It is warming up again!

Monday 30th June 2025.

Only my second ever Slender Pug.

It's the last day of the month and boy, it has been a very good month for the Moths and I am not surprised with all the warm weather we have had this month. OK, I have hardly had any ‘year-ticks’ regarding the birds and after dipping on the Quail last Saturday, hopefully July will be a lot better, especially when it's the start of the return passage of waders coming through. Even seabird passage towards the end of the month takes off too, though the best of it is normally down in the far south-west of the UK. It looks like it is going to be a scorcher of a day. It was warm enough on my first shift at Pembroke Road this morning, so heaven knows how hot it is going to be this afternoon?

My Moth Box:

Another 'Lifer' in my Moth Box, the micro moth BARRED YELLOWNECK (Oegoconia deauratella).

Another reasonable catch of Moths this morning as I made my way back into the garden at 5am. A final count of 79 moths of 34 species wasn't too bad and among them, I had another micro ‘Lifer’, a BARRED YELLOWNECK (Oegoconia deauratella) and three more moths that were new for the year: my second ever Slender Pug and a Dwarf Cream Wave plus the micro moth Grey Knot-horn (Acrobasis advenella). My first V-Pug and Smoky Wainscot for the garden this year was pleasing having seen both species down in Devon earlier this year. An incredible 138 species of moths were recorded for June, my highest month total this year, with May being the second highest with 114 moth species. What will July's total be and could my highest month total be broken? How long will this hot weather last, which will most likely bring in some very excting Continental Moths to the UK.

Above, my second V-Pug of the year, but my first one in my garden this year and below, Grey Knot-horn (Acrobasis advenella), which was new for the year.

The Moths recorded this morning included the following:

Macro moths:

• Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing x1
• Smoky Wainscot x1
• L-album Wainscot x2
• Common Emerald x3
• Heart & Dart x2
• Lime-speck Pug x2
• Double-striped Pug x2
• Slender Pug x1 *
• Willow Beauty x3
• Bright-line Brown-eye x2
• Dark Arches x1
• Lackey x6
• Elephant Hawk-moth x1
• Plumed Fan-foot x1
• Riband Wave x11
• White Ermine x1
• V-Pug x1
• Dwarf Cream Wave x1 *

Micro moths:

• Bird-cherry Ermine x4
• Garden Grass-veneer x6
• Box Tree Moth x1
• Ruddy Streak x2
• Garden Mompha x1
• BARRED YELLOWNECK x1
• Common Plume x3
• Blushed Knot-horn x2
• Rosy Tabby x1
• Garden Grey x2
• Codling Moth x1
• Netted Tortrix x1
• Rusty-dot Pearl x6
• Elderberry Pearl x1
• Grey Knot-horn x2 *
• Large Pale Masoner x3

Matt & Emma’s Moth Box:

A couple of moths I would like to get in my garden, above the Double Square-spot and below, the White Satin Moth.

Again, another large haul of Moths over in Fareham by Matt & Emma’s Moth Box that included the following:

Macro moths:

• Slender Pug
• Willow Beauty
• Swallow-tailed Moth
• Common Wainscot
• Sycamore
• Knot Grass
• Black Arches
• Large Yellow Underwing
• Uncertain
• Dwarf Cream Wave
• Dark Arches
• Riband Wave
• Common Footman
• Double Square-spot
• Peppered Moth
• White Satin Moth
• Grey Dagger agg.
• Dun-bar
• L-album Wainscot
• Buff Ermine
• Scalloped Oak
• Elephant Hawk-moth

Micro moths:

• Tawny Grey
• Twenty-plume Moth
• Bee Moth
• Buff Mompha
• Varied Tortrix
• Common Plume
• Rosy Tabby

Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:

The Bees were numerous throughout the morning in Pembroke Road, with this Lavender attracting both Buff-tailed Bumblebee and Honey Bees.

It certainly was warm first thing this morning and during my first shift here in Old Portsmouth, the temperature was already 23 degrees centigrade. Up to 12 species of birds were seen or heard on my first shift that included a pair of Blackbirds on the Bowling Green, a pair of Swifts overhead heading west and a Wren exploding into song opposite where I stood. Several Small White butterflies were on the wing within the front gardens and plenty of Bees going about their business on the Lavender plants. I found out too that the ‘Lemon & Lime’ bushes are actually Common Hibiscus Bushes! They are now out in flower and most attractive they are too. 

