COUPLE OF MOTH BEAUTIES

Following the number of moths recorded on the previous night, the trap was put out again on Sunday 25th, except this time using the Gardiner trap in my back garden in the park. This trap uses two types of bulb - actinic and halogen to bring the moths in and the large perspex trap means they can be clearly observed. All moths are set free the following morning.

Numbers were down by about half probably because the sky was clear and there was a heavy dew. About 45 moths of nine species was a reasonable return with a couple of real beauties on show.

Oak beauty was seen once last spring and has a striking pattern with a very fluffy head - probably to keep it warm on these cold dewy nights.
This Pine beauty is the first of what should be several records this spring.

Despite the cold northerly breeze, there was some real warmth in the sunshine especially out of the wind. A little splash of colour along the park cliff was provided by some clumps of coltsfoot. An early flowerer, this plant will produce its large round leaves later in the spring after it has finished flowering.

Near the car park at Cudmore Grove, a weasel was seen surveying the area where two adders were found basking. It stood on a log pile briefly and then disappeared into a nearby bramble bush. A peacock butterfly flashed past enjoying the sunshine away from the cold breeze, while later the first comma of the spring was seen flitting across the colourful crop of daisies

At the park pond, two pairs of little grebe were ferociously grabbling with each other as they tried to sort out their territorial claims to the water. The male ruddy duck emerged from the reeds to have a preen and wave its big bill around. The colourful bill seemed to reflect the bright blue of the skies above. There was only the one snipe seen at the edge of the pond today.

Careful scrutiny of the reedmace clumps in the middle of the pond revealed the rare water vole. Luckily there is a healthy population in this area and there are often views to be had from the hide for anyone with some patience. This water vole did very little in ten minutes but may have been nibbling at the fleshy roots of the reedmace.

In the grazing fields, there were still 600 brent geese, 300 wigeon, 10 shoveler, 24 shelduck, and pairs of gadwall, tufted duck and Canada geese.

Walking as far as the Oyster Fishery along the seawall, there were few waders on the mud except for some grey plovers and redshank. A pair of yellowhammers feeding at the foot of the wall were a nice colourful surprise for that area.