After a pleasant week at the
Portland Bird Observatory I am now back at Parley Court Farm where the
weather seems to be set dry, at least for the next few days. A small
matter that has been 'bugging' me since the publication of
this
photograph is the correct identification of the mythical beast.
Some said it is Western Conifer Seed Bug, only recently added to the UK
Fauna List, while others had other ideas, while I sat on the fence
browsing the Web for inspiration!. However, with the receipt of 2
belated E-mails the conundrum may now be solved. The first from Bob
Ford, the finder of the first British record, assured me that it is not a
WCS Bug, but I have lost the mail telling me what he suggested it is.
Next came a mail from Paul Harris who just last night AMAZINGLY and coincidentally pulled this
WESTERN CONIFER SEED BUG
out of his Moth Trap. I think and hope that is problem resolved?
Not
too much of a detour there was an opportunity to pay a visit to my
'little family' on the way back. Father Bernard was only see briefly as
he left for work, but an adequate substitute, if you like, was Auntie
Judy (left) here on a visit from South Africa.
The boys are certainly growing but none more so than
BENJAMIN
the youngest who has changed dramatically in both
features and size.
Middle sibling
ALEXANDER
and FREDERICK the elder.
Not a long stay but time enough for a game of
POOH STICKS
in the local park.
MUM and BENNY.
Back at Parley there were developments too as the
GREAT WALL of GARDEN
rises above the lawn.
I have been told the first paying visitors should been shown round
this time next week!
A dry and humid night attracted a few Moths to the trap
including another specimen of the beautiful
FROSTED ORANGE
a HAWTHORN SHIELDBUG
and an addition to the Property List
BLAIR'S SHOULDER-KNOT
Being
about the only Saddo who keeps an 'Ongoing Monthly Bird List' there are
a number of options here to add during October best of which has to be
Barn Owl. Now 'heard' from the bedroom virtually every night and seen at
regular intervals it was considered an almost certainty. Egyptian
Goose, now all but resident at the Avon Causeway, is another and far
less likely was the Red-crested Pochard which has graced the Longham
Lakes every day since my departure. I can report immediately that the
first 2 have been absent, although other family members did hear the Owl
last night. If there has ever been an example of Farming Malpractice it
was found at the Causeway this morning. Hard to believe, but the farmer
has put Cows in the meadow scaring off all the Geese - Boo Hoo!
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER
taken through the glass of the kitchen window on the 'feeders'.
A poor shot of one of 2 STONECHAT at Longham
and a lovely gathering of MUTE SWANs
The RED-CRESTED POCHARD
was available but at great distance, almost a silhouette.
Anyway there was no time and even less energy to continue the
search as I had to return to barracks to take up the duties of
'Lord of the Manor'.
Today is a very special one here at the Manor as family member
OLYMPIAN ZARA DAMPNEY
(Ladies Beach Volleyball) gets married,
so while JANET, HUGH, CATH and DARYL are at the celebrations
I must quickly scurry back to the Wine Cellar to 'strike' while the Cat's Away!!!!
HIC!
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