a few views, a distant turnstone and a confiding black headed gull. Finally at 2pm off to the East Bank at Cley Marshes to Arnolds Marsh and Pays pool for the rarity; western sandpiper. Although scrutinising over 200 dulin, no western sand was found. Admittedly, it was fast fading light with horizontal rain. Good views of black tailed godwit, curlew, grey plover, shelduck, skylarks, little egrets, redshank and an over med gull. Try for the yankee piper again tomorrow at 1st light.

Monday: Short morning walk

2011-12-27T19:57:00.000Z

A quick wander up Brick Kiln Hill, over the polo fields and into Millennium Wood before returning via Hoecroft Lane proved what I discovered yesterday; that there is little about. Plenty of fieldfares, redwings and jays along with a couple of magpies and jays but nothing noteworthy. An early start meant the tawny owls were still calling in Bluebell Wood but apart from a single northerly lesser black backed gull there was nothing of note. Off for 3 days in North Norfolk tomorrow morning so should be a load to discover. Photo shows a view looking north from the polo fields

Boxing Day

2011-12-26T16:27:00.000Z

A wonderful midday wander gave views of all the usual residents found to the south and south west of the parish. Good number of pied wagtail (30+) on the plough in the Ash Valley. Also, several jays, green woodpeckers and 250+ mixed corvids on the 15th fairway at AVGC. 3 treecreepers seen near Valley Fields was an unusual sight whilst 300+ fieldfare was a more common sight. 2 photos of a treecreeper in poor light as well as a drake mallard at Westland Green pond, again poor light.

Essex goose Festival 07.12.11

2011-12-07T21:40:00.000Z

Can you find the red breasted goose?

Leaving the village at 5.45 and picking up a couple of fellow birders we were on the Causeway at Abberton for first light. Cormorants, various expected wildfowl, including a escaped swan goose (photo above) and a grey heron. However, the highlight here was of 4 goosanders moving from one side of the Causeway to the other and then back again. Into the visitors centre at 9am and a wander to the hides. Excellent birding here with hen harrier, smew, several pintail, goldeneye and thousands of lapwing. The wind was steadily increasing, dropping the temperature that meant gloves were a necessity. The gusts were strong enough to blow over my tripod, making viewing through the 'scope tricky. Not helped by Dave's crashing around in the hide, meaning I had cracking views of the sky on a couple of occasions. Well done, Dave! A quick coffee at the visitors' centre before a drive to Old Hall Marsh. A red breasted goose had been reported and this would be a lifer for both Dave and Gary. The wind was now a steady Force 6 and although a field full of brents was scanned, no red breasted. Off to the creeks where good wader numbers were recorded, including dunlin, black tailed godwit, avocet and redshank. A little further on I spotted a marsh harrier putting up wigeon and at the same moment had to call peregrine as a large female shot through the flock, snatching a wigeon and making her way off to a nearby field. Great moment and even better when she posed in the field, albeit too far away for a photo. Further along the track we encountered tundra bean geese in with a few white fronts and pink foots. Our goose total was rising. Reed buntings, meadow pipits, curlews and golden plovers were listed before we came across the flock of brents again and this time latching on to the red breasted. Photos were attempted but the gale was so strong nothing was staying still. See if you can find this bird in the top photo? Back to the car, soup and bread buns and on to a new site for the three of us, Chigborough Lakes. Classically, I stopped the car to check website details for directions, drove a further 50 yards and came to the entrance. A super reserve with great potential. Well worth visiting and, I suspect really good for a dawn chorus walk. Here we heard redpoll, but couldn't find them in fading light. Dave scored a lifer with a pair of bullfinches, to add to his and Gary's lifer list that now included both tundra bean and white fronted geese. Gadwall, teal, shoveler and mallards were present in good numbers but the surprise was in checking out canada and grey lag geese in a field at the back of the Reserve we noted 2 barnacles, taking the goose species total to an amazing 10, including the escapee. Fiedfares, jays and redwings were added along with long tailed tits and although we noted a good range of owl boxes, none owls were observed. Off to Maldon for a bag of chips, Dave scoring them at 6/10. Dave is the official chip expert. Returning home in time for a spot of work, I counted the day's total at an impressive 82. Not too bad for a day when the light was good for less than 6 hours. Not too much missed I suspect.

Great day out with good company and thoughts turn to our next day trip in 3 months time.

Species:

little grebe great crested grebe, cormorant, little egret, grey heron, mute swan, white fronted goose, tundra bean goose, pink footed goose, greylag goose, canada goose, barnacle goose, brent goose, red breasted goose, shelduck, egyptian goose, mallard, gadwall, pintail, shoveler, wigeon, teal, pochard, tufted duck, goldeneye, smew, goosander, hen harrier, marsh harrier, sparrow hawk, kestrel, peregrine, pheasant, moorhen, coot, avocet, grey plover, golden plover, lapwing, dunlin, redshank, black tailed godwit, curlew, snipe, ruff, black headed gull, common gull, herring gull, lesser black backed gull, great black backed gull, mediteranean gull, stock dove, wood pigeon, collared dove, green woodpecker, skylark, meadow pipit, pied wagtail, wren, dunnock, robin, stonechat, song thrush, redwing, fieldfare, blackbird, great tit, blue tit, long tailed tit, magpie, jay, jackdaw, carrion crow, rook, starling, house sparrow, chaffinch, linnet, goldfinch, greenfinch, bullfinch, reed bunting + redpoll (heard) and hybrid goose.

Photos show huge brent numbers, plus a few flypasts, sunrise on the Causeway at Abberton and both heron and egyptian goose taken at this location. Sympathy most go to the 4th member of our quarterly team, Graeme, who was unable to make it. Suspect red breasted goose would have been a lifer, Graeme? Another report can be found at http://hairybirders.blogspot.com/ with a selection of photos

Barn Owl 2.12.11

2011-12-02T19:41:00.001Z

A search for the local barn owl proved successful this morning, found (as advised) in a small oak behind Clinton's Farm on the track to Danebridge. Great views but disturbed before I could get a photo. Other noteworthy birds were 100+ fieldfares and redwings, kestrel and a large party of house sparrows around the farm yard. Many thanks to Gill and Michael Harvey for letting me know where the owl was roosting. Shall return over the weekend to attempt some photos.
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Glorious weather 30.11.11

2011-11-30T10:50:00.000Z

Another wonderfully bright morning for a local walk before preparing to set off to give an illustrated talk to St Ives RSPB group this evening. Goldcrest, treecreeper and 6 bullfinches being the highlight birds. The 2nd goldcrest of the morning as one was observed in our garden at first light. Photos of a view, a robin in take off leap and 2 more regular views of a robin, taken in Millennium Wood. It was here that the party of bullfinches were also witnessed.

