The simple equation, 04:30 x 15°C - wind + no rain = not a lot in the Moth Traps at all, with maybe the exception of one addition to the Year List.
It didn't dawn on us until late afternoon yesterday, the reason for all that rain, it was Weymouth Carnival Day. With no idea of the statistics it can only be guessed how many of the past events have been dogged by the weather, so from a very small child to present day my figure would be 60%? Despite its persistence coupled with an unseasonable chill, there are still dozens of
It didn't dawn on us until late afternoon yesterday, the reason for all that rain, it was Weymouth Carnival Day. With no idea of the statistics it can only be guessed how many of the past events have been dogged by the weather, so from a very small child to present day my figure would be 60%? Despite its persistence coupled with an unseasonable chill, there are still dozens of
WASPS
in the traps with these today murdering a close cousin
HORNET
DARK SPINACH
was our second of the year, but if we had a pint for every
VINE'S RUSTIC
taken we'd be 'singing' 'til the cows came home!
An interesting array of other Insects as well which included an
ANTHONYIIDAE
species of
FLY
PHAONA ANGELICAE
RED-LEGGED or FOREST SHIELDBUG
and a
CLICK BEETLE (type)
In addition we have been sent an image of a
Micro Moth
of the PHYLLONORYCTER family
which we are told is no more than 3mm in length,
how many inches is that?
Last out of the Trap was an unusual looking
MIRIDIUS QUADRIVIRGATUS
said to be associated with Barley so likely looking for a new home
now the crop here has been harvested?
Thanks go once again to our friend John Gifford
for guidance with some of the identifications.
Thanks go once again to our friend John Gifford
for guidance with some of the identifications.
Passing Parley Pond on the way to relaying the Moth Traps the
had just heard the order 'Hands to Bathe'
while along one of the many bridleways
a few of the newly 'laid down'
PHEASANT POULTS
The
LITTLE OWLs
where showing as well but,
it's amazing how so many times under such circumstance an
unnoticed Umbellifer, or any other stalk for that matter,
gets in your 'line of fire'!
Among the Solar Panels it was the turn of young
MEADOW PIPIT
to be obliging while on Merritown Heath there was just a little bit
more to see than in recent days. Firstly, and concealed under old
building rubble a
WOOD MOUSE
sometimes referred to as
LONG-TAILED FIELD MOUSE
was prepared to show just head and shoulders before scampering off.
Albeit a little repetitive, these seldom seen creatures are though worth
another look at any time.
GRASS SNAKE (top) SMOOTH SNAKE (below)
just for you ShIela!
COMMON TOAD
and another in the company of a
LEOPARD SLUG
and an unfortunately 'dead'
WOOD MOUSE
One might describe this as
SPIDER WEB with MORNING DEW
but it's far more likely to be
RAINWATER!
c4 GALLOWAY CATTLE
munching their way across the Heath.
The sharp contrast now between the new growth
GORSE now blooming and the BELL HEATHER
(much more stunning in real life)
MULLEIN
Until today it hadn't been realised just how much
ROWAN or MOUNTAIN ASH
there is on the property, surely
we will have our very own 'resident' flock of
WAXWING
this winter?
Today we had to settle for c17 Mistle Thrush.
Above the Irrigation Pond there had been possibly 'hundreds' of
SWALLOWs
so maybe not surprisingly they were a good number
congregating
at the Grass Tennis Court.
A wonderful sight just to be able to
stand at close quarters and watch them along with a
another look at any time.
GRASS SNAKE (top) SMOOTH SNAKE (below)
just for you ShIela!
COMMON TOAD
and another in the company of a
LEOPARD SLUG
and an unfortunately 'dead'
WOOD MOUSE
One might describe this as
SPIDER WEB with MORNING DEW
but it's far more likely to be
RAINWATER!
c4 GALLOWAY CATTLE
munching their way across the Heath.
The sharp contrast now between the new growth
GORSE now blooming and the BELL HEATHER
(much more stunning in real life)
MULLEIN
Until today it hadn't been realised just how much
ROWAN or MOUNTAIN ASH
there is on the property, surely
we will have our very own 'resident' flock of
WAXWING
this winter?
Today we had to settle for c17 Mistle Thrush.
Above the Irrigation Pond there had been possibly 'hundreds' of
SWALLOWs
so maybe not surprisingly they were a good number
congregating
at the Grass Tennis Court.
A wonderful sight just to be able to
stand at close quarters and watch them along with a
STARLING FLOCK