Some superb moths and a trip to Old Winchester Hill.

Saturday 27th August 2022.

The cracking view from Old Winchester Hill looking north.

As per usual, I picked up a certain Mr Fisher complete with his usual hangover, to take a trip this morning to Old Winchester Hill. But, over a nice cup of coffee, I checked out his moth box and came across a few nice surprises among the many moths he had there this morning (for a change!). 

Above, the Copper Underwing moth at Andy's moth trap. Below, the micro moth Celypha lucanana.

A staggering 53 moths of 23 species were found by Andy’s moth box and included my first Copper Underwing of the year. I ruled out Svensson’s Copper Underwing by checking out the underside of the wing and even took a photo to prove it, but going by the moths ‘palps’ is no full proof way in identifying this tricky species. There was also my second Single-dotted Wave, Currant Pug, Mullein Wave and Cypress Pug present. Among the micro moths, my second Celypha lacunana was on the window sill outside Andy’s conservatory.

Above, my second Cypress Pug of the year and below, the micro moth Agriphila tristella.

The following moths were present this morning:

• 1 Copper Underwing (NFY)
• 4 Small Dusty Wave
• 1 Currant Pug
• 4 Double-striped Pug
• 4 Garden Carpet
• 1 Yellow-barred Brindle
• 1 Willow Beauty
• 1 Single-dotted Wave
• 1 Cypress Pug
• 1 Flounced Rustic
• 1 Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing
• 6 Square-spot Rustic
• 6 Vine’s Rustic
• 1 Setaceous Hebrew Character
• 1 Pale Mottled Willow
• 1 Mullein Wave
• 1 Common Wainscot
• 1 Celypha lacunana
• 9 Agriphila tristella
• 3 Clepsis consimilana
• 2 Light Brown Apple Moth
• 1 Common Plume
• 1 Anania coronata

Above, while checking out the moths, I had to put up with this grim looking creature!!! Below, Andy's moth box and trays.

The weather this morning was just perfect, though a tad warm for Andy who was sadly suffering from his hangover (shame!). We arrived at the car park around 9am to the sound of both Bullfinch and Coal Tit calling deep within cover. Grabbing my birding gear, we made our way down the path overlooking the valley looking west, enjoying the amazing views this beautiful place  has to offer. From the gate, there was at least one Spotted Flycatcher seen distantly on a bush to the north and a few Chiffchaffs flitting around in the bushes. A Raven was heard ‘cronking’ to the south and eventually, we saw the bird flying north in front of us. It was just a shame my camera never focused properly on the bird for it would have made a superb photo.

Above, the commemorative bench dedicated to the late Dave Compton. A superb gesture to a lovely man. Below, one of many Chiffchaffs around the Hill today. Check out all those Elderberries.

There was a lot of dew on the ground, but a few butterflies were on the wing, notably, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and a few Common Blue’s, but both Large and Small White’s were literally everywhere; though I wasn't surprised with so much Marjoram plants about, a favourite food source for a lot of butterflies.

Above, this male Redstart was not going to play ball in getting a decent photo. Below, Marjoram was growing abundantly for the butterflies.

As we neared the bend to walk to the Fort, Andy spotted a Redstart flitting about the bushes and though my photo of the bird was not the best, it was our first Autumn bird of the year and our first since the birds we saw at Thursley Common earlier in the year. A few more Chiffchaffs were seen, but not a great deal else to be honest. There are now plenty of benches of which to rest on and one that is overlooking the Fort to the west is dedicated to the late Dave Compton who regularly looked after this place for many a year. We sat on the bench and brought back memories of the man while admiring the amazing view.

Above, a Speckled Wood was added to our growing collection of butterflies seen this morning. Below, a Chalkhill Blue butterfly feeding on the Marjoram.

From one of the benches, we saw a distant Common Buzzard flying away from us, a species one has to check now for Honey Buzzard, for they will be migrating now. Both House Martins and Swallows hawked insects over the trees and a large flock of Jackdaws were noted, climbing the thermals over the valley below then rising high and suddenly flying all back down to the trees below. The footpath leading to the Fort was fairly quiet and it wasn't really till we started walking the path around the Fort that the sightings came thick and fast.

