So, last night was not only a Late Night Opening but it was also our Annual Moth Night. After squally showers during the afternoon and early evening threatened to spoil proceedings, the wind dropped and the sun came out and it turned out to be a warm, calm sultry night.With good light I managed to go through the two big mixed flocks of gulls on the riverside. plenty of Herring and Lesser Black-backed and a few Great Black Backs but Yellow-legs were in the majority with a whopping 163 counted that I was happy with. I suspect that there were more amongst them We had had quite a good wader day too with Whimbrel, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwits, Snipe and Sandpipers seen and the Bearded Tits and Marsh Harriers put on a very good show for us.The late night walkers amassed at the Dragonfly Pools and there was much papping of the Beardies (at least two families) as they frolicked in the phrag. You could see the smiles as they ambled back later, cameras in hands and memory cards full and all mysteriously sporting Vote Lightning day-glo stickers... but that is another story... Caroline was running a full service in the cafe and at 9pm we were full and banter filled the space. It was a great atmosphere.
(Dave McGough)
(Jo Collins)
(Tom Bell)
and just one more....
Two new youngsters (Neil Hughes)As the sun dropped heavily over the backdrop of Fords, the Barn owls came out and the frogs started up. A Brown Hawker was still hunting the wildlife garden as we set our moth traps up and the first Pip bats were whizzing around.
The next three hours flew by and with a good attendant crowd we had a superb moth session around the centre. My fridge is currently full of little pots to go through this morning. Some species are obvious such as this wonderful lemon yellow Swallowtail along with the cute furry Ruby Tiger, the mad frantic Oak Eggar, the pumpkin seed like Dingy Footman, the stripy Jersey Tiger, the Blood Vein, the Flame Shoulder, Large Red and various Yellow Underwings as well as countless micro moths. Once I have done my best to identify them I shall pop them back to Rainham for release so there will be more images later I promise.
Swallowtail (HTV)Lots of Water Boatmen along with several other water beetles, countless flies, midges, hoppers, mayflies, caddis, land beetles and even a wasp or two were attracted and it was actually difficult to pull the plug for the night. Several Glow-worms flashed their little green leds through the grass and at least on attracted a winged male. I think that these little gems were as popular as the moths, especialy with the kids...
Mating Glow-worms (HTV)So a big thank you from me to those who came to walk or stayed for moffing, you helped to make it a great evening.... and the same to Caroline for the cafe and the Archers and Collins for helping me in the field.....
26-7-14