Here in Bradwell in the North East of the County I trapped on the 17th and 18th. The first night was so bright and clear that although I’d positioned all my traps I left only one running beyond 10pm as there was virtually nothing coming to light. In the morning 12 species recorded, a big drop in species and numbers from just over a week ago. Last night all four traps running, no bright moon but pretty breezy which seemed to affect numbers, although the first November moths of the season were recorded among 20 species, along with the first Feathered Thorn of the season.
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I’ve found the same down here in the south-east of the county Keith. Quite noticeable decrease in numbers of moths caught, maybe down to several factors some of which you mention but here I would also add that the patch of Ivy not far from where I run the trap at home (which is the only trap I’ve been running lately as I’ve had a week off work) is now going over with less moths visiting than earlier in the week. Also the season is moving on too, we are now in the second half of October and naturally species numbers would normally drop off for me anyway. I had 16sp on 16th, 22sp on 17th and 18sp on the 18th. First Feathered thorn trapped this week and the first November moth of the year seen at my Kitchen window 2 nights ago (no more yet). Only migrants the same 2 Dark sword-grass every night, I know they are the same ones as they were pretty distinctly marked ones and the wear pattern on the wings was also the same, this is despite me releasing them some distance away from the trap site. Late Garden carpet trapped on the 18th, most other moths seen expected species for the time of year, commonest species Chestnut c.25 seen each night.
Warm weather set to continue for a bit but its going to be very windy which could hamper any trapping effort.
Neil
Very little happening inland at Burgate either, Keith. I was away for the good weather in early October but it has been a terrible year for migrants here: not even a Dark Sword-grass to get excited about. The best night recently was the 14th – not warm, but still and cloudy. 15 species in 3 hours including Feathered Thorn, Merveille du Jour and Spruce Carpet. The 17th and 19th were disappointing with a bright moon.
Mark