Four more moths added to year list.

Friday 2nd August 2024

My first Flame Shoulder moth for many a year. They used to be regular and in numbers within my garden too.

It was overcast first thing this morning around 5.30am and much cooler of late with a bit of a breeze too over the garden. This is our last full day here in Devon and a superb stay was had. However, there was a nice array of moths to check out and this morning we had 40 moths of 30 species that included another four more species for my year list: Flame Shoulder, V-Pug and the Micro moths, Netted Tortrix and Ash-bark Knot-horn; both Macro species I used to get in my garden annually, but not for several years now. My second Small Fan-footed Wave of the year was present, but the Elephant Hawk-moth was not to be seen this morning, but I managed to grab a photo of it last night. 

Above, the Micro moth Netted Tortrix and below, a V-Pug.

The Moths present this morning included the following:

MACRO MOTHS:

• Flame Shoulder (NFY)
• Yellow Shell
• Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing
• Large Yellow Underwing 2
• Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet
• Uncertain
• Brussels Lace
• Riband Wave 2
• Willow Beauty 2
• Black Arches 3
• Common Rustic 3
• Small White Wave
• Small Fan-footed Wave
• Garden Carpet
• Common Footman
• Dingy Footman
• Rosy Footman 4
• Pebble Hook-tip
• Dark Arches
• Knot Grass
• V-Pug (NFY)
• Small Phoenix

MICRO MOTHS:

• Common Masoner
• Netted Tortrix (NFY)
• Ash-bark Knot-horn
• Garden Grey
• Light Brown Apple Moth
• Cherry-tree Ermine
• Twenty-plume Moth

While checking the moths, I could hear a Blackcap singing nearby and a few Siskins flew over calling, too. The Great Spotted Woodpecker was also heard to call in the trees nearby. 

The skies darkened and the threat of rain over the village looked possible, but it did pass over and we remained in the garden to chill out.

We took a drive up to Barnstable to the Pannier Market (as per Becky’s wishes) and though there was not much bird life to see in the centre of this busy town, I enjoyed buying myself a pair of new shorts and some socks for the winter, which was quickly followed by a delicious Cupcake and a cold drink in a nearby cafe. The River Taw flowed through the town and though I had no binoculars to hand, I could see many adult and juvenile Herring Gulls by the River and also a sprinkling of Black-headed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the mudflats. Nothing else I’m afraid, that was of interest and to be honest, we didn't spend too much time dragging two poor dogs through all that traffic around the shopping area.

Above, several Swifts flew low over the garden, but nowhere near the numbers we had earlier this week. Below, a Blue Tit came into the garden and posed nicely.

Though it was our last evening here in Devon, we simply chilled out in the garden, enjoying the Swifts, Swallows and House Martins overhead. The wind picked up a bit and the sky darkened a lot when some heavy cloud drifted through. Rain was forecast overnight, but for now, it was nice to just sit in the garden and simply just watch what comes through. A male Siskin popped onto a nearby tree, but I wasn't quick enough to grab a photo. Becky most certainly would want to come here to this Cottage again, so we shall book it for next year if all goes well.