Sat in a Field

 Saturday July 1

The 'field' was a roughly mown, marshy meadow, part of Whitwell Common.  An area full of rare flora and fauna, designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI. It was their annual Open Day and being allowed to trap moths there was part of the attraction. Mike Gasson (Butterfly Conservation, Norfolk branch) set three traps out on Friday night, collecting them ready for us to open at 10.00 - an hour before Open Day officially began.

The table was set up in the shelter of a large Oak tree, finding sufficiently flat ground for its frame - and for folding chairs - not easy. It was not well enough advertised, the only moth-ers there were members of our group, thirteen of us. There were plenty of moths in the traps, many of them micros. Some uncommon enough to be potted and taken away by Andrew for further identification. 

The most interesting macros were the uncommon Silver Hook (library photo)

 

and Blackneck. This photograph is mine ,taken of a moth trapped at our home two years ago. The only one we have trapped.

 


At 11 o'clock, peace was shattered by the arrival of several small children, mainly boys, who immediately wriggled through to the traps, oohing and aahing at the contents. Good to see the enthusiasm and interest, even better when they moved away. Peace was restored. Several of the group had interacted well with the children and their mothers, pointing out the more colourful moths and a little about them.

It was a very enjoyable session, thanks to all who contributed.

We could have stayed for one of the walks, most did. There were many Orchids around, including Marsh Helleborine which Neil came back to tell us about. The ground was too uneven for me and my Rollator, unfortunately, We went home for a welcome hot drink.

Pam appeared from the kitchen telling me to look out of the window - and round the corner - where a Kestrel was perched eating a newly caught small bird. The Sparrowhawk is a regular visitor. We have never had a Kestrel in the garden, let alone catching prey here. Pam took a photo through the kitchen window, using my camera.The prey was a Blue Tit.



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