Three more moths added to year list.

Thursday 18th May 2023.

My first Turnip Moth of the year.

I had a feeling that there was going to be a good haul of moths this morning after last nights weather conditions looked promising. As I have not had the moth box on for a few evenings due to retrapping the same moths, I was in a bit of a panic this morning, despite getting up earlier than normal (5.30am), for the local House Sparrows were also taking a liking to my moth box also; so how many they gobbled up is anyone’s guess.

Above, Oak-tree Pug and below, one of two Vine's Rustics this morning. Both were also new for the year.

There were at least three new species for my year list this morning (NFY) that included an Oak-tree Pug, Turnip Moth and 2 Vine’s Rustics, plus my second Cabbage Moth (a really fresh individual) and a probable migrant moth, a Turnip Moth which was also present. Micro moths were most certainly abundant overnight with at least 22 Light Brown Apple Moths present. There was also a micro moth that remained unidentifiable that was either a Monopsis leavigella or Monopsis weaverella, but was too worn for a proper identification. Shame, for I do not think I have ever seen the former moth. 

The micro moth Monopsis leavigella or weaverella.

Moths present this morning included the following:

• 3 Garden Carpet
• 1 Turnip Moth (NFY)
• 1 Brimstone Moth
• 1 Shuttle-shaped Dart
• 1 Oak-tree Pug (NFY)
• 1 Freyer’s Pug
• 3 Double-striped Pug
• 2 Vine’s Rustic (NFY)
• 1 Cabbage Moth
• 1 Pale Mottled Willow
• 1 Silver Y
• 1 Angle Shades
• 1 Eudonia angustea
• 1 Monopsis leavigella / weaverella
• 10 Tachystola acroxantha
• 22 Light Brown Apple Moth
• 3 Bryotropha affinis

My second Cabbage Moth of the year.

Back in the birding world, two drake Garganey were on Pennington Marshes this morning but no sign of any of the Temmincks Stints. There was also another drake Garganey on the South Scrape at Titchfield Haven. Yesterday, Andy Fisher managed to see one of the Spotted Flycatchers at the Paddocks at Northney. Well done that man. This morning, there was a nice flock of 5 Swifts chasing one another over Old Portsmouth that kept me entertained for 5 minutes or so. Sad news arrived today on a serious outbreak of Bird Flu on Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve. The Government body of DEFRA confirmed that 274 dead Black-headed Gulls, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 2 Common Terns were collected and taken away for incineration. Terrible news. I just hope the likes of the Gull/Tern colonies at both Langstone Harbour and Hayling Oysterbeds are free from the disease. Tern Island in Pagham Harbour was near empty yesterday as reported on the Birds of the Selsey Peninsula Blog, which is worrying.

My second Freyer's Pug of the year.

Nightjar showing well in Creech Wood.

Tuesday 16th May 2023.

The setting sun lit up this gorgeous singing Song Thrush near the 'Nightjar' clearing within Creech Wood tonight.

It looked as though tonight would be a good night for our visit over to Creech Wood to see the Nightjars and thankfully, it was a clear, still evening and just right for seeing our first Nightjars of the year. Though I wore my thick winter coat, I should have taken my Baseball Cap because the Mosquitoes and other midge-like creatures were treating my head like an open Diner! The good news was there were a lot of Bats flying around tonight and so reducing the little buggers in large numbers, hopefully. Andy Fisher joined me tonight as we waited patiently for the Nightjars and Woodcock to show.

Above, the walk through Creech Wood to the main clearing. Below, Hedge Mustard growing along the edge of the footpath. 

We parked up on the opposite side of the entrance on Bunkers Hill and took the footpath through the woodland heading east. There were ‘over-the-top’ warning signs dotted around due to tree felling going on in the area and the Council even closed off the car park for at least two weeks! What on earth are they felling trees bang in the middle of the birds breeding season anyway? Walking about a third of a mile through the woods to the large viewing area, there were sightings of both Blackbird and Song Thrush and the latter species was really belting its song high up in the trees. A Goldcrest was heard singing as was a Chiffchaff which we eventually saw in the clearing perched high up in one of the trees. It or a different bird was then seen flitting in a small bush right in front of us and burst into a bit of song and then flew off.

Above, the 'Nightjar' clearing where we were successful to see a male bird eventually show a few times. Below, Silverweed growing along the footpath.

We arrived a little earlier than expected and so had to wait around 50 minutes or so before the main attraction arrived. Overhead, a lone Swift drifted over in that time as did a pair of Swallows. Gulls were going off to roost in the harbours, in ones or twos and occasional large ‘V’s’ heading south. A tall dead bough of a tree stood on its own within the ‘Nightjar’ clearing that enticed a Great Spotted Woodpecker to fly onto and call for a while until flying off into the woodland.