Not only was it very hot this afternoon on my second shift in Pembroke Road, but it was rather quiet too. A Great Black-backed Gull on a distant rooftop was the only species of bird added to my day list here, but there were a lot of Small White butterflies fluttering around and a Meadow Brown even put in an appearance on the opposite side of the road by the footpath between the Bowling Green and Governor’s Green.

Next to nothing was reported on the Hants Birding website with just 3 Whimbrel seen off Fawley Pier and a Green Sandpiper on Testwood Lakes. A returning bird perhaps?

Above, the flowering Common Hibiscus in Pembroke Road and below, Matt Parkes was lucky enough to get a photo of this Golden-ringed Dragonfly where he was working today.

Another 100+ moths this morning.

Sunday 29th June 2025

My first Light Arches moth of the year.

It was back to the Moths again this morning and yes, I was up at 4.30am to check my Moth Box, but not only Matt & Emma had theirs on, but also fellow Birder and ‘Moth-er’ James Cutting has joined us as well and boy, did he get some great moths. Another very warm day beckons though it was overcast all morning and a bit breezy first thing in the garden. No hassle from the over-freindly Herring Gull this morning with just the gorgeous Swifts screaming high overhead  for company.

My Moth Box:

The Italian Bark Moth (Metalampra italica) was new for the year.

I broke the 100 barrier again this morning, though it took later in the morning to get a final total as I watered the garden and flushed a load more moths! One pot I watered and FOUR Rusty-dot Pearls moths flew out!!! A final total of 101 moths of 42 species were in and around the Moth Box today which also included two Common Emerald moths INSIDE the house. Among them were a further FIVE more new moths for the year: the macro moth Light Arches and four micro moth species, Italian Bark Moth (Metalampra italica), Bordered Carl (Coptotriche marginea), Leaf Blotch Miner (Macrosaccus robiniella) and an Elderberry Pearl (Anania coronata). Again, a good showing of micro species this morning.

From top to bottom: Elderberry Pearl (Anania coronata), Leaf Blotch Miner (Macrosacca robiniella) and Bordered Carl (Coptotriche marginea) which were all new for the year.

Above, this Olive-tree Pearl was my second of the year as was (below) this Mint Moth.

Other insects attracted to my Moth Box overnight included two Eared Leafhoppers, 2 Cinnemon Sedge, a Summer Chafer beetle and finally, a Red-spotted Plant Bug (a type of Mirid Bug species).

Above, an Eared Leafhopper and below, the Red-spotted Plant Bug.

The following Moths were recorded this morning:

Macro moths:

• Riband Wave x7
• Bright-line Brown-eye x1
• Willow Beauty x8
• Common Emerald x5
• Garden Carpet x1
• Lackey x4
• Cabbage Moth x1
• Double-striped Pug x5
• Lime-speck Pug x2
• Light Arches x1 *
• Dark Arches x2
• Knot Grass x1
• Small Dusty Wave x1
• Silver Y x1
• White Ermine x2
• Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing x2

Micro moths:

• Blushed Knot-horn x6
• Garden Grey x4
• Diamond-back Moth x1
• Brown House Moth x2
• Barred Marble x1
• Ruddy Streak x5
• Garden Mompha x1
• Italian Bark Moth x1 *
• Red-barred Tortrix x2
• Garden Grass-veneer x4
• Meal Moth x1
• Bird-cherry Ermine x3
• Box Tree Moth x1
• Bordered Carl x1 *
• Black-banded Masoner x4
• Mint Moth x1
• Light Brown Apple Moth x1
• Common Plume x4
• Beautiful Plume x1
• Leaf Blotch Miner x1 *
• Large Pale Masoner x3
• Rusty-dot Pearl x4
• Olive-tree Pearl x1
• Elderberry Pearl x1 *
• Bee Moth x1

Emma & Matt’s Moth Box:

