Saturday, July 19, 2025

Some excellent Moths & Black Tern on year list.

Saturday 19th July 2025.


My first Red Underwing moth for the year flew in last night.


Late last night, I was just checking my Moth Box before retiring for bed and something whacked me on the head and then flew straight into my ‘lit-up’ Moth Box. On closer inspection, it turned out to be my first Red Underwing moth of the year! It was hammering down with rain first thing this morning, but thankfully, the Red Underwing was still present this morning. I had donned a waterproof coat to cope with the rain and then potted anything interesting outside the Box; taken a closer look in the kitchen on what I had caught and decided to leave the contents within the Box for later this afternoon. Even my dogs didn't want to go out in the rain!

At Cowplain Marshes, Andy’s Moth Box was next for a few surprises. Today, I was thinking of going to Martin Down and trying my luck for Quail, but the news of a Black Tern was announced on the Hampshire website 'Going Birding', off Hill Head and so I opted for the nearer site instead. The rain was slowly coming to an end when we arrived and eventually, the sun finally came through. We finished the day off at Cowplain Marsh (Andy’s garden) and had a very nice relaxing coffee while watching the wildlife.


My Moth Box:



My first ever WATER ERMINE moth. Emma & Matt had one earlier in the year, but I never expected to get one in my garden.

Despite the heavy rain this morning at 5am, I did manage to get outside and pot a lot of moths on the outside of the Moth Box and later in the afternoon, after getting back from Hill Head, I resumed in checking the inside of the Moth Box and outside trays and came up with some excellent Moths. The Red Underwing* was still present in the morning, but had gone by the afternoon, but my first ever WATER ERMINE moth was still present and showed very nicely perched on our shed wall.


Above, the superb Red Underwing was still present this morning and below, my second Comfrey Ermine micro moth of the year. A really smart looking moth.



Above, I think this is my 3rd Dark Spectacle I have had this year here in my garden and below, as superb Dewick's Plusea was also my 3rd of the year.



My third Dewick’s Plusea of the year and a Twin Gold-spot were top quality Moths today and both present inside the Moth Box along with my first Shears* moth of the year. With a good run of Jersey Tigers this week, there was just the one this morning and other good moths present included a Dark Spectacle, Elephant Hawk-moth, my second Scarce Footman of the year, Straw Dot and a single Langmaids Yellow Underwing. Of the micro moths, my second Comfrey Ermine (Ethmia quadrillela) of the year was found on one of the egg trays. A total of 73 moths of 43 species were present today in my garden.


Above, my first Shears moth of the year and below, a rare immigrant moth, the Twin Gold-spot moth.



My second Scarce Footman of the year.


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

Macro moths:                                     Micro moths;

Red Underwing x1 *                           Mint Moth x1
WATER ERMINE x1                           Brown House Moth x1
Marbled Beauty x1                             Comfrey Ermine x1
Jersey Tiger x1                                   Bird-cherry Ermine x2
Riband Wave x2                                 Willow Ermine x4
Grey / Dark Dagger x1                       Common Plume x6
Willow Beauty x2                                Beautiful Plume x1
Double-striped Pug x3                       Light Brown Apple Moth x7
Silver Y x5                                         Black-banded Masoner x3
Elephant Hawk-moth x1                    Common Masoner x3
Bright-line Brown-eye x1                    Ruddy Streak x3
Shears x1 *                                        Rusty-dot Pearl x1
Scarce Footman x1                           Grey Knot-horn x1
Golden Twin-spot x1                          Rosy Tabby x1
Dewick’s Plusea x1                            Narrow-winged Grey x1
Cloaked Minor x1                               Bud Moth x1
Pale Mottled Willow x1
Straw Dot x1
Common Rustic x2
Shuttle-shaped Dart x1
Dark Spectacle x1
Marbled Green x1
Lackey x1
Brimstone Moth x1
Large Yellow Underwing x1
Langmaids Yellow Underwing x1
Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing x1


Cowplain Marshes Moth Box:




One of two Rustic moths this morning in Andy's garden.


Another good list of Moths in Andy’s garden again with another three more moths added to my year list. Two Rustic moths were present, a species not all that easy to ID, but with the help of Obsidentify, both Moths were a 100% match for a Rustic. The other two species were both micro moths, Straw Grass-moth (Agriphila straminella)* and the immigrant moth Rush Veneer*. Other notable moths included a Nut-tree Tussock, September Thorn, Maiden’s Blush, Knot Grass and a Black Arches. Among the Micro moths, a Diamond-back Marble was present again for the second Saturday running here at this site.


