A long awaited Flame Shoulder moth this morning.

Wednesday 13th May 2025.

Another warm day beckons as another clear blue sky overhead kicked off the day. Though the lovely warm Spring weather is lovely to be in, there is talk of a serious lack of rain this Spring, which in turn is worrying the farmers and their crops. It seems that the middle of England actually got the heavy thunderstorms over the past few days and we just go a few light showers. On a lighter note, the Moth Box was on again as I am taking full advantage of the mild overnight temperatures and was rewarded with two more moths to add to my year list that currently stands at 80 species for the year so far.

The Moth Box:

This Flame Shoulder was my first for many years.

A good total of 41 moths of 24 species were recorded this morning, which included a Flame Shoulder (the first for my garden for many years!) and the micro moth, Copper-fringed Drab (Swammerdamia pyrella). Other notable moths present included a Garden Pebble, Cabbage Moth and two Yellow-barred Brindle.

The micro moth, Copper-fringed Drab was new for the year. Below, my second Garden Pebble for the year.

The moths recorded this morning included the following:

Macro moths:

• Marbled Minor agg. X1
• White Ermine x4
• Flame Shoulder x1
• Small Dusty Wave x1
• Triple-lines  x1
• Yellow-barred Brindle x2
• Bright-line Brown-eye x2
• Garden Carpet x1
• Brimstone Moth x2
• Cabbage Moth x1
• Pale Mottled Willow x1
• Lime-speck Pug x2
• Common Pug x1
• Double-striped Pug x1
• Least Black Arches x1
• Willow Beauty x1

Macro moths:

• Copper-fringed Drab x1
• Common Plume x2
• Black Cloak x1
• Rusty-dot Pearl x1
• Light Brown Apple Moth x7
• Triple-barred Tip Moth x1
• Garden Pebble x1

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

Much quieter this morning regarding how many bird species there were today here at Pembroke Road. Probably the highlight was the four Swifts following one another heading west over Governor’s Green and again, the young Starlings were very vocal over near the Bowling Green. Local rarities today include a Black Stork at Pulborough Brooks, West Sussex early this morning. On a National note, an incredible NINE Temminck's Stints are on Cley Marshes this morning!