We've been regularly running the moth trap near the visitor centre, and yesterday we had a rare moth amongst all the more common ones. The moth of the moment is Clifden Nonpariel, which has a large grey forewing and broad violet blue band across the hindwing. It is an immigrant moth, probably from eastern Europe or Scandinavia. Only a handful of these moths reach the UK each year, so we're really chuffed to see one here. It's also a first record for the reserve, which makes it extra good!
Photo credit: Katherine Puttck
If anyone would like to see it, t is currently in our fridge (!), and we are planning to release it about 4pm later today.
What a beauty!!