Thornton Moth Man

Time to bow out

2010-08-27T00:54:00.000-07:00

A lack of recent posts together with the lack of time / inclination marks the end of this blog. There are better, more frequently updated weblogs (see list on the right)that make much more interesting reading than this. See ya

Tipula maxima

2010-06-04T06:46:00.000-07:00

Another welcome visitor today in the shape of Tipula maxima which with a legspan of around 100mm makes it Britain's largest Crane Fly. Fabulous.......

Lunchtime

2010-06-04T05:10:00.000-07:00

Plenty of bits and bobs around the Conkers Circuit this lunchtime including good numbers of Common Blue, Cinnabar and Burnet Companion. Also of interest were very large numbers of what appear to be the beetle Oedemera luridia feeding on pollen. Pretty sure thats what they are. They have a strong southerly bias but there is a good scattering of records from the Midlands, although I suspect that they, with many other species, are greatly under recorded.

Panorpa communis

2010-06-04T03:15:00.000-07:00

A very attractive, but very common, Scorpion Fly at work today. An interesting genus that feed largely on carrion which is frequently taken from spider's webs. Dangerous game if you ask me...............

Leucozona leucorum

2010-05-21T04:58:00.001-07:00

Very little to report of late. Little or no mothing and very busy settling in to my new job. However, a colleague did today draw my attention to a very striking hoverfly which turned out to be Leucozona leucorum. Common but very smart. More info on them can be found here

First Migrants

2010-03-25T02:05:00.000-07:00

Well, first migrants plural but species singular with Chiffchaff at Hill Hole Quarry and Belgrave this morning. I leave the confines of Belgrave tomorrow to start my new job in sunny South Derbyshire, just around the corner from Albert Village Lakes. I'll quite miss the urban birding around here that I've been doing for the last three or so years but hopefully my new local patch of Albert Village and Oakthorpe flashes will offer up some good pre and post work birding......

Big(ish) Bird Race

2010-03-23T03:28:00.000-07:00

I hatched a plan a few weeks ago of a Big Bird Race with a view to having a serious assualt at the county (excluding Rutland) record of 110 set by Messrs Fray and Gray back in 2007. However after several beers in the Steam Trumpet (Thornton's new pub) last Wednesday, Dave and Andy came up with a twist to the original plan. We would only visit sites within walking distance of the village. This will give us time at Thornton Reservoir, Browns Wood and surrounding National Forest land and Bagworth Heath. We are also hoping to take in the pits at Brascote. We have set outselves an ambitious target of 90 species and we are planning May 1st as the day

Thornton Year List

2010-01-25T05:42:00.000-08:00

I am determined to have a crack at a good year list for Thornton this year. I'll keep the total under my hat presently until I hit 75+ then I will shout from the rooftops. A Water Rail on New Years Day was a step in the right direction and a Kingfisher last week was only my second ever one at the res. I know I'm well behind Messers Wright and Smith but slowly, slowly catchy monkey....................

Patch Tick

2010-01-08T01:31:00.000-08:00

Another Watermead waif and stray on the river in Belgrave this morning in the shape of 2 drake and a female Teal.

The Leicester Llama - In my dreams

2010-01-06T02:21:00.000-08:00

I had a fitful nights sleep last night compounded by the oddest dream.....I was birding in the churchyard in Thornton and found, in no particular order, 2 Bearded Tit, Hoopoe, Redstart and 2 Pied Flycatcher. I put the news out and first on the scene was Andy Mackay but not as we know him now, more circa 1980's complete with beard....He then proceeded to claim a Yellow Browed Warbler which he then plucked from a bush with his hand to find it was in fact a Siskin.......Early night for me tonight I think.........

The last couple of weeks....

2010-01-05T04:28:00.000-08:00

The Wednesday after Xmas saw myself and Andy Smith venturing out in the rain to meet up with Chris Hubbard at Stanford Res. Quite a productive visit with Pink Footed Goose in the large Greylag flock, a few Goosander, a drake Red Crested Pochard and a couple of suspect looking Barnacle Geese. We then headed to Shawell to meet up with Neil Hagley (who I hadn't seen for about 20 years!!). Less than ideal conditions but we did muster up a solitary Yellow Legged Gull. Back then to South Kilworth for some Hubbard hospitality and a welcome whiskey or four. Popped to the Res late on New Years Day for the very showy Water Rail near the lodge.