Meanwhile, over in Fareham, despite the guys experiencing a problem with the Wasps in their box due to the fact there was a lot of moth wings within it,  Matt & Emma had 29 species this morning from their Moth Trap that included the following moth species:

Macro moths:

• Garden Carpet
• Dark Arches
• Brown-tail Moth
• Riband Wave
• Small Dusty Wave
• Uncertain
• Small Blood-vein
• V-pug
• Common Marbled Carpet
• Wormwood Pug
• Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing
• Coronet
• Dun-bar
• Slender Pug
• Haworth’s Pug
• Smoky Wainscot

Micro moths:

• Rosy Tabby
• Tabby Knot-horn
• Privet Tortrix
• Bee Moth
• Elderberry Pearl
• Garden Grass-veneer
• Garden Grey
• Bud Moth
• Cnephasia species
• Mother of Pearl
• Long-winged Pearl
• Brown Bark Moth
• Diamond-back Moth

James Cutting’s Moth Box:

James had this superb Light Crimson Underwing in his Moth Box this morning.

Over in Drayton, James Moth Box and garden produced a staggering 162 moths of 34 species this morning that included 21 Dark Arches and 17 Riband Wave’s. Included in this large total were the following:

Macro moths:

• Elephant Hawk-moth
• Light Crimson Underwing
• True Lovers Knot
• Riband Wave
• Willow Beauty
• Dark Arches
• Buff Ermine
• Peppered Moth
• Bright-line Brown-eye
• Common Footman
• Smoky Wainscot
• Common Rustic
• Clouded Border
• Heart & Club
• Magpie Moth
• Festoon
• Heart & Dart
• Scalloped Oak
• Uncertain
• Double-striped Pug
• Beautiful Hook-tip
• Coronet
• Brimstone Moth

Micro moths:

• Rosy Tabby
• Rusty-dot Pearl
• Garden Grass-veneer
• Spindle Ermine
• Garden Straw
• Privet Tortrix

While updating my Blog this morning, I heard a lot of noise coming from the local Swifts and eventually, I made my way to the front door to investigate with my camera in hand. Sure enough, one of the young Swifts was poking its head out of one of my nest boxes and so I managed a few photos of the bird as the adults passed by over the road. The good news is that both mine and my opposite neighbours' nest boxes are all occupied and should be fledging soon.

Out in the beautiful Hampshire countryside.

Saturday 28th June 2025.

The beautiful countryside we visited in the north of the County.

Today, with Andy and Geoff, we made our way into some seriously beautiful countryside in the north of the County in search for Quail. Geoff had earlier this week heard two birds calling within a field while checking out the local Corn Buntings and so we made the trip to hopefully hear the birds for ourselves. The Moth Boxes this morning threw up more moths that were new for the year and even Matt & Emma Parkes had a nice variety too. Finally, we finished the day off with a good hour at Cowplain Marsh (Andy’s back garden) to check out the Damselflies and Butterflies around his pond and yes, his Goldfish are doing well!

My Moth Box:

My first Old Lady moth of the year.

Despite getting up at 4.30am (what the hell!!!), there was a disappointing low number of moths this morning in and around the Moth Box. The overcast sky gave way to a bit of drizzle and that damn Herring Gull came down again to make a nuisance of itself of which I quickly flushed! At least it wasn't in my coffee cup again! I was hoping for a big count of moths but there were just 54 moths of 30 species present. I shouldn’t complain, but when you are averaging at least 80+, you tend to get used to it at this time of year. However, three more moths were new for the year that included my first Old Lady of the year and two micro moths: Black-banded Masoner (Blastobasis rebeli) and Red-barred Tortrix (Ditula angustiorana).

Above, my first Red-barred Tortrix of the year and below, the Black-banded Masoner micro moth.

My second Dark Spectacle of the year was present although it would not settle long and soon flew off strongly. Up to 7 Common Emerald’s were present and even my neighbour said she had one in her kitchen today and showed me a photo on her mobile phone! I have noticed that micro moths are most certainly increasing in numbers and always a challenge the smaller they are. Another smart Oak Knot-horn (Phycita roborella) was again present this morning and three migrant Diamond-back Moths were also in attendance.

