Birds, Moths & Other Wildlife sightings for 2022 (January 18, 2023, 03:31:22 PM)
2022 Bird List - first reported date. Great Crested Grebe (28th Jan 2022), Little Grebe (2nd Jan 2022), Cormorant (2nd Jan 2022), Bittern (Not recorded in 2022), Grey Heron (2nd Jan 2022), White Stork (Not recorded in 2022), Little Egret (2nd Mar 2022), Great White Egret (17th Jan 2022), Mute Swan (1st Jan 2022), Black Swan (Not recorded in 2022), Greylag Goose (20th Jan 2022), Canada Goose (12th Jan 2022), Barnacle Goose (3rd Apr 2022), Egyptian Goose (5th Jan 2022), Shelduck (Not recorded in 2022), Mandarin (11th Mar 2022), Wood Duck (5th Nov 2022), Wigeon (17th Jan 2022), Goosander (Not recorded in 2022), Pintail (Not recorded in 2022), Teal (2nd Jan 2022), Gadwall (2nd Jan 2022), Garganey (7th Sep 2022), Mallard (2nd Jan 2022), Shoveler (2nd Jan 2022), Pochard (29th Jan 2022), Red-crested Pochard (26th Feb 2022), Tufted Duck (2nd Jan 2022), Goldeneye (30th Mar 2022), Red Kite (19th Feb 2022), Sparrowhawk (30th Jan 2022), Buzzard (2nd Jan 2022), Kestrel (20th Jan 2022), Hobby (14th May 2022), Peregrine Falcon (Not recorded in 2022), Osprey (Not recorded in 2022), Pheasant (21st Jan 2022), Water Rail (2nd Jan 2022), Moorhen (2nd Jan 2022), Coot (2nd Jan 2022), Oystercatcher (15th Feb 2022), Little Ringed Plover (Not recorded in 2022), Golden Plover (Not recorded in 2022), Lapwing (29th May 2022), Ruff (Not recorded in 2022), Snipe (2nd Jan 2022), Jack Snipe (Not recorded in 2022), Redshank (Not recorded in 2022), Greenshank (Not recorded in 2022), Green Sandpiper (12th Jan 2022), Common Sandpiper (25th Jul 2022), Mediterranean Gull (3rd Apr 2022), Common Gull (16th Jan 2022), Black-headed Gull (2nd Jan 2022), Herring Gull (16th Jan 2022), Lesser Black-backed Gull (16th Jan 2022), Great Black-backed Gull (1st Jun 2022), Common Tern (27th Apr 2022), Arctic Tern (Not recorded in 2022), Stock Dove (12th Jan 2022), Collared Dove (6th May 2022), Woodpigeon (2nd Jan 2022), Feral Pigeon (Feral Rock Dove) (19th Feb 2022), Ring-necked Parakeet (2nd Jan 2022), Cuckoo (6th May 2022), Barn Owl (Not recorded in 2022), Tawny Owl (29th Jul 2022), Swift (4th May 2022), Kingfisher (4th Jan 2022), Green Woodpecker (12th Jan 2022), Great Spotted Woodpecker (1st Jan 2022), Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Not recorded in 2022), Skylark (24th Apr 2022), Swallow (24th Apr 2022), House Martin (19th Sep 2022), Sand Martin (18th Sep 2022), Meadow Pipit (Not recorded in 2022), Yellow Wagtail (Not recorded in 2022), Grey Wagtail (2nd Mar 2022), Pied Wagtail (12th Jan 2022), Wren (9th Jan 2022), Dunnock (11th Jan 2022), Robin (1st Jan 2022), Blackbird (11th Jan 2022), Fieldfare (27th Nov 2022), Song Thrush (6th Jan 2022), Redwing (2nd Jan 2022), Mistle Thrush (19th Feb 2022), Cetti's Warbler (11th Jan 2022), Sedge Warbler (5th Sep 2022), Reed Warbler (24th Apr 2022), Garden Warbler (22nd Apr 2022), Whitethroat (Not recorded in 2022), Lesser Whitethroat (10th Sep 2022), Blackcap (20th Mar 2022), Chiffchaff (20th Mar 2022), Willow Warbler (22nd Apr 2022), Goldcrest (26th Jan 2022), Firecrest (Not recorded in 2022), Spotted Flycatcher (26th Aug 2022), Stonechat (Not recorded in 2022), Long-tailed Tit (1st Jan 2022), Coal Tit (7th Mar 2022), Blue Tit (1st Jan 2022), Great Tit (2nd Jan 2022), Nuthatch (11th Jan 2022), Treecreeper (5th Jan 2022), Magpie (2nd Jan 2022), Jackdaw (2nd Jan 2022), Rook (15th Apr 2022), Carrion Crow (12th Jan 2022), Raven (2nd Jan 2022), Jay (2nd Jan 2022), Starling (26th Jun 2022), House Sparrow (Not recorded in 2022), Chaffinch (2nd Jan 2022), Brambling (13th Feb 2022), Greenfinch (27th Jan 2022), Goldfinch (3rd Jan 2022), Siskin (2nd Jan 2022), Lesser Redpoll (Not recorded in 2022), Bullfinch (Not recorded in 2022), Hawfinch (Not recorded in 2022) and Reed Bunting (11th Feb 2022).
On 23rd Dec 2022, Simon Buckingham reported - I’ve just had some more moth dissection results back from the county moth recorder. The highlights are: Coleophora albitarsella - White-legged Case-bearer 3/6/21 (new for the reserve), Coleophora alticolella - Common Rush Case-bearer 12/6/21 (new for the reserve), Coleophora caespititiella - Buff Rush Case-bearer 14/6/21 (pre-dates previous first record), Coleophora paripennella - Dark Thistle Case-bearer 14/8/21 (new for the reserve), Coleophora serratella - Common Case-bearer 14/8/21 (pre-dates previous first record), Endothenia ericetana - Heath Marble 13/8/22 (new for the reserve, 3rd record for Herts), Pammene populana - Pigmy Y Piercer 13/8/22 (new for the reserve, first Herts record for 58 years) and Parornix anglicella - Hawthorn Slender 13/8/22 (new for the reserve).
- > 6 more micros new to the ML Species List (to 352) + 2 changed first dates: Coleophora albitarsella - White-legged Case-bearer 3/6/21 Coleophora alticolella - Common Rush Case-bearer 12/6/21 Coleophora paripennella - Dark Thistle Case-bearer 14/8/21 Endothenia ericetana - Heath Marble 13/8/22 - 3rd record for Herts Pammene populana - Pigmy Y Piercer 13/8/22 - first Herts record for 58 years Parornix anglicella - Hawthorn Slender 13/8/22
Coleophora caespititiella - Buff Rush Case-bearer 14/6/21 (pre-dates previous first record) Coleophora serratella - Common Case-bearer 14/8/21 (pre-dates previous first record)
Brown Rat (1st (2), 8th (2), 11th, 15th (1 big, 1 small), 17th , 20th, 22nd (1), 29th (1) Dec), Grey Squirrel (8th, 11th, 17th (5), 20th, 22nd (4), 29th (4) Dec), Muntjac (9th (m), 11th , 17th Dec), Red Fox (10th (walking across ice to island opp Sluice Hide), 11th, 14th, 15th (on island opp Long Hedge Hide), 17th , 29th Dec), Badger (Dec) and Rabbit (22nd (2), 29th (2) Dec).