Goosander

2009-12-22T02:36:00.001-08:00

I know I said no more until after Xmas but I was very pleased to see a group of 13 Goosander (7 male and 6 female) on the river near work yesterday on Thurcaston Road. Presumably Watermead is partially frozen to force them down here ?? Still 3 males and 3 females this morning together with a pair of Shoveler, which is a patch tick.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-18T06:34:00.000-08:00

No further updates between now and the festive season so I hope everybody has a fabulous Xmas and all the best for 2010.

Darts

2009-12-14T08:30:00.000-08:00

Away tonight at The Gate Inn, Hugglescote. Check back tomorrow for the result.....

Staunton Harold Reservoir

2009-12-14T08:21:00.000-08:00

Despite it only being up the road I'd never been to SHR until Saturday. I was taking the kids to the nearby Ferrers Centre but popped in to devour our packed lunch. After finally dragging myself away from the play area I managed to have a short wander up to the sailing club. Lots of big gulls and I imagine there's quite a sizable roost (?). Other notables where a large lapwing flock, 4 drake Goldeneye and I think that was about it. What wasn't so much fun was having to pay £2.50 to park!!

Moths

2009-12-11T08:11:00.000-08:00

In the last few days Thornton Working Mens Club has produced Mottled Umber, Angle Shades and a very dead (presumably since October!) Frosted Orange. Lots of Winter Moths still in the headlights and today a solitary Emmelina monodactyla on the wall at work today. Add to this a Hofmannophila pseudospretella and a Alucita hexadactyla at home recently.

Arrows

2009-12-08T07:43:00.000-08:00

Another win!! At home to the Queens Head, Markfield. 7-2 on the night. Best arrows by me were a 100 and a 126 but a very good standard of darts by all of us with some good averages......Not sure which North West Leicestershire fleshpot we will be heading to next week but I'll post the result here (unless we lose)

Scaup

2009-12-08T07:39:00.000-08:00

Yes, another patch tick on the weekend courtesy of Andy (as they usually are - just makes me feel bad that I never told him about the Red Crested Pochard that he still needs.....) No sign on Sunday but remarkably reappeared on the afternoon with a second one in tow. After my prophetic (or pathetic) statement about the next VC55 addition being Dartford Warbler I'll stick my neck out and go for a Firecrest at Thornton next. The churchyard would be perfect........

Thornton WMC 6 - Jolly Colliers 3

2009-12-03T08:55:00.001-08:00

Still unbeaten.........

Lets Play Darts.......

2009-12-01T07:34:00.000-08:00

Forgotten to mention the flying start that we (Thornton WMC Darts A) have made to the North Leicestershire Darts winter league. Unbeaten so far having seen off The Waggon and Horses, Ibstock on the opening night (winning 5-4 after being 4-1 down and them having divine help in the shape of the local vicar in their squad!!), to beating the Brant Inn, Groby at home and winning away last Monday at the Red Lion, Desford. Last nights match has been rearranged and will see us taking on The Jolly Colliers, Coalville at our place this evening at 8.45pm. Feel free to drop by. We ain't exbibition standard but the ale is good.........

Ian Brown

2009-11-30T05:55:00.000-08:00

I was always more of a Happy Mondays kinda bloke than the Stone Roses but nevertheless a rare night out with the missus saw us at the De Montfort Hall. He has a reputation of often being quite awful live so I wasn't sure what to expect. However, he was pretty good as it goes. Only knew a few bits of his solo stuff but Stellify was very good and Fools Gold really got everybody whipped up but was the only Stone Roses track of the night.

Thornton Res and Brown's Wood - Sunday

2009-11-30T03:44:00.000-08:00

Two Ruddy Duck (another shameful Thornton tick) on Sunday plus a female Shoveler. A fair few Wigeon and Gadwall to boot. Water level is pretty high presently so consequently no Water Rail on show. Brown's Wood was painfully quiet (and very wet) but a bonus was Willow Tit on the way back to the reservoir. Small Siskin group near the churchyard also.

Birds of Thornton

2009-11-19T08:54:00.000-08:00

An all new blog courtesy of Andy Smith is up and running highlighting the avian wonders of Thornton Reservoir and it's environs. Andy's Thornton list is way higher than mine but he has been working this patch since 1937. See the link on the right hand bar or click here

Edward Woodward

2009-11-16T07:56:00.000-08:00

Sad news that Edward Woodward died today. I'm not a huge fan and don't really know much about him other than vague memories of the Equalizer and he was in Enders recently, but he does star in one of the greatest films EVER made, The Wicker Man. Very low tech especially by todays high standards but bloody quality from start to finish.....