Sunday wander 27.11.11

2011-11-27T16:13:00.000Z

A pleasant walk in unbelieveably warm weather today. Highlight sightings were a flushed woodcock, on the footpath off Chapel Lane, 3 mandarin on the old gravel pit, photo taken from a distance, an unseasonal red admiral butterfly and flowering herb robert, cut leaf crane's bill and red campion. Other notables were 11 skylarks over AVGC, 24 pied wagtails on a newly ploughed fields and several sightings of both kestrel and sparrow hawk. 2 parties of bullfinches were seen and a solitary treecreeper in Chapel Lane. Photos show herb robert, red campion, mandarin duck, view east over AVGC and some of the black headed gulls that were witnessed on the 15th fairway

Rainham Marshes: 24.11.11

2011-11-23T22:08:00.000Z

A day visit to Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve today. Quiet around the reserve trails in poor light, but still some noteworthy birds. Linnets, lapwings and starlings were seen in their hundreds with good numbers of teal, wigeon, canada geese and grey lags. However, highlight birds were 2 bearded reedlings, photographed from distance. Both look like 1st year individuals. Also a snipe, cettis warbler and 5 spectacular drake pintails. The most memorable moment was watching 2 carrion crows attacking a lapwing. Firstly they attacked it at the water's edge, holding it down before it broke free. They then dive bombed the lapwing, knocking it into deep water. They then ignored it until it tried to fly from the water, whereupon they just knocked it back in again. This went on for 5 minutes before the lapwing was so waterlogged it could not get away from the water, so the crows then kept pushing it under until it drowned. They then paid no more attention to it. Seemed like it was no more than entertainment. This thought was echoed by the warden who said it was a regular occurence. Other photos show greylag, female teal, 2 little egrets, an irridescent magpie, a sunset fly past of canada geese and a view of the QE bridge at Dartford

Sunday Foggy wander

2011-11-21T07:16:00.000Z

A walk this morning to fields and woods adjacent to the A120 gave good numbers of birds. In one oak tree I heard long tailed tits. On closer inspection I observed 34+ long tailed tits, 2 blue tits, 3 great tits, 1 chaffinch, 1 treecreeper and, best of all, 1 goldcrest. Latter, my first of the winter. Redwing, mistle thrush and fieldfare were ubiquitous whilst a coal tit in a stand of conifers was pleasing. Other birds of note: yellowhammer and common buzzard. Photo of the dead tree used as a jackdaw roost and one of a male chaffinch.

Photos

2011-11-18T12:56:00.000Z

Photos from today's wander

Unusual sighting 18.11.11

2011-11-18T12:54:00.001Z

A wander around the north and east side of the parish this morning, in glorious sunshine. In all 30 bird species with the undoubted highlight being a first year teal. First seen on the dragonfly pond east of Hadham Hall but dog walkers flushed it before I could get a photo. Flew off high to the west and looked like it dropped down on to the pond at the Hall. 2 distant flight shots here, along with moorhen, black headed gull and a pair of goldfinches. The teal is only my 2nd paqrish record, following a similar 1st year bird recorded 7th October 2009.
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Fungi festival

2011-11-16T14:09:00.001Z

A neighbour popped around to let me know she had some strange fungi growing in her garden. She has lived at the same house for over 40 years and this is the first occasion these fungi have appeared. Huge numbers. Probably connected to this is the fact that sometime ago in the last 2 years, she had a horse chestnut tree removed, apart from the stump as shown in one of the photos. I suspect these may be growing on the rotting roots underground. Very spectacular and now the search to identifiy them.

Parish boundary wander 16.11.11

2011-11-16T13:13:00.000Z

Setting off from Tesco I picked up the westerly and then southerly footpath that skirts around Bury Green before reaching Hadham Golf Club. From here I continued along paths until Bush Wood and the Ash Valley. In all 4.5 hour wander.
A total of 32 bird species recorded, with quantity being supplied by wood pigeons (1000+), jackdaws (500+) redwing and fieldfare (300+) and starlings (250+.) The light was atrocious, as the photo above of a rabbit proves. Good birds were treecreeper, sparrow hawk, a covey of 17 red legged partridge, a grey heron, 2 kestrels and a pair of bullfinches. A check on a pond on private land that I now have permission to visit gave views of only mallards(3.) I also popped in to a disused barn where I disturbed a little owl: too quick for the camera. Throughout the walk I kept hearing and seeing pied wagtails heading west. All was revealed in a ploughed field near the River Ash, where I encountered a feeding party in excess of 27. The sparrow hawk, top photo, put these birds up, before they returned to the plough. In all, a pleasant walk.

1st new moth of the month, 14.11.11

2011-11-14T08:05:00.000Z

A spectacularly marked December moth was found in the trap this morning, along with regular visitors a silver y and feathered thorn. The December moth is a common late autumn/winter moth so I anticipate discovering more of these over the following weeks. 2 photos here, along with the aptly named silver y and the orange feathered thorn

Out owling 13.11.11

2011-11-13T17:36:00.001Z

An evening wandering around Bury Green in search of owls. A final total of 4 little owls and 2 tawnies. No hoped for barn owls. However, it was a grey and dark dusk. Plenty of thrush species disturbed from hedgerows. At the start a common buzzard, great, blue and long tailed tits, great spotted and green woodpeckers as well as large numbers of corvids and wood pigeons. Photo here of a welcoming sight as I came down Brick kiln hill in the dark at 5.30pm

Barn Owl

2011-11-11T16:48:00.001Z

A barn owl, reported to me on 8th near the polo and cricket fields, was searched for last night. No joy but search around local barns etc turned up 1 little owl, 1 rabbit skull and several barn owl feathers, but no pellets

Sprawler

2011-11-11T08:19:00.000Z

A single moth in the trap this morning. A sprawler; a common autumnal moth found between October and December, preferring woodland and scrub.

Few more autumn shots

2011-11-09T16:28:00.000Z

Autumn in Millennium Wood 9.11.11

2011-11-09T16:21:00.000Z

A wonderful walk around MW: long tailed, great and blue tits, 5 bullfinches, 2 little owls heard, pheasant, wood pigeons, oied wagtail and 15 flyover fieldfares. This both followed and preceded visits to local outbuildings. I was trying to find barn owls, 1 having been reported from near the cricket ground. No luck, but did disturb a roosting little owl

Silver Y

2011-11-09T08:50:00.000Z

After several days with no moths in the trap I had a little success this morning with a solitary silver y moth. A small specimen it is possible that this particular creature is an immigrant, having moved north from the continent.

Bird Wander 5.11.11

2011-11-07T18:29:00.000Z

A wander around the back of Hadham Hall turned up birds in good numbers, although none proved to be in a mood for photography. Plenty of recently arrived fieldfares were in the trees around Hadham Hall ponds along with great, blue, long tailed and coal tits. Chaffinches and goldfinches also present. Several herring gulls weaved their way north whilst a solitary grey heron was at the irrigation lagoon. The reason I was out this way was because of a report of both a single snow bunting and 10 bramblings having been reported a mile or so away from the parish boundary. These were not seen but were still present this afternoon, so maybe another check tomorrow to see if they have moved into the parish and will therefore break the century!