Slime-mold (Craterium minutum) (7th (new to the ML Species List) Dec), Frosty Bonnet (Mycena adscendens) (20th Dec), Slime-mold (Tubulifera arachnoidea) formerly Tubifera ferruginosa - Red Raspberry (24th Dec) and Candlesnuff (29th Dec).
Common Darter (1st (2), 12th (5), 14th, 22nd Nov) and Hawker sp (12th (2) Nov).
Leaf Beetle (Chrysolina banskii) (12th Nov).
Grey Squirrel (1st, 3rd (1), 7th, 24th (3) Nov), Rabbit (10th - 11th Nov), Brown Rat (11th, 16th, 24th, 28th (swimming), 30th Nov), Weasel (20th (with Sunday Lunch – Wood Mouse) Nov), Mole (22nd (hills along Woodland Walk) Nov), Red Fox (24th, 29th Nov), Roe Deer (25th (female) Nov) and Muntjac (30th Nov).
Grass Snake (12th (14 inch), 14th Nov).
Gelder Rose (22nd (with berries) Nov), Blackberry (22nd (still ripening) Nov), Dead Nettle (22nd (still in flower) Nov), Red Campion (22nd (still in flower) Nov) and Celery-leaved Crowfoot (Buttercup) (Ranunculus sceleratus) (23rd (in Rotunda Pond) Nov).
Slime-mold (Physarum pusillum) (2nd (new to the ML Species List) Nov), Slime-mold (Physarum bivalve) (2nd (new to the ML Species List) Nov). Slime-mold (Lamproderma scintillans) (Nov), Candlesnuff (2nd, 22nd Nov), Brick Cap (Hypholoma lateritium) (3rd Nov), Silver Leaf Fungus (Chondrostereum purpureum) (23rd Nov), Artist's Bracket (Ganoderma applanatum) (29th (on the tree that has now fallen) Nov) and Greyling Bracket (Postia tephroleuca) (29th (new to the ML Species List) Nov).
Peacock (24th Nov) and Red Admiral (26th Nov).
On 26th Nov 2022, Simon Buckingham reported - I’ve had a number of identification confirmations back from the county moth recorder. There are 20 species which are new for the reverse list. (DS notes - Actually 17 as these three were already on the Reserve list - Anacampsis populella - Poplar Sober (Micro - 2018), Caloptilia elongella - Slender (Micro - 2017) and Pale Red Coleophora flavipennella - Tipped Oak Case-bearer (Micro - 2022))
28/6 Gelechia sororculella - Dark-striped Groundling 2/7 Slender Pug (Eupithecia tenuiata) Macro moth 7/7 Coleophora serratella - Common Case-bearer, Caryocolum blandella - Short-barred Groundling, Coleophora lutipennella - Common Oak Case-bearer 8/7 Acleris logiana - Grey Birch Button, Coleophora versurella - Pale Orache Case-bearer, Coleophora adspersella - Dusted Case-bearer (5th record for Herts), Phyllonorycter schreberella - Small Elm Midget, Phyllonorycter nicellii - Red Hazel Midget 9/7 Coleophora striatipennella - Hedge Case-bearer 10/7 Coleophora flavipennella - Tipped Oak Case-bearer (Micro - 2022), Stigmella continuella - Double-barred Pigmy 15/7 Caloptilia elongella - Pale Red Slender (Micro - 2017), Coleophora binderella - Grey Alder Case-bearer, Eana incanana - Bluebell Shade 16/7 Caloptilia alchimiella - Yellow-triangle Slender 22/7 Coleophora badiipennella - Pale Elm Case-bearer, Anacampsis populella - Poplar Sober (Micro - 2018) 30/7 Ectoedemia quadrimaculella (was Bohemannia quadrimaculella) – Four-spot Pigmy (4th record for Herts)
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 1 Oct 2022. 92 moths of 32 species from the reserve was a decent haul for this time of year. Spruce Carpet (Thera britannica) was a new species for the reserve list, whilst Sallow, Black Rustic, Red-line Quaker, Small Blood-vein and Acleris sparsana were all new for the year.
On 16th Oct 2022, Simon Buckingham reported - A couple of new moths for the reserve have been confirmed by the county moth recorder, Colin Plant. Apotomis capreana - Sallow Marble and Lesser Common Rustic (Mesapamea didyma) were both trapped on 13th August 2022.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 22 Oct 2022. 42 moths of 14 species from the reserve. Feathered Thorn and November Moth were new for the year. The moths were rather overshadowed by the wasps in one of the traps. I managed to escape relatively unscathed with just one sting, but I’m now nursing a rather angry arm
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 29 Oct 2022. A mild night yielded 66 moths of 14 species. Highlights were Vestal and Merveille du Jour, which along with Brick, Yellow-line Quaker and Green-brindled Crescent, were all new for the year.
Red Admiral (8th, 22nd (2), 29th Oct).
Hornet (1st Oct), Cranefly sp (Tipula confusa) (2nd (New to the ML Species List) Oct), Wasp (3rd (Nest) Oct), Ivy Bee (17th (a few), 22nd (2) Oct) and Caddisfly (Anabolia nervosa) (29th (new to the ML Species List) Oct).
Willow Emerald (2nd, 9th Oct) and Common Darter (9th, 27th, 29th (m & f), 30th (f) Oct).
Grey Squirrel (1st, 3rd, 6th, 15th, 20th - 22nd, 27th (2), 30th Oct), Brown Rat (1st, 3rd, 6th, 15th, 20th , 22nd Oct), Red Fox (3rd (3) 5th, 10th (Teal), 11th (Rotunda Meadow) Oct), Badger (10th (1), 16th Oct), Muntjac (18th, 31st Oct) and Mole (29th (5 hills from Teal to Sluice, 1 at Rotunda) Oct).
Signal Crayfish (5th (caught by Little Grebe) Oct).
Spectacular Rustgill (Gymnopilus junonius) (3rd , 5th Oct), Glistening Inkcap (Coprinellus micaceus) (5th , 30th Oct), Common Bonnet (Mycena galericulata) (5th Oct), Burgundydrop Bonnet (Mycena haematopus) (5th (new to the ML Species List) Oct), Brown Rollrim (Paxillus involutus) (5th (new to the ML Species List) Oct), Southern Bracket (Ganoderma australe) or Artist's Bracket (Ganoderma applanatum) (5th , 30th Oct), Honey Fungus (Armillaria sp) (5th Oct), Sulphur Tuft (Hypholoma fasciculare) (5th - 6th Oct), Slime-mold (Diachea leucopodia) (23rd (new to ML Species List) Oct), Slime-mold (Lamproderma scintillans) (23rd (new to ML Species List) Oct) and Jelly Ear (24th, 30th Oct).