Post Punk and Paint Tins

2009-11-16T04:27:00.000-08:00

I was loaded up to the hilt with empty paint cans en-route to Coalville Tip on Sunday only to be turned away as they don't have the facilities to accept them. My only alternative was a trek to Whetstone Tip which was a bit of a chore but allowed me to listen to the classic live Banshees album 'Nocturne' in the car. The classic line up of Sioux, Severin, Budgie and Smith from the Royal Albert Hall no less in 1983. Enjoy.....

The Gambia

2009-11-16T03:18:00.000-08:00

One of my first proper birding hols back in February 1992. I came across my old notebook for the trip the other night and it made fabulous reading and felt like only yesterday when I went. It prompted me to search out my old guide who I met whilst I was there, Modou Barry. We corresponded after the trip regularly but then lost touch. I'm pleased to say that I tracked him down and he's still guiding. We've swapped a few e mails and I can honestly say that if you are ever planning a visit I can recommend the country wholeheartedly and even more so I can recommend Modou as a guide. A very knowledgeable bloke and a top class guide. You can check out his website here

County Mega - Prediction

2009-11-12T02:38:00.000-08:00

This is based on nothing remotely scientific just a feeling in my water BUT watch this space. My prediction this winter, somewhere in VC55, is for Dartford Warbler....You have been warned......

Owls......

2009-11-09T00:50:00.001-08:00

Myself, Andy and honourary Tosser, Tiddy ventured to Cossington on Saturday afternoon. I'd called in at the res before hand and had 2 Raven (yet another Thornton tick)drifting over and the owls didn't disappoint either. One Barn Owl showing very well and 3 Short Eared giving excellent views. Little Egret was also seen flying over. Not a site I visit very often but will certainly be back.

At last..........................

2009-11-02T02:02:00.000-08:00

After 5 long years I finally caught up with Water Rail at Thornton on Saturday afternoon. Proably the best views I've ever had of this bird as it fed out in the open with 3 Moorhen for company at the western end. By utilising state of the art mobile communications (my old Nokia) I was able to glean that Andy was watching a second individual at the top end of the Res at the same time. Bogey bird well and truly unblocked.......

If you cant find the book you want then you're probably at the.....

2009-10-26T06:21:00.000-07:00

Harris Hawk

2009-10-21T07:28:00.000-07:00

Yet another Thornton first found and photographed by Andy on Monday. I'm not one to comment overly on other birders opinions but he seemed to intimate it was an escape despite having no jesses, rings etc.....Got to be a true vagrant, hasn't it ???

Little Bittern & Med Gull

2009-10-21T02:28:00.000-07:00

Andy, Dave and I (together with Andy's Hungarian ringing pal) sat in the pub Sunday night discussing the Thornton Little Bittern that was shot back in the days and look what happened on Monday.......I have to admit to not going to Cossington (but the other two tossers did) but a Thornton tick in the form of a 1st winter Med Gull (found by Andy) was a real bonus.

Grey Dagger

2009-10-05T04:40:00.000-07:00

Without going into much detail a minor op on Friday and plenty of stitches has curtailed any activity over the last few days but a small number of Grey Dagger larvae were noted on Saturday. I have had these before and although I haven't checked I suspect they are feeding on the Japonica sp. that I planted a couple of years back (which was their chosen foodplant last time around). Will probably strip them bare but a fabulous looking caterpillar nevertheless.

Rosefinch - Catch of the Day

2009-09-27T12:25:00.001-07:00

Well, what can I say......A call from Andy's missus, Paula, Saturday morning telling me to get my arse to their house but no reason why. I couldn't as I had the kids so Andy kindly dashed up with this beauty in his ringing bag. I had no idea what to expect when he pulled it out (oh-er) and all I could come up with was a bumbling comment about a dwarf Corn Bunting!!! A quick thumb through Collins soon confirmed Andy's opinion (not that we really needed to)and it's now technically on my garden list as well!! Bonus. Cheers mate, excellent find......

Bug Hunting

2009-09-21T02:45:00.000-07:00

Took the kids to Bagworth Heath yesterday for a spot on entomological education but sadly not a lot on offer. A dragonfly I couldn't ID (not because it was rare but because I'm rubbish at Odonota - but it was Darter size and a rather grey/dull brown if anybody wants to offer anything...maybe a mature female Common Darter??)several Hoverflies, a Speckled Wood and a 5th instar Hawthorn Shield Bug. Ruby was mainly asleep and Jed seemed more interested in sitting on benches, swinging my rather expensive bins around his neck and using his hand lens to examine at close quarters the array of dog and rabbit faeces. Charming.....

