Frank Zappa and the Moth-ers of Invention

As reported from the 'rush' that was yesterday a few of us like-minded

individuals mustered at noon at 

at Puddletown (of Martyrs fame) here in Dorset.
It's always a bit of a blind ally when geographical location dictates
the venue, and otherwise all that was known about this hostelry was
"an excellent reputation over recent years, but the Landlords had recently changed".

With a sigh of relief it can be reported that the camera was handed over
to Mine Host to do the photographic honours, so feel little 'flack' will
be heading my way when it is noticed that youngest among us,
Baby Isabel (top right hand corner of the table),
is virtually out of shot.

A number of angles were tried but there was still difficulty getting everyone in frame.

My word will have to be taken for it that Isabel is sat squarely between her parents John (showing his best side) and Mo Down then Moi, Phil Sterling, Dave Foot, young Ralph with parents Helen and Mark Forster, Paul and Annie Harris and Phil's wife Carol.

It was both a surprise and delight to find that the Sterling's had been invited along, mainly as my association with them stems from the early 90's, but until yesterday we had never met. In those days I was a 'second generation' Moth'er having run traps on Portland, preceding a break, and then re-starting again in Wyke Regis some time later. During that second spell specimens would be left in their porch to await identification, and while finding were transmitted by other means, my infrequent visits never once coincided with them being at home. Maybe they were trying to tell me something! 

Phil is Co-Author of

and

Further reading on Dr Phil Sterling - LINK

As for the PUB

We all agreed that first impression was of light, airy, clean and nicely decorated establishment with welcoming, efficient and 'eager to please' Staff, even rallying to provide food for young Ralph, more to his liking than what was on offer. The food, from a wide and varied menu, was exemplary and drinks as would be expected from any Fine Hostelry. Personally, I thought the place just had that 'right' feel about it and would strongly recommend both Dorset locals and those transiting the County via the A35 to take the 2 minute detour from the main road. They say actions prove louder that words so on Wednesday evening my intention is to treat the 2 most ardent 'Foodies' I know (my dear, dear FRIENDS Hugh and Janet) to an evening at the 

Blue Vinny Inn - LINK
Now, where was I, ah yes at the near empty traps.

OAK EGGAR

a 'first for the year' was the highlight of a low haul

but a huge and impressive 'female'

making up for the lack of very much else.

BROWN HAWKER
an occasional capture in the traps, the second of the year.

The Micro
CALAMOTROPHA PALUDELLA

 which was thought a contender for Silky Wainscot but the

idea was soon dispelled by others.

ACLERIS EMARGANA

Of interest as the first example of these
'Scalloped Winged Tortrix'
ever caught here.
 The last singing

REED BUNTING
recorded here this year fell silent during the first week of May, since when
it has been worrying to note that there has been no sign of breeding,
not even along this beat of the River Stour. So, as far as we can tell the
sighting of a single this morning at Eco points to the 'first returning bird'.
There are no expectations of seeing

TEAL
during most of the summer so similar to the above this was our first record
of a 'returning bird' at the Irrigation Pond.
There was little to report from Merritown Heath early morning except the chill,
brought on by a temperature of 9°C and enhanced by a light zephyr from the northern quarter.
Works continue apace at Bournemouth International Airport
where it seem the optimum depth of the new

BALANCING POND
has now been reached.
There were few birds except for a Dunnock and a pair of flighty Bullfinch,
with numbers having decreased even further by the departure of most
of the juvenile Gulls. There were another c2 Slow Worms and this

 small

 SMOOTH SNAKE
with any further items of interest coming from the areas around
Harbins Farm House.
A number of Goldcrest were singing from the trees as an equally vocal
pair of Raven and a lone Mediterranean Gull flew high to the west,
while the local

 GREY HERON
at Parley Pond was seen for the first time perched at the top of one of the Willows.

 COMMA BUTTERFLY
(singular)

 named from the punctuation mark on the underwing graced the garden.
That's when the observations were themselves punctuated by the worried
tones of a Damsel in Distress!

 This juvenile

 STARLING

had got itself firmly stuck in one of the bird-feeders

 and Janet was calling for a Knight in Shining Armour.

 With Arthur having taken them all up the Round Table Club, for a pint,
she had to settle for me, but the hapless bird was soon freed.

 We thought it best to bring you the full repertoire as the screeching
can even be heard from these 'stills' should you press your ear against the screen!

The feeder has now been modified so the same shouldn't happen again?

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