Above the fields north of the hall, 7 skylarks and a single meadow pipit were heard, the latter being a first for this area. All previous mipit records coming from Ash Valley G.C. Couple of autumnal photos taken around Hadham Hall attached.

1st moths of November 4.11.11

2011-11-04T08:46:00.001Z

A merveille du jour, feathered thorn and a November moth sp in a very soggy trap this morning. First moths of the month.

feathered thorn

merveille du jour

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Red Kite

2011-11-04T08:44:00.001Z

A spectacular red kite was observed over Ash Valley Golf Club. Spent 10 minutes over the northern part of the course before gliding off towards Bishop's Stortford. A photo here of a red kite I saw in The Camargue Sept. 2010. For those confusing this species with the local buzzards, note the tail shape and also the pattern of colours on the underwing.

Feathered Thorn

2011-10-31T09:40:00.001Z

Only one moth over the whole of the weekend: an immaculate feathered thorn. Am planning an evening trapping at Millennium Wood this week, weather permitting.

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Another autumnal moth 28.10.11

2011-10-28T14:08:00.002+01:00

Sprawler

November moth sp?

Another new moth found in the trap this morning: The Sprawler moth is a typically common autumn moth in Hertfordshire. Very little else found, with crane flies filling the trap, along with several wood lice and a slug. A November moth was also discovered, one of 3 possible species, only identifiable by dissection of the genitalia. Shall pass on to an expert for this procedure. Note: previously recorded winter moth is in fact one fo these 3 species.

Red Green Carpet 26.10.11

2011-10-26T07:56:00.001+01:00

Yet another new moth in the trap: a red green carpet. Again, an expected moth, photo to follow. Also, 2 of the November moth species. I shall need an expert to check these to identify them to specific species. Finally, another blair's shoulder knot. Whilst checking the trap a grey heron "cronked" overhead and both tawny owl and common buzzard called. A good start to the day at 6.50
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Winter moth 25.10.11

2011-10-25T07:54:00.000+01:00

Yet another new moth for the garden list this morning. A winter moth, as unexciting in colour as the name suggests, a drab brown specimen. Also, another green brindled crescent was also presenr on a warm but damp night.

winter moth

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Another Merveille du Jour

2011-10-24T21:30:00.001+01:00

Another m du j found at the trap this evening. Indeed a stunning moth. Hoping to get some really good photos of this species.

Weekend Moths 24.10.11

2011-10-24T08:33:00.000+01:00

Here are the moths taken this weekend, a good catch after a week of nothing. This morning offered 2 green brindled crescents, a single merveille de jour and a large yellow underwing. Below are the moths found as from Friday.

An extemely late buff ermine: a county record

green brindled crescent

Blair's shoulder knot

green brindled crescent

Merveille de Jour

Hat Trick

2011-10-23T19:45:00.000+01:00

A merveille de jour at the trap this evening, making it 3 new species in a day. Also: 2 that I have yet to identify, probably best reecording day for a long while
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And another!

2011-10-23T15:15:00.001+01:00

A Blairs shoulder knot in the trap this morning. Another common Herts moth, but 2 new species in one day is indeed a rarity in autumn. Photos to follow
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New moth

2011-10-23T14:43:00.001+01:00

A new moth was trapped this morning, taking the species total to 150 since June of this year. Today a green brindled crescent was found on the sheet next to my trap. A common moth for Herts.
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First new moths for October 05.10.11

2011-10-05T15:26:00.002+01:00

A feathered thorn was found in the trap this morning, in amongst a good variety of moths. The feathered thorn is a common Hertfordshire moth, flying throughout the autumn and will certainly appear in the trap again. Another new one for the garden was a spruce carpet, again a common autumnal moth.Other species included: sallow, barred sallow, lesser yellow underwing, large yellow underwing, brimstone moth, lunar underwing and large ranunclus.

feathered thorn

dusky lemon sallow

large ranunculus

lesser yellow underwing

spruce carpet

rosy rustic

sallow

Moth Round up 04.10.11

2011-10-04T08:39:00.000+01:00

barred sallow

blood vein

blood vein (same specimen in better light)

large ranunculus

unusual dark form of rosy rustic

After our Norfolk trip, back to the garden moth trap. The usual autumnal moths have been caught and released (lunar underwing, large yellow underwing, setaceaous hebrew character and brown spot pinion) but in amongst these have been some immaculate specimens. A blood vein on the 28th, large ranunculus (3rd) and 2 barred sallows (4th). Also, a snout taken this morning in a busy trap; over 30 moths in total of 8 species. Finally, on the 3rd, a drab grey/black form of a rosy rustic was taken. I need to find out how common this form is as little mention of it in text books.

4 days in North Norfolk

2011-10-02T20:09:00.000+01:00

Egyptian geese with overtaking linnet

Wells beach: 01.10.11!

wheatear, Cley

fallow deer stag

greylag goose

Just returned from a 4 day visit to North Norfolk, staying at the Dun Cow, Salthouse. A none birding break, with walks everyday with Wendy, so just camera and binoculars. Consequently only 80 species for the trip. Friday a walk from Salthouse to Sheringham along the cliffs, Saturday, in blistering heat, from Morston to Stiffkey and then bus to Wells and today a wonderful wander around Holkham Hall estate, including the extensive deer park. Highlight birds: yellow browed warbler at Kelling Quags, lapland bunting, Salthouse beach car park, lesser spotted woodpecker, Holkham Hall and short eared owl, coastguards car park at Cley this morning. Other good ones: bearded reedling, brent and pink foot geese, grey plover, wheatear and stonechat.

fishing at Cley

Weybourne Windmill

to Sheringham

male stonechat

female stonechat

steam train on Poppy line

Fire from spilt ashes from aforementioned steam train: Sheringham golf club

arty sea shot. Spot our shadows from the clifftop

seal, Sheringham beach

House Sparrow, garden of The Lobster pub

Pink foots arriving from the Arctic Circle

Distant bearded reedlings

grey lag geese

black tailed godwits plus one wigeon

black headed gull

Holkham Hall lake

another new moth 28.09.11

2011-09-28T17:30:00.000+01:00

black rustic

brick

brown spot pinion

sallow

beaded chestnut

2 new moths in the trap this morning, after a warm night. Firstly a large ranunculus was observed but bid a hasty farewell as the camera was poised. A brick, shown above, was far more keen to be photographed. Other species are shown here, with the usual 15+ lunar underwings as well. The black rustic is indeed a most striking moth, especially when newly emerged as the one shown above. Also shown, a sallow, found in the trap yesterday morning but only i.d'd late last night.

Puzzling moth 27.09.11

2011-09-27T18:20:00.002+01:00

ruby tiger (late record)

A moth arrived in the trap last night that had me reaching for the field guides. A few photos were taken, in the dark using flash. Not the best way to get good results of colour. It suddenly dawned on me that it was not a new moth, just a dark form of ruby tiger. This was a most common moth throughout the summer! However, this is a very late record of such and consequently the record has been forwarded to the county recorder.