LGRE - Sick as a Sea Parrot

2009-09-18T03:00:00.000-07:00

Click here. What a cracking find though!

White Throated Needletail

2009-09-18T02:41:00.000-07:00

No, one of these hasn't been around Belgrave on any given lunchtime this week but I was nosing through the latest British Birds Rarities Committee 'work in progress' this morning and saw the following entry -

18th August 2009 15 White-throated Needletail, Essex, Saffron Walden

15!!! Get out of here.....

The report makes good reading though and you can view it here

Grey Wagtail

2009-09-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

A rather pleasant sight near the Thurcastion Road bridge this afternoon. Their name just doesn't do them justice.......

Lunchtime Shield Bugs

2009-09-16T05:16:00.000-07:00

Another couple for the pot earlier today. Green Shieldbug Palomena prasina and Hawthorn Shieldbug Acanthosoma haemaroidale were both noted at lunchtime.

Bright Line Brown Eye

2009-09-08T01:44:00.000-07:00

A solitary larva of the above has devastated Jed's tomato plants! It has managed to munch through the Cherry, Plum and Beef Toms that we had lovingly nurtured.....We already had a good crop thankfully. The good lady wife managed to pot it for me to ID. And all this in the same day that she also spotted what appeared to be an Elephant Hawk Moth larva.

Pentatoma rufipes

2009-09-07T05:05:00.001-07:00

I can't believe I haven't posted anything on here for so long.....Mainly because I haven't been doing very much other than working and being a dad. Both time consuming and the money earned from the first activity is usually cancelled out by the latter. No moth trapping at all since heaven knows when but a new non-moth species for me the other day (but I don't know how as they are very common) was Pentatoma rufipes or Forest Bug which made it's home on my offside wing mirror. Quite a smart Shield Bug and a welcome change from the ubiquitous Hawthorn Shield. For an excellent online guide to some of the commoner Shield Bugs then click here

Dorcus parallelopipedus

2009-06-26T02:31:00.000-07:00

Following on from my earlier post regarding beetles, I found a female Lesser Stag Beetle in the downstairs shower room last night. Quite impressive it was as well. It's easy this beetling lark......

Beetles

2009-06-24T01:57:00.000-07:00

I have always been fascinated by these insects, particularly Ground Beetles, but the lack of practical knowledge coupled with the lack of affordable and available up to date literature has always put me off a bit. However I stumbled across the website of The Watford Coleoptera Group t'other day and had a very helpful and encouraging e mail from one of their group Dave Hodges, which has made me want to do something about it. It's a great site and well worth a visit.

Stuff

2009-06-24T01:32:00.000-07:00

The Dorset trip report has been started but heaven only knows when I'll get to finish it. So, so busy at the mo with work and family and it's been so long since I ran the moth trap I can't remember how to switch it on!! For those interested in Dorset here are some potted highlights -

Grizzled Skipper
Dingy Skipper
Small Blue
Adonis Blue
Marsh Frit
Glanville Frit (more about that later!!)
Fox Moth
Mother Shipton
Forester
Blown Ford Focus Engine
Sand Lizard
Slow Worm
Dave being sick behind my car Sunday morning (and the bloke whose house he was throwing up outside bringing him a glass of water!!)
Golden Ringed Dragonfly
Pyramidal Orchid
Common Twayblade
Bird's Nest Orchid
Other Orchid type things
Manx Shearwater
Little Owl
Puffin
Crab sandwiches for breakfast
Burnet Moths
Guided tour of the ringing garden at Portland (Andy was very excited by this)
Tree Pipit
Other dragonflies

Erm...........think that's about it!!

Dorset

2009-06-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

A fabulous weekend for all the right reasons but a shocker for all the wrong reasons which ended with us coming home in the small hours with my Focus being on the back of an AA truck and it needing a new engine. Andy was the star of the show with his AA membership but we still had to pay for the lift home!! Will post details of the birds, butterflies, moths, reptiles, orchids and dragons in the next day or so but thanks to Andy for his AA membership and credit card and to both him and Dave for their incredible patience...............

Dorset here we come.....