Above, another Chalkhill Blue showing well on the footpath by the Fort. Below, a pair of Gatekeeper butterflies also enjoying the Marjoram.

While walking the path, Grasshopper nymphs were jumping away from our feet and both Adonis and Chalkhill Blue butterflies were seen in reasonable numbers along with Gatekeepers, Red Admiral, Meadow Browns and the occasional Small Heath. Best of all was our first Silver-spotted Skipper of the year, one of the speciality species on Old Winchester Hill. There was another Redstart spotted below the south side, close to the scrub to the north and showed very well for us. Another ‘Lazee Birder’ Graeme joined us along with his huge camera lens, with a pal of his and joined us in enjoying the Redstart. 

Above, an Adonis Blue butterfly on the footpath by the Fort. Below, when finally checking this photo, it turned out that this bird was a Whinchat.

Earlier, we spotted a possible Flycatcher well down in the valley below, but perched up high in a tree. Despite taking a few photos of the bird, it was difficult to ascertain what species it was and after checking the photos on my laptop tonight, it was actually a Whinchat! Thankfully, Andy spotted another a little while later and this bird showed very well until it flew off down the hill. At least two Yellowhammers were seen in the area, but our appetites were whetted when Graeme said earlier he had seen at least 4 Spotted Flycatchers, a Redstart, Firecrest and several Warbler species on the corner of the hill, looking down into a footpath heading north.

Above, a slightly better photo of the Redstart on the south slope. Below, our first Silver-spotted Skipper of the year.

We got to this spot and enjoyed both a Redstart and a Spotted Flycatcher performing nicely as I managed to grab a few photos. A Whitethroat and several Chiffchaffs were seen close to the footpath and the latter birds literally landed just a few feet away from us on the barbed wire fence then flew off low over our heads. Yes, they are common birds, but to see them so close is simply fantastic. There was also another surprise when we heard a Tawny Owl calling below somewhere deep within the conifers below us. They don't often call during the day, especially on how warm it was getting too, but it's always nice to hear the birds. Truth is, I could have stayed at this spot for the rest of the day, but I did promise my wife I would be home around midday and so we made our way back to the car.

Above, a Spotted Flycatcher perched just north-west of the Fort footpath. Below, a male Kestrel perched on the north side of the Fort.

Looking east from the Fort, we had sightings of a male Kestrel landing on a conifer and also a female Blackcap, our first and only one seen of the day (though we did hear quite a few). The footpath back adjacent to the fields produced a group of 3 Red Kites sailing low over the fields and was joined by a distant fourth bird. Another Spotted Flycatcher was seen perched in some dead trees on the way back, but again, no sign of any Pied Flycatchers here.

Above, one of four Red Kites were seen soaring low over the fields. Below, another Spotted Flycatcher seen on the footpath leading back to the car park.

Earlier today, one birder who was here around 8am this morning had a minimum of 15 Blackcaps, Tree Pipit, 14 Spotted Flycatchers, 6 Redstarts and a Pied Flycatcher! However, Graeme told me that he was here with his mate at 7.30am and saw next to nothing! Right place, right time perhaps? 

  

My first ever Large Thorn arrives by the moth box.

Saturday 27th August 2022.

Head on view of my first ever Large Thorn this morning. A cracker of a moth. 

Yet another very good showing of moths early this morning and with a macro ‘lifer’ thrown in the mix too with a discovery of a Large Thorn moth perched on the white sheet behind the moth box. I honestly thought I had seen one of these before, but when I checked my life list, there was a big blank where there should have been a Yes! It was quite an impressive moth and I managed to grab some really good photos of the moth.

Above, another view of the Large Thorn. Below, my first Toadflax Pug for many a year in my garden.

 

Another moth new for the year was my first Toadflax Pug of the year and found quite unexpectedly. It wasn't till I was checking out my photos on my mobile that I discovered what I thought was a Lime-speck Pug was in fact a Toadflax Pug, so I am more than happy with this rarely seen species in my garden. My third Blair’s Mocha of the year was resting on the moth box and yet another Bordered Straw was present again (a very good year for this species here in my garden). Other migrant moths this morning included a Pearly Underwing, Dark Sword-grass, Silver Y, Rush Veneer and Rusty-dot Pearl.