Above, Creeping Buttercup was also growing by the edge of the footpaths. Below, another Song Thrush serenading us as dusk fell. What a beautiful song.

As it neared dusk, the Bats came out to hunt for insects and showed well at times, flitting about around the edge of the woodland. A few unidentified moths were also on the wing as were a few Beetles, but the light was now fading and they were all virtually silhouettes. It was around 8.50pm when we heard a brief ‘churr’ from a Nightjar then all went quiet till around 9.05pm until one was seen flying over the clearing and then landing in trees on the opposite side of the clearing, though out of view. It eventually flew out and gave us a much closer view before flying off to perch up again and begin ‘churring’. Sadly, no sign of any Woodcocks tonight and so we made our way back through the woodland and home. A Tawny Owl called a few times, but distantly.  

Above, Black-headed Gulls heading back to roost in the harbours.

Above and below, this male Great Spotted Woodpecker stopped briefly on this dead tree in the clearing.

Another two moths for my year list.

Monday 15th May 2023.

My first Blair's Mocha moth of the year. However, it was quite difficult to get a decent photo of the moth as it was in an awkward area of my garden.

The moth box went on again last night, but I will be cutting it down to around 3 to 4 times a week now to avoid trapping the same moths again. There must have been some overnight rain last night as the patio was wet in areas; however, it was dry as a bone first thing this morning. Another nice variety again this morning with at least two new moths for the year list that included a superb Blair’s Mocha and in the early afternoon, a Freyer’s Pug, which was resting on the back window. A total of 40 moths of 17 species were present today, which I think is the highest total for the year so far.

This Freyer's Pug was an unexpected find when I got home from my first shift this morning.

Moths present this morning included the following:

• 1 Blair’s Mocha (NFY)
• 1 Brimstone Moth
• 1 Silver Y
• 1 Buff Ermine
• 1 Lime-speck Pug
• 2 Double-striped Pug
• 1 Freyer’s Pug (NFY)
• 3 Angle Shades
• 2 Garden Carpet
• 1 Bright-line Brown-eye
• 1 Pale Mottled Willow
• 2 Shuttle-shaped Dart
• 1 Muslin Moth
• 15 Light Brown Apple Moth
• 2 Eudonia angustea
• 1 Brown House Moth
• 2 Tachystola acroxantha
• 1 Bryotropha affinis

My second Silver Y moth of the year.

On the birding scene, over at Medmerry RSPB Reserve, the Stilt Pool is holding both a Temminck’s and Little Stint, both possible ‘year-ticks’ for me. This cracking reserve is certainly going through a ‘Purple Patch’ of late as there were two Temminck’s Stints on the pool there yesterday and last week, a female Kentish Plover! I was pleased to see that former Hayling Island birder, Andy Johnson, who has relocated to the Shetlands; found an Eastern Subalpine Warbler at Lerwick, where he currently resides. I had a good chat with Andy the day before he left when I was down Sandy Point at the time earlier this year. I said the island is going to be a poorer place for birds without him here, for he found so many interesting and rare birds here at this superb location. I have seen around three Subalpine Warblers in the past, but these were before they were split into three different varieties and so, who knows what type of species they were?

The Eastern Subalpine Warbler at Lerwick, Shetlands. Photo by Andy Johnson.

Muslin Moth is new for the year.

Sunday 14th May 2023.

My first Muslin Moth of the year in my moth box this morning.

My garden is in a bit of a mess this morning due to the fact my wife wanted the old Buddleia tree ripped out and replaced by a multi-coloured one instead and so this morning, I ache like hell! At least I had my moth box to check out early first thing this morning and then contemplate going through round 2 of tidying the garden up!

A selection of the moths in and around my moth box this morning: from left to right: Light Brown Apple Moth, Tachystola acroxantha, Angle Shades, Muslin Moth and Shuttle-shaped Dart.

Another new moth for the year produced a nice moth, a Muslin Moth, which is uncommon in my garden, with very few records of note. Though again, 20 moths of 9 species is still low for this time of year. Yesterday, which I forgot to mention on my blog, there was a Chiffchaff in the tall tree in my neighbours garden, doing a little bit of singing as well; though I never got a glimpse of the bird. Yesterday, in the warm afternoon while I was knocking back a cold beer, I was watching all the Bees (including Hairy-footed Flower Bee and Honey Bee) and Hoveflies (Batman and Marmalade Hoverflies) and probably a few other species along with at least four Holly Blue butterflies dancing about around the garden. Superb. 

Moths present this morning included the following:

• 1 Muslin Moth
• 1 Buff Ermine
• 2 Shuttle-shaped Dart
• 2 Angle Shades
• 2 Double-striped Pug
• 8 Light Brown Apple Moth
• 1 Eudonia angustea
• 2 Tachystola acroxantha
• 1 White-shouldered House Moth

The Yellow-billed Kite near Newport, Isle of Wight. This African species of Kite was found earlier this week at Lyn tip, Newport, Isle of Wight. 'Lazee Birder' Ashley Howe, photographed the bird yesterday. Whether its an escape from a Hawk collection somewhere or a genuine wild bird remains to be seen. 

