Four more new moths for the year on a breezy morning.

 Wednesday 27th May 2026.

My first Cream Wave of the year, which Jackie found on the lounge wall last night.

A lot more breezier this morning, especially when I took the dogs for an early morning walk. I managed to get up around 4.45am this morning (bleary-eyed and wobbly!) and dragged myself out of bed to go and check the Moth Box. After yesterday’s strong heat, I was expecting a lot more moths than what I actually got this morning, but there were a few more moths that were new for the year. As I write, it's 23 degrees, so I think we are in for another warm one again.

My Moth Box:

Ringed China-mark was new for the year.

Around 10pm last night, a check of my Moth Box and moths were coming in thick and fast and so it was out with the pots. I managed to grab my first Cream Wave moth of the year and other moths found were a Small Mottled Willow, Swallow Prominent, Sharp-angled Peacock and a Silver Y. This looked as though it bode very well for tomorrow.

Two more for the year list: above, Olive Pearl and below, Mottled Pug.

In all, up to 29 moths of 18 species were recorded including those that were seen last night. Four more species were new for the year and that included three micro moths, Garden Pearl (Udea olivalis), Ringed China-mark (Parapoynx stratiotata) and the stunning Large Fruit-tree Tortrix (Archips podana). Three good quality moths. A Mottled Pug was sitting on the bathroom window, which was new for the year and up to 10 Pale Tussock moths were also present. The Moths recorded from last night and this morning included the following:

MACRO MOTHS	MICRO MOTH
Pale Tussock x10	Garden Pearl * x1
Swallow Prominent x1	Ringed China-mark * x1
Silver Y x1	Large Fruit-tree Tortrix * x1
Cream Wave * x1
Small Mottled Willow x2
Sharp-angled Peacock x1
Mottled Pug * x1
Knot-Grass x1
Common Marbled Carpet x1
Treble-lines x1
Heart & Dart x1
Orange Footman x1
Willow Beauty x1
Green Carpet x2

The usual ‘bugs’ were present again this morning with Green Drake Mayflies being most numerous and the Caddisflies. There was just the one Cockchafer Beetle which I quickly rescued and put in the bushes. While checking the Moth Box, a small flock of 5 Siskins came into the garden and all the usual birds were singing nearby.

Above, the walk along East Street heading south and below, a male Blackbird on the road between parked cars.

Above, a good population of House Sparrows here in Chittlehampton and below, one of the two Swallows that regularly perch up in wires within the village.

All the usual Swifts, Swallows and House Martins were present again within the village as we walked down East Street south down the road, taking in all the amazing flowers that were on show. A couple of Blackbirds walked across the road as did a rather confiding Robin that didn't bother looking up as I passed with the dogs.

Above, my first ever Bush Vetch plants growing in the hedgerow and below, a pair of Stock Doves that were seen in exactly the same place recently.

Above, a Spear Thistle growing along the side of the road and below, one of the Swallows preening.

The Sheep field held the usual Jackdaws and Blackbirds searching for food on the grazed grass and by one of the Barns, a pair of Stock Doves were resting on the roof. The road was a little busy with traffic now and then, but all behaved themselves courteously, A pair of Linnets flew over heading towards the village and a few screaming Swifts overhead was all that was seen during a rather quiet walk this morning. I did find a plant that was new to me, a Bush Vetch, that looked unfamiliar. Using the Google App, I hope I am right with the ID?

Above, a Robin was oblivious to me and the dogs walking past on the road and below, one of the many Painted Ladies feeding on Nipplewort plants.

Above, Poison Hemlock is growing on the edge of the road. Another of our deadliest and most poisonous plants in the UK. Below, Ox-eye Daisies swaying in the breeze along East Street.

Afternoon update:

Becky and I had another lazy morning here in Chittlehampton and I took the opportunity to take some more photos of the birdlife and other wildlife while the sun was blazing. The blustery wind still remained, but it was a very warm wind with temperatures around the 30 degrees centigrade mark and yes, I kept out of the sun as much as possible!

The male Peregrine flew over our garden late this afternoon and below, a Painted Lady butterfly on a Field Scabious flower.

Above, a Lesser Black-backed Gull soared over our garden and below, a male Greenfinch singing in the Ash tree again.

All the usual birds were present again with Siskins showing well in the Ash tree along with Goldfinches and Greenfinches and the large Cotoneaster bushes within the garden attracted plenty of Painted Lady butterflies as well as the odd Red Admiral. The Honey Bees were joined by Buff-tailed Bumblebees and a few White-tailed Bumblebees, plus a few Syrphus species of Hoverfly.

Above, this morning's Knot Grass moth was still present this afternoon and below, a Red Admiral butterfly dropped into nectar on the Cotoneaster bush.

Above, another photo of the superb male Peregrine and below, a male Siskin seen singing in the Ash tree.

This afternoon, we took a trip to Quince Honey Farm, near South Molton for a spot of lunch and though we did leave it a bit late; we had a nice slice of cake and a coffee and sat outside under an umbrella, enjoying a peaceful time while our dogs sniffed another small dog. On the way back from there, a pair of Red Kites soared over the trees to my right as we made our way for a quick refreshing drink by the The Rising Sun pub in Umberleigh. From here, a superb male Peregrine flew over our heads as we sat outside with our drinks. I knew a raptor was on its way when I heard the local Swallows giving out their alarm calls and sure enough, out flew the Peregrine. A Red Kite also put in a brief appearance flying low over the countryside.

Above, yet another Painted Lady and below, the lone Red Admiral butterfly.

Above, one final photo of the male Peregrine and below, a pair of pale looking Swifts. In fact, the sun was so bright it did actually reflect on their plumage. So all you 'twitchers' can stand down!

When we got back to our cottage, sitting outside on the patio, yet another male Peregrine (possibly the same bird) flew low overhead and soared long enough for a few photos. I have heard the Spotted Flycatchers calling nearby, but yet to see any of them, though it is still quite breezy here in Chittlehampton. The Cotoneaster bushes were still alive with Painted Lady butterflies and Bees etc. Maybe something different might turn up perhaps?