2009-05-29T01:24:00.000-07:00

Well, the three amigos are all set for our trip down to Dorset tomorrow. The weather looks great so fingers crossed for a productive weekend. We will be at Portland on Sunday and I would like to think that I have an outside chance of connecting with probably my all time British bogey bird - Serin. As it happens neither Dave or Andy have seen one in the UK either so chances are that's the way it will stay that way!!!!

Painted Lady

2009-05-28T04:32:00.001-07:00

Two at lunchtime today on the back of the recent massive invasion. Pretty sure I'll see a few more in Dorset this weekend!! Great Spotted Woodpecker and Bullfinch also.

Mighty Ayr United

2009-05-25T13:01:00.000-07:00

In the last ever season at Somerset Park Ayr United FC clinched promotion to the First Division by beating Airdrie United in the play offs.

Ryan Stevenson's (above) first half goal was enough to take The Honest Men back to where they belong. Well done you boys.......

Trap Result 23/05/09

2009-05-25T12:47:00.000-07:00

Lots of first for 2009 including Spectacle, Flame Shoulder, Elephant Hawk Moth, Rustic Shoulder Knot, Scalloped Hazel and Pale Tussock.

Brascote GP

2009-05-15T11:47:00.000-07:00

What a site! We get a bit wader starved in Thornton but my first visit here was excellent. Two Little Stint were there but didn't hang around and flew of north after about half an hour. Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Oystercatcher and Curlew were also present as were Reed Warbler, Common Tern, Sand Martin and Grey Partridge. There for less than an hour but some excellent birding.......

Trap Result 09/05/09

2009-05-10T15:25:00.000-07:00

Five moths and all new for 2009. Waved Umber, Peppered Moth, Common Pug, Shuttle Shaped Dart and a male Muslin.

Scarce Pug

2009-05-08T04:46:00.000-07:00

An attractive pug moth that can be found in several locations from Humberside down into East Anglia. On August 22nd there is a one day event featuring an Introduction to Moths, by Jon Clifton, at Thornham Village Hall, Norfolk followed by a search for the larval stage of Scarce Pug. I'm going and will have a couple of spare seats should anybody fancy it. Places need to be booked and full details can be found on the Anglian Lepidopterist's Events page here

Three go mad in Dorset

2009-05-08T01:26:00.000-07:00

Just three weeks to go before the founders members of the Thornton Insect Trust (TIT's) head down south to sunny Dorset. Myself, Dave and Andy will be targeting a couple of sites between Shaftesbury and Portland with hopes for Adonis Blue, Duke of Burgundy, Marsh Fritillary, Wood White, Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary and Small Blue amongst many others. Four Spotted on Portland would be good and who knows what their MV traps might hold on Sunday morning. Decent looking pub accommodation and a night out in Dorchester should make for a great weekend, weather permitting.......

Five moths to see before you die.......

2009-05-06T05:39:00.000-07:00

No importantance about this at all but just wanted to illustrate the top 5 on my wish list just out of sheer looks alone. In fact if I thought about it longer I could come up with plenty more.....You may not agree with me on the last one but there's just something about it that has always floated my boat......

Oecophora bractella

Oleander Hawk-moth

Crimson Speckled

The Latin

The Saxon

Green Hairstreak

2009-04-27T01:16:00.000-07:00

Despite very cloudy weather on Sunday I managed a couple of Green Hairstreaks at Warren Hills. Peacock also plus my first Cuckoo of the year.

Trap Result 25/04/09

2009-04-27T01:15:00.000-07:00

Little out of the ordinary save a particularly smart Streamer.

For Sale

2009-04-22T03:51:00.000-07:00

Before I ebay these items I thought I would post here. I'm offloading the following items.........

1 x 15W actinic Skinner trap. Originally purchased from Anglian Lepidopterist Supplies in 2004 used for two years but only a couple of times since. Plywood construction with all electrics, bulb and control box, ready to go. Possibly one or two small cracks to the perspex if memory serves me right. Plywood will have a new coat of preservative shortly! Happy to email pics if interested. £30.00 (rrp £108)

Richard Souths 'Moths of the British Isles'. Both volumes in very good condition. Bought together from a second hand dealer in Stamford but only oddity is that each volume is a slightly different shade of blue. No dust jackets. £15.00

The Millennium Atlas of Butterflies in Britain and Ireland. A mammoth work albeit a little out of date now (published 2001). Excellent quality. Hardcover £15.00

British and Irish Pug Moths - A Guide to Their Identification (Hardcover) by Adrian Riley, again very good condition. £15.00

Lunchtime Butterflies

2009-04-20T06:39:00.000-07:00

A bumper crop today including Small, Large and Green Veined White, Orange Tip, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood and Brimstone.

