Saturday 9 November 2013

Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash

While kindly invited to yet another restaurant dinner last night, the third in as many evenings, I graciously declined on having had a fairly long day and someone had to do the Blog. Before departing there was a call from Janet that had me scurrying to the lounge, pot in hand, to capture a Moth clinging to a curtain. On first and brief inspection it looked totally unfamiliar, but taking a little more time there was a second shout and another Moth on the same window. Maybe it was the night-light but both looked dissimilar and not immediately apparent as to identification. No wiser on going to bed, this morning they seemed to take on a different persona which, contrary to last night's inspection, looked exactly the same. They are both
 
BLAIR'S SHOULDER-KNOT
The evening weather and forecast looked ideal for setting all 3 traps, which was done, but almost totally disappointing as to counts this morning. Grand totals amounted to just a single Fly and the same number of Moths. However, at first sight this loner appeared to be a long outstanding addition to my personal lifetime list. Never even glimpsed before this little beauty turned out to be a
 SATELLITE
distinguished by the two tiny 'satellites' appearing to be revolving around a central Planet. This is the 195th Macro Moth for the property since trapping began in May and it is hoped the magical 200 can be reached before years end! What a lovely creature.
 Look what the dogs dragged in!
By the looks of it, a petrified GREY SQUIRREL?
While the weather couldn't be blamed for the poor haul, this morning was in sharp contrast with heavy, persistent rain continuing throughout the rest of the day so just as well we have a few Posts in hand. It can also be told that the past 3 days have thrown up 3 'rare' birds which will be revealed a.s.a.p.
Continuing yesterday's epic journey we arrived at Gosport Waterfront from where the full expanse of Portsmouth's equivalent can be viewed as time allows. When you're on a Mini Twitch such luxuries have to be short lived with just time to view
the first 'iron-hulled' Warship,
THE SPINNAKER
on Southsea Common,
THE GOSPORT FERRY
which runs from here to Portsmouth Harbour Railway Station,
which, during my many years serving in and visiting both Ports,
have carried me back and forth on many occasions.
MOGAMBO 
a 240 foot Custom Motor Yacht built in 2012 by Nobiskrug. The Reymond Langton Design is responsible for her beautiful exterior and interior design and she is available for Luxury Charter if you have that sort of 'dosh'!
WALPOLE POND
just a little further down the road was the final destination where,
as I was searching for a 'GULL', things looked bleak.
only about a dozen Gulls on show where quickly scanned and found NOT to hold the object of my desire. However, I did have an Ace Card up my sleeve - a thick slice of Janet's 'home made' bread!
BLACK-HEADED GULL
and HERRING GULL
then with just one 'cast' of the bread and seemingly out of nowhere
RING-BILLED GULL
which secured the first bit of food
then flew off to the sanctuary of the lake
to be sure it was not robbed of the morsel!
MORE PHOTOS TO FOLLOW TOMORROW.
Entry          Pageviews
United Kingdom
               984
United States
               495
Germany
                 56
Canada
                 18
Ukraine
                 13
France
                 12
Japan
                 11
Australia
                 10
China
                   7
Italy
                   7