The Moths present in and around my Moth Box this morning included the following:

Macro moths:

• Dark Spectacle x1
• Riband Wave x4
• Bright-line Brown-eye x2
• Heart & Dart x2
• L-album Wainscot x3
• Common Emerald x7
• Old Lady x1 *
• Common Rustic x1
• Large Yellow Underwing x1
• Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing x1
• Double-striped Pug x3
• Common Pug x1
• Lackey x1
• White Ermine x1
• Cabbage Moth x1
• Willow Beauty x1

Micro moths:

• Black-banded Masoner x1*
• Rusty-dot Pearl x3
• Garden Grey x1
• Garden Grass-veneer x3
• Red-barred Tortrix x1*
• Garden Mompha x1
• Rosy Tabby x1
• Common Plume x1
• Bee Moth x2
• Blushed Knot-horn x3
• Diamond-back Moth x3
• Brown House Moth x1
• Oak Knot-horn x1
• Light Brown Apple Moth x1

Andy Fisher’s Moth Box:

One of two Festoon moths by Andy's Moth Box.

This morning, Andy’s Box produced up to 29 moths of 22 species of which among them were three more Moths that were new for the year and a couple of Hawk-moths! Geoff and I quickly got about checking the conservatory by the back door and then the egg trays which produced our first Early Thorn and Festoon moth for the year. In fact, there were TWO Festoon moths present and we also found two Elephant Hawk-moths and the large micro moth, Mother-of-Pearl, which was added to my year list. My second Heart & Club for the year was on one of the egg trays and both Swallow-tailed Moth and Varied Coronet were notable.

Two more 'year-ticks' from Andy's Moth Box: above, Mother of Pearl moth and below, an Early Thorn moth.

The Moths present at ‘Cowplain Marsh’ included the following:

Macro moths:

• Early Thorn x1 *
• Small Dusty Wave x1
• Varied Coronet x1
• Shuttle-shaped Dart x1
• Garden Carpet x1
• L-album Wainscot x1
• Festoon x2 *
• Heart & Dart x1
• Riband Wave x4
• Willow Beauty x2
• Uncertain x1
• Elephant Hawk-moth x2
• Pale Mottled Willow x1
• Swallow-tailed Moth x1
• Heart & Club x1

Micro moths:

• Common Plume x1
• Rosy Tabby x3
• Mother of Pearl x1 *
• White-banded Grass-veneer x1
• Brown House Moth x1
• Codling Moth x1
• Garden Grass-veneer x1

Emma & Matt’s Moth Box:

Pine Hawk-moth.

Over at Fareham, Emma & Matt had yet another excellent haul of Moths this morning that included THREE species of Hawk-moth. They kindly sent me a list of what they recorded:

Macro moths:

• Pine Hawk-moth 
• Privet Hawk-moth
• Poplar Hawk-moth
• Peppered Moth
• Brown-tail
• Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing
• L-album Wainscot
• Nut-tree Tussock
• Heart & Dart
• Heart & Club
• Dark Arches
• Riband Wave
• Double-striped Pug
• Flame
• Treble Brown Spot

Micro moths:

• Bee Moth
• Small Magpie

North  Hampshire:

We had our lunch here while enjoying the panoramic views over the countryside. Butterflies were abundant along the hedgerows and passing us over the field. Amazing.

As mentioned, we drove north into the stunning countryside of Hampshire to hopefully hear a Quail this morning after Geoff had heard a couple earlier this week. Parking up in a lay-by, we made our way along the bridle path leading down to a very large Oat field which was dissected by a large area of set aside by a very caring local Farmer. It was overcast when we arrived but around an hour later, the clouds finally broke and a very warm sun beamed down upon us, lighting up the surrounding countryside. All you could hear were singing Skylarks, but sadly, no Quails were heard during the three hours we were there.

Above, a Small Skipper butterfly and below, a Satin Grass-moth (Crambus perlella). I always take a moth pot with me just in case. These were everywhere in one of the fields.

Above, a Thick-legged Flower Beetle on a Hogweed plant and below, Red Soldier Beetles on another Hogweed plant.