It was back to getting the garden up together today and getting stuck into it, despite aching like a b****, I got busy cutting up the remaining boughs of our old Buddleia. While talking to my neighbour, I heard a Willow Warbler singing nearby and eventually, I found the bird perched in the large tree at the back of my neighbours garden. The bird did not linger long but stayed in the vicinity for around 20 minutes or so. Most probably, the bird had flown in overnight and made landfall in the area. I still think that Willow Warblers have been very scarce this Spring, so maybe they are finally arriving in numbers?

I'm going to stick my neck out here as I think this is a Grey Pine Carpet moth that I found in the New Forest yesterday.

While moving pots and plants around and tidying up, I disturbed a few moths which were unexpected that included a Bloxworth Snout and a Pale Mottled Willow to add to my day total. Holly Blue butterflies were abundant all morning in the garden and one individual actually settled right by my foot! What is it with feet that these moths like?

Above, Andy Tew had this Spotted Flycatcher from his house today and below, this Arctic Tern was off Hill Head today. Photo by Mark Francis.

Hampshire experienced some interesting birds today that included a flock of 12 Glossy Ibis that settled briefly on Hayling Oyster Beds before flying off north towards Portsdown Hill. On the Hampshire border near the River Avon, lies Ripley Reservoir and today, a small flock of 3 Temminck’s Stints were found along with a Sanderling and entertained the many ‘Lazee Birders’ present. Back at Hill Head, a pair of Arctic Terns showed well offshore and two Arctic Skua’s went east.    

The Glossy Ibis on Hayling Oysterbeds today. Photos by Andy Friend.

A trip to Bolderwood in the New Forest.

Saturday 13th May 2023.

The Hawfinch seen by the Car Park at Bolderwood, in the New Forest.

As there were no reports of both the Moltoni’s Warbler and Long-billed Dowitcher, I decided to head to Bolderwood for both the Wood Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher, which is normally a reliable site from previous years. However, it was not to be as both species were never seen today despite a lengthy search in the most likely areas. Thankfully, the site held a nice array of birds and other natural history as always and best of all, it is such a beautiful woodland.

Above, my first Small Dusty Wave moth of the year by my moth box. 

Above and below, one of many Firecrests seen in Bolderwood.

My day kicked off very early by checking the moth box that I had on overnight. There were 17 moths of 9 species found this morning including my first Small Dusty Wave of the year, another species that is relatively common throughout the year in my garden and was later seen flying across the garden later in the afternoon when I got home.

• 1 Small Dusty Wave
• 2 Buff Ermine
• 1 Lime-speck Pug
• 1 Double-striped Pug
• 2 Brimstone Moth
• 1 Shuttle-shaped Moth
• 1 Yellow-barred Brindle
• 7 Light Brown Apple Moth
• 1 Tachystola acroxantha

Above, a Foxglove in leaf and below, the glorious trees in leaf within Bolderwood.

Below, Spurge was growing along the footpaths. 

A check of Andy Fisher’s moth box revealed just one moth, a Light Brown Apple Moth, that was on one of the egg trays. After a cup of coffee, we were then on our way back into the New Forest again. We arrived in the large car park beside Bolderwood and almost immediately, Andy was on his first ‘year-tick’ of the day when I spotted a calling Hawfinch flying low over the trees. Thankfully, the bird landed on top of the tallest tree and I managed to grab a quick photo before it flew off.

Above, wild Bluebells and below, Lesser Celandine (I think?) also growing beside the footpaths.

Within the woodland, we heard ‘drumming’ from one of the Woodpecker species and about an hour later, we were sure that one of them was most definitely a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. While sitting on a bench, the ‘drumming’ started up again and Andy went off to investigate. He found a dead tree within a stretch of woodland and called me over only to point out a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker preening on top of the dead tree. We saw the distinctive barring on the upperparts, but it flew off before I could get a photo of the bird. Andy now had his second ‘year-tick’ of the day.

Above, this gorgeous stream within the woods holds a variety of Dragonflies and Damselflies during the summer months and below, we found at least three Wood Ant nests.

There was a good variety of birdlife within Bolderwood and I was pleased to see so many Firecrests within the area. I think this species easily outnumbered Goldcrests (a few were present singing happily away around the conifers) by at least 5 to 1. Siskins were abundant throughout the wood with a few males displaying overhead. Both male and female Blackcap were seen well and we also had at least four, possibly 5 sightings of Treecreepers including a pair flying together.

