This young Carrion Crow was sporting an unexpected plumage in the north of the Cemetery.
The drive back from Devon today wasn’t too bad, with just a few silly idiots trying to meet God a lot earlier than anticipated! We got back around 1pm and after putting everything away, I took the dogs for a walk around Highland Road Cemetery. I had heard that a Caspian Tern had been found distantly off Hill Head, but I was too tired to get back into the car and take a drive that would most likely end in a ‘no show’. I have only ever seen one Caspian Tern and that was many years ago in Kent, during my ‘twitching’ days.
Above, Common Ragwort was abundant throughout and below, Bittersweet attracted the attention of only one of two Bumblebee's seen today.
A slow walk around the Cemetery produced very little bird life, though the Green Woodpecker called a couple of times and a ‘black & white’ Carrion Crow, sporting an awful lot of white on the primaries and secondary feathers; seen around the northern end of the Cemetery walking on the grass. A Wren was heard singing a few times, but apart from a few Wood and Feral Pigeons, very little in the way of birds were noted.
Above, a Marsh Thistle growing independently within the Cemy.
When the birds are quiet, I will check out the other wildlife present and so the plants grabbed my attention. Bittersweet (a species I thought was Deadly Nightshade until corrected by fellow birder, Geoff), was growing abundantly in one particular area and the likes of Common Ragwort was all over the place! Scarlet Pimpernel, Ox-eye Daisy and Birds-foot Trefoil were also notable throughout the Cemetery. I was looking on Facebook earlier about the concerns of a Farmer who said ‘where have all the insects gone?’ It was noticeable in the Cemetery too as I found nothing nectaring on the Buddleia and I think I only actually saw two Bumblebees. It really is worrying what is going on in the insect world.
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.
So, July has been and gone and August is upon us. Before walking the dogs, I set about early checking the Moth Box again and was rewarded with another ‘Lifer’ in the form of a BORDERED BEAUTY; a species I have only dreamed of seeing. On top of that, I had SEVEN more species of moth that were new for the year among the 65 moths of 31 species this morning. This included my second ever Sallow Kitten, plus the likes of Fan-foot, Dusky Thorn, Tawny Speckled Pug, Pebble Hook-tip, Mottled Beauty and Knot-grass. Again, I wonder what else I would have trapped if I had my usual Moth Box, which would have gathered more moths?
My first ever Bordered Beauty. I never expected to find one of these by my Moth Box and so very quickly potted it before it could fly off. Wow!
Above, Knot Grass and below, Pebble Hook-tip.
Above, Dusky Thorn and below, Mottled Willow.
Above, Tawny Speckled Pug and below, Sallow Kitten.
The moths present this morning included the following:
MACRO MOTHS:
BORDERED BEAUTY (LIFER)
Fan-foot (New for Year)
Scorched Carpet
Yellow-barred Brindle
Chinese Character 2
Silver Y 2
Sallow Kitten (NFY)
Willow Beauty
Common Footman 20
Dusky Thorn (NFY)
Rosy Footman
Pebble Hook-tip 2 (NFY)
Tawny Speckled Pug (NFY)
Black Arches 3
Brussels Lace
Mottled Beauty (NFY)
Cloaked Minor 4
Knot Grass (NFY) 3
Small Yellow Wave
Brimstone Moth 2
Marbled Beauty
Uncertain
Large Yellow Underwing 3
Riband Wave
MICRO MOTHS:
Garden Straw
Garden Grass-veneer
Light Brown Apple Moth
Dark-barred Straw
Garden Grey 2
Tawny Grey
Twenty-plume Moth
Cherry-tree Ermine 2
Other insects that my trap caught overnight included a lot of Beetles, Shield Bugs and Caddisflies. Of the Beetles, there were a few Strawberry Seed Beetles and the much bigger Common Dor Beetle. At least 5 Red-legged Shieldbugs were present. All the insects were safely released into the garden.
Above Common Dor Beetle and below, Strawberry Seed Beetle.
Above, one of several Red-legged Shieldbugs.
After checking the Box, I took the dogs for a walk up the road again and enjoying the Swifts (one flew in and out of its nest hole within a Bungalow), Swallows and House Martins overhead; I got to the Sheep field to view the Barns below and as I had my binoculars with me, I picked out a superb Little Owl perched on top of the Barn; my second of the year. If only I took my camera with me! Doh!
Above, the Barn with the Little Owl sitting on top of the apex of the roof. Below, the walk back to the Village.
For the rest of the day, after completing my Blog, we then took a drive to five locations in North Devon: The Valley of Rocks (near Barbrook), Ilfracombe, Combe Martin, Lynton and Lynmouth. Although it wasn't strictly a birding day (it's my wife’s holiday too!)I did keep an eye out for anything interesting. Ilfracombe was typically a tourist place and we had a drink and an ice cream there and with Combe Martin, we just drove through the place. This led us onto the pretty town of Lynton and taking the Funicular train down to Lynmouth, that kind of rounded off our touring for today. A few Common Buzzards were seen, but to be honest, very little else.
Above, a gorgeous view could be had at the Valley of Rocks and below, Common Ragwort was growing everywhere by the main coastal path.
Above, a Drone Fly was nectaring on this plant and below a view within the Valley of Rocks. I could hear a Stonechat calling here, but the place was virtually birdless.
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.
My first ever Pebble Prominent is on my life list at last.
I was up a lot later than normal, but early enough to get up before everyone else to check what goodies lay in and around my Moth Box. We were in for another glorious day and it was bright and sunny this morning as I got about checking the moths. A staggering TEN new moths for the year were recorded including three that were ‘Lifers’. So this was ‘seventh heaven’ for me. A lot of the moths from last night were still present, but a lot more that were new as I set about going through them all.
Above, Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet and below, the Micro moth Dark-barred Straw. Both were also new on my life list.
The ‘Lifers’ included the Macro moths,Pebble Prominent and Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet and a Micro moth, Dark-barred Straw. New for the year included Dingy Footman, both Iron and Pale Prominent (such smart moths), July Highflyer, Clouded Silver, Cloaked Minor and a Clay moth. There wasn't a bad total either with 50 moths of 25 species, which had me wondering what sort of number I would have got with my usual Moth Box?
I had a good number of 'year-ticks' this morning that included (above) my first Clay moth of the year. Below, a Clouded Silver.
Above, only my second ever Iron Prominent and below, one of two Dingy Footman this morning.
Above, a Cloaked Minor and below, a July Highflyer.
Above, a superb Pale Prominent moth.
The Moths seen this morning included the following:
MACRO MOTHS:
Dingy Footman (New for Year) 2
Common Footman 18
Rosy Footman 4
Dark Arches
Elephant Hawk-moth
Large Yellow Underwing 2
Iron Prominent (NFY)
Pale Prominet (NFY)
PEBBLE PROMINENT (LIFER)
Uncertain 2
July Highflyer (NFY)
Common Carpet
Riband Wave 5
Coronet
DARK-BARRED TWIN-SPOT CARPET (LIFER)
Clouded Silver (NFY)
Buff Ermine
Cloaked Minor (NFY)
Chinese Character
Clay (NFY)
MICRO MOTHS:
DARK-BARRED STRAW
Common Masoner
Garden Grey
Tawny Grey
Straw Grass-moth
Also among the moths were two of these stunning Caddis Flies called Athripsodes albifrons. Below, a fine Elephant Hawk-moth by the box this morning.
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