Some excellent Moths to start a full day in Dorset.

Sunday 25^th October 2026.

The view from our kitchen window overlooking the countryside. Wow!

Although the clocks went back this morning, I woke at around 4.30am and could not remain in bed. It was the start of our first full day in Askerswell, and Storm Boelo had brought fierce winds overnight and into the early hours. I went downstairs to check on the dogs, then settled with them on the sofa, using one of their blankets.

At 5am, I heard a Little Owl calling outside the cottage, but it was too dark to locate. About an hour later, a Common Buzzard called from the woodland below.

Around 7am, I checked the Moth Box, expecting a poor catch after the bad weather overnight and I could not have been more wrong.

 

My Moth Box:

One of two probable November Moths was by the Moth Box this morning, both perched on the nearby wall.  These were my first of the year.

Well, I was pleasantly surprised on getting a total of 11 moths of 8 species this morning and that included three species that were new for the year. This included Beaded Chestnut, Yellow-line Quaker and two probably November Moths (Epirrita species). I shall stick with the latter species as one needs to dissect this species to ascertain its true ID.

Above, a Yellow-line Quaker and below, the Beaded Chestnut. Both were also new for the year.

My second sighting this year of Green-brindled Crescent (the last at Cowplain Marsh) this year of this species with one in the Moth Box itself and another on one of the sodden outside egg trays.

One of two Green-brindled Crescents this morning.

With us situated right in the middle of the countryside with plenty of trees nearby, it should be good for the rest of the week if the weather gets better.

This Ichneuman Wasp was just inside the Moth Box.

Other insects attracted to the Moth Box included 3 Caddis Fly species, a Common Wasp and the Ichneumon Wasp (Ophion obscuratus.)

 

MACRO MOTHS	MICRO MOTHS
Beaded Chestnut * x2	Rush Veneer x1
Yellow-line Quaker * x1
Lunar Underwing x1
White-point x1
Turnip Moth x1
November Moth * x2
Green-brindled Crescent x2

 

Askerswell, nr Bridport, Dorset:

This Roe Deer was grazing in the field opposite when I was checking the Moth Box early this morning.

While checking the Moth Box, a Roe Deer was just inside the field opposite our Cottage and stayed long enough for me to grab a few photos of this lovely animal. Apart from the many Corvids around the trees by Askerswell Manor (next door to us) (mostly Rooks, Carrion Crows and Jackdaws) and also the Wood Pigeons, there was a constant movement of birds going over. Most were heard flying over, but a good number of species were actually seen.

Above, this Mistle Thrush was up in the Beech Trees by the main entrance to the Manor. Below, the patio area by our Cottage.

Above, Askerswell Manor and below, you can just make out the Stock Dove in front of the centre Herring Gull; though it was distant.

Above, the main exit from Askerswell Manor. Yes, a model Giraffe is on the right!

Two Grey Wagtails flew over the large field beside our cottage. Good numbers of Chaffinches also passed overhead, with many more near the Manor House entrance during the dogs’ morning walk. A Great Spotted Woodpecker called from the top of the tall pine beside the cottage, remaining hidden among the branches before flying off.

Above and below, the Roe Deer opposite the main entrance.

Above, while walking the dogs, I found these Petticoat Mottlegill Toadstools on the footpath. Below, another view of our Cottage for the week.

Near the main entrance to the Manor House, around 30 Chaffinches were flying among the Beech trees beside the narrow road. A small mixed flock of tits, including Long-tailed, Great and Blue Tits, moved through the roadside hedges, with a Chiffchaff calling briefly among them. A Mistle Thrush flew overhead and landed in a tree, while another was later seen at the top of a tree beyond the back garden as we ate breakfast. We walked as far as the roadside, where another Roe Deer was grazing in the opposite field. A little farther on, I photographed some distant Herring Gulls in the fields, only to discover a Stock Dove among the Wood Pigeons. The views from the windows here are simply stunning, overlooking the beautiful countryside.

The small lane I walked the dogs too. there were plenty of passerines around here. Below, a large clump of Honey Fungus growing on the grassy area near the Manor.

Above, a Jackdaw at dawn and below, there were hundreds of Corvids around the trees close by.

The birds seen or heard this morning included the following:

• Little Owl (heard)
• Common Buzzard (heard)
• Grey Wagtail (2)
• Pied Wagtail (heard)
• Meadow Pipit (heard)
• Chaffinch
• Jay
• Treecreeper (heard)
• Great Spotted Woodpecker
• Nuthatch (heard)
•  Skylark (heard)
• Long-tailed Tit (6+)
• Chiffchaff (heard)
• Mistle Thrush (2)