Above, a herd of Fallow Deer crossed the path in front of us and headed off into the woodland and below, a Speckled Wood butterfly by the main footpath.

A Marsh Tit showed well, busy searching for insects in the lower branches of the trees, but where we saw it was where we saw the Spotted Flycatchers last year. But none were seen or heard today. Good numbers of Song Thrushes were seen rooting about the leaf litter with equally good numbers of Blackbirds and even a pair of Mistle Thrushes were seen flying through the tree canopy. We were pleased with a Woodlark flying high over the woodland, singing its sad song as it disappeared out of view behind the tree tops. 

Above, the Marsh Tit seen within the woodland and below, a Holly Blue butterfly settled right by Andy's feet by the footpath.

The stream within the woodland held a Grey Wagtail (always see one here) that was both vocal and flighty and never settled all the time we were there. Though it was cold and overcast at first when we arrived, the clouds eventually started clearing and bright sunshine took its place, which hopefully would encourage the insects to come out. Both Holly Blue and Speckled Wood butterflies were seen and I even found my first Damselfly of the year, which I believe was a Small Red Damselfly, but the bugger flew off as I was just about to take the photo. Hurrumph! Several Wood Ant nests were also found which is a great source of fascination for me, though you don't get too close to them as previous experiences have resulted in some nasty bites!

Andy practising his Gandulph impression within the woodland and below, my first Bee Fly of the year.

There was a good variety of plants on show that included the beginnings of Foxgloves, Wild Bluebells (the UK variety and not the Spanish type that seem to be everywhere), Yellow Pimpernel and Dog Violets. All these plants were growing along the edge of the bridle paths, which always kept me intrigued. On the way back to the car, more and more people were arriving to take a walk through this beautiful woodland and on reaching the now packed Car Park, we made our way for our obligatory Ice Cream from the Van nearby. While enjoying our refreshment, a Common Buzzard drifted low over the Car Park and headed off north over the woodland to round off our trip here.

Above, an unidentified Moth species within the woodland. It was very difficult to photograph and below Yellow Pimpernel flowers. 

Not done in searching for Wood Warblers and Spotted Flycatchers, we tried our luck within the woodland from Longcross Car Park near Fritham. Again, none to be seen, but we had a variety of birds including Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Siskins and a male Grey Wagtail by a small stream (second one of the day). Best of all was a calling Raven flying high over the woodland that rounded off our hours stay in this lovely part of the world.  

       

Cabbage Moth added to year list.

Friday 12th May 2023.

My first Cabbage Moth of the year.

I was up around 5am this morning listening to the sound of both House Sparrows ‘chirruping’ and a male Blackbird singing from the comfort of my warm bed! However, I had my moth box overnight again and to hopefully catch some moths before they fly off, I reluctantly got up and after making a quick cup of coffee, made my way into the garden to check the moth box. It was damn cold too with a clear sky overhead, but by 6 am, clouds had come in and a grey sky replaced the blue. Rain is forecast later today, but for now, a little blowy with a north-easterly wind whipping through the garden.

Above, there was just the one Pale Mottled Willow moth this morning. Below, two Buff Ermine moths were present today.

There was just the one new moth for the year, a Cabbage Moth, which is always most welcome in my garden and two Buff Ermine this morning, which were both perched outside the moth box. There was not a great deal within the moth box, with several Light Brown Apple Moths and a Pale Mottled Willow being the main moths. 

This is the activity of 'mining' by moth caterpillars.

Moths present this morning included the following:

• 1 Cabbage Moth
• 1 Brimstone Moth
• 2 Buff Ermine
• 4 Double-striped Pug
• 1 Pale Mottled Willow
• 1 Lime-speck Pug
• 1 Eudonia angustea
• 6 Light Brown Apple Moth
• 1 Brown House Moth

During my first shift this morning in Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth; there were sightings of a female Sparrowhawk with prey after she dived into neighbouring Holm Oak trees and grabbed her breakfast! A Robin serenaded me during my time there, though it remained unseen in a tree nearby and both a Dunnock and a Great Tit were checking out roadside vegetation nearby. Overhead, at least four Swifts were screaming and chasing each other. Always something to see if you keep your eyes open. Hot on the heels of the Grey-necked Lapwing seen in Northumberland (still cannot believe that it is a genuine wild bird!) Birdguides has informed everyone that a Yellow-billed Kite of unknown origin, had been seen on Lyn Tip near Newport, Isle of Wight. Surely it has to be an escape? But you never know these days!  

Above, a Hobby and below, a pair of Common Terns squabbling at Hill Head. Both photos by Emma Parkes.

Above, a male Wheatear at Pennington Marshes yesterday and below, a Tree Pipit in the New Forest. Both photos by Andy Tew.

The adult Long-billed Dowitcher at Pennington Marshes earlier this week. I hope to be going for it this weekend should it still be around. Film footage by James Cutting.