Moth round up

2011-09-26T18:37:00.002+01:00

snout

brown spot pinion

yellow line quaker

burnished brass

brown spot pinion

barred sallow

dusky lemon sallow

brown spot pinion

svenssons copper underwing

brown sopot pinion.

Whilst since adding to the moth list from the garden trap. New moths recorded recently include: yellow line quaker, dusky lemon sallow and barred sallow, all shown here. Also, plenty of snouts around, a few large yellow underwings, one brimstone and one black rustic. Main moth remains the lunar underwing, with up to 10 in the trap most mornings. Photos added also show the variety that the brown spot pinion can appear, with a selection of brown to chestnut ground colour. The 5 spots on the edge of the wing, remain the diagnostic marke, though.

new moth 20.09.11

2011-09-20T14:14:00.000+01:00

common marbled carpet

lunar underwing

brown spot pinion

These three were unusual moths, with the first definitely being a first whilst the other two maybe ones I have recorded on a single occasion before. Am awaiting confirmation but think either/or two or three maybe brown spot pinion. Will update this note when they are confirmed. Need to do a little research. These now confirmed as shown

new moth and correction

2011-09-19T18:36:00.004+01:00

Last week's entry showing a new moth a beaded chestnut has now been re identified and is in fact the equally common and very similar brown spotted pinion.

black rustic

brown spotted pinion

flounced rustic

Today, 12 moths in the trap, including several large yelloow underwings and lunar underwings. However, a black rustic was a first for the garden. A striking moth.

new moth 16.09.11

2011-09-16T14:50:00.001+01:00

Another very quiet moth night, with only 6 moths in the trap at 6.15 this morning. However, in amongst the 2 large yellow underwings, 1 lunar underwing and 2 latticed heath was a new moth, in the form of either grey pine carpet or spruce carpet. These 2 moths, if female are only id'able after dissection, whilst the males can (possibly) be id'd by an expert. Photos have been forwarded to such. A photo attached here. I have plumped for spruce carpet, going by the not very diagnostic feature of the white jagged line near the end of the forewings. Hopefully will be informed soon. However, a common September/October moth, so will probably get a few more to check doifferences. Males can be told by counting the hairs onthe antennae. A large hand lens could prove useful

grey pine carpet

North Norfolk 13.09.11

2011-09-15T16:01:00.002+01:00

sunrise, Sheringham

full moon, Sheringham (taken at the same time as the above and below shot)

Looking east from Sheringham promenade

confiding redshank, Salthouse

redshank

redshank showing diagnostic tail pattern

Cley windmill and Blakeney church from the East Bank

poor quality avocet shot: Titchwell.

A superb day, beginning before 4.00 a.m. and returning home by 10pm. In company with three fellow local birders we visited Sheringham (sea watch) Weybourne/Muckleborough collection beach, Salthouse beach car park and beach road, Cley East bank, hides, Cley beach and north hide, Stiffkey Fen, Holkham Hall estate, Choseley drying barns and Titchwell. 94 species in all. Whilst nothing too extreme some great views of arctic skua, black tern, greenshank, whimbrel, whinchat, golden plover, corn bunting, yellow wagtails, little stint and curlew sandpiper made it a great day out. A particularly confiding redshank was photographed at Salthouse beach car park. However; at Stiffkey Fen, in amongst green sandpipers and ruff was a strange bird, very buff in colour and the same size as the green sandpipers with which it was consorting. Views were difficult and I called it as a buff breasted sandpiper. However, trying to peer over the reeds, in a wind that moved tripod and scope made viewing very difficult and it was always going to be a hard one to nail. Never know whether it was a large juvvie ruff or something more transatlantic. Last birds of the day were some good, if distant manx shearwaters off Titchwell. My first sighting of these from so far west in Norfolk. Great day and super company

Moth update 15.09.11

2011-09-15T15:49:00.000+01:00

Very quiet at the trap recently, but also, a trip to Norfolk for birds meant I was unable to check on it for a few mornings, plus work committments. However, a few photos here:

brown spot pinion

square spot rustic

flounced rustic

flounced rustic in more natural habitat.

weekend round up

2011-09-12T18:29:00.003+01:00

brindled green

centre barred sallow

old lady

setaceous hebrew character (unfamiliar wing open pose)

silver y

willow beauty

Several new moths on to the list this weekend, with a brindled green being recorded Sunday morning and a beaded chestnut today. Plenty of moths about at present, with latticed heath, cebtre barred sallows, lunar underwings and large yellow underwings all turning up in the trap in numbers in excess of 20. Also, the regular setaceous hebrew characters,, common wainscot, light emeralds and several burnished brass. Other moths that appeared alone were Old Lady and willow beauty

Westland Green mothing 09.09.11

2011-09-09T14:35:00.001+01:00

angle shades

forest bug

A new species for the year was trapped last night in a private garden in Westland Green. Many thanks to Amanda and her family for permitting me access to her garden. The trap was set up underneath mature beech, running from 9.00pm to 5.45am The contents featured numerous wasps (at least 50) and 2 species of shield bugs; forest bug (43 specimens) and birch shield bug (26 specimens) On the moth front, the highlight was a superb red underwing, whilst the rest of the catch was as you'd expect in the second week of September. Setaceous hebrew characters and large yellow underwings were both counted in excess of 25 whilst there were several square spotted rustics, lesser yellow underwings and common wainscot. Smaller numbers were supplied by brimstone, snout, several micros as well as both a 22 spot ladybird and an orange ladybird. Singles of angle shades, light emerald, centre barred sallow and feathered gothic were also taken.

centre barred sallow

common wainscot

copper underwing

feathered gothic

large yellow underwing

light emerald

chequered fruit tree tortrix

red underwing

red underwing close up

setaceous hebrew character

snout

square spot rustic

Whilst sitting adjacent to the trap, 4 tawny owls called, 2 little owls and a muntjac barked away from the nearby golf course.

Wet moth trap 06.09.11

2011-09-06T10:40:00.001+01:00

Cochylis atricapitana

dark arches

flame shoulder

green carpet

unusual shade of large yellow underwing

A soggy moth trap this morning, with a total of 25 moths. Nothing noteworthy, but an unusual shaded large yellow underwing, a green carpet (worn) and the 1st of the 2nd generation of a dark arches. Several micros await identification

new moth: 5.9.11

2011-09-05T18:09:00.001+01:00

mint burnished brass

helluva hair do

burnished brass

dusky thorn

upperwing view: dusky thorn

dusky thorn

acleris variegana Garden rose tortrix

A new moth in the form of a dusky thorn was in the trap this morning. Unlike many of the thorn species, this one hung around for a few photos. Also of note, an immaculate burnished brass along with the micro acleris variegena Garden rose tortrix. In all over 40 moths in the trap mad eup of 18 species, with 11 large yellow underwings.