Above, a Nut-tree Tussock and below, our first Rush Veneer of the year. This is a common immigrant micro moth.



Above, one of two Straw Grass-moths this morning. Another moth species that was added to my year list. Below, the Ash-bark Knot-horn micro moth.



The Moths recorded here this morning included the following:

Macro moths:                                          Micro moths:


Nut-tree Tussock x1                               Diamond-back Marble x1
Brimstone Moth x1                                 Bud Moth x3
Riband Wave x6                                    Garden Grass-veneer x5
September Thorn x1                            White-banded Grass-moth x2
Rustic x2 *                                              Oak Knot-horn x2
Heart & Dart x1                                      Common Plume x2
Maiden’s Blush x1                                  Rosy Tabby x3
Large Yellow Underwing x1                    Garden Grey x2
Shuttle-shaped Dart x1                          Straw Grass-moth x3 * 
Knot Grass x1                                         Bird-cherry Ermine x2
Willow Beauty x3                                    Brown House Moth x1
Black Arches x1                                     Black-banded Masoner x1
Common Rustic x1                            
Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing x1

                                                                Common Masoner x1
                                                                 Rush Veneer x1 *
                                                                Light Brown Apple Moth x2
                                                                 Barred Yellowneck x1
                                                                  Ash-bark Knot-horn x1


Hill Head, the Solent and Titchfield Haven:


The view from the Sailing Club overlooking the Solent.


When we arrived at the Sailing Club at Hill Head, the rain was still falling slightly as we scanned the large gathering of Gulls and Terns offshore. The tide was ebbing as I searched through the Gulls, which were some distance out, through my telescope. The Black Tern took some finding among the many Gulls and Terns out there, but I got lucky and picked out the bird twice. The only problem was trying to get the guys on the bird, but the Tern disappeared shortly after finding it and sadly, that was the only view of the bird I got. OK, another ‘year-tick’ but annoyingly, I was hoping to get the bird for the guys to see.


Above, a juvenile Black-headed Gull loafing below the seawall. Below, Geoff pointed out this Reflexed Saltmarsh Grass (the green leaves) that was growing by the footpath close to the seawall.



Above, from left to right, a Black-headed Gull, two Med Gulls and a Herring Gull all preening on the foreshore. Below, Geoff also found this Sea Slater running along by the seawall. This is a type of Woodlouse species.



We actually waited for a couple of hours as the tide receded and exposed the shingle beach. More and more Terns came in to rest on the shingle, but all that were present were Common and Sandwich Terns. The only waders seen on the foreshore were Oystercatchers and a few Redshank, which joined the Terns; but little else of note apart from a couple of Common and Mediterranean Gulls resting on the shingle. More and more Terns were returning from the Solent and many were heading over to Titchfield Haven. So after lunch, we parked up on the seafront and made our way to the viewing area overlooking the River Meon and the Tern Rafts.


Above and below, the gathering Common Terns were returning back to the foreshore with a Mallard dabbling near them. 



Above, Black-headed Gulls with a Redshank on the foreshore and below, a pair of Med Gulls flying along the shoreline.



Quite possibly Britain's laziest Birder!!?


From here, there was a variety of notable species seen that included a Water Rail on the edge of the reedbed. We did hear one a few minutes earlier calling somewhere in the reedbed and it didn't take long to find the bird out in the open. The small island held a pair of Common Terns which I believe were nesting on there. Sadly, an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull came down and snatched one of the Tern chicks and though mobbed by the Terns and Gulls, it quickly swallowed its catch and flew off north up the River. Mother Nature can be so cruel at times. 


Above, a Black-headed Gull and a juvenile Common Tern perching on the posts within the River Meon and below, a pair of Grey Herons flying over the reedbeds opposite the viewing area.



Above and below, a juvenile Water Rail along the fringes of the reedbed.



Above, the Common Terns were always a joy to watch as they passed overhead and below, this juvenile Great Crested Grebe was acquiring its adult feathering along with a Coot and Mallard.



As well as a few Redshank present on the island, Geoff found a Common Sandpiper, which was  also on the edge of the reedbed and a little while later, it flew up the river and then back again to land on the other side of the island and out of view. Large numbers of Common Terns arose a couple of times in front of the Meonshore Hide, but no sign of the Black Tern among them. I found a distant Sparrowhawk soaring high over the north of the reserve and around is within the reedbeds and vegetation, we had sightings of a Reed Warbler, Willowchiff and a Kestrel to round off our day here, but not before Andy bought the Ice-creams! Good man.


