Tuesday 30 August 2022

Beet moth invasion

I'd only recorded Beet moth, Scrobipalpa ocellatella a week or so ago for the first time and if I understand correctly it was only recorded in Bucks county for the first time recently too. However last night I had 72 in the trap so presumably an invasion occurring perhaps linked to the weather this summer? 

Also new for year was a Small Ranunculus and also another Dark Sword Grass.

Not much else happening round here, 31 species on the garden bird survey this morning, Ebird list here. Main change has been a couple of flocks of House Martins and Swallows that must be gathering in the village somewhere. Up to 35 House Martins and 18 Swallows. Grey Wagtails are regular again after a long break through the summer. The first Raven in months yesterday. The tit flock is mainly Blue Tit this year (about 20) with lesser numbers of Long-tailed and Greats. Migrant wise it's just the odd Blackcap and Chiffchaff and the occasional Yellow Wagtails calling overhead. Stuck on 76 species for the year HERE

Been using the Obsidentify app to record beetles, flies, bugs and spiders etc in the garden and light trap. The Old Vic pan species list is now on 1153, the all time moth list is 588 and moth year list is 456.  

The dog keeps killing our garden fledglings- it's had three Song Thrush this year, another one yesterday. Also another Woodpigeon yesterday. If it wasn't for Bird Flu around this year I'd eat these with our garden vegetables (did that in the past with Woodpigeons).   

Beet moths (above and below). Most of those dark spots on the below image are Beet moths. 

Small Ranunculus 
Feathered Gothic - a stunner . Three of these last night. 

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