The Last, last post.............

I must learn to be a little more patient! It's not all my fault though,the forecast said it was going to be really cold. In practice the conditions are very similar to last night, so a quick reccy produced this. It's the first one since 18th January and a welcome surprise...........

Northern Winter Moth

A Winter flurry.........18/01

A Really amazing catch considering it is January. After so much cold weather, a sudden temperature rise(6-8°C) and perfect conditions must have done the trick! No less than 3 new ticks for the garden starting with an Early Moth (top) which was found near the trap on some tarpaulin. Next down was 1 of 4 Winter Moth sp. caught, all preferred to settle near the trap rather than in it. Pictured is the lightest and largest of the 4, but to be honest compared to others I've seen they all looked quite light to me?..........any ideas?-

3rd down is only the second Satellite found in the garden, this one was on the side of the conservatory.

2nd from bottom is a very dark Mottled Umber- finally trapped after endless blanks, a welcome garden 1st.

Bottom is another shot of the Dark Chestnut.

On balance, well worth putting out the trap!

N.B. 1 of the Winter Moths (photo above) now confirmed as a 'Northern' and so is the 6th species so far this year and yet another debutant for the garden. Thanks to Andy & Melissa for confirmation.

Xmas Moths at The Lodge...........Boxing Day

A stroll around The Lodge grounds on Sunday 27th proved good hunting for Winter flying moths. I think we did well to record 3 species, obviously these will be recorded for 26th.

The top photo is an extremely well marked Mottled Umber; our 1st ever!

Middle has to be a Northern Winter Moth, probably the 2nd we've found at The Lodge. This one showing the large, pure white hindwings and light overall colour very well.

The bottom photo is the smaller and darker Winter Moth, the comparison is striking once studied side by side........All in all a very productive visit.

(Northern?)Winter at The Lodge........14/11

After no activity what so ever in the Caldecote trap over the last 4 nights, a quick call into The Lodge (Sun 15th) for a walk round the trails was in order. A quick stop around the buildings produced;

• November Moth agg. -5
• Feathered Thorn
• Sprawler
• Northern Winter Moth?- photo

Unfortunately the flash has over exposed the shot and the fine lines across the wings aren't clearly visible! Never mind, maybe next time.

N.B.25/11 Having now caught a Winter Moth (21/11), this specimen seems to be much bigger and paler and has all the hallmarks of a Northern................