The juvenile Water Rail by the River Meon.



Cowplain Marsh:


This female Common Darter landed close to where I was sitting by the Pond.


What better way to finish the day off by relaxing by Andy’s pond in the sunshine with a cup of coffee and a few biscuits, watching the local wildlife with my good buddies. Enjoying the fish swimming around the Pond, a female Common Darter Dragonfly flew in briefly and landed close by long enough for a few photos before disappearing over the garden fence. Blue-tailed Damselflies were abundant here with at least 6 on the wing and butterflies were also numerous too. At least two Comma’s showed well as well as Large & Small White’s, Speckled Woods and singles of both Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper. It has to be said, that Andy's garden is starting to look like a real haven for wildlife and with the sound of tinkling water flowing into the Pond, so relaxing and tranquil.


Above, a Comma butterfly basking in the sunshine by the Pond and below, a resting male Blue-tailed Damselfly.



Above, we saw two Mint Moths enjoying the Water Mint growing from Andy's pond.


When I got home, after checking the Moth Box thoroughly, news came through that up to three Little Stints were on the Lake area of Farlington Marshes. Andy went down there and successfully saw the birds to add to his Hampshire year list. Top bloke! 


One of the Little Stints on Farlington Marshes today. Photo by James Cutting.



Friday, July 18, 2025

Another hot day here on the south coast.

Friday 18th July 2025.


Governor's Green looked a bit dispondant this morning, but it still attracted a few birds.

The Moth Box didn't go on last night as I felt that some of the Moths from yesterday had not flown and so gave them the chance to disperse into the night. The bird life wasn't too bad today at Pembroke Road, but as the day progressed, the afternoon shift here was very warm indeed. A helicopter over the Solent and quite close to the shoreline at times, scared most of the Gulls and pushed them my way as I sweated it out in the hot sunshine.


Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:


One of the Buff-tailed Bumble Bees covered in pollen from the Hibiscus flowers.

There was hardly any green leaves on Governor’s Green and looked an ugly shade of brown, though this did not deter the birds coming down in search for insects including a lone Pied Wagtail, a couple of Blackbirds, a Robin and a small flock of Black-headed Gulls on the grass (a few juveniles with them too). A couple of Great Black-backed Gulls were on the rooftops in Penny Street and a small flock of Swifts overhead this afternoon increased today’s species total to 14 species for the day.


This Common Spotted Field Syrph Hoverfly also enjoyed the Hibiscus flowers.

Both the Migrant and Marmalade Hoverflies were showing well on the Hibiscus Bushes again along with good numbers of Buff-tailed Bumblebee’s. This afternoon, a Comma butterfly landed just a few feet away from me, flapped its wings slowly for all of about 10 seconds and then flew off as if to say Hello, lovely to meet you but I must dash! Nothing quite like a bit of poetic license (or do I need therapy?).


One of many Common Field Grasshoppers in my daughters garden this afternoon.

Yesterday evening, a Wood Sandpiper was in the Lake area on Farlington Marshes; thanks to Jason Crook in finding it. In Hampshire today, the Ruddy Shelduck was seen on Blashford Lakes again and over at Lepe Country Park, an Osprey was seen in one of the dead trees. More locally, I counted at least 30+ Swifts high over my house in Southsea early this morning, all in one big flock and a calling Linnet flew south. I was over my daughters house in Bedhampton this afternoon and I couldn't believe how many Common Field Grasshoppers were on her back lawn, with at least a dozen individuals heard and some seen well.


Matt & Emma’s Moth Box:


A nice moth to find, a Vagrant Piercer (Cydia amplana). I have not had one of these for several years now, so I must be overdue for one?

The Jersey Tiger moths are pouring in still with SEVEN turning up at Matt & Emma’s Moth Trap this morning. Along with these Tigers were a Ringed China-mark, Lime-speck Pug and a Vagrant Piercer.

Thursday, July 17, 2025

One of the largest haul of Moths this year.

Thursday 17th July 2025.



Two of the five Jersey Tiger moths this morning.

