Well it's time to start a new thread for this year. I saw my 1st Red Admiral of the year yesterday & have had a couple of moths in the house & in the trap overnight.
The house moths come out of the firewood (I think), Ive had 3 around the computer this month, I just keep putting them back out Mompha subbistrigella
Photo taken of it in the plastic pot before I threw it out.
Then in the trap a couple of moths, Eudonia angustea, always around in the winter,
& this one which is several weeks early, not sure why, Orthosia incerta "Clouded Drab Moth"
Last years thread is here https://community.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/f/all-creatures/206393/butterflies-moths-2020 for those that want to have a bit of bedtime reading.
Best wishes
Hazel in Southwest France
Tony
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wherryman/
The conditions yesterday were slightly challenging for flutterby counting, as although sunny and warm it was also blowing a stiff 5 that seemed to be everywhere so most of my pals were hunkered down or keeping low. Gatekeeper numbers were reasonable, if not brilliant.
What is interesting is that there are still Green Hairstreak about and some are reasonably fresh, they have had a hideous year due to the very poor weather in June but I have noticed in recent years that there seems to a few extending the flight period.
Large Skipper that managed to find a sheltered spot to sunbath
Grayling trying to ‘be the tree’ - I struggled to get a crisp image. The camera had jammed moments before
A final treat, This is a moth that is a Channel Island specialist, known as a Guernsey Underwing - Polyphaenis sericata. I did manage to get a quick glance of the underskirt to see the flash of orange to confirm
Cin J
Hi All,
Just been out looking for butterflies near to home in Suffolk, a sunny but windy day but there were more butterflies about than I've seen recently. Photography was a challenge until I found a spot in sunshine but sheltered from wind by trees.
Lots of Meadow Browns about plus quite a few Gatekeepers and Common Blues and one Small skipper.
Best Wishes,
Trevor
Hi Cin J,
They're both firsts for me, at least from the point of view of an informed I.D., I've probably been miss identifying Blues and Skippers for ages.
Thank you
Germain said:PB is right
*is feeling very smug*
I was given this book as a gift for Christmas Trevor Britains Butterflies WILDGuides (other vendors are available) And also the Dragons and Damsels book (also Wild Guides series) and they are both brilliant with clear photographs and descriptions, plus anomalies and all manner of ID tips and background information. I'm not sure who it was recommended them, but was someone on the forum