Common Stork’s-bill (Erodium cicutarium) (6th (new to ML Species List) Oct), Rosehip (30th Oct) and Spindle (30th (berries) Oct).
Red Admiral (1st, 17th Sep), Comma (1st, 14th (1) Sep), Small Copper (10th, 17th Sep), Speckled Wood (10th, 12th (1), 17th Sep), Whites (10th (5) Sep) and Green-veined White (14th (1) Sep).
Brimstone Moth (3rd Sep).
On 2 Sep 2022, Simon Buckingham reported - Back on 10th July I spent some time with Paul Williams at the reserve with some pheromone traps in an attempt to catch some Clearwings. We did catch a few and whilst collecting the traps after a couple of hours, thought we might be missing one. I went to the reserve this evening to put the traps out and noticed that someone had found the missing trap and put it in the Clubhouse. Many thanks for doing that because as I poked around the 15 Gypsy Moth carcasses in the bottom of the lure trap, I noticed our target - a Yellow-legged Clearwing (Synanthedon vespiformis). New for the reserve.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 2 Sep 2022. This morning’s catch certainly had an autumnal feel to it with a definite bias towards species of orange and brown colours. The micro moth Scrobipalpa ocellatella - Beet Moth was recorded for the first time on the reserve (four individuals) and is part of what seems to be a national invasion. Until a couple of weeks ago, this was a very rare moth in our area, but since then, they seem to be appearing in good numbers at localities across the country. 235 moths of 60 species were recorded.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 3 Sep 2022 (Bat and Moth Night). It was great to see so many people at the Moth & Bat evening at the reserve last night and to get the chance to introduce people to some of the amazing creatures that so often go unseen. 261 moths of 57 species were recorded this morning and included the well named Lilac Beauty (new for the year) as well as Blood-vein, Maiden’s Blush and a good count of five Pinion-streaked Snout.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 9 Sep 2022. A clear night after heavy rain ensured that moth numbers were low at the reserve. Just 54 moths of 21 species were recorded. Phyllonorycter harrisella was new for the year, with little else of note. Wasps outnumbered moths, making the emptying of the traps a dicey experience!
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 10 Sep 2022. Another clear night kept a cap on moth activity with just 52 moths of 24 species being recorded. Probably the most striking autumn moth, Frosted Orange was new for the year. The first two photos are the same moth in different lights and show how the colours of the moth seem to stand out in poorer light conditions.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 18 Sep 2022. The first Clifden Nonpareil of the year was the highlight of the 92 moths of 32 species from the reserve. Autumn moths now seem to be well represented in the traps with Deep-brown Dart, Beaded Chestnut, Pink-barred Sallow and Lunar Underwing all be recorded for the first time this year.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 23 Sep 2022. Just 44 moths of 13 species from the reserve. Large Yellow Underwing with 18 individuals was the most numerous.
Migrant Hawker (1st, 10th (3), 20th Sep), Southern Hawker (1st, 15th, 17th (2) Sep), Ruddy Darter (10th, 15th Sep), Willow Emerald (14th (pair in Tandem), 17th (2), 22nd, 25th (20+) Sep) and Common Darter (14th (ovipositing in front of Sanctuary Hide), 15th, 17th (20+), 20th Sep).
Honey Bee (1st Sep), Leafhopper Bug sp (Eupteryx florida) (2nd (new to the ML Species List) Sep), Aphid sp. (Tuberolachnus salignus) - Giant Willow Aphid (4th Sep), Cranefly sp (Symplecta hybrida) (10th (new to the ML Species List) Sep), Ivy Bee (17th (50+) Sep) and Hornet (17th (2) Sep).
Soprano Pipistrelle (3rd (Bat Night) (many) Sep), Common Pipistrelle (3rd (Bat Night) (a couple) Sep), Nathusius’ Pipistrelle (3rd (Bat Night) (a couple) Sep), Grey Squirrel (10th (1), 24th (5) Sep), Muntjac (7th, 9th, 12th (2) Sep), Red Fox (10th (in Reed bed), 16th (2, one with prey), 21st (1) Sep) and Brown Rat (24th (2), 25th Sep).
Tubifera ferruginosa (19th Sep), Slime-mold (Cribraria aurantiaca) (19th Sep), Slime-mold (Didymium nigripes) - Probably (19th (new to ML Species List) Sep), Slime-mold (Didymium squamulosum) (19th Sep), Slime-mold (Physarum compressum) (19th (new to ML Species List) Sep) and Slime-mold (Cribraria cancellata) (25th (new to ML Species List) Sep).
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 5 Aug 2022. With a colder night, the moth catch had a more autumnal feel about it. 440 moths of 93 species were recorded. The highlights were Dark Spinach (Pelurga comitata) which is a new moth for me for the reserve, although one was recorded in the 1980s. Red Underwing was new for the year.
Simon Buckingham reports on 10 Aug 2022. I’ve just had confirmation from the county moth recorder of a micro moth Cydia illutana - Larch Piercer trapped at the reserve on 22nd May. This is new for the reserve and the fourth record for Herts.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 13 Aug 2022. 1159 moths of 88 species from the reserve were boosted by a total of 595 Argyresthia goedartella - Golden Argent. The highlight was a Mocha (Cyclophora annularia) which is new for the reserve and seems to be turning up in increasing regularity in our area.
Simon Buckingham reports on 19 Aug 2022. The moth catches are starting to have a distinctly autumnal feel to them. 329 moths of 65 species were recorded at the reserve. Cochylis dubitana - Little Conch and Pyrausta aurata - Small Purple & Gold (Mint Moth) were new for the year.
Simon Buckingham reports on 20 Aug 2022. 289 moths of 62 species from the reserve. Mompha propinquella - Marbled Mompha and Orange Swift (Triodia sylvina) were new for the year, whilst Hoary Footman was amongst the less common visitors.
Hoverfly (Xylota sylvarum) (Early Aug), Fruit Fly sp (Terellia tussilaginis) - Gall Fly (Early Aug), Picture-winged Fly sp (Tephritis bardanae) (Early Aug), Cluster Fly (Pollenia rudis) (aka Attic Fly or Loft Fly) likely (Early Aug), Leaf Beetle (Chrysomela populi) - Red Poplar Leaf Beetle (1st (new to ML Species List), 3rd Aug), Aphid sp. (Tuberolachnus salignus) - Giant Willow Aphid (4th - 5th (lots on tree towards Rotunda Hide), 11th, 13th , 16th Aug), Myathropa florea (Batman Hoverfly) (5th Aug), Green Tortoise Beetle (Cassida viridis) (8th Aug), Figwort Sawfly (9th Aug), Red-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius) (6th Aug), Speckled Bush-cricket (14th Aug), Hornet (18th (taking bee) Aug), Lacewing sp (Nineta vittata) (20th (new to the ML Species List) Aug), Ground Beetle sp Dromius quadrimaculatus (20th Aug), Wasp (20th Aug), Bee (22nd (at pond) Aug) and Hoverfly (Volucella zonaria) - Hornet Mimic Hoverfly (28th (4) Aug).
