An unexpected micro moth by the Box this morning.

Sunday 28th September 2025.

The Moth Box was on again overnight even though rain was predicted for this morning. At 7am today, it was still dry but overcast and a cool 9 degrees centigrade in the garden. Hardly a breath of wind was had as I went about checking the Moth Box. I was actually tempted to walk the dogs over the Cemetery this morning, but I did not feel 100% this morning and so got up around 5am and finished off my entry on my blog from yesterday's birding.

The Moth Box:

Lesser Yellow Underwing dominated the numbers of moths seen here this morning. 

Another good total of 49 moths of 15 species were seen this morning and probably the most unusual was in fact the micro moth Rosy Tabby (Endotricha flammealis), which was a very late individual. The highest count of one particular species went to the Lesser Yellow Underwings with up to 14 in and around the Moth Box.

The Rosy Tabby micro moth with its unusual, but distinctive posture.

Migrant moths this morning included two White-points, an Angle Shades, two Turnip Moths and up to 9 Rusty-dot Pearls. Though I bet there were more of them around the garden hiding in the plants?

One of two White-point moths today.

The following Moths were present this morning:

MACRO MOTHS	MICRO MOTHS
Lesser Yellow Underwing x14	Rusty-dot Pearl x9
Large Yellow Underwing x2	Light Brown Apple Moth x2
Lunar Underwing x2	Ruddy Streak x1
White-point x2	Beautiful Plume x1
Double-striped Pug x6	Rosy Tabby x1
Angle Shades x1
L-album Wainscot x4
Square-spot Rustic x1
Pale Mottled Willow x1
Turnip Moth x2

There was quite a lot of activity with visible migration going on overhead that included many flocks of Meadow Pipits over. A flock of 5 Siskins flew low over the garden heading east and a few ‘alba’ Wagtails were also heard going over. While taking the dogs out on the early morning walk, a Grey Wagtail flew low over the rooftops and more Meadow Pipits were passing overhead. While passing the Cemetery, I heard a Chiffchaff calling somewhere within there.

Above, more of yesterday's juvenile Osprey over Titchfield Haven. Photos by Emma Parkes.