I suppose it had to be done. Jackie & I accompanied Nat Thorne and had an hour with this incredible bird today. Long-tailed Shrike at Eastleach Martin on the Gloustershire / Oxfordshire border.
Nick Hull
@lytchettbirder.bsky.social
Birder, NocMig’er, Moth’er, Reptiles & General Naturalist.
After dipping at Arne shouldn't have worried on the home patch today, 3 - Blue-eyed Hawk/Southern Migrant Hawker Aeshna affinis @dorsetwildlife.bsky.social @britishdragonflies.bsky.social
Heard a distress call and couldn’t see anything at first it was from behind a now dry water butt. It turned out to be a frog half swallowed by a grass snake, which is a first for the garden, unfortunately for the snake but lucky for the frog as both bolted in opposite directions.
Very occasionally when the Butterfly count starts we often get Grayling in the garden and this morning is no exception with two on the buddleia. found by @jackiedh.bsky.social @dorsetbutterflies.bsky.social
The moth trap was good with a trio of Mocha - Mocha, Blair's & Jersey Mocha plus a Tree-lichen Beauty. the latter two were new for garden. 24 Small Mottled Willow, 17 Cydia amplana, 18 Jersey Tiger, 8 Rush Veneer & Rusty Dot Pearl. @dorsetmoths.bsky.social @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
The moth of today has to go to Light Crimson Underwing. Saw my first last week caught by @beardybirder.bsky.social then this a.m. get two of my own amazing. @dorsetmoths.bsky.social
Often have to go hunting for Golden-ringed Dragonfly to get it on the patch list not this year. This one came to us and flew in to the garden.
Moth of the morning has to be The Latin a first for the garden only ever caught them in France. Clancy's Rustic was a second record the first in 2013. @dorsetmoths.bsky.social @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
Not a bad trap last night well at least for me Evergestis limbata (Nat. b species) and nania lancealis both only the second times they have turned up in my home trap.
From the garden today predator and prey. Astata boops a wasp that predates on shieldbugs, and possible prey Hairy Shieldbug Dolycoris baccarum.
Birding and more on our River Cruise on the Douro, Portugal @lytchettbirder.bsky.social twoowlsbirding.blogspot.com/2026/06/
TwO Owls Blog
twoowlsbirding.blogspot.com
A few from yesterday's trap Blair's Mocha, Bordered Straw, Small Mottled Willow, European Corn Borer and Rusty Dot Pearl. @dorsetmoths.bsky.social @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
Pretty good trap this a.m. with several Diamond-backs & Small Mottled Willow and 13 NFY. Put out a MYO pheromone in the hope for a Red-belted Clearwing. The wife just came in and said there is something in your trap. 'Bingo' my third clearwing sp. for the garden. @dorsetmoths.bsky.social
We thought it odd that our crab apple and other blossoms from various shrubs have been disappearing. Think we have found the culprit Sika Deer scat in the front garden. A new species for the garden.
Not a big trap this morning but 13 NFY and 1 NFGarden. Always nice to see Privet Hawkmoth in the trap, first time had them in the blue led. and a the NFG was a Tischeria ekebladella. @dorsetmoths.bsky.social
Only ever caught Nutmeg once before back in 2022. Yesterday Jackie comes in and says "caught this in the conservatory".
A couple of the nicer moths from the trap Burnished Brass was my third record last caught in 2023. The Sallow Kitten has been an annual species in the home trap.
Not a big catch this morning just 19 moths of 14 species. But 8 were NFY. Dark Sword-grass, Herald, Angle Shades, Early Tooth-striped, Muslin Moth, Common Pug, Shuttle-shaped Dart & Red-green Carpet.
A drive around Purbeck today birding from the van mainly as Jackie is a little immobile at present. At Creech had 3 Red Kite, 2 Buzzard a singing Whitethroat a 1st for year. This Peregrine went past so close & fast, I was lucky to get this shot. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Well there a surprise just having a look around the garden and disturbed a moth and low and behold it's a first for the garden #CommonHeath
Two White-tailed Eagle from the BoPH Birdboat this morning, Marsh Harrier, Peregrine and much more, 42sp seen for me I'm sure I missed one or two. Great trip thanks Paul, Joe & Humphrey. @harbourbirds.bsky.social
It had to be done, not seen one in the Poole Harbour area for many years. What a little stunner. #Red-spotBluethroat
A few from this mornings trap Pale Prominent, Brindled Pug , Great Prominent and Small Mottled Willow.
Came across a few of these out in the warm morning sun - male Green Tiger Beetle they are certainly mean little beasties.
Just a little behind others, but had my first Speckled Woods today.
It is vital that we secure Upton Heath. Please give whatever you can. Thank you.
Dorset Wildlife Trust@dorsetwildlife.bsky.social · 4mo ago🚨 SAVE UPTON HEATH 🚨 Dorset Wildlife Trust is urgently raising funds to protect vital internationally important heathland at risk. ⚠️ Home to rare species such as smooth snake and Dartford warbler, this special place could be lost. Donate and share 💚👉 bit.ly/4mbKIqQ ~ Jack
Limited trap last night but 5 new for the year Nut-tree Tussock, Lunar marbled Brown, Frosted Green, Twenty/Many-plumed Moth and my earliest Oak Nycteoline plus usual quakers, drab etc.