Wasp Spider (9th, 13th Aug) and Harvestman - Opilio canestrinii (20th (new to the ML Species List) Aug).
Ramshorn Snail (1st Aug) and Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) (16th Aug).
Weasel (3rd Aug), Bat droppings (4th (DD Hide - under Bat boxes 9a and 10 and front Maternity Bat Box) Aug), Brown Rat (4th, 18th (2), 25th (Adult or juv, 3 young and 1 older young one), 29th Aug), Muntjac (4th Aug), Red Fox (11th (Long Hedge) Aug), Grey Squirrel (18th (1), 25th (1) Aug), Noctule Bat (22nd (near Clubhouse), 26th Aug), Badger (22nd (young one in Woodland Walk) Aug), Soprano Pipistrelle (22nd (by Woodsheds), 26th Aug), Common Pipistrelle (22nd (towards Double-decker) Aug), Brown Long-eared Bat (22nd (by T-Junction) Aug) and Rabbit (25th Aug).
Guelder Rose (8th Aug) and Lords and Ladies (8th Aug).
Comma (2nd (3), 7th (6+), 12th (4), 15th , 14th , 28th (4) Jul), Small White (2nd (1), 7th , 28th Jul), Large White (2nd (1) Jul), Red Admiral (2nd, 7th , 14th Jul), Small Tortoiseshell (7th, 13th Jul), Meadow Brown (7th , 28th Jul), Ringlet (12th, 14th Jul), Gatekeeper (12th (4), 24th Jul), Peacock (12th, 14th Jul), Speckled Wood (12th (2), 14th , 18th Jul), Brimstone (14th , 23rd , 28th (m) Jul), Green-veined While (15th , 24th Jul), Purple Hairstreak (16th (suspected id but not close enough to confirm) Jul), Silver Washed Fritillary (23rd (opposite Puddingstone) Jul) and Holly Blue (28th Jul).
Common Footman (6th (2) Jul), Small Magpie (7th Jul), Orange Footman (8th Jul), Single-dotted Wave (8th Jul), Riband Wave (11th Jul) and Jersey Tiger Moth (30th Jul).
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 2 Jul 2022. The evening rain capped moth activity at the reserve but 134 moths of 55 species were recorded. Ghost Moth, Oak Nycteoline, Heart and Club, Lime Hawk-moth, Bird’s Wing and Euzophera pinguis were all new for the year.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 7 Jul 2022. 346 moths of 92 species from the reserve. Borkhausenia fuscescens - Small Dingy Tubic and Acrocerops brongniardella - Brown Oak Slender were both new for the reserve list.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 8 Jul 2022. 652 moths of 135 species from the reserve. The Blackneck (Lygephila pastinum) (made for the hills as soon as I pointed my camera towards it), Clay Triple-lines (Cyclophora linearia) and Marasmarcha lunaedactyla - Crescent Plume were all new for the reserve list.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 9 Jul 2022. 650 moths of 135 species from the reserve. Coleophora mayrella - Meadow Case-bearer and Parectopa ononidis - Clover Slender were new species for the reserve.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 10 Jul 2022. 814 moths of 135 species from the reserve last night. 334 species recorded so far this year.
Simon Buckingham and Paul Williams used pheromone lures 10 Jul 2022. They managed to catch Red-belted, Red-tipped and Sallow Clearwing (Synanthedon flaviventris) [new to the ML Species List].
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 15 Jul 2022. 607 moths of 130 species from the reserve. Caloptilia rufipennella - Small Red Slender and Eucosma conterminana - Pale Lettuce Bell were new for the reserve.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 16 Jul 2022. 1050 moths of 146 species from the reserve in excellent trapping conditions. Sycamore (Acronicta aceris), Campion (Sideridis rivularis) and Ancylis badiana - Common Roller were all new moths for the reserve. Dot Moth was my first record, although there is an old record from the 1980s.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 22 Jul 2022. 555 moths of 101 species from the reserve. Yponomeuta rorrella - Willow Ermine was new for the reserve list, whilst Bulrush Wainscot, Suspected, Acrobasis suavella, Rosy Rustic, Jersey Tiger, Udea ferrugalis and Roeslerstammia erxlebella were all new for the year.
Update from Simon Buckingham received on 22 Jul 2022. Late news from the traps at the reserve on 15th July. This micro moth has been confirmed by the county recorder as Phyllonorycter comparella - Winter Poplar Midget, a new species for the reserve.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 23 Jul 2022. 799 moths of 111 species from the reserve. Stenoptilia pterodactyla, Scalloped Oak, Nomophila noctuella, Ypsolopha scabrella, Twin-spotted Wainscot, Bucculatrix bechsteinella and Eudonia truncicolella were all new for the year.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 29 Jul 2022. 943 moths of 127 species from the reserve. The (potential) highlight was a possible False Mocha which I’m getting checked out (later confirmed as Jersey Mocha (Cyclophora ruficiliaria) - new to the ML Species List). Oak Processionary, Gypsy Moth, Small Phoenix, Copper Underwing, Chilo phragmitella, Phyllocnistis unipunctella and Cochylimorpha straminea were all new for the year.
Simon Buckingham reports - The unusual Mocha type trapped at the reserve on 29th July 2022 has been confirmed as Jersey Mocha (Cyclophora ruficiliaria), new for the reserve and just the second record for Herts.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 30 Jul 2022. 872 moths of 120 species from the reserve. Lesser-spotted Pinion (Cosmia affinis) and Agonopterix ocellana - Red-letter Flat-body were new for the reserve list.
Simon Buckingham reports on 31 Jul 2022 - I’ve had a few identification confirmations back from the county moth recorder which include three new moths for the reserve list. Zelleria hepariella - Brown Ash Ermine and Ephestia woodiella - False Cacao Moth were both trapped on 16th July [and Endothenia gentianaeana - Teasel Marble was trapped on 29th July] - recorded 2016 -> (Dave Simms adds - 'Endothenia gentianaeana (Micro - 2016) moth by Martin Parr 19 May 2016' was previously posted on the ML Web site in 2016 and entered onto the ML Species List. Please check - thanks).