Trap Result 18/04/09

2009-04-20T01:24:00.000-07:00

Highlights were 2 male Brindled Beauty and Pale Pinion.

Trap Result 17/04/2009

2009-04-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

2 Hebrew Character

Large White

2009-04-14T04:29:00.000-07:00

First for me of 2009 along the river near Belgrave Gardens.

Trap Result 13/04/09

2009-04-14T00:58:00.000-07:00

Amongst the usual suspects last night were Pale Brindled Beauty and Twenty-plume Moth. Also 2 Early Thorn and Dotted Border.

Trap Result 11/04/09

2009-04-12T12:42:00.000-07:00

As the numbers get better I'll just post the highlights (if any). Engrailed wasn't entirely unexpected but welcome nevertheless.

Dotted Border
Engrailed (new to garden)
Small Quaker
Common Quaker
Hebrew Character
Early Grey
Early Thorn

Red Rumped Swallow

2009-04-11T13:28:00.000-07:00

A cracking find by Rob Gill this morning. Presumably the Frolesworth bird from the previous day. Sadly I didn't get chance to get over to see it as I was at Woodlands Garden Centre at Stapleton which is currently flogging a copy of my book at the bargain price of £7.99. Oh how the mighty have fallen...........

Small White

2009-04-06T08:01:00.001-07:00

Singles this weekend at Thornton and Wistow Park were the first of 2009. Also in the garden this weekend was a new species, for me at least, Common Leaf Weevil. Several of them noted over the course of Sunday both in and out of the house......

Trap Result 04/04/09

2009-04-06T01:13:00.001-07:00

Early Grey
Clouded Drab
3 Hebrew Character

Avocets

2009-04-02T04:58:00.001-07:00

Five of the little beauties at Thornton Reservoir this morning. Dropped in at 07.10. Cracking....

Trap Result 01/04/09

2009-04-02T04:51:00.001-07:00

The ususal mix of Orthosia including Hebrew Character plus

Purple Thorn (new to garden)
Oak Beauty
Early Grey
Bright Line Brown Eye (very early)

Back in the days.........

2009-04-01T13:44:00.000-07:00

A self indulgent look at some goth type classics from my youth. Strangely enough I saw all of these artists at the sadly defunct Charlotte (or the Princess Charlotte as it was then) mainly when I worked there so didn't have to pay to get in!!!

CHRISTIAN DEATH

BALAAM AND THE ANGEL

CRAZYHEAD

Red Kite

2009-04-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

Another today between Anstey and Thurlaston and a very tatty one too, so certainly a different bird to the one last week at Newtown Linford

Butterfly Firsts

2009-04-01T04:53:00.000-07:00

First Peacock and Speckled Wood of 2009 this afternoon in Belgrave. Single Brimstone also.............

Beer Festival

2009-03-30T05:54:00.000-07:00

Thornton's very own beer festival was back at The Club this weekend. Highlights included cask ales such as Landlord, Adnams Broadside, Youngs, Directors and Betty Stogs. I'm not a cider drinker but there was Old Rosie on offer with a whopping 7.3% ABV.....Lots of live music and plenty of grub on offer as well. Roll on the next one.

Birds of Prey

2009-03-26T02:07:00.000-07:00

Red Kite over Newtown Linford this morning plus Buzzard at Thurcaston and a Sparrowhawk over the A6 at Birstall...........

The Birds of Leicestershire & Rutland

2009-03-25T04:24:00.000-07:00

Not only has Rob Fray updated his website but he's updated it with news of The Birds of Leicestershire & Rutland.

This is the singularly most important bird book since The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of British Birds by Messrs Malin, Couzens, Moss and Chandler!!!!

Trap Result 21/03/09

2009-03-23T06:58:00.001-07:00

1 March Moth
1 Common Quaker

Orange Underwing

2009-03-21T12:59:00.000-07:00

A successful trip to Swithland Reservoir this morning gave me 2 or 3 Orange Underwing around the birches on Kinchley Lane. They'll only be around for another couple of weeks so get your skates on if you fancy seeing one. These were in the obvious stand of birch halfway down KL by the blue railings. Brimstone and Small Tortoiseshell as well. On the bird front Buzzard, Green Woodpecker and Goldeneye were also present but I didn't notice the drake Scaup that was reported on the south side.

