Friday 16th May 2025.
This morning was much like every morning this week, which kicked off damn cold where my fingers were frozen by the time I had finished checking my Moth Box. I must try to get up earlier and hit the garden around 5am to see the moths that have not flown off before I start checking the garden. I am sure a lot around the Box flies off when it gets light, but this morning, there were a fair few around.
Another cold start at Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth this morning and although bright and sunny, that nagging northerly wind still made the temperatures remain in single figures. Thankfully, it is supposed to get a lot warmer this morning. I am still not sure on where to go birding with the guys tomorrow, though a Wood Warbler was seen where we were last weekend and photographed; so it could be a return trip and maybe Blashford Lakes after?
The Moth Box:
My first Seraphim moth for many a year.
This morning, I was blessed by not only my second Toadflax Brocade of the year, but also my first Seraphim moth of the year. The latter is very uncommon in my garden and I can only have had a handful since I have been ‘mothing’. Apparently, they like Aspen trees, though I have no idea where these trees are around my area.
My second Toadflax Brocade moth of the year.
The Moths recorded this morning included the following:
Macro moths:
- Toadflax Brocade x1
- Seraphim x1
- Brimstone Moth x1
- Willow Beauty x1
- Double-striped Pug x1
- Heart & Dart x1
- Vine’s Rustic x1
- Shuttle-shaped Dart x4
- Pale Mottled Willow x1
- White Ermine x1
- Buff Ermine x1
- Garden Carpet x2
- Bright-line Brown-eye x2
- Cabbage Moth x1
- Yellow-barred Brindle x3
Micro moths:
- Light Brown Apple Moth x5
- Dark Moss-moth x1
- Hourglass Mompha x1
- Triple-barred Tip Moth x1
Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:
Yes, a cold start to the morning at Pembroke Road, but again, there was a lot of activity with the Starlings, with good numbers on both the Bowling Green and Governor’s Green and their noisy youngsters taking shelter in the nearby trees from predators. On my arrival, a Swallow darted between the Holm Oaks and probably catching flying insects on its way through the trees. A pair of Swifts showed very well over my head and an adult Mediterranean Gull sailed between them. I would have loved to have taken a photo of them together like that. The local Wren was singing its heart out opposite to where I stood and sounded gorgeous once the passing traffic disappeared.
On my second shift at Pembroke Road, it was a lot warmer than this morning and I really should of been wearing shorts for thick jeans really wasn't comfortable! I heard the commotion being made by a 'murder' of Crows overhead and so looking up, I watched a Common Buzzard being mobbed by at least three Carrion Crows and heading northbound; the Buzzard twisting and turning to avoid the Crows. I think that is the second time I have seen a Common Buzzard over this site after seeing one last year soaring high over.
Above and below, the Hudsonian Godwit on Titchfield Haven today. Photos by Andy Friend.
The big news here in the south is the discovery of a Hudsonian Godwit in front of the Meonshore Hide at Titchfield Haven. I have never seen this species before and the angst in going for the bird was immense to say the least. I had things to do straight after my second shift and as the news and photos poured through of this incredible sighting (well done to Mark Francis in finding yet another rare bird at this site), I was getting more and more anxious in going. But, to cut to the chase, I didn't. I shall go tomorrow and try my luck should the bird be refound.
Film footage of the Hudsonian Godwit by James Cutting.
Back in my garden, while watering the plants, I flushed a few more moths from the plants and vegetation that included at least three Mint Moths, a Common Plume and a Rusty-dot Pearl; three species I didn't see earlier today.
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