Common Awl Robberfly (Neoitamus cyanurus) (1st (mating pair) Jul), Figwort Sawfly (Tenthredo scrophulariae) (1st Jul), Longhorn Beetle sp (Rutpela maculate (2nd, 7th (2) Jul), Leaf Beetle (Chrysolina polita) - Knotgrass Leaf Beetle (2nd (pair) Jul), Caddisfly (Agraylea multipunctata) (3rd (new to ML Species List) Jul), Common Stiletto Fly (Thereva nobilitata) (3rd (new to ML Species List) Jul), Red-headed Cardinal Beetle (8th Jul), Ichneumon Wasp sp (Stauropoctonus bombycivorus) (8th (new to the ML Species List) Jul), Buff-tailed Bumblebee (14th Jul), Pond Skater (14th Jul), Leaf-cutter Bee (15th Jul), Aphid sp. (Uroleucon aeneum) - Dark-tailed Thistle Aphid (23rd (new to ML Species List) Jul), Beetle sp (Olibrus corticalis) (23rd (new to the ML Species List) Jul), Bee-wolf (Philanthus triangulum) Wasp (24th (new to ML Species List) Jul), Stilt-legged (Rainieria antennaepes) Fly (27th (new to ML Species List) Jul), Black and Yellow Longhorn Beetle (Rutpela maculata) (28th Jul), Water Scavenger beetle sp (Enochrus testaceus) (30th (new to ML Species List) Jul), Caddisfly (Agrypnia varia) (30th (new to ML Species List) Jul), Mirid Bug sp (Phytocoris longipennis) (30th (new to the ML Species List) Jul), Miridae sp. (Trigonotylus caelestialum) (30th (new to ML Species List) Jul), Mirid Bug sp (Orthotylus flavosparsus) (30th (new to ML Species List) Jul), Caddisfly (Hydropsyche sp) (one of about 80 sub-species) (30th (new to the ML Species List) Jul) and Water Measurer (30th Jul).
Funnel-web spider sp - Agelena labyrinthica (Labyrinth Spider) (11th (New to the ML Species List) Jul).
Ramshorn Snail (14th Jul).
Grey Squirrel (7th (1), 26th, 28th Jul), Brown Rat (7th (2), 14th (Adult and 2 young), 26th , 28th (1 large, 2 medium sized) Jul), Red Fox (7th (3), 16th (catching Mallard) Jul) and Rabbit (14th , 28th Jul).
Southern Bracket Fungus (14th Jul).
Black Horehound (14th Jul), Fen or Stingless Nettles (14th Jul), St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) (14th Jul), Weld (14th Jul), Enchanter’s Nightshade (14th Jul) and Purple Loosestrife (14th Jul).
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 1 Jun 2022. Just 34 moths of 23 species from the reserve, with cool, clear conditions taking their toll. Highlight was a Gold Spot which remains a very uncommon moth in Herts.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 3 Jun 2022. 176 moths of 57 species from the reserve. Common Footman, White-point, Burnished Brass, Grey Pug, Tortrix viridana, Parapoynx stratiotata, Agapeta hamana, Hofmannophila pseudospretella, Pandemis heparana, Hedya nubiferana, Argyresthia spinosella, Aethes smeathmanniana and Eucosma cana were all new for the year.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 24 Jun 2022. 307 moths of 83 species from the reserve. Having been away for a couple of weeks, there were 41 species which were new for the year. Highlights included Elephant and Poplar Hawk-moth, White Satin Moth, Obscure Wainscot, Peach Blossom, Pinion-streaked Snout, Brown-tail, Anania lancealis and Mompha ochraceella.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 25 Jun 2022. Slow going on the moth front at the reserve as cooler temperatures and an evening downpour put a cap on activity. 134 moths of 47 species put in an appearance with Least Carpet, Bordered Beauty, Gypsonoma sociana, Bright-line Brown-eye, Rustic and Mottled Beauty new for the year.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 28 Jun 2022. 386 moths of 86 species from the reserve. Highlights were Rhyacionia buoliana - Pine Shoot and Purple Clay (Diarsia brunnea) which were both new for the reserve list.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 29 Jun 2022. 336 moths of 85 species from the reserve. The highlight was the immigrant moth Bordered Straw (Heliothis peltigera) which is new for reserve list. Apologies for photo!
Leafhopper Bug sp (Eupteryx urticae) (1st (new to the ML Species List) Jun), Hornet (3rd, 4th (2) Jun), Cranefly sp (Nephrotoma quadrifaria) - a Tiger Cranefly (3rd (new to the ML Species List) Jun), Leafhopper Bug sp (Oncopsis subangulata) (3rd (new to the ML Species List) Jun), Alderfly (3rd Jun), Red-headed Cardinal (3rd, 5th , 9th Jun), Harlequin Ladybird (3rd , 29th Jun), Mirid Bug sp (Grypocoris stysi) (was Calocoris stysi but renamed) (3rd Jun), Scorpion Fly (4th , 9th Jun), Black-headed Cardinal (4th Jun), Shieldbug sp (tbc) (4th Jun), Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans (var plumata (yellow bands and white tail))) - Bumblebee Hoverfly (7th (new to the ML Species List) Jun), Hazel Leaf-roller Weevil (Apoderus coryli) (9th (2) Jun), 7-Spot Ladybird (10th Jun), Southern Cuckoo Bee (11th (Comma Corner) Jun), Orange-vented Mason Bee (Osmia leaiana) (19th Jun), Leafcutter Bee sp (22nd Jun), Ectemnius Wasp sp (one of 110) (24th Jun), Mirid Bug sp (Grypocoris stysi) (24th Jun), Speckled Bush-cricket (16th (imm), 24th (nymph) Jun), Figwort Sawfly (24th Jun), Miridae sp. (Heterotoma planicornis) (24th Jun), European Ground beetle (Carabus nemoralis) aka Bronze Carabid (Carabus nemoralis) (25th Jun), Roesels Bush-cricket (26th Jun), Ground Beetle sp (Pterostichus niger) (26th Jun), Brown Chafer (28th Jun), Summer Chafer (28th Jun) and Cranefly sp (Nephrotoma flavescens) - a Tiger Cranefly (29th Jun). Crab Spider sp (24th Jun). Rabbit (1st (3), 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 30th Jun), Water Vole (1st (caught on video cam feeding on apple from feeding raft), 12th (eating apple), 13th (Seen from Double Decker Hide, plus on video eating apple) Jun), Grey Squirrel (13th, 18th - 19th Jun), Brown Rat (30th Jun) and Fox (24th (Clubhouse) Jun).
Great Pond Snail (Lymnaea stagnalis) (3rd, 18th (pair) Jun), Red Slug (Arion rufus) (6th Jun) and Smooth Newt (25th Jun).
Grass Snake (1st (in new pond), 16th (Squashed skeleton on road), 24th Jun).
Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus) (3rd (new to the ML Species List), 24th Jun), Water Lily (3rd Jun), Cherry (4th (fruit at back of Plantation) Jun) and Common Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) (11th (introduced to the Reserve, new to the ML Species List) Jun).
Common Rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus) (12th (shoal near DD Hide) Jun) and Stickleback (13th (small shoal in new pond) Jun).
