First Angle Shades moths of the year.

Wednesday 29th March 2023.

A darker form of Angle Shades moth which was resting on top of the fence panel this morning. This was my first of this species for the year.

On this miserable drizzly morning, I awoke this morning to the sad news that Paul O’Grady had passed away at the young age of 67 years old. Tributes are pouring in for this well loved man from the media stars and the general public. I, for one, found the man to be right up there with the likes of David Attenborough, Chris Packham and others who had a love of all things nature and was never afraid to speak his mind about it too. A sad loss to everyone who loved and respected the man.

This Angle Shades moth was a lot lighter than the one above.

Last night, I took a gamble and put the moth box on overnight and was rewarded with just the three moths this morning. One species was new for the year, a pair of Angle Shades resting outside of the box, though both looking quite dissimilar to one another as the photos show. There was one other moth, a Double-striped Pug, that annoyingly flew off before I could get a photo of it and was originally found resting on one of the outside egg trays (I must replace them as they are looking quite worn).

The Goldfinches came down to feed on the sunflower hearts this morning, which is always a pleasure to see. The ornament in front of the feeder was put there to stop some Feral Pigeons actually trying to feed on the seeds and I think it worked. 

While I was checking the moth box, a pair of Goldfinches had come down to feed on the sunflower hearts and remained there for at least ten minutes until pushed off by the local House Sparrows. Yesterday, the Hirundines were abundant on Blashford Lakes and included at least 300+ Sand Martins, 12 Swallows and 3 House Martins and even 3 Willow Warblers were present nearby. Mark Francis scored well with a dark-phased Arctic Skua passing Hill Head yesterday morning. It won't be long now before it's back to sea-watching again. But where? Southsea seafront or Gilkicker with the ‘Lazee’s’?

Glad to see them back again in my garden.