Dorset Butterflies

2009-03-20T05:55:00.000-07:00

Have booked accommodation this afternoon for a first time foray to Dorset in late May. Targeting several sites between Shaftesbury and Portland with hopes for Adonis Blue, Duke of Burgundy, Marsh Fritillary, Wood White, Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary and Small Blue amongst many others (fingers crossed on the weather). Accommodation will be in a nice little pub in Winterbourne Abbas, The Coach and Horses. Portland will be the centre of attention for Sunday with hopefully some migrants to be picked up. Bee-Eater, Rose Coloured Starling, Montagu's Harrier and Red Rumped Swallow the same weekend in 2008......

First day of Spring

2009-03-20T05:53:00.000-07:00

Two Chiffchaff at lunchtime together with a solitary Small Tortoiseshell. Moth trap tonight me'thinks.

First Butterfly of 2009

2009-03-15T13:18:00.000-07:00

A male Brimstone today at Thornton Plantation plus a second one in the garden later this afternoon.

Trap Result 14/03/09

2009-03-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

Nil !

Ayr United Vs Raith Rovers

2009-03-13T13:59:00.000-07:00

The mighty Honest Men travel to Kirkcaldy this weekend for a top of the table clash. After our 5-0 thumping of Stranraer last weekend lets hope for for another hatful. Both on 51 points after 26 games with Ayr hanging on to the top spot through goal difference

Trap Result 11/03/09

2009-03-12T02:06:00.000-07:00

3 Common Quaker
March Moth

The Purple Empire

2009-03-11T05:59:00.000-07:00

A fabulous website that I stumbled across via the excellent UK Butterfiles site. A fitting tribute to one of our most enigmatic butterflies. Check out The Purple Empire

If only to marvel at some of the historical content such as this bonkers photo of IRP Heslop

Lunchtime Ramblings

2009-03-11T05:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday there was a female Sparrowhawk along the river near Belgrave Gardens sending the local pigeons into chaos. The two Little Grebes that were around last week and seemingly looked quite settled obviously weren't and haven't been seen this week. Long Tailed Tits are still very much in evidence. Is it me or are they everywhere these days? I've also discovered a second Fox earth about 300 yards from the one I stumbled upon the other week. I can't see any real evidence of occupation in either of them to be honest but both look freshly dug.

Thornton Reservoir

2009-03-09T03:56:00.000-07:00

I managed half an hour at Thornton Reservoir over the weekend before being strangely drawn into exploring the new path from the reservoir up the hill and into the beer garden at The Bricklayers Arms!! I was hoping for a Sand Martin but no such luck. 4 Gadwall were good and a dozen or so Common Gull. A very showy Nuthcatch was also at the feeder near the fishing lodge and a fine pint of Everards Tiger lay within........

Punkbirder - The Movie

2009-03-03T05:30:00.000-08:00

Shame we've just missed the Oscars......It will be a cert next year

Leicester Young Birdwatchers Club

2009-03-03T05:11:00.000-08:00

As many will know back in the 1980's (although it started off life in the 70's)there was an organisation that went by the above name. The club is now sadly no more but for many years was run by one Barry Raine. I have lots and lots of fond memories of the club and it gave me my first experience of Scilly, Norfolk, Spurn, Portland Bill and Dungeness. Not to mention numerous birds and introducing me to many people whom I am still good friends with now. Chris Hubbard is organising a reunion this summer (June 28th is pencilled in). This coincides with the return to the UK of former chairman of the LYBWC, Andrew Featherstone, from a retirement home somewhere in South Africa :)

If by any chance somebody reading this was a member and would like more information then please get in touch. I can be contacted at thorntonmothman@yahoo.co.uk

Patch Tick

2009-03-03T04:33:00.000-08:00

A not entirely unexpected lunchtime patch tick today in the shape of two Little Grebe on the river near the Thurcaston Road bridge. Numerous gulls near the Pumping Station included three adult Herring Gull. A single Goldcrest and plenty of Long Tailed Tit also. Eat you heart out Urban Birder...............

Trap Result 28/02/2009

2009-03-01T06:13:00.000-08:00

We're off.....................

Acleris cristana
Pale Brindled Beauty
Common Quaker
Clouded Drab

The micro completely threw me, thanks to Skev for the ID. Quite a smart looking thing and only first recorded in the county as recently as 2002 but turning up all over the place now. I think its the form cristalana but feel free to correct me. Please see following very poor (but actually quite good for me!!) record shot

Bird Atlas 2007-11 part two

2009-02-28T13:02:00.000-08:00

A very different tale to the previous visit over my survey area. Not many species but some new stuff, most exciting of which was a female Stonechat on the western edge of the quarry. Another surprise were a number of Teal on the smaller ponds accompanied by a rather out of place looking Cormorant. Plenty of Skylark but still no House Sparrow....Next visit spring.

