Paul Harris
@paulupwey.bsky.social
Birds, Moths, Dragons, Orchids, Butterflies, Bugs.
Dorset.
Dorset.
Far too cold last night, hence very few moths. This male Gem worth a mention though.
The garden this morning produced Firecrest, Blackcap and Coal Tit, plus a hefty passage of Wood Pigeon.
The garden this morning produced Firecrest, Blackcap and Coal Tit, plus a hefty passage of Wood Pigeon.
November 17, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Far too cold last night, hence very few moths. This male Gem worth a mention though.
The garden this morning produced Firecrest, Blackcap and Coal Tit, plus a hefty passage of Wood Pigeon.
The garden this morning produced Firecrest, Blackcap and Coal Tit, plus a hefty passage of Wood Pigeon.
I released the Crimson Speckled into the garden this morning. It sat here for a while, but has now gone. Has to be my highlight of the year! Garden macro No 475. I won't live long enough to make 500!
November 16, 2025 at 3:57 PM
I released the Crimson Speckled into the garden this morning. It sat here for a while, but has now gone. Has to be my highlight of the year! Garden macro No 475. I won't live long enough to make 500!
For 30 years there has been one species firmly at the top of my hit-list: Crimson Speckled. 30 years ago they had an almost mythical status, now more regular of course. So I was beyond elated to find this in one of the traps this morning!!! @migrantmothuk.bsky.social @dorsetmoths.bsky.social
November 15, 2025 at 9:40 AM
For 30 years there has been one species firmly at the top of my hit-list: Crimson Speckled. 30 years ago they had an almost mythical status, now more regular of course. So I was beyond elated to find this in one of the traps this morning!!! @migrantmothuk.bsky.social @dorsetmoths.bsky.social
I almost overlooked this amongst all the Light Brown Apple Moth in the traps today, it's Acleris hastiana, a form I've never seen before. Two Radford's FS may have been migrants, I've not had any here for ages.
Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Silverlake this morning with an open wing shot.
Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Silverlake this morning with an open wing shot.
November 14, 2025 at 1:36 PM
I almost overlooked this amongst all the Light Brown Apple Moth in the traps today, it's Acleris hastiana, a form I've never seen before. Two Radford's FS may have been migrants, I've not had any here for ages.
Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Silverlake this morning with an open wing shot.
Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Silverlake this morning with an open wing shot.
The usual suspects in the trap, but most of the interest was in late dates. Garden Carpet and Dark Arches not overly unusual, but Small Dusty Wave is crazy late. I'm assuming there aren't any closely allied European counterparts, but will check!
November 13, 2025 at 3:24 PM
The usual suspects in the trap, but most of the interest was in late dates. Garden Carpet and Dark Arches not overly unusual, but Small Dusty Wave is crazy late. I'm assuming there aren't any closely allied European counterparts, but will check!
A few from today: A Common Backswimmer found dead by one of the moth traps, presumably attracted in overnight. Pretty certain I've never had one to light here before. A small Common Footman larva on a wall near one of the traps and a nicely marked Epirrita sp from one of the traps.
November 11, 2025 at 5:48 PM
A few from today: A Common Backswimmer found dead by one of the moth traps, presumably attracted in overnight. Pretty certain I've never had one to light here before. A small Common Footman larva on a wall near one of the traps and a nicely marked Epirrita sp from one of the traps.
Delighted to find a Hedgehog in the garden tonight, loitering around one of the moth traps! First one I've seen for ages.
Rodden Hive this morning produced an impressive fishing flock of 50 Cormorant, quite the spectacle. Also 2 Marsh Harrier, 17 Shoveler, 4 Reed Bunting, Kingfisher and 105 Lapwing
Rodden Hive this morning produced an impressive fishing flock of 50 Cormorant, quite the spectacle. Also 2 Marsh Harrier, 17 Shoveler, 4 Reed Bunting, Kingfisher and 105 Lapwing
November 8, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Delighted to find a Hedgehog in the garden tonight, loitering around one of the moth traps! First one I've seen for ages.
Rodden Hive this morning produced an impressive fishing flock of 50 Cormorant, quite the spectacle. Also 2 Marsh Harrier, 17 Shoveler, 4 Reed Bunting, Kingfisher and 105 Lapwing
Rodden Hive this morning produced an impressive fishing flock of 50 Cormorant, quite the spectacle. Also 2 Marsh Harrier, 17 Shoveler, 4 Reed Bunting, Kingfisher and 105 Lapwing
A remarkable 33 species (plus a Red Admiral) from the garden traps last night. Gem, Golden Twin-spot, Palpita vitrealis, 2 Blair's Mocha, Rush Veneer the highlights. Also a late Blood-vein. Photos of the Gem plus the diminutive Cosmopterix pulchrimella and Tuta absoluta. @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
November 6, 2025 at 1:36 PM
A remarkable 33 species (plus a Red Admiral) from the garden traps last night. Gem, Golden Twin-spot, Palpita vitrealis, 2 Blair's Mocha, Rush Veneer the highlights. Also a late Blood-vein. Photos of the Gem plus the diminutive Cosmopterix pulchrimella and Tuta absoluta. @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
Well, I went out into the garden at 3am and 6am hoping that Crimson Speckled would be falling out of the sky like confetti. Sadly not to be! 😆. It was just much too windy. A few moths in the traps, Oak Rustic and White-speck worth a mention. Another late record in the form of this Brimstone.