May 1st - May 31st 2022 (LF = Lynsters Farm) Garden Warbler (1st - 3rd (singing), 4th (2 singing), 5th, 6th (4 singing), 7th (3), 8th (2), 12th May), Reed Warbler (1st (2), 2nd, 5th (2), 6th (3), 8th (3+), 12th (3), 14th , 17th (lots), 19th (2-3 pairs), 21st - 23rd , 31st (3 pairs) May), Gadwall (1st (12, 6th (2), 8th (f), 9th , 11th (2), 14th (2) May), Pochard (1st (9), 6th (4), 8th (pair), 10th (2m), 14th (2m), 31st (m) May), Tufted Duck (1st (10), 6th , 8th (pair), 10th (pair), 14th (pair), 31st (pair) May), Little Grebe (1st (9), 6th (5), 8th (fighting over territory), 9th (with chick), 12th (with 2 chicks), 14th (carrying food), 15th , 18th , 31st (2) May), Great Crested Grebe (1st , 9th (pair with 1 chick), 10th (pair), 12th (pair with a chick), 13th - 14th (pair with 2 chicks), 18th , 31st (1) May), Lesser Black-backed Gull (1st (17, including a group of 15 flying south), 27th (diving on Coot chicks) May), Common Tern (1st (2), 8th (flying South) 12th, 15th (2 on Marsh Lake), 21st May), Little Egret (1st (4), 14th (1), 27th May), Green Woodpecker (1st (2), 5th (heard), 6th (1), 8th (calling) May), Chiffchaff (1st (5), 6th (3), 8th , 14th May), Blackcap (1st (15), 2nd, 6th (12 - (7+males)), 8th (2), 14th May), Cetti’s Warbler (1st (4), 5th (m), 8th , 11th , 12th (2 heard), 14th, 17th May), Reed Bunting (1st - 2nd , 5th , 10th , 23rd (m) May), Canada Goose (1st (Adult and 4 goslings on nest on Tern Raft), 2nd (with 4 goslings), 3rd (Adult with gosling), 6th (2 with 4 goslings), 8th (2 with 4 goslings), 9th (goslings), 12th (pairs with 3 & 4 goslings), 13th (pair with 4 goslings), 14th (on nest), 15th (pair with 4 goslings), 16th (gosling), 17th (pair with 5 goslings), 18th (3 goslings) May), Long-tailed Tit (2nd (chick gaping from entrance of Nest), 6th (2), 8th - 9th , 13th (adult feeding juv), 14th - 15th May), Great Tit (2nd (busy in and out of Nest Box 4), 6th (3), 20th May), Coot (2nd , 6th (17, young & at least 1 occupied nest), 7th (3 broods - 4, 4 & 1), 12th (3 chicks), 13th (with chick), 14th (on nest. Pairs with 1, 3 & 4 chicks), 19th (feeding chick), 27th (with chicks), 31st (with 2 & 3 chicks and 3 juvs) May), Cormorant (2nd , 6th , 7th (6), 9th - 10th , 12th, 14th , 22nd - 23rd , 29th May), Kingfisher (2nd (pair), 5th (2 nest sites), 12th (1), 27th May), Robin (2nd, 6th (4 adult & 1 juvenile), 31st (1 young) May), Great Spotted Woodpecker (2nd (f), 5th - 6th (1), 14th , 16th , 22nd , 27th, 30th (m&f), 31st May), Magpie (2nd, 6th (2), 18th May), Black-headed Gull (2nd, 6th (120 - at least 60 occupied nests on rafts and islands), 10th (first chick), 12th (with chick), 14th - 15th (60+ on nests including adult with 4 chicks on nest) May), Grey Heron (2nd , 12th (3), 14th (2), 27th , 31st (2) May), Swift (4th (3 over), 9th , 10th (11 over), 12th (7 & 3) May), Treecreeper (4th (1), 10th , 12th May), Greylag Goose (5th (pair with 1 gosling), 6th (2 with goslings), 14th (pair), May), Jay (5th - 6th (2), 10th , 18th - 19th , 22nd , 27th , 31st (1) May), Stock Dove (6th (6), 8th (2 calling), 31st (2) May), Woodpigeon (6th (10) May), Collared Dove (6th (1) May), Cuckoo (6th - 8th (calling), 12th - 13th (in tree near Rotunda Hide), 14th - 15th (calling), 19th - 21st (calling) May), Moorhen (6th (6 plus recent eggshell), 9th (2), 14th (4), 27th (chicks), 31st (with 1 chick) May), Ring-necked Parakeet (6th (2), 8th , 14th (1 in tree nest hole), 31st (3) May), Jackdaw (6th (4) May), Crow (6th (3), 8th , 29th May), Blue Tit (6th (2), 7th (nesting in grey box at left hand row of boxes on the top shelf of the Lean-to), 15th (at entrance of Bat Box) May), Wren (6th (12), 8th May), Song Thrush (6th (3, 1 carrying food), 8th , 31st (1) May), Blackbird (6th (5) May), Dunnock (6th (2), 31st May), Greenfinch (6th (1) May), Sparrowhawk (7th (2), 14th (1), 31st (1) May), Pied Wagtail (7th (1) May), Mallard (8th (3 juvs), 9th, 13th (f with 4 juvs), 14th (4, plus pair with 3 young. 1 on egg), 15th (4 juvs), 17th (5 ducklings), 27th (f with 8 ducklings this week), 31st (in middle nest box opp Teal Hide) May), Oystercatcher (11th (1 on LF) May), Egyptian Goose (12th (2) May), Hobby (14th May), Goldeneye (17th (f) May), Nuthatch (20th (calling) May), Lapwing (29th - 30th May) and Chaffinch (31st (m) May).
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 1 May 2022. Fairly standard fare from the traps with 24 moths of 14 species. Orange Footman and Green Carpet were new for the year.
On 2 May 2022, Paul Davis photographed Cacoecimorpha pronubana - Carnation Tortrix on the reserve. New to the ML Species List.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 5 May 2022. 30 moths of 20 species from the reserve. Oak-tree Pug, Clouded Border, Common Carpet (Epirrhoe alternate), Treble Lines, Cochylis atricapitana and Syndemis musculana were all new for the year.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 6 May 2022. The most productive haul of the year so far from the reserve in better trapping conditions. Highlights of the 78 moths of 30 species included Barred Hook-tip (Watsonalla cultraria), a new species for the reserve list and Lobster Moth (Stauropus fagi), Mottled Pug, Alder Moth, Silver-ground Carpet, Eudonia angustea and Clepsis spectrana which were all new for the year.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 7 May 2022. 86 moths of 36 species from reserve. The highlight was the micro moth Elachista canapennella - Little Dwarf, a new species for the reserve list. Small Seraphim, Buff-tip, Broken-barred Carpet, Ruby Tiger, Iron Prominent, Turnip Moth, Cataclysta lemnata and Alucita hexadactyla were all new for the year.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 9 May 2022. An overcast night with a mild southerly airflow produced the largest haul of the year so far with 142 moths of 45 species. Cinnabar, Puss Moth, Silver Y, Eyed Hawk-Moth, Marbled Minor agg, Dingy Shell, Setaceous Hebrew Character, Figure of Eighty, White Ermine, Peach Blossom, Vine’s Rustic, Scrobipalpa costella, Celypha lacunana and Swammerdamia pyrella were all new for the year.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 11 May 2022. Just 13 moths of 11 species from the traps at the reserve in unfavourable conditions. Common Swift was new for the year.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 13 May 2022. 41 moths of 21 species from the reserve. Pale Oak Beauty, Buff Ermine, Common White Wave and Epiphyas postvittana were all new for the year.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 17 May 2022. 92 moths of 37 species from the reserve. Heart and Dart, Willow Beauty, Light Emerald, Sandy Carpet, Chinese Character, Common Marbled Carpet, Straw Dot, Anania hortulata, Argyresthia semifusca, Notocelia cynosbatella and Plutella porrectella were all new for the year.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 19 May 2022. 126 moths of 50 species from the reserve. Small Square-spot, Blood-vein, Snout, Mottled Rustic, Grey Pune Carpet, Phtheochroa rugosana, Acentria ephemerella, and Donacaula forficella were all new for the year.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 20 May 2022. Just 45 moths of 20 species from the reserve as the dusk downpour put a cap on activity. The highlight of the catch was Freyer’s Pug (Eupithecia intricata arceuthata, previously Eupithecia intricata) which is new for the reserve list. Poplar Grey was new for the year.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 21 May 2022. 74 moths of 30 species from the reserve. Scorched Wing, Garden Carpet and Dark Spectacle were all new for the year.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 22 May 2022. 118 moths of 49 species from the reserve. The highlights were a couple of micro moths which are being sent to the county recorder for confirmation. Both of these will be new for the reserve list. The most interesting one is a probable Cydia illutana - Larch Piercer, which if confirmed will be the fourth record for Herts. New for the year were Rustic Shoulder-knot, Light Brocade, Cream-bordered Green Pea, Coxcomb Prominent, Ingrailed Clay, Tinea semifulvella, Scoparia ambigualis, Nematopogon metaxella, Incurvaria oehlmanniella and Pammene regiana.
