Smaller numbers of moths this morning.

Wednesday 18th September 2024.

The Moth Box:

Blair's Mocha moths are on the increase in numbers in my garden this year.

It was back to the moths this morning as I set the trap up again last night; the first time since Saturday night I might add. There weren't that many this morning, the only ‘quality’ moth was a Blair’s Mocha, a species I never get tired of. But there was a good supporting cast of a Yellow-barred Brindle and a Gold Triangle. It was probably quite cold last night and therefore the moth numbers were going to be low. Just 28 moths of 15 species present today.

The micro moth, Gold Triangle.

The local news is reporting how long both the moth and butterfly numbers are, especially in Hampshire. However, all the time the local Councils are spraying the weeds along roadsides and even Cemeteries, the egg laying insects now are going to suffer badly. The good news is that I have seen large numbers of Small White butterflies around, especially where I am working in Pembroke Road.

Yellow-barred Brindle moth.

The moths present this morning included the following:

MACRO MOTHS:

• Lesser Yellow Underwing 7
• Large Yellow Underwing
• Willow Beauty 2
• Garden Carpet
• Blair’s Mocha
• Double-striped Pug 4
• Yellow-barred Brindle
• Small Dusty Wave

MICRO MOTHS:

• Common Plume 2
• Box-tree Moth
• Rusty-dot Pearl
• Light Brown Apple Moth
• Narrow-winged Grey
• Ruddy Streak 3
• Gold Triangle

Above, there was just the one Small Dusty Wave this morning and below, both Lesser Yellow Underwing and Double-striped Pug resting quite close to one another.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

Up to 13 species were recorded this morning on my first shift in Pembroke Road and that included several flocks of Swallows passing overhead; though strangely most were heading northbound? Other notable species included a Yellow Wagtail that was heard calling as it passed high overhead. The regular Chiffchaff was heard calling in the nearby trees, but did not offer a glimpse today.

This Kingfisher was on Farlington Marshes on Sunday. Photo by Emma Parkes.

Yesterday, birding pal John Cronin sent me a text to say that he was having a good morning on Thorney Island, West Sussex. Not only had he seen two Hobbies and a Sparrowhawk, but also watched both a Honey Buzzard over and best of all, a White-tailed Eagle. I am not quite sure on which part of Thorney Island he was, but nevertheless, some good raptors there.

Great White Egret. Not quite sure where this was taken. Photo by Pete Appleton.

On this afternoon's shift, the highlight of my hour there at Pembroke Road was the sighting of a Hummingbird Hawk-moth again. This is the 3rd time this year I have seen one at this location, however, the moth never lingered long and disappeared before I could get my mobile camera out. A female Sparrowhawk flew north over the road, being chased by Crows as she deftly avoided them and carried on slowly onwards.  Good numbers of butterflies were in the area too with at least 8 Small White's fluttering past me and at least two Red Admirals.