Tag Archives: insects

Ant Swarm – 8th August

August 8, 2010Recent wildlife sightingsbirds, Black-headed Gull, Brimstone, butterflies, Comma, Curlew, Green Sandpiper, Hobby, insects, Large Gravel Pit, Little Egret, Long-winged Conehead, Lower Path, Peacock, Red Admiral, roesels bush cricket, Slurry LagoonPete Smith

During the Bird Count this morning there was an ant swarm that attracted a flock of over 500 Black-headed Gulls. There were also some Common Terns catching the ants and three Hobbies. Two Curlews stopped briefly on the Slurry Lagoon and a Green Sandpiper was amongst the Lapwings. A Little Egret was on the Large Gravel Pit with some Grey Herons and about twenty Cormorants, before joining the gulls on the Slurry Lagoon. Several Roesel’s Bush Crickets and Long-winged Coneheads were also found. On the Lower Path five Brimstones were found along with Commas, Red Admiral and Peacocks. PS.

Gulls and ant swarm

Watch Alan’s video:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKYnvqGQAm4

Mothing Night – 21st May 2010

May 26, 2010Uncategorizedinsects, Moth night, Moth trapping, MothsPete Smith

After a cold National Moth Night, where Netherfield Lagoons did very well compared with many venues that only recorded 1 or 2 specimens, I was itching to set the trap up in warmer conditions. The first warm night, namely Wednesday, was brilliant by all accounts. So a quick email and another session was arranged for Friday. Fortunately 4 people picked it up.

We had one light operating and decided to trap between the slurry lagoon and the Deep Pit first ,close to where we caught the Emperor Moth . As it was going dark a large moth drift through the grass and Rob caught it. Yes it was the female Emperor Moth again! As the night when on we were swamped with Caddisfly including a few large Sedge Flies. As it grew darker they were joined by Common Swift, Common Wave and Brown Silverlines. A large Cockchafer flew in and showed its remarkable antennae. As it was becoming difficult to breathe without inhaling midges and caddisfly we decided to move the trap along the western edge of the Deep Pit. At around 10:30 the moths came in, starting Green Carpet, Flame Shoulder, Spectacle and Shuttle-shaped Dart. All species we had previously caught, however new species appeared including a lovely fresh Powdered Quaker and White Spotted Pug all marsh species, Elephant Hawkmoth, a gorgeous Treble-Bar, Bloodvein, Campion, Garden Carpet, Lime-specked Pug.

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As it is important to choose the right evenings I will post the nights up on the website a day or two before, so please keep your eyes open. If you don’t have internet access but would like to come let me know your phone number and I will phone you beforehand. You can contact me on 9893197.

Look forward to seeing you there. Craig.

Whinchat and Wheatear – 23rd August

August 23, 2009Recent wildlife sightings2009, 23rd August, birds, Brown Argus, Deep Pit, Hobby, insects, long-winged coneheads, Railway Bridge, warblers, Wheatear, Whinchat, Willow titPete Smith

A Whinchat and a Wheatear were seen this morning, both on the Deep Pit fence by the Railway Bridge, though not at the same time. Two Hobbies were also seen here. About six Brown Argus were seen around the site and more Long-winged Coneheads, as well as several Migrant Hawkers, Brown Hawkers and a Southern Hawker. The Lower Path had a flock of warblers, containing Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff, plus two Willow Tits.