Update from Simon Buckingham received on 26 May 2022. Five new moths for the reserve list confirmed by the county moth recorder. Cnephasia communana - May Shade (30/4/22), Bactra lancealana - Rush Marble (9/5/22), Coleophora caespititiella - Buff Rush Case-bearer, Nemapogon koenigi - White-speckled Clothes Moth and Cydia illutana - Larch Piercer (all 22/5/22). This was the fourth record of Cydia illutana (photo below) for Herts.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 26 May 2022. 177 moths of 55 species from the reserve. Marbled Brown (Drymonia dodonaea) was new for the reserve, whilst Elephant Hawk-moth, Miller, Small Fan-foot, Coronet, Common Rustic agg, Yellow-barred Brindle, Common Wainscot, Flame and Ptycholoma lecheana were all new for the year.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 27 May 2022. Just 73 moths of 34 species from the reserve as the cooler temperatures kept a cap on activity. Hot on the heels of yesterday’s first record of Marbled Brown came a second individual. Poplar Kitten, Angle Shades and Evergestis forficalis were all new for the year.
Green-veined White (2nd, 5th, 8th (4+), 12th May), Red Admiral (5th (1), 27th (1) May), Brimstone (5th (m), 9th (larva), 13th (pair), 14th (3), 15th (egg), 16th (m), 19th , 21st (and a larva), 27th (m&f (ovipositing on Alder Buckthorn)) May), Orange Tip (5th (2m), 7th, 12th (m), 14th 19th, before 31st (undated) May), Small Tortoiseshell (7th May), Peacock (7th, 12th May), Holly Blue (9th , 12th , 14th May), Small White (12th May) and Speckled Wood (14th May),
Damselfly sp (7th (Blue or Azure) May), Brown Hawker (7th May), Broad-bodied Chaser (8th , 12th , 14th , 19th (m&f), 21st (m&f), 22nd (m), 27th (2m&1f (ovipositing)) May), Blue-tailed Damselfly (8th (rufescens form), 12th (female rufescens form), 19th , 21st May), Azure Damselfly (8th, 9th (m), 13th , 19th , 21st , 27th (lots of pairs) May), Large Red Damselfly (8th, 9th (3, 2 coupled), 19th (1) May), Red Damselfly (8th, 12th May), Common Blue Damselfly (8th, 12th (2), 13th , 19th , 21st , 27th May), Hairy Hawker (9th (at pond), 12th , 14th (ovipositing), 19th , 21st , 27th (ovipositing) May), Exuvia (13th (3 on Reedmace near Shell Hide), 19th (Broad-bodied Chaser, on edge of new pond), 26th (Black-tailed Skimmer at Sanctuary Hide) May), Red-eyed Damselfly (19th (1) May), Banded Demoiselle (19th (2), 21st (1), 27th May), Black-tailed Skimmer (26th (freshly emerged and exuvia), 27th (fresh), 28th May), Small Red-eyed Damselfly (27th (1) May), Downy Emerald (27th May) and Four-spotted Chaser (27th (1) May).
Acorn Weevil (1st , 15th May), Sausage (aka Granulated) Ground Beetle (Carabus granulatu) (1st May), Pied Shieldbug (1st , 9th May), Black-headed Cardinal Beetle (2nd (1), 8th , 12th , 21st May), Honey Bee (2nd (swarm), 3rd - 4th (swarm), 6th (swarm), 8th (swarm) May), Pond Skater (2nd May), Red-headed Cardinal Beetle (3rd (1), 5th (1), 7th (5), 8th - 9th , 12th , 23rd May), Hornet (3rd, 8th May), Harlequin (5th May) Caddisfly (Phryganea bipunctata (5th (new to the ML Species List) May), Cranefly (Ptychoptera contaminata) ( 5th May), Wasp Beetle (5th (2), 9th , 27th May), Alderfly (Sialis lutaria) (6th May), Scorpion Fly (8th - 9th , 12th (2), 21st May), 14-Spot Ladybird (9th May), Batman Hoverfly (Myathropa floea) (9th May), Caddisfly (Stenophylax permistus) (10th (New to the ML Species List) May), Alder Leaf Beetle (10th May), Bryony Mining Bee (12th , 14th May), Ruby-tailed Jewel Wasp (12th , 14th (sp) May), Red Mason Bee (Osmia bicornis) (12th (faded) May), Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria) (15th May), Hoverfly (Xylota segnis) (15th May), Stilt-legged (Micropezidae) Fly sp (15th (new to ML Species List) May), Chalcid Wasp sp (15th May), Bryony Mining Bee (14th May), Beetle sp (Lasiorhynchites cavifrons) (c15th (New to the ML Species List) May), Mirid Bug sp (Dryophilocoris flavoquadrimaculatus) (15th May), Soldier Beetle (Cantharis cryptica) (17th (new to the ML Species List), Caddisfly (Stenophylax permistus) (18th (new to the ML Species List) May), Great Diving Beetle (19th May), Geendrake Mayfly (Ephemera danica) (21st May), Leaf Beetle (Chrysolina polita) - Knotgrass Leaf Beetle (21st May), Mint Leaf beetle (Chrysolina menthastri, later herbacea) (21st May), Soldier Beetle (Cantharis rustica) (23rd May), Chrysolina polita mating with female Chrysolina herbacea(24th May), Hoverfly (Anasimyia contracta) (24th May), Hoverfly (Eristalis tenax) (24th May), Hoverfly (Merodon equestris) - The Narcissus Bulb Fly (24th May), Hoverfly (Xanthogramma pedissequum) (24th May), Elaphrus riparius - a Carabid Beetle (24th May) and Hazel Leaf-roller Weevil (Apoderus coryli) (31st May).