Quiet moth morning

2011-09-04T12:05:00.000+01:00

A quiet night at the trap with a total of 37 moths caught. Majority were large yellow underwings, setaceous hebrew characters and square spot rustics. Photo shows a riband wave in superb condition. Probably one of the most common moths in the garden, but this is the 1st record for several weeks. This signals the beginning of the 2nd generation emergence and as such, will last until October.
Also of note: newly emerged specimens of red admiral and ruddy darter in the garden
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

Dragonfly 2.9.11

2011-09-03T13:56:00.000+01:00

A wander in Millennium Wood yesterday gave good views of both migrant hawker dragonfly and this female common darter.
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

Snout

2011-09-03T13:45:00.001+01:00

Having missed a photo opportunity when this moth shot out of the trap the other morning, I returned home last night to find it had taken up residence in the house. A second generation moth, the first being a fawn/brown shade with the same patterning. The 2nd generation is also, invariably smaller. Photo shows why it is such an apt name.

New moth 3.9.11

2011-09-03T11:26:00.001+01:00

centre barred sallow

light emerald

A new moth was found inside the trap this morning: a centre barred sallow. After what promised to be a really good moth night, with the temperature above 14C at midnight, the clouds lifted and the temperature dropped. However, 3 sallows were found, along with this newly emerged light emerald as well as the usual suspects. These included 6 striped rustics, large and lesser broad bordered yellow underwing, latticed heath, emmelina monodactyla, catriopa pinella and common wainscot. Most of these species counting into double figures.

Westland Green mothing

2011-09-01T11:16:00.000+01:00

Took the trap to a private garden in Westland Green. Mature woodland with grassy patches. Mainly deciduous but trap placed under a large conifer. Over 200 moths trapped, still sorting out micros and a fair collection of macros. However, photos below give an idea of what was about. Maiden's Blush being a new moth for me. Left the trap at 11.00pm with the temperature at 11C, returning at 5.15, by which time the temperature was 6C. Might be the reason not more moths were trapped.

The square spotted clay is a nationally scarce moth, placed on the B list. Up until a few years ago its presence meant that a bio diversity priority status could be granted upon the area where it was trapped. However, over the last few years it has moved south west in its range, with 84 specimens being recorded for Hertfordshire between 2000 and 2006

The photos at the bottom show a variety of the rustic family, including square spot rustic, vine's rustic and 6 striped rustic. These show the complexities of moth identification. The rarer sqaure spotted clay is not too dissimilar, either!

angle shades

brimstone

common wainscot

feathered gothic

latticed heath

light emerald

maiden's blush

orange swift

rosy rustic

turnip moth

square spotted rustic

six striped rustic

square spotted clay

vine's rustic

Last day of August

2011-09-01T10:52:00.000+01:00

Not too much in the trap on the morning of the 30th August, but a purple bar was only the 2nd record. Apart from this, usual underwings etc.The micro moth, shown above is still awaiting to be identified: 1 of the bird dropping tortrixes.

3 new moths 30.08.11

2011-08-30T09:10:00.004+01:00

3 new moths this morning: firstly a snout. This is a common species and I suspect many will be trapped over the next fortnight. Unfortunately it legged it before I could get a photo. Secondly, an expected moth in the shape of Svenssons copper underwing. This common moth is distinguished from the equally frequently trapped copper underwing by observing the underside. With Svensson's there is considerably more coppering. Lastly, a visit to the trap last night at 10.30pm gave views of a large moth. This was quickly identified as an Old Lady, which seldom comes to light. As can be seen, in very poor condition. Fortunately, a second was in the trap this morning, in much better condition, also shown. Other moths making an appearnce were the regular brimstones, green and garden carpet along with plenty of yellow underwing species.

green carpet

light emerald

Old Lady (new)

Old Lady (worn)

silver y

Svensson's copper underwing

Mothing 28.08.11

2011-08-28T12:16:00.000+01:00

flounced rustic

square spot rustic

With all the rain and not particularly good moth temperatures, very little has visited the trap recently and certainly nothing new. Flounced rustics, brimstones, large, lesser, broad bordered and lesser broad bordered yellowunderwings are all nightly visitors and the same frosted orange discovered earlier in the week was trapped again.

So Close!! 26.08.11

2011-08-28T12:04:00.000+01:00

I received a report of a pair of whinchats near the south east parish boundary, so hurried off to see if it would become the 100th bird for the parish. Good views were had, albeit distant, but unfortunately the nearest they came to the parish was 200 yards. A good local bird, migrating south with not many records per year within the whole of Hertfordshire. On my way back, a superb male blackcap was observed in bramble, a common buzzard over Bury Green and an autumnal show of starlings, shown here. The day had been one of heavy downpours and sunshine, culminating in a wonderful evening rainbow. Thanks to birding friend Graeme for informing me of the whinchat. His photos can be viewed at http://www.britainsbirder.co.uk/

New Moths

2011-08-25T11:15:00.001+01:00

frosted orange

yellowshell

cabbage moth

bordered beauty

These two moths were new to me this morning, along with a broad bordered yellowunderwing that legged it before I could get a photo. Moth above also a new species to the trap: a cabbage moth, again a common species and onethat I shall probably find in the trap most mornings for the next fortnight or so.

new moth 24,08.11

2011-08-24T18:22:00.004+01:00

A check on the moth trap at 5 a.m. today gave up two examples of a new moth for the garden in the shape of a garden carpet. Also, the usual regulars were in attendance, with another Evergestis garden pebble. Plenty of mottled rustics, a few rustics, common rustics, square spot rustics and 1 ear moth sp. This really requires dissection to clarify the actual species, but 99% guaranteed to be a common ear. Quite a few micros were photographed, now to wade through 1500 moths to identify them. Several have been uploaded here and will be named at a later date.

garden carpet

Agriphila geniculea

square spot rustic

Trachycera advenella
worn example

Agriphila tristella

Moth trap contents

2011-08-23T11:42:00.002+01:00

Just 1 new moth today, after a warm night with a little drizzle. At midnight there were 2 small emeralds, 4 large yellow underwings, 1 mother of pearl, 2 brimstone and 1 common carpet on the sheet and plenty entering the trap. Most of these seemed to be setaceous hebrew characters.

burnished brass

worn example of a willow beauty

This morning plenty of lesser yellow underwings, lesser broad bordered yellow underwings, several common wainscot, set hebrew characters, uncertains, 2 brimstone and an ununsual moth for the trap, a burnished brass. Latter being only my 3rd record. However, highlight was finding a flounced rustic in the trap. Tricky individual to id, looking rather similar to a common rustic. Both shown below.