 

My third Blair's Mocha of the year.

Today, it was Square-spot Rustics that were the most numerous moths with at least 16 in and around the moth box followed by 11 each of Lime-speck Pug and Vine’s Rustic. A total of 118 moths of 41 species were present this morning. 

Moths present this morning included the following:

• 1 Large Thorn (NFY + LIFER)
• 5 Willow Beauty
• 1 Blair’s Mocha
• 11 Lime-speck Pug
• 1 Bordered Straw
• 3 Brimstone Moth
• 16 Square-spot Rustic
• 1 Small Dusty Wave
• 1 Shuttle-shaped Dart
• 1 Pearly Underwing
• 8 Pale Mottled Willow
• 1 Buff Ermine
• 1 Dark Sword-grass
• 2 Marbled Beauty
• 11 Vine’s Rustic
• 2 Double-striped Pug
• 2 L-album Wainscot
• 4 Silver Y
• 3 Setaceous Hebrew Character
• 3 Garden Tiger
• 2 Bright-line Brown-eye
• 1 Cabbage Moth
• 1 Toadflax Pug (NFY)
• 1 Garden Carpet
• 1 Tineola bisselliella
• 10 Common Plume
• 1 Beautiful Plume
• 2 Rush Veneer
• 4 Box Tree Moth
• 1 Ephestia woodiella
• 2 Agriphila geniculea
• 3 Garden Pebble
• 1 Tachystola acroxantha
• 3 Celypha striana
• 5 Apple Leaf Miner
• 1 Gypsonoma dealbana
• 1 Bryotropha affinis
• 1 Brown House Moth
• 1 Rusty-dot Pearl
• 1 Clepsis consimilana  
• 1 Pyrausta aurata

More Hummingbird Hawk-moths.

Friday 26th August 2022.

One of the Hummingbird Hawk-moths feeding on Buddleia within the Cemetery.

As my wife is now out of hospital, I managed to grab an hour or so to take a walk around Highland Road Cemetery, while my daughter is looking after her. It turned out to be a very warm and sunny morning as I made my way into the Cemy without Scruff I might add. Sadly, he is not that good on his feet now and he did struggle last time in walking back home from there. Earlier today, a Hummingbird Hawk-moth was back feeding on the Buddleia tree at the back of my garden, so I was wondering if there were any within the Cemy.

Above, the micro moth Pyrausta despicata, which was abundant on the grass. Below, another photo of the Hummingbird Hawk-moth.  

It was looking very Autumnal within the Cemetery this morning.

Amazingly, there were at least two Hummingbird Hawk-moths present, notably on the Buddleia plant in the south-west corner that was sporting plenty of flowers for it to feed on. Also present were good numbers of the micro moth, Pyrausta despicata, that flew up from the dried grass from my feet. There were also several Meadow Grasshoppers in the area, judging by the ‘chirps’ they were making. There were quite a few butterflies on the wing this morning including several Large White, Holly Blue and two probable, Red Admiral and a Painted Lady; both seen very briefly.

One of the three Willow Warblers within the Cemy; this individual was probably the most showy of the warblers. Below, it is rare to see a Kestrel over Southsea, so this individual was a good record for the area. 

Sadly, no Flycatchers or Redstarts within the Cemy, but there were at least three Willow Warblers seen, though not easy to see and much preferred to remain in deep cover of the vegetation. I spotted a Falcon high up in the sky over the rooftops to the north and though I did not have my binoculars with me at the time, I managed to ID the bird as a Kestrel, where I managed to take a few photos and checked it out on my laptop. Another surprise was a Firecrest, first heard calling then seen in the Holm Oak Clump in the centre of the Cemetery. I didn't expect that. To trump that, a solitary Crossbill flew high over the Cemetery heading west; identified on its call as it flew over. There were not many birds again within the Cemy with just 12 species seen during my 90 minutes there. Species seen this morning included the following:

• Herring Gull
• Carrion Crow
• Magpie
• Jay
• Robin
• Blue Tit
• Willow Warbler
• Firecrest
• Goldfinch
• Crossbill  
• Wood Pigeon
• Feral Pigeon  

Above, the Firecrest seen within the Holm Oak clump. Butterflies were abundant this morning with Holly Blue's (below) being in very good numbers.