November 5, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Well, I went out into the garden at 3am and 6am hoping that Crimson Speckled would be falling out of the sky like confetti. Sadly not to be! 😆. It was just much too windy. A few moths in the traps, Oak Rustic and White-speck worth a mention. Another late record in the form of this Brimstone.
Corizus hyoscyami on the house wall by one of the moth traps. I've had this species quite often in the garden, but never to light before. Such an exotic looking Bug. Little to report from the traps so far, I've only seen an Oak Rustic, but it's windier than last night. Maybe dropping off a bit now 🤞
November 4, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Corizus hyoscyami on the house wall by one of the moth traps. I've had this species quite often in the garden, but never to light before. Such an exotic looking Bug. Little to report from the traps so far, I've only seen an Oak Rustic, but it's windier than last night. Maybe dropping off a bit now 🤞
Mavis, fab piece of work! Here's one of the real thing to show how accurate yours is. This had landed by my moth trap in France. I got this jammy shot just as it took off!
November 4, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Mavis, fab piece of work! Here's one of the real thing to show how accurate yours is. This had landed by my moth trap in France. I got this jammy shot just as it took off!
Weymouth: Best from the two traps were a tatty Cosmopolitan and a rather immaculate Golden Twin-spot. @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
November 4, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Weymouth: Best from the two traps were a tatty Cosmopolitan and a rather immaculate Golden Twin-spot. @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
The most unusual moth from the trap today was an exceptionally late Mottled Rustic!
At Silverlake, the 2 Pink-feet flew in mid morning, a quick photo taken before they went to sleep again. Also, a photo of part of the flock with one of the two YLHG present today. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
At Silverlake, the 2 Pink-feet flew in mid morning, a quick photo taken before they went to sleep again. Also, a photo of part of the flock with one of the two YLHG present today. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
November 3, 2025 at 2:31 PM
The most unusual moth from the trap today was an exceptionally late Mottled Rustic!
At Silverlake, the 2 Pink-feet flew in mid morning, a quick photo taken before they went to sleep again. Also, a photo of part of the flock with one of the two YLHG present today. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
At Silverlake, the 2 Pink-feet flew in mid morning, a quick photo taken before they went to sleep again. Also, a photo of part of the flock with one of the two YLHG present today. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
At least a dozen Common Darter on the wing at Silverlake including several pairs egg-laying. Frustrating brief views of a Dragonfly with a blue base to the abdomen. Failed to find it again despite much searching. More scorching views of the Pink-feet though!
November 2, 2025 at 12:47 PM
At least a dozen Common Darter on the wing at Silverlake including several pairs egg-laying. Frustrating brief views of a Dragonfly with a blue base to the abdomen. Failed to find it again despite much searching. More scorching views of the Pink-feet though!
Here are the Pink-feet when I found them this morning! Even though they were asleep I could still see the darker heads. They did eventually wake up and go for a swim.
A surprising 14 sp in the moth trap, best were Oak Rustic, White-speck, Red-green Carpet and Barred Sallow.
A surprising 14 sp in the moth trap, best were Oak Rustic, White-speck, Red-green Carpet and Barred Sallow.
November 1, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Here are the Pink-feet when I found them this morning! Even though they were asleep I could still see the darker heads. They did eventually wake up and go for a swim.
A surprising 14 sp in the moth trap, best were Oak Rustic, White-speck, Red-green Carpet and Barred Sallow.
A surprising 14 sp in the moth trap, best were Oak Rustic, White-speck, Red-green Carpet and Barred Sallow.
Rarity value of a bird is very much related to its location. Two Spoonbills in Poole Harbour would barely be worth a mention, two at Silverlake are quite gripping! Only one previous record that I'm aware of. As soon as the sun came out, they livened up and flew off south. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
October 31, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Rarity value of a bird is very much related to its location. Two Spoonbills in Poole Harbour would barely be worth a mention, two at Silverlake are quite gripping! Only one previous record that I'm aware of. As soon as the sun came out, they livened up and flew off south. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
More moths than I expected given the wild weather overnight. The oddest of them all though, was this Kent Black Arches. Extremely late date, but 2nd gen examples are not unprecedented in Dorset.
October 31, 2025 at 9:19 AM
More moths than I expected given the wild weather overnight. The oddest of them all though, was this Kent Black Arches. Extremely late date, but 2nd gen examples are not unprecedented in Dorset.