Red Mite type sp (8th (in pond) May), Larinioides sclopetarius (Bridge or Grey Cross Spider) (1st May), Wolf spider sp (5th May) and Spider sp (9th May).
Brown Rat (3rd (1), 5th (1 at CH), 31st (1 at CH) May), Grey Squirrel (3rd , 19th (blooded), 23rd May), Rabbit (5th (7), 8th (1 young), 12th , 26th (2), 31st (2 adults & 1 young) May), Wood Mouse (7th, 17th May), Water Vole (10th (survey done showing signs of activity (feeding signs, droppings, fresh tunnelling into the banks of the Reed bed and the spoil heaps) at 3 places around the reserve, but no further sightings as yet), 15th (caught on Video c7.30pm from DD Hide eating apple put out for it), 21st (again, caught on video eating apple on feeding raft), 23rd (early morning 1.48am footage), 25th (several videoed sightings between 1.56am and 8.44am), 29th - 31st May), Mole (8th (hills), 26th (1 hill near Rotunda) May), Muntjac (15th (2 near Rotunda), 22nd May), Common Shrew (19th (dead), 31st (running in lower DD hide) May) and Red Fox (26th (carrying something in its mouth (not Water Vole) near DD hide) May).
Water Snail sp (8th (producing grey egg mass) May), Stickleback (6th, 19th (2 adults and a small shoal of young) May), Grass Snake (7th (2 (1 ft), 17th (2), 20th May) and Smooth Newt (14th (possibly), 19th (2) May).
Yellow Flag Iris (3rd (in bloom), 12th, 19th (lots in bloom) May) and Southern Marsh (var) Orchid (21st (c30), 23rd (c12 flowering near Rotunda), 26th (sadly a max of 39 this year - the grazing geese goslings had a huge impact for the last couple of years) May).
3 Typhula species of fungi found and photographed by Barry Webb Dec 2021. Posted on Web Site Gallery and Facebook forum c May 2022, plus two species to identify.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 15 Apr 2022. A cool night and a large moon were not ideal trapping conditions, but 20 hardy individuals of 14 species did make it into the notebook. New for the year were Pale Tussock, Red-green Carpet, Nut-tree Tussock, Muslin Moth, Frosted Green, Chestnut, Tachystola acroxantha, Agonopterix arenella and Dyseriocrania subpurpurella. A Cream-spot Ladybird was also of note.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 16 Apr 2022. Same overnight conditions and the same outcome. Just 18 moths of six species from the reserve last night. Nothing new for the year.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 17 Apr 2022. A slightly more respectable 31 moths of 15 species from the reserve. Purple Thorn, Spectacle and Phyllonorycter rajella were all new for the year.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 21 Apr 2022. 19 moths of 10 species from the reserve. Chocolate-tip and Pebble Prominent were new for the year.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 22 Apr 2022. 35 moths of 18 species from the reserve. Early Grey (Xylocampa areola) and Phyllonorycter quercifoliella - Common Oak Midget were both new for the reserve list, whilst Flame Shoulder, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Common Wave (Cabera exanthemata), Pale Prominent and Endrosis sarcitrella were new for the year.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 23 Apr 2022. Just 28 moths of 14 species. Flame Carpet and May Highflyer were new for the year.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 28 Apr 2022. Fairy quiet on the moth front at the reserve as the cool temperatures reduced activity. Seraphim and Common Pug were new for the year amongst just 13 moths of 10 species. Interest came in the form of caddisfly (Limnephilus sparsus), a new species for the reserve.
Simon Buckingham ran traps at the reserve on 30 Apr 2022. Moths! 30 moths of 20 species were trapped at the reserve. Poplar Hawk-moth, Knot Grass, Brimstone, Least Black Arches, Pebble Hook-tip, Peppered Moth and Phyllonorycter coryli were all new for the year.
Speckled Wood (2nd, 8th , 15th (2), 16th , 18th, 20th (ovipostiting), 21st - 22nd (1), 24th , 28th, 30th Apr), Peacock (8th (2), 10th, 11th (3 or 4), 14th - 16th , 18th, 21st (7) 24th , 26th , 30th Apr), Brimstone (8th, 11th (a few, including female laying eggs on Alder Buckthorn), 14th (m&f), 15th(4), 18th (m&f and eggs), 21st (6m), 24th , 30th (15 including mating pairs) Apr), Orange Tip (11th (m (Garlic Mustard is appearing), 12th , 15th (4), 16th , 18th, 20th , 21st (3), 24th , 26th (m), 28th, 30th (m) Apr), Comma (11th (1), 15th (3), 16th Apr), Holly Blue (11th (1), 15th - 16th , 21st (2), 24th , 26th (m) Apr), Small White (14th (1), 21st (4) Apr), Green-veined White (14th , 16th (1), 17th (around Garlic Mustard on Woodland Walk), 18th, 20th , 21st (1), 24th (mating), 26th , 30th (mating) Apr), Comma (14th , 18th Apr), Painted Lady (15th (very early, so maybe incorrect id) Apr), Red Admiral (18th, 21st (1) Apr) and Large White (21st (2) Apr).
Alderfly (Sialis lutaria) (5th, 30th Apr), Bee sp (17th (swarm), 21st (nest in Poplar), 30th (swarming in two bunches in trees near new pond) Apr), Midge sp (18th Apr), Dark-edged Bee Fly (18th, 21st Apr), Aradus depressus - most common UK flatbug (18th (new to the ML Species List) Apr), Wasp (21st Apr), Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare) (23rd Apr) and Black Sexton Beetle (Nicrophorus humator) (30th (new to the ML Species List) Apr).
Grey Squirrel (3rd - 4th, 9th, 21st, 28th (1) Apr), Brown Rat (4th (2 in feeder), 6th, 7th (in Rotunda feeder), 21st Apr), Vole sp (10th (Shell Hide), Muntjac (12th, 16th (m&f), 24th (1), 26th (1) Apr), Rabbit (14th (7), 18th, 21st (3), 22nd, 24th - 26th (1), 28th (3 include 1 young), 30th Apr), Muntjac (12th 13th 16th (m&f), 24th (1), 26th (1) Apr), Badger (13th, 18th Apr), Water Vole (10th (photographed - 1st sighting for over 25 years), 21st (no sight but possible signs at Shell Hide) Apr) and Red Fox (16th , 23rd Apr).
Algae bloom on Clubhouse Lake (Early - mid Apr).
Snakes-head Fritillary (9th, 10th (a white one) Apr), Cuckoo Pint (Lords and Ladies) (16th (flowering), 18th, 22nd Apr), Red Campion (22nd Apr), Bluebell (20th, 30th Apr) and Borage (30th Apr).
Stickleback (21st (2 seen in new Pond) Apr) and Roach (30th (caught by Cormorant) Apr).
Status: logged off