Migrant moths pouring in.

Friday 26th August 2022.

Some of the moths seen this morning within the moth box including from left to right: White-point, 2 Pearly Underwing, Angle Shades, Square-spot Rustic and Vines Rustic.

It was clear overnight and therefore, chances are that the moth numbers this morning were going to be low, however, quite the opposite. There was a heavy dew in the garden at 6am and therefore everything was damp and so I had to be careful with the egg trays not getting too damp. I was hoping for a bit of visible migration overhead regarding the birds, but all I got was a small flock of Starlings going overhead.

Above, a late Small Blood-vein moth was a nice surprise this morning. Below, two of the 11 Square-spot Rustics.

Another good showing and variety of moths today with at least 118 moths of 32 species. Another 3 very small micros, of which I have potted, still need to be ID’d yet. It is most certainly starting to look very Autumnal in the moth box now with migrant moths including 2 Pearly Underwing, White-point, Silver Y, Rush Veneer, Rusty-dot Pearl and even an Angle Shades being a probable migrant moth. Even the Square-spot Rustics have increased to 11 this morning, while Vines Rustic and Pale Mottled Willow easily outnumber all the other species. A Small Blood-vein was probably the most unexpected moth today.

Such an attractive micro, Carcina quercana.

The following moths were present this morning:

• 2 Pearly Underwing
• 3 L-album Wainscot
• 1 Cabbage Moth
• 11 Square-spot Rustic
• 5 Willow Beauty
• 1 Bright-line Bright-eye
• 21 Vines Rustic
• 16 Pale Mottled Willow
• 1 Small Blood-vein
• 1 Angle Shades
• 4 Setaceous Hebrew Character
• 1 White-point
• 1 Double-striped Pug
• 5 Lime-speck Pug
• 4 Silver Y
• 2 Brimstone Moth
• 4 Garden Tiger    
• 1 shuttle-shaped Dart
• 1 Garden Carpet
• 2 Garden Pebble
• 11 Common Plume
• 2 Agriphila geniculea
• 1 White-shouldered House Moth
• 2 Celypha striana
• 5 Apple Leaf Miner
• 1 Rush Veneer
• 2 Rusty-dot Pearl
• 1 Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner
• 3 Tachystola acroxantha
• 1 Mother of Pearl
• 1 Ephestia woodiella
• 1 Carcina quercana

Interesting news yesterday came from one of the ‘Lazee Birders’ who found a Wryneck at Hook Links between the Meander Pools and the burnt Gorse area, but it did elude a lot of other people that came to view the bird. Two Spoonbills and 3 Glossy Ibis were also there.  The Osprey was seen fishing within Langstone Harbour again and a Roseate Tern and 14 Black Terns were counted at low tide off Hill Head late this afternoon.  At Blashford Lakes, a trio of Sandpipers species were present including 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper (not seen one yet this year) and up to 5 Common Sandpipers. 

Heavy rain this morning.

Thursday 25th August 2022.

My second European Corn-borer of the year.

It wasn't till midday that I could really go out to check my moth box as rain had come in overnight and though superb for the garden plants, it was a frustrating time checking the box for any goodies. Some moths found solace in our back bedroom, where I found a Cabbage Moth, Silver Y, Vines Rustic and a micro moth of some sort (too high up on the ceiling to tell). Yes, all the moth trays got a bit of a soaking despite me putting the rain-guard on top of the box at 5.30am this morning! They are currently drying out in the bright sunshine.

Above, one of 8 Silver Y moths this morning and below, another immigrant moth, a Dark Sword-grass.