Best from Rodden Hive was a flyover Woodlark which headed off NE, calling as it went. I'm pretty sure this might be my first ever record from the Fleet. The 4 Barnacle Geese are still present. Best from the trap was the first Red-green Carpet of the autumn.
October 30, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Best from Rodden Hive was a flyover Woodlark which headed off NE, calling as it went. I'm pretty sure this might be my first ever record from the Fleet. The 4 Barnacle Geese are still present. Best from the trap was the first Red-green Carpet of the autumn.
Not many birds on my walk this morning, but the scenery made up for it. A few Skylarks and Mipits moving NW. The toilets in Abbotsbury Beach car park always worth a look, but today just a Feathered Thorn, plus this very dark Cream-spot Tiger larva, which I rescued from getting trodden on.
October 28, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Not many birds on my walk this morning, but the scenery made up for it. A few Skylarks and Mipits moving NW. The toilets in Abbotsbury Beach car park always worth a look, but today just a Feathered Thorn, plus this very dark Cream-spot Tiger larva, which I rescued from getting trodden on.
A nice find on the fence by one of the moth traps, Oedemera femoralis, a False Blister Beetle. Pretty damn rare in these parts it would seem, although inevitably these things are under recorded.
October 27, 2025 at 8:49 PM
A nice find on the fence by one of the moth traps, Oedemera femoralis, a False Blister Beetle. Pretty damn rare in these parts it would seem, although inevitably these things are under recorded.
Moth trap very quiet so I decided to photograph this very smart Diamond-back.
Best at Silverlake were 9 juvenile Goosander on West Lake. At least one Migrant Hawker and 10+ Common Darter on the wing. Photos of a very dull individual and one I rescued from the water! Still pairs egg-laying.
Best at Silverlake were 9 juvenile Goosander on West Lake. At least one Migrant Hawker and 10+ Common Darter on the wing. Photos of a very dull individual and one I rescued from the water! Still pairs egg-laying.
October 27, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Moth trap very quiet so I decided to photograph this very smart Diamond-back.
Best at Silverlake were 9 juvenile Goosander on West Lake. At least one Migrant Hawker and 10+ Common Darter on the wing. Photos of a very dull individual and one I rescued from the water! Still pairs egg-laying.
Best at Silverlake were 9 juvenile Goosander on West Lake. At least one Migrant Hawker and 10+ Common Darter on the wing. Photos of a very dull individual and one I rescued from the water! Still pairs egg-laying.
Best from Rodden Hive were these 4 Barnacle Geese, provenance unknown of course. Otherwise, Peregrine and Kingfisher there plus good numbers of Wigeon now in. Single Cattle Egret and Marsh Harrier just outside the village.
Best from a very quiet moth trap was this White-speck.
Best from a very quiet moth trap was this White-speck.
October 26, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Best from Rodden Hive were these 4 Barnacle Geese, provenance unknown of course. Otherwise, Peregrine and Kingfisher there plus good numbers of Wigeon now in. Single Cattle Egret and Marsh Harrier just outside the village.
Best from a very quiet moth trap was this White-speck.
Best from a very quiet moth trap was this White-speck.
Little to report from Silverlake bar two juvenile Goosander on West Lake. Not often a Meadow Pipit sits in view for long enough to get the camera out!
For once, no moth trapping last night, too cold and windy.
For once, no moth trapping last night, too cold and windy.
October 25, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Little to report from Silverlake bar two juvenile Goosander on West Lake. Not often a Meadow Pipit sits in view for long enough to get the camera out!
For once, no moth trapping last night, too cold and windy.
For once, no moth trapping last night, too cold and windy.
Acleris umbrana from last night, another once-rare species that is now regular here. Also, this Common Plume had its photo taken. At least 6 Common Darter still on the wing on Warmwell Heath plus Woodlark, Redpoll etc overhead. A quick look for Nail Fungus drew a blank. PS, don't Google Nail Fungus!
October 23, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Acleris umbrana from last night, another once-rare species that is now regular here. Also, this Common Plume had its photo taken. At least 6 Common Darter still on the wing on Warmwell Heath plus Woodlark, Redpoll etc overhead. A quick look for Nail Fungus drew a blank. PS, don't Google Nail Fungus!
The moth trap still rather underwhelming, but both Oak Rustic and Large Wainscot were new-for-year. I get quite a few Oak Rustic here, but bizarrely never the orange-spotted form, always white.
A beautiful still morning at Osmington Mills, but no payoff for the miles walked.
A beautiful still morning at Osmington Mills, but no payoff for the miles walked.
October 22, 2025 at 2:12 PM
The moth trap still rather underwhelming, but both Oak Rustic and Large Wainscot were new-for-year. I get quite a few Oak Rustic here, but bizarrely never the orange-spotted form, always white.
A beautiful still morning at Osmington Mills, but no payoff for the miles walked.
A beautiful still morning at Osmington Mills, but no payoff for the miles walked.