Flounced rustic

common rustic

Much Hadham Walk

2011-08-22T18:21:00.001+01:00

buzzard

3 of us set out from Little Hadham, heading for Much Hadham along the Ridge footpath. A mewing juvenile buzzard was first heard and then seen, soaring with an adult. In all, we saw 4 common buzzards, all in the sky simultaneously.
Not too many birds: yellowhammers, pied wagtail a solitary red legged partridge, 100+ jackdaws at Bush Wood, a moorhen on a very dry River Ash and a kestrel were the highlights.
The knapweed was abundant along the path and alive with insects. Hundreds of honey bees, presumably from nearby hives, common blue, red admiral and large and small white butterflies. An unusual hoverfly, scaeva pyrausti was observed, standing out due to it being white and black. A common hoverfly. Migrant hawkers and ruddy and common darters were seen, with the ruddy darter in a large puddle opposite the Nag's Head. A good walk back across the golf course, having enjoyed refreshment at The Bull.

female common blue

scaeva pyrausti

Moth round up

2011-08-22T18:07:00.002+01:00

brimstone. Unusual for it to pose with wings closed

humming bird hawk moth

nicrophorus investigator

rosy rustic

scarce footman

square spot rustic

spectacle

straw dot

Several new moths were added to the list this weekend, with straw dot moth, square spot rustic and rosy rustic being new ones. Also in the trap was a colourful beetle, nicrophorus investigator and a hornet. This didn't appear to enter the trap, but roosted outside, waiting for moths to arrive or leave. Several wing parts scattered around showed it had enjoyed a riband wave and green carpet.
The hummingbird hawkmoth appeared at about 7pm, so light was not good. Shutter speed 160th of a second and still the wings are a blur. This gives a good indication of how fast the wings beat.

More moths 18.08.11

2011-08-18T17:50:00.000+01:00

Agriphila tristella

Acleris variegana: Garden rose tortrix

Green carpet

Ophion luteus

Moths continue to fill the trap, although not to the extent they were during the warmer evenings of a few weeks ago. A green carpet was eventually photographed, along with 2 micro moths, both shown here. The damp and chilly nights continue to keep many expected August species away from the trap. Just one warm and balmy night will readdress the balance. Also in the trap this morning was a parasite insect, Orphion luteus. This attacks caterpillars of both moth and butterfly, occasionally laying its eggs actually into the larva!

Bird migration

2011-08-18T17:45:00.000+01:00

I spent a couple of hours on the patio, watching the constant movement south of several species of bird. In the time I counted (2 hours) I recorded, 4 house martins, 4 swifts, 207 swallows, 27 lesser black backed gulls and 1 black headed gull. Also seen were 2 resident common buzzards. A humming bird hawkmoth was also seen, feeding at dusk on the garden buddliea

Latest moths

2011-08-17T18:46:00.002+01:00

Catoptria falsella

common carpet

Evergestis forficalis garden pebble

six striped rustic

tawny speckled pug

turnip moth (dark)

A selection of both new and previously recorded moths. The micros, catoptria falsella and garden pebble are both common moths, as are all the rest. The six striped rustic is a first record whilst the turnip moth photos are added to illustrate the complexities of identifying even the most common visitor to the trap. Also added the first record of tawny speckled pug, again a common moth, appearing between July and August.

birds and moths 16.08.11

2011-08-16T17:21:00.000+01:00

emmelina monodactyla

flame shoulder

A good catch of moths last night, although nothing new. A lesser swallow prominent was only the 2nd record whilst several species of the yellow underwing, a flame shoulder, brimstone, silver y, emmelina monodactyla, dark bordered twin spot carpet, spectacle, late common footman, common wainscot, riband wave etc were all in evidence.
Swallows were heading south in good numbers this morning, passing overhead along the Ash Valley at about the rate of 100 per hour. Last night, over 60 lesser black backed gulls weaved their way overhead

2 new moths 14.08.11

2011-08-14T18:03:00.001+01:00

turnip moth

female orange swift

lychnis

A good night at the moth trap, with 2 new species discovered in amongst a good count of regulars.A superbly marked green carpet managed to escape as I was trying to get the 1st photo of it. A common moth, I suspect it will return to the trap. The second was a common moth, long overdue, in the form of a turnip moth, shown below. Another good moth was lychnis, now beginning its second brood and one that will be fairly regular for the next few weeks, also shown below. Lesser, lesser broad bordered and large yellow underwing were all taken and the number of the large micro moth, mother of pearl, continue to increase. At least 15 this morning.
The previous morning a moth I had not seen before had me diving for the field guide. However, it turned out to be a female of the orange swift species, shown here in hand. Much larger and duller than the orange male, nevertheless a good moth to observe.

afternoon wander 14.08.11

2011-08-14T17:40:00.000+01:00

A walk over to Hadham Hall lagoon this afternoon was not too productive. Hoping for a good show of insects, but only large and small white, gatekeeper and meadow brown around the lagoon. Here, the grass had been strimmed, hence the scarcity of insects. Returning to the hall, however, a fly by small heath was a good record. Emperor and black tailed skimmer dragonflies were seen in small numbers along with 25+ common blue damsels roosting on the lily pads
Singles of reed bunting, pied wagtail, lesser black backed gull and green woodpecker were observed along with a party of linnets, family of coots and moorhen as well as a solitary yellowhammer. 2 red legged partridge were also witnessed on a recently ploughed field.
Also of note: a hobby was seen over Ash Valley Golf Club yesterday at noon, chasing a large migratory group of swallows and martins. Their alarm calls attracted my attention to the bird as I had a disasterous round of golf!

Moths 12.08.11

2011-08-12T18:28:00.001+01:00

A quiet night at the trap, with not too much of note. An hour was spent observing the comings and goings, with several unidentified micros as well as the regular macros. Another spectacle turned up: shown here head on to show how it got its name. other entrants were plenty of lesser broad bordered yellow underwing (25+), 3 large yellow underwings, 5 mother of pearl, 1 riband wave, several shuttle shaped dart, 1 heart and club and those shown below, yet to be positively identified. Could be another, slightly worn straw underwing and another lesser yellow underwing. Now confirmed as these species.

straw underwing

lesser yellow underwing

Chapel Lane/Westland Green walk 11.08.11

2011-08-12T18:18:00.000+01:00

Brooding sky from Chapel Lane looking towards Home Farm

Gatekeeper.

An evening wander up Chapel Lane last night, under darkening skies did not give up too many bird species. Migration appeared to be well under way with 4 swifts, 9 house martins, 20+ swallows, and 3 late sand nmartins. These, along with recently arrived black headed gulls (8) herring gull (1) and lesser black backed gulls (14) were all recorded heading south over the chapel. A wing flapping, begging juvenile goldfinch, seen in the garden, still gave the impression of the breeding season. Other birds were few and far between, with a male sparrowhawk, 3 mistle thrushes and calling nuthatch and treecreeper evident. A party of 6 long tailed tits were observed at Westland Green, but on the whole a quite birding time.

another new species in the trap 11.08.11

2011-08-11T14:24:00.002+01:00

A reasonable catch last night with: yellowshell, lesser yellow underwing, lesser broad bordered yellow underwing, mother of pearl, common wainscot, bordered straw, large yellow underwing, setaceous hebrew character, spectacle, rustic, riband wave and the new species: purple bar.

red form of common wainscot

gold triangle (previously misidentified as pyrausta purpuralis)

sickly grey heron

juvenile grey heron

lesser yellow underwing

purple bar

spectacle

I received a call this moring regarding a grey heron that had taken up residence in a large garden in Westland Green. It had been present for 3 days and appeared unwell. Upon arrival it was clear things weren't right. It was approachable and I threw a blanket over it before picking it up. It was unable to walk properly, was clearly ill and unable to fly. On closer inspection it obviously had some poisoning and was bleeding from the nostrils. I took it down the lane to a nearby wooded pond, but upon arrival it was fading fast, unable to keep its head up. I put it down and it was unable to stand. I took the decision that sadly, the best thing was to put it out of its misery, which I did swiftly.

