Sunday 10 November 2013

Hully Gully - Buddy Guy (et al)

We could have done without the odd overnight shower, but the cloud cover remained total throughout the night helping to maintain a decent temperature. All 3 traps were run but returns low with only c6 Moths, an Earwig, a few assorted Flies plus an unexpected guest! Best on parade was 
DARK CHESTNUT
caught here before, but these are considered better images.
 Out unexpected guest was this tiny SNAIL in the bottom of a trap.
Look at the size of it in comparison with the 'one pence' coin.
I am intrigued as to how it could get right into the bottom of the trap. Yes, we all know the climbing capabilities of terrestrial pulmonate gastropod molluscs but the sides of the main body are steep and 'lipped' at the top. Then it would have to negotiate the funnel with just a 'one inch' entrance at the bottom followed by a series of egg trays. Maybe one of you seasoned Moth'ers out there can shed some light? Similarly the Slugs of last week spring to mind!
Speedy Snails Link
and as promised the final 'leg' of the
RING-BILLED GULL
Larus delawarensis
saga The Photo Gallery.
Adults are 19 inches in length and with a 49 inch wingspan.
The head, neck and underparts are white; the relatively short bill is 
yellow with a dark ring; the back and wings are silver grey; 
and the legs are yellow. The eyes are yellow with red rims.
This gull takes three years to reach its breeding plumage; 
its appearance changes with each autumn moult.
Their breeding habitat is near lakes, rivers or the coast in Canada 
and the northern United States. They nest colonially on the ground, 
often on islands. This bird tends to be faithful to its nesting site, 
if not its mate, from year to year.
They are migratory and most move south to the Gulf of Mexico,
Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America, and the Great Lakes.

This gull is a regular wanderer to Western Europe, while in Ireland/ 
Great Britain it is no longer classed as a rarity, 
with several birds regularly wintering in these countries.
This bird has 'over-wintered' in Gosport for a number of years now!
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