What a difference cloud cover makes overnight as my Moth Box and the surrounding area was heaving with Moths this morning. There were no ‘Lifers’ this morning (for a change!), but another species was added to my year list, which now currently stands at 287 species for the year. It was much warmer than yesterday with temperatures reaching a sticky 25 degrees this afternoon and hardly a breeze to go along with it too. There was a short sharp shower early this morning, but I missed it while I was having breakfast!


My Moth Box:




My first Pearl Grass-moth of the year.

A stonking 136 moths were present this morning of 46 species, which included my first Pearl Grass-moth (Catoptria pinella) * of the year; a common, but very attractive micro moth. Up to FIVE Jersey Tigers were present, all of the orange underwing variety and my second Ruby Tiger of the year was among them. Another cracking moth was my second Swallow Prominent of the year, sitting on the brick that keeps my rain-guard down.


One of three Fulvous Pearl moths.

There was a bit of an explosion in some species with at least 22 Light Brown Apple Moths counted and probably more dotted amongst the plants. 11 Black-banded Masoners was a good total. Three Langmaid’s Yellow Underwings was a good record for this species. I do actually pot all of them just to make sure they are not the closely related Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing. I wonder if tonight is going to be the same again with the weather? Thunderstorms are predicted around the south-east of the UK, so who knows?


The Small White butterfly in my Moth Box today.


The Moths present this morning included the following:

Macro moths:                                            Micro moths:

Jersey Tiger x5                                         Bud Moth x1   
Ruby Tiger x1                                           Bird-cherry Ermine x1
Marbled Beauty x4                                   Oak Knot-horn x1         
Common Emerald x2                               Grey Knot-horn x1 
Swallow Prominent x1                              Pearl Grass-moth x1 *
Cloaked Minor x1                                     Beautiful Plume x1
Marbled Minor x1                                     Common Plume x7
L-album Wainscot x1                               Mother of Pearl x1
Willow Beauty x1                                     Rosy Tabby x1
Brimstone Moth x7                                  Meal Moth x1  
Shuttle-shaped Dart x1                            Brown House Moth x2
Large Yellow Underwing x4                     Garden Grey x2 
Lesser Yellow Underwing x2                    Narrow-winged Grey x1
Langmaid’s Yellow Underwing x3            Common Masoner x14
Silver Y x1                                                Black-banded Masoner x11
Double-striped Pug x6                              Large Pale Masoner x1
Lime-speck Pug x1                                  Dotted Masoner x4
Common Rustic x1                                   Garden Grass-veneer x1
Cabbage Moth x1                                     Willow Ermine x2
                                                                   Brown Bark Moth x3
                                                                   Mint Moth x1
                                                                   Light Brown Apple Moth x22                                            
                                                                  Ruddy Streak x2
                                                                   Elderberry Pearl x3
                                                                   Apple Leaf Miner x3
                                                                   Rusty-dot Pearl x1
                                                                   Rufous Pearl x3


Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth:


This was the Roesel's Bush-cricket on someones wall near where I stood in Pembroke Road. Apologies for the poor photo, but it was high and taken on my Mobile Phone camera.


There were some notable bird and insect sightings today here at Pembroke Road, especially when it warmed up in the afternoon. A total of 14 species were noted today (just 9 species yesterday) that included a male Sparrowhawk taking one of the House Sparrows by the hedgerow in the Bowling Green! Another Sparrowhawk, a male I think, was seen this afternoon landing out of view on the rooftop of nearby houses, but shooed off by a Crow. Just before this morning's Sparrowhawk arrival, a pair of Pied Wagtails were back on the Bowling Green again. Yesterday, I watched one Pied Wagtail defiantly chasing insects on the Green despite a Bowling match going on!

Butterflies seen here today included both Large & Small Whites, a single Red Admiral that belted across the road and then onto Governor’s Green and what I thought was going to be a Hairstreak, was in fact a male Common Blue, when I finally caught up with it! Another unusual record was of a Roesel’s Bush-cricket perched on the wall of one of the houses!


Matt & Emma’s Moth Box:





Over in Fareham, Matt & Emma had a list of new moths for the year that included the following:

  • Fulvous Pearl
  • Yellow Shell
  • Brindled Pug
  • Maple Pug
  • Juniper Pug
  • Channel Islands Pug
  • Willow Ermine
  • Four-spotted Footman
  • Rusty-dot Pearl
  • Clay
  • Pine Carpet.



They also had 4 Jersey Tigers (two each of the yellow and red variety), Brimstone Moth and an Uncertain.

Another new Moth for the year.

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