Smaller number of moths this morning.

Friday 26th September 2025.

The Bloxworth Snout was still present this morning.

An overcast start to the day which looked quite favourable for Moth and some ‘Visible Migration’ overhead. Temperatures at 6.45am this morning were around 8 degrees, but I think it is getting up to 15 degrees centigrade later today with a light north-easterly wind. Hopefully, that will bring in the eastern vagrant birds from Europe overnight and this weekend. Again, no new moths for the year, but a variety there this morning in and around my Moth Box. My first shift in Old Portsmouth this morning was relatively quiet, but I did get up to 14 species during the hour there.

My Moth Box:

My second Angle Shades moth this week.

There were just 17 moths of 12 species this morning; a big decrease in numbers despite being overcast this morning. Last night's Bloxworth Snout still remained on the white sheet this morning and another Angle Shades was resting on the Box. All and all, just the usual species present this morning.

Above, singles of Square-spot Rustic and Common Plume (below) this morning.

The Moths recorded this morning included the following:

MACRO MOTHS	MICRO MOTHS
Lesser Yellow Underwing x2	Light Brown Apple Moth x2
Large Yellow Underwing x1	Common Plume x1
Angle Shades x1	Ruddy Streak x1
Square-spot Rustic x1
Lunar Underwing x2
L-album Wainscot x3
Double-striped Pug x1
Pale Mottled Willow x2
Bloxworth Snout x1

While checking the Moth Box, I heard both Meadow Pipits and a single Yellow Wagtail flying over, but none were seen today. A Chiffchaff was calling within my neighbours gardens.

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

As mentioned, up to 14 bird species were noted this morning and for me, the highlight was watching the Swallows flying low overhead. Firstly, a flock of 14 birds flew low over the road heading north over the houses and then a smaller flock of 7 birds did the same. Finally, a single bird was also seen near the end of my shift heading north.

A flock of 14 Siskins flew east low over Pembroke Road just minutes before the end of my first shift and a Chiffchaff was seen briefly flitting about the Sycamore trees and calling every now and then. Up to two Pied Wagtails were on the Bowling Green this morning.

In Hampshire today:

The long-staying female Common Scoter was within Langstone Harbour off the Oysterbeds this morning and a Common Sandpiper was on the Oysterbeds itself. More news to follow later today.