More new moths 10.8.11

2011-08-10T18:35:00.002+01:00

A quiet night again at the trap, cold conditions with showers. However, 2 new macros, in the shape of a superb pebble promient and an orange swift. Also present, heart and club, common wainscot, riband wave, straw underwing, lesser broad bordered yellow underwing, shuttle shaped dart, rustic, uncertain, yellowshell and a few micros, especially chequered fruit tree tortrix.

double striped pug

underside of copper underwing showing diagnostic lack of copper colouring. This separates it from the very similar svensson's copper underwing

orange swift

orange swift. Splendid moustache!

pebble prominent

pebble prominent in a more normal habitat.

yellowshell

chequered fruit tree tortrix.

On the bird front, a long parish walk is required to check on migration and late breeding. Goldfinches have returned to the garden in good numbers, whilst yesterday a solitary female bullfinch flew over. A female sparrowhawk has taken up local residence. Her presence announced by the screaming of the swallows and martins. This alarm normally signifies the presence of a hobby. Also, whilst driving home today a splendid male sparrow hawk led the way down Chapel Lane before disappearing into the monkey puzzle tree at Home Farm, scattering both collared doves and the resident house sparrows.

new moth and cricket 7.8.11

2011-08-07T15:04:00.000+01:00

Complexities of identifying moths can become quite tricky at time. Plenty of mistakes can be made and much time with head in field guides required. Many moths are very similar until studied closely. These 2 examples show similarities. Top one is a straw underwing, (my first record) whilst the one below is a dark arches, a common garden species.
Weather over the weekend has been damp and rather chilly after dusk, so not good for a full catch of moths. A dark bush cricket was also in the trap along with either a wasp or spider as the base of the trap was littered with remains of eaten moths, especially the wings. Tipped the trap out but no sign of the predator.

Insects 4.8.11

2011-08-04T12:54:00.000+01:00

lesser stag beetle

orange ladybird

2 beetles were also in the trap this morning: an orange ladybird and more impressively, a lesser stag beetle. For more info click here

Garden update 4.8.11

2011-08-04T12:42:00.002+01:00

black arches

lime speck pug

nicrophorous investigator

gold triangle

dark barred twin spot carpet

common carpet

small waved umber

waved black

A good collection of macro moths in the trap recently, with over 40 species on Tuesday morning, including several new ones: common carpet, lime speck pug and a spectacular black arches. Two of the nationally scarce waved black were in the trap this morning, one shown above.

Scarce moth in Little Hadham

2011-08-02T16:19:00.001+01:00

A very busy moth trap this morning, with a wide variety of usual and irregular visitors. However, the undoubted highlight was finding a single specimen of the natioanlly scarce moth "waved black". First found in Hertfordshire in the 1950's it had been recorded only 35 times by 2008. Apart from this there were examples of dark barred twin spot carpet, latticed heath, lesser broad bordered yellow underwing, dingy footman, large yellow underwing, brimstone moth, poplar hawkmoth, setaceous hebrew character, riband wave plus a selection of , as yet, unidentified micro moths. The waved black record and photo has been forwarded to the county recorder.

acleris holmiana

bee moth

grey or dark dagger

setaceous hebrew character

waved black

white satin

latest garden moths 28.07.11

2011-07-28T17:57:00.003+01:00

2 brimstone moths

nut tree tussock

cloaked minor

copper underwing

dusky sallow

large yellow underwing

lesser broad bordered yellow underwing

magpie

ruby tiger

scarce footman

yellowshell and red barred tortrix

shuttle shaped dart

single dotted wave

Attached are a series of photos from recent new moths found in the trap. Tuesday night/Wednesday morning was particularly productive with several new species coming to the trap.

The Camargue

2011-07-22T14:32:00.004+01:00

A 4 day visit to the Camargue began Monday 18th at 6.25a.m. at Luton airport with take off to Nimes, returning Thursday morning (21st July) Having arrived and taken a bus to Nimes station, train to Arles and then bus to Albaron village, I dumped my meagre possessions and took the bus to Pont De Gau Parc Ornithologique. An excellent starting point for seeing the common birds of the area. Greater flamingoes, egrets (cattle and little) grey herons, night herons and black winged stilts were all observed, but overall the reserve was much quieter than when I last visited in September 2010. After several hours on the trail, I took the 5km walk south to Sainte Marie de la Mer, the self proclaimed capital of The Camargue. A small town of 2000 residents, boosted by nearly 50,000 each year. Coffee and a meal here before the bus back to the b and b. A wander around the village fields gave good views of both wood and common sandpipers, along with whiskered and common terns. A meal, bottle of Costiere de Nimes red finished a successful first day. The next morning I planned to have a long walk, some 40km but, having risen at 6.00a.m. and taken coffee and croissants at a local bar/tabac I was thwarted by heavy rain and an amazing thunderstorm. This eventually abated at 8.00a.m. and I set off. En route I saw glossy ibis, gull billed tern, spoonbill, night heron, short toed eagle, black and red kite, zitting cisticola and endless egrets. After a 20km wander I arrived at the reserve to be informed that following the storm most birds had moved on! Plenty of dragonflies (and mosquitoes) along with a few butterflies and green sandpiper, hoopoe, melodious warbler, black necked and great crested grebe, bee eaters, sand and crag martins along with house martins and numerous swallows and common swifts. Well worth the wander before retracing my steps back to Albaron.
Wednesday and my last full day so I spent the day wandering around Paty de la Trinity, recording more of the same along with a few new dragonflies. At 4pm I decided to miss out on the endless bus/train journey to Nimes. I had to be at the airport at 7.30a.m. so I couldn't stay locally. I hit on the idea of walking back, overnight, to the airport. Setting off at dusk I immediately recorded a black tern and 2 collared pratincoles along with more kites, a calling scops owl and various warblers calling from the hedgerow as I passed. Stopping to chat with some local peach pickers working through the night I asked if the pathI was on would get me to the airport, some 11 km further along. Although they said no I thought I had plenty of time and wandered along until I ended up at the airport at 4 o'clock. I slept for a few hours, firstly settling under a tree, but the combination of a large grasshopper (photo) an even larger spider (photo) a snake, a lizard and endless mosquitoes helped me decide that the lawn outside the airport was best. I awoke at 6.00a.m. and had 2 hours to bird the local area. Orphean warbler was first heard and then seen along with pied flycatcher, whitethroat and chiffchaff. I then headed off for the return to Luton.
An excellent birding break.