A total of 101 moths of 30 species was a lot more than I expected, especially with the downpour we had this morning and although nothing new for the year, a good spread of different moths. Migrant moths included a White-point, 8 Silver Y, Dark Sword-grass, Rush Veneer and Rusty-dot Pearl (all fairly common immigrant moths), but easily the most numerous this morning were the minute macro moth, the Apple Leaf Miners with at least 23 present. I think the best moth this morning goes to the European Corn-borer, which was my second of the year. 

My egg box trays drying out in the afternoon sunshine.

The following moths were present this morning:

• 2 Cabbage Moth
• 1 White-point
• 14 Vines Rustic
• 8 Silver Y
• 3 Willow Beauty
• 1 Square-spot Rustic
• 1 Brimstone Moth
• 2 L-album Wainscot
• 3 Double-striped Pug
• 1 Lime-speck Pug
• 1 Garden Tiger
• 14 Pale Mottled Willow
• 2 Setaceous Hebrew Character
• 1 Dark Sword-grass  
• 1 European Corn-borer
• 2 Clepsis cominisana
• 2 Garden Pebble
• 1 Diamond-back Moth
• 1 Common Plume
• 1 Beautiful Plume
• 2 Light Brown Apple Moth
• 2 Agriphila geniculea
• 2 Box Tree Moth
• 23 Apple Leaf Miner
• 4 Tachystola acroxantha
• 2 Rush Veneer
• 1 Celypha striana
• 1 Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner
• 1 Brown House Moth
• 1 Rusty-dot Pearl

Above and below, Birding pal, Jim Walker, had this superb Convulvulus Hawk-moth in his Portsmouth garden today. His wife had a fright when she found it perched on her washing! Photo by Jim Walker. 

A bumper number of moths this morning.

Wednesday 24th August 2022.

A close up photo of one of the many Vines Rustics seen this morning in my garden. An incredible 29+ seen in the garden today.    

A large haul of moths this morning in and around the moth box with an estimated total of 135 moths of 40 species. Only one species of which was new for the year, the micro moth Epinotia immundana. Nearly a third of these moths were of two species: Pale Mottled Willow and Vines Rustic which were about the third of the total this morning. Garden Tigers are still showing and immigrant moths this morning included 2 White-points, Silver Y, 2 Rush Veneer and 3 Rusty-dot Pearl. 

Ephestia woodiella.

Vines Rustic (right) and Shuttle-shaped Dart. 

It was overcast at first thing this morning and at 6am, still quite dark, but it eventually got lighter and it was again, very mild with the temperature around 19 degrees already. Thankfully, no rain overnight or forecast this morning and it's getting a lot warmer today. Hopefully, will bring a lot more unusual moths into the garden tonight.

Above, an L-album Wainscot and below, one of two White-points this morning.

This mornings moths were as follows:

• 1 Setaceous Hebrew Character
• 5 Double-striped Pug
• 7 Lime-speck Pug
• 29 Vines Rustic
• 1 Yellow-barred Brindle
• 19 Pale Mottled Willow
• 3 Garden Tiger
• 3 L-album Wainscot
• 4 Willow Beauty
• 4 Shuttle-shaped Dart
• 1 Silver Y
• 2 White-point
• 4 Brimstone Moth
• 1 Square-spot Rustic
• 1 Bright-line Brown-eye
• 2 Garden Carpet
• 1 Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing
• 1 Cabbage Moth
• 1 Marbled Beauty
• 5 Small Dusty Wave
• 1 Riband Wave
• 2 Beautiful Plume
• 2 Common Plume
• 3 Broom Shoot Moth
• 2 Rush Veneer
• 1 Mompha crocicapitella
• 4 Box Tree Moth
• 1 Epinotia immundana (NFY)
• 1 Gypsonoma dealbana
• 3 Agriphila geniculea
• 5 Apple Leaf Miner
• 1 Acleris consimilana
• 3 Rusty-dot Pearl
• 1 Brown House Moth
• 1 Light Brown Apple Moth
• 2 Garden Pebble
• 5 Tachystola acroxantha
• 1 Ephestia woodiella
• 1 Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner
• 2 Acleris laterana/comariana
• 1 Psychoides filicivora

Above, Epinotia immundana and below, Psychoides filicivora.