Dark Green Fritillary

2009-02-26T03:21:00.000-08:00

I had the latest edition of the Leicestershire Ent Soc newsletter this week and it was bumper packed. A very good read. Of real interest was a short article about a visit to Browns Wood by an emminent local lepidopterist who recorded the above butterfly. Don't you just hate it when that happens on your local patch.......

Fox

2009-02-24T04:55:00.000-08:00

Today I stumbled across what appears to be a fairly newly dug Fox earth on my lunchtime wander. It's in quite an obvious spot with little cover in an area heavily frequented by dog walkers. Let's hope all goes well and I will try to keep my eye on them this spring.

Leicester City

2009-02-23T14:02:00.000-08:00

Despite my passion for lower league Scottish football (The Mighty Ayr United) I am still a Leicester lad and support my home team despite my Scottish roots. Thats why I have posted this. Any LCFC fan from the last 25 years will be sent flying down memory lane at 1000 miles per hour.......Enjoy

Trap Result 21/02/09

2009-02-22T12:45:00.000-08:00

First night of the year. Managed to superglue the vane assembly together with a few other running repairs but sadly no moths....To be fair the temperature dropped and the wind was up but I just wanted to check everything was in working order. Maybe next time.

Waxwings - Thornton

2009-02-22T12:42:00.001-08:00

About time........Cracking

Rutland Water & Eyebrook Reservoir 20-02-09

2009-02-20T14:38:00.001-08:00

A cracking day out with Andy. A total of 77 species with 14 species of Duck and 4 species of Owl. Here are the highlights -

Barnsdale Area - 2 Black Necked Grebe, Ruddy Duck, Barnacle Geese (!)

Sykes Lane / The Dam - 3 male and 2 female Scaup

Egleton Visitor Centre - Barn Owl, Smew, Goosander, Egyptian Geese

Eyebrook - Dunlin, Golden Plover, Pintail, Tree Sparrow and Green Winged Teal

Great Easton - Short Eared Owl, Sparrowhawk, Red Kite

Thornton Reservoir - Little Owl

Some really good county birding - Cheers to Andy for driving

Thornton Reservoir 17/01/09

2009-02-17T12:20:00.000-08:00

A full circuit today but with little reward. 3 different Green Woodpeckers, several Nuthatch and not a lot else to be honest. As ever the bulrush (Typha spp.) around the reservoir had feeding signs of Limnaecia phragmitella. On holiday this week and off out with Andy Smith somewhere on Friday, Rutland and Eyebrook beckon. Hope the Ospreys are still there...........

RIP - Lux Interior - October 21 1946 – February 4 2009

2009-02-11T12:13:00.000-08:00

Sad news that the legend that is Lux Interior, frontman of The Cramps, passed away last week. I've been a Cramps fan for longer than I remember and had the pleasure of meeting Lux, Poison Ivy and Nick Knox many years ago before a gig at Wolverhampton Civic Hall. A true off the wall genius and will be sadly missed. Can't believe we'll never get to see them play again. A quote from J.H. Sasfy's sleeve notes to their debut EP memorably noted, "The Cramps don't pummel and you won't pogo. They ooze, you'll throb."

Lunchtime

2009-02-09T04:45:00.000-08:00

Little to report of late but at lunchtime today the riverside near work was home to a group, numbering 40 plus, of very confiding Redwing. Fabuolus birds and always good to see. Large numbers of Goldfinch seem to present at the moment along with Long Tailed Tits and Treecreeper in Belgrave Gardens.

The Lakes

2009-02-04T03:01:00.001-08:00

Little birding done sadly but a huge great house with well stocked feeders in the garden. Coal Tit and Great Spotted Woodpecker were regulars and other highlights included Nuthatch, Fieldfare and Tawny Owl. Other notables were a Peregrine on the A6 near Lancaster and a drake Goosander on Windermere. I did note a gaggle of birders in an odd location on the way home but then realised, after spotting a couple of road signs that it was the Forest of Bowland area so perhaps they were looking out for the Eagle Owls that have been breeding?? Who knows. On a sad note due to Jed having to have a spell in hospital we have had to cancel the week in Norfolk later in the month. Can't believe it that it comes through for that week. Oh well, maybe next year.