Melodious Warbler (note steep forehead and short primary projection)

1 day old black winged stilt found on road

night heron

bee eater

black necked grebe

black winged stilt

parents of juvenile b.w.s. on road

glossy ibis with cattle egrets

clouded yellow

common sandpiper

greater flamingo

Paracinema tricolour

grasshopper species where I planned to sleep

green sandpiper

grey heron

gull billed tern in poor light

1st year bee eater

juvenile night heron

purple heron

sacred ibis

scarlet dragonfly

Spider that was knocking around where I was planning on sleeping. Argiope lobata , a relative of the wasp spider found in the UK

storm coming

terrapin sp.

white stork

zitting cisticola

Spotted Flycatcher at Westland Green: 14.07.11

2011-07-14T20:20:00.000+01:00

early thorn

least carpet

phylctaemia coronata

ruby tiger

shaded broad-bar

A good haul of moths last night, with the first ruby tiger of the year, plus a new micro (phylctaemia coronata) A good number of moths in the trap, with the seldom recorded shown above.
Also of note: a spotted flycatcher is at Westland Green. Has been observed for 5 days now and I shall make an effort to find out if it is the first breeding pair I have recorded for the parish, or a migratory adult, or a first year bird fresh from nest dispersal.

new moth 13.07.11

2011-07-14T17:41:00.000+01:00

More new species continue to visit the trap, with the first silver y moth being recorded along with a micro, the common bramble shoot moth. Other worthy of note: 1 yellow tail, 1 swallowtail, 1 poplar hawk, 1 elephant hawk, 1 common white wave, 2 riband wave, plus the regular visitors.

Latticed Heath

bramble shoot moth

common white wave

endoptricha flammealis

mother of pearl

silver y

yellowtail

New moths this morning: 12.07.11

2011-07-12T18:23:00.001+01:00

Drinker moth

New moths in the trap this morning were a female ghost swift and 3 drinker moths. Other notables were 3 elephant hawks, 1 privet hawk, 2 buff ermines, 2 buff tips, 1 dark arches, 1 swallowtail, 1 common rustic, 3 dun bars, 2 small emeralds, 7 common wainscots and stacks of common quakers, riband wave and common footmen. Must have been over 150 specimens in the trap. Took some sorting out.

Drinker moth

Drinker Moth

female ghost swift

small emerald

swallowtail moth

female ghost swift

new moths 11.07.11

2011-07-11T18:04:00.001+01:00

A new moth was found in the trap this morning. A lesser swallow prominent. This has appeared as a second generation insect, with the first generation in flight as from mid April. Other regulars were discovered including 5 scalloped oaks, 25 common footmen, 1 elephant hawk moth, 1 poplar hawk moth, 4 riband wave, 1 buff arches, 1 buff tip and 1 buff ermine. 2 in the fridge still awaiting identification.
Update: These 2 have now been sorted: a dark umber and a pyralid moth catoptria pinella. I have sent this record to the county recorder as it appears to be some way from its usual habitat of wooded heaths and bogs

catoptria pinella

endotricha flammealis

lesser swallow prominent

dark umber (worn specimen)

Helmingham Hall: 10.07.11

2011-07-11T17:59:00.001+01:00

A day visit, in good weather conditions to Helmingham Hall, Suffolk. Built in 1510, it remains a fully moated Tudor hall, still lived in by the Tollemache family. In the 1800's it was rendered with concrete to make it look a more imposing castle. This was, however, removed in 1821. The gardens were magnificent, with a wild flower area attracting butterflies (peacock, small copper, common blue, red admiral, small tortoiseshell, large, small and green veined white, comma along with a hummingbird hawkmoth. Swifts, swallows and house martins were all nesting locally and could be seen feeding and drinking from the moat. A grey heron, mallard, moorhen were also seen whilst greater spotted and green woodpeckers were heard, as were robins, nuthatches, dunnocks, wrens, blackbirds. A wonderful day out and worth a visit.

new moths 09.07.11

2011-07-09T14:39:00.000+01:00

common rustic

early thorn

burnished brass

A few new moths to the trap over the last few nights, with both early thorn and common rustic being a first. The burnished brass is my second record.
Local birds around The Ford at present are the usuals. Swifts, swallows and occasionally house martins can be seen feeding over the chapel in the evening, whilst yellowhammers and skylarks can be heard singing. A particularly vociferous wren has taken up residency in a neighbours garden,

new moths for July 05.07.11

2011-07-05T13:56:00.000+01:00

iron prominent

lunar spotted pinion

shaded broad-bar

swallowtail moth

vine's rustic

More new moths continue to come to the garden trap. As yet, nothing classified as rare as all are either categorised as common or local, but still good to find new species in the trap each morning. The pick of the bunch was a superb swallowtail moth and a shaded broad-bar. The latter is a day flying moth, so unusual to find in a light trap.

angle shades

bright line brown eye

clay

crambus perlella

cyclamen tortrix

ypsolopha vittella

Also, plenty of local reports of red kites being seen. Reports range from Albury all the way down the Ash Valley to Wareside.

Mothing in Millenium Wood 30.06.11

2011-07-02T11:13:00.002+01:00

Photos from the top;

buff tip
small emerald
buff arches
a few potted and straight from the fridge
dark arches
clouded silver
micro ermine species
faded small emerald
double square spot
base camp
poplar grey
common carpet
common emerald
brown rustic
dingy shears
flame
mottled beauty
small fan footed wave

On Thursday night I set up the moth trap in Millennium Wood, trapping from 10pm until 2 a.m. I covered the trap and returned at 7.30a.m. to see what I had caught. I had hired a generator and consequently, didn't want to leave it unattended. I reckon on several hundred moths visited the light, with many resting on the white sheet as well as entering the trap. By far the most common species were common footman (over 50) and mottled beauty, but least carpet, small emerald, heart and dart, heart and club, many micros were all present. At the moment I have just completed photographing the ones I potted and placed in the fridge. A superb buff arches was found as well. Several clouded silvers came to the light early on and I suspect the catch would have been much greater had I kept the light going all night. However, a good start as this was my first time outside the garden. More to be added later

new moths 28.06.11

2011-06-28T14:28:00.000+01:00

new moths from the trap over the last few days. Still several that are potted and in the fridge awaiting id. From the top:

beautiful hooktip
brown tail
buff arches
dot moth
dun bar
elephant hawkmoth
elephant hawkmoth
scalloped oak
yellowtail.
Also, a swallowtail moth was noted at the trap last night, but didn't remain overnight. Also, 2 eyed hawkmoths, 1 brimstone, plenty of heart and dart and heart and club,

Little Hadham walk 26.06.11

2011-06-28T14:22:00.000+01:00

8 of us set out in good conditions for a wander to Standon, returning via Bromley and Ash Valley Golf Course. Being June the birds were in short supply, with singing whitethroat, grey heron and skylarks being the best of a poor assortment. However, insects more than made up for the dirth in birds. Marbled white, red admiral, small tortoiseshell, ringlet, small and large white, small and large skipper, gatekeeper and meadow brown were all recorded along with cantharbis rustica, oedemera nobilis and strangalia maculata. Photos show marbled white and a well lit small tortoiseshell.