Moth & Fly

Dark Arches

Apamea monoglypha

Unlike the last post this larger moth is quite common. 2104 records for 2019 so far according to Tom Tams' Northumberland Moths website. Check it out it is tremendous and most helpful place if you are interested in moths.

The moth on my last post (Pyraustra despicata) only 10 records ever Northumberland (two this year). Well it was less than 1cm. Oh and by the way the Dark Arches was in my bathroom!

This Long-legged Fly (Poecilobothrus nobilitatus) is similar to the Signal Flies I filmed last year. It has distinctive white tips to its wings. Another key ID feature are the two parallel lines of hairs on the thorax. It has an interesting mating dance which i'll try to video tomorrow. 

Druridge Pools

Burn Mouth or Burnmouth

What is this place called? Chibburn Mouth? Oh who cares?

Whatever it is called it is a great place to see Roseate Terns. They are so easy to pick out! Just look at the difference between these birds and the Common Terns. Bill colour is not the best indicator because on the beach yesterday the birds displayed three different colours; all black, red base and black bill then orange red and black tip.

Also found this small moth, think it might be Pyrausta despicata, but waiting for TT, Northumberland Moths to put me right.

Many thanks Tom for quick response and confirmation.

Mostly Insects

Comma

Emerald Damselfies

(East Chevington)

Pond Skater

Common Tern

Bluetail

(Teneral Female?)

Black-tailed Skimmer

(Saltholme, RSPB)

Avocet

Avolet?

Emperor?

(Fen Letch Reserve)

Common Darter

Small Tortoiseshell

They don't sit on top of bushes giving cracking scope views!

Pied Wagtail

Roe Deer

Reed Warbler

Lagria hirta

(male)

Oh Yes They Do!

Glad to see it has regrown its tail.

Fabulous to watch as this bird sang frequently from the top of the hawthorn.

This Shrew was next to my car. Very difficult to  get a sharp photo, in the shade, because they are so active. Always an easy skull to ID in owl pellets because they have red enamel on their teeth.

The patch never lets me down.

What a Hobby?

Three terns caught and consumed on different days but what was the Predator?

Timothy Grass

Common Blue

Moustached Reedling raiding spider nest.

 

Fabulous birding at the burn mouth. 700+ Common Scoter, All the common Auks, GCG, R-t D and Gannets.

Spoonie

 

Terrible Photos, couldn't get camera to lighten the Spotted Redshank (too much reflected light)

It found this spiny fish hard to swallow.

Away from the Patch