Spanish Plume

Friday July 22 

The extreme temperatures brought about by the southerly air flow dubbed the Spanish Plume by meteorologists - when did the weather forecast get so lyrical - all over, thank goodness. Tuesday was the worst day. The UK record was broken on Monday, surpassed on Tuesday - when we were at Natural Surroundings opening moth traps.  The traps were heaving with moths and other insects. Every time the top was lifted slightly to enable a tray to be removed for inspection, many escaped.The final count was  586 moths of 115 species. I wonder how many escaped? The bottom of the traps was littered with beetles, lace-wings, flies, wasps, caddis flies etc. Richard and I were kept busy, he doing the difficult job of calling the names, me doing the recording. I had a printed list, and added another A4 sheet of 'write-ins'. We were able to stay in the shade for most of the time, it was still very hot.

We had to leave without refreshment as we had booked a Stannah stairlift appointment for 1-6 p.m. Pam was still changing when he arrived at soon after one. That business dealt with - yes we have decided to have one, a three week wait for fitting. In the meantime, we need to have a plug socket fitted, a handrail removed and replaced on the opposite wall by a pig's ear type, and some shelves removed. Our builder man,Steve,  has been contacted and it will all happen.

Then, it was out own traps to open. Another record haul in both number and species. Phew.

Thursday, at our weekly Cley moth-ing session was also rich in number and species. Another marathon session for Greg and I. It's the only way I can contribute, so I am very happy to be the scribe. The highlight was a Bittern flying the length of the marsh in front of us.

We have had some good moths at home this week.

Red-necked Footman 

 

Mere Wainscot

 

Dotted Footman

 


Dotted Footmanis a presumed migrant and nationally scarce.

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