County Cork-er

As if 2 Yellow Warblers aren't enough (1 on Cape Clear the other at Mizen Head) then birders have also found on Cape Clear a Solitary Sandpiper and a very early Northern Waterthrush........ Luck of the Irish?

Normal for Norfolk

As you are perhaps aware the phrase 'Normal for Norfolk' is used to describe something that is odd or unusual - Still with me?. Well, these this certainly is unusual.....Norfolk has managed 2 macro moth county firsts during the month of July. Firstly, Tree Lichen Beauty was recorded from Weybourne. Only 3 British records up until 1991 then 40 odd subsequently. The other is Cloaked Pug. A former resident species in the UK but now only encountered as a rare immigrant. This was trapped in Sheringham on July 22nd............

Trap Result 23/08/08

A fair haul considering the torrential downpours overnight. Plenty of Gold Spot (although Dave had 11 the following night!!), Lesser Swallow Prominent and a Copper Underwing which depsite my best efforts I couldn't turn into Svensson's.............

Eristalis tenax

Hoverflies are a bit of a new interest for me but a fascinating group. Today I came across a couple of Eristalis tenax. A very common species but a new one for me and a pleasant change from the ubiquitous Episyrphus balteatus or Marmalade Fly which seem plentiful around Belgrave.

The Honest Men

Possibly a little early to get carried away, however, hearty congratulations to the Mighty Ayr United FC on being top of Scottish Division Two after three games unbeaten.

Lime Hawk Moth

A very grey looking Lime Hawk Moth caterpillar wandered across my path today (the grey colour indicates it is ready to pupate). Coincidentally an old friend e mailed me a pic of a Puss Moth caterpillar she encountered over the weekend needing an ID. I'm not too hot with larval stages so nice to have two easy ones on the same day......

Back from holiday

A fabulous (but largely uneventful in terms of natural history) week in Dorset. I had some family free time set aside for visiting the BC reserve at Broadcroft Quarry and Perryfields. Sadly the weather beat me......It was nice to have a wander, albeit a blustery one, around Portland Bill. Little of any note though.