Never mind, for we were surrounded by a host of butterflies, insects, flowers and of course, a lot of birds. Overhead, flocks of both Swallows and Swifts chased aerial insects low over the fields and it didn't take too long for us to pick up a calling Corn Bunting sitting on the edge of the Oat field within the set-aside scrub. In fact, the set-aside was full of wild flowers that included Ox-eye Daisies, Knapweed and a variety of other species that included the pretty Sainfoin flowers. Butterflies were everywhere that included Marbled White, Ringlet, Peacock, Meadow Brown, Brimstone and both Large and Small White’s. An Emperor Dragonfly was seen zooming across one of the fields on the way back to the car.

Above, one of many Ringlet butterflies around the site and below, the attractive plant Sainfoin.

Above, one of many Skylarks over the Oat fields and below, the bridlepath between the two Oat fields.

In the distance, both Common Buzzard and several Red Kites soared over the distant woodland. A few Ramblers walked past and told us to enjoy the Skylarks which were literally everywhere. About an hour went past and still no sign of any Quail calling and so we carried on along the path that cut through the field and made our way further north to the edge of the field. From here, there was another large set-aside that was full of various flowering plants. Most notable were the Fennel plants, with some about 8 feet high! But their yellow flowering tops attracted a host of insects which was good news for the birds in the area that included at least three Common Whitethroats and now up to four Corn Buntings!

Above, a Long Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta) and below, a Fennel plant.

Above, an ascending singing Skylark over the Oat fields and below, a Common Whitethroat belting out its song from an overhead wire.

Above, the Oat field segregated by the set-aside strip that was full of different plants, most notably the tall Fennel. Below, Chicory was also growing here.

Above, a small flock of six Goldfinches, including this one, were briefly on the overhead wires and below, a Roe Deer in the distance by the edge of the field.

Above, Geoff and Andy chilling out by the edge of the field and below, another Common Whitethroat on the overhead wire.

Above and below, Corn Buntings put on a good show for us.

Above, another Corn Bunting on the edge of the field and below, a Meadow Brown butterfly on a Knapweed flower head.

Above, a Meadow Grasshopper and below, the Common Whitethroat.

Also among the many flowering plants was the light blue flowering Chicory plants which attracted a variety of Hoverflies. Both Common Green Grasshopper and Meadow Grasshoppers were heard and some seen, while hidden Roesel’s Bush-crickets could be heard deep within the vegetation. They can be a bugger to see at times! Three Linnets and up to 6 Goldfinches were seen on the wires; sometimes with the Corn Buntings too, though we think we might be a little too close to a Corn Bunting nest as one of the Buntings had food in its bill ready to offload to its offspring. Andy picked out a pair of Ravens flying high overhead and maybe the same birds were seen a little later on. At least two, possibly three  Roe Deer were seen here as well, with one individual bounding along through the Oat field. Though we ‘dipped’ on the Quail, there was always a chance Geoff might come back here soon to check it out again.   

Cowplain Marsh (Andy’s back garden).

One of two Comma butterflies in Andy's garden this afternoon.

I suggested going back to Andy’s house now that the sun was out and a clear blue sky overhead would bring out the Damselflies and possibly some Dragonflies to his garden. So, after stopping off at a local shop nearby for a packet of Dark Chocolate Biscuits, it was coffee and biscuits by the Pond for a good hour here in the very warm sunshine. The sun most certainly brought out the insects as we watched the Goldfish going about their business within the pond. 

Above, a Common Tiger Hoverfly and below, Andy's pond in all its glory.

Above, the Speckled Wood butterfly and below, both Large Red Damselfly and Azure Damselfly.

Above, both Elephant Hawk-moths still present in the afternoon and below, Geoff and Andy.

Both Azure and Large Red Damselflies were abundant around the Pond and even a Common Tiger Hoverfly was sunning itself on one of the plants by the Pond. Up to SEVEN species of butterfly were present in his garden this afternoon that included a Speckled Wood, a pair of Comma’s, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Meadow Brown and both Large and Small White and even possibly a Holly Blue, but it flew off too quick to get a correct ID. Andy is going to get more plants and fish tomorrow and indeed, good times ahead for Cowplain Marsh.