The great Hedgehog rescue!

Wednesday 31st July 2024.

My first Small White Wave moth of the year.

I was up just after 6am this morning and the sun was already shining just above the Hill to the east. There wasn't as many moths as yesterday, but still plenty to look at and identify. There were also a few new for the year too, but no ‘Lifers’ this morning. Last night, I decided to rescue the Hedgehog that was in our garden and thankfully, he came out to play a lot earlier than expected. The surrounding walls of the garden seemed to entrap the animal as it circled the perimeter of the garden, which, incidentally, the ground was very dry and so I grabbed a towel, picked the Hedgehog up and took him to our neighbour's garden which was much larger and led to a small meadow nearby. Job done.

Above, a Nut-tree Tussock and below, my first Spruce Carpet of the year.

Back to the Moths; I checked the sky for the expected Meteor shower that was predicted last night, but nothing at all showing and so checked the Moth Box which was now had a nice variety of moths, but also a very large Beetle of which turned out to be a Long-horn Beetle. It certainly was a big bugger!

Above and below, the Long-horn Beetle that was by my Moth Box last night.

Another FIVE more species were added to my year list this morning that included the Macros‘s Five-spotted Footman, Small White Wave, Small Blood-vein, Oak Nycteoline and a Spruce Carpet, but also some interesting other moths that included Marbled Beauty, Nut-tree Tussock, Green Pug, Coronet, Pale Prominent and two Iron Prominent.

A male Four-spotted Footman was my fourth species of Footman on this trip!

The moths recorded this morning included the following:

• Four-spotted Footman (New for Year)
• Common Footman 25
• Dingy Footman 4
• Rosy Footman
• Pale Prominent
• Small White Wave (NFY)
• Small Blood-vein (NFY)
• Buff Ermine
• Riband Wave 5
• Marbled Beauty
• Nut-tree Tussock
• Common Rustic
• Common Carpet
• Spruce Carpet (NFY)
• Green Pug
• Coronet 2
• Iron Prominent 2
• Oak Nycteoline (NFY)
• Brimstone Moth
• Garden Grey 2
• Mother of Pearl
• Bird-cherry Ermine
• Garden Rose Tortrix
• Chestnut Tortrix 
• Brown Bark Moth   

The Hedgehog was out and about early in the garden yesterday evening before decided to rescue it.

Also, the Moth Box also threw up some interesting insects that included a huge Long-horned Beetle, several different species of Caddis Fly, including two Athripsodes albifrons. After checking the Box and surrounding garden, I took the dogs for their walk this morning, taking in the vegetation along the garden walls and found the dry husks of Navelwort growing on some of the walls; a familiar sight when we used to stay at East Prawle. Brown Knapweed was growing on the edge of some gardens; my first of the year. Regarding the birds; Swallows, House Martins and Swifts were abundant overhead and I noticed a good sized flock of House Sparrows flying around the Village. Linnets, Goldfinches, Greenfinches and several Siskins were seen and heard flying over on our walk.

Above, the view from the Bridge at Umberleigh looking west over the River Taw. Below, looking in the opposite direction from the bridge. A Grey Heron was the only bird I saw during my brief spell here.

Early this afternoon, we took a drive over to South Molton for something to eat and peruse around the town. To be honest, though we had a nice lunch in one of the Cafe’s, there wasn't really much to look at in the town and what with it being so hot now (about 30 degrees), we decided to make our way back, but not before taking a look at the River Taw at Umberleigh. We parked up by the Railway Station and crossed the road, where there was a large Antique shop where Drew and Tee from Salvage Hunters should have taken a look at (probably have done?).

Above, the male Pied Wagtail below the bridge and below, the adult male was seen to feed its youngster.

From the roadside bridge, which was a bit hairy due to passing traffic going past; I checked out the River from both sides where looking East, there was a Grey Heron stood motionless by the River and looking West, an adult male Pied Wagtail was feeding a youngster just below the bridge. Sadly, no sign of any Dippers, but I only had spent about 5 minutes on the Bridge and got a little uncomfortable with all the traffic going past. I might try my luck tomorrow here again, but much earlier this time.

Above, a pair of Chaffinches were seen in the neighbouring garden early this evening and I found (below) the 'mewing' Common Buzzard way in the distance.

Last night's Hedgehog before I picked him up and carried him to the neighbours garden.