Well. This was the first of I don’t know how many to come of my recording of moths species on Havergate Island. I look at the weather forecasts to let the RSPB know as far in advance as realist as to when I ask if they are able to get me there (and back). Thursday 26th May looked OK in advance. I hope the SMG Hintlesham Woods trip went better than my trip did. I set up 3 MV traps which captured a grand total of 10 species. I almost did better by searching during the afternoon and evening with 8 species found. Total 18!
That having been said the island is a fabulous place to be. Particularly pleasant was siting out in the evening and watching the hares come out to feed and sunbathe.
The moths were very disappointing. None of the expected salt-marsh species. I think the late season is even more striking on the estuary where the colder water means a slower start to the year. One salt-marsh/coastal inhabitant was found by way of a Northern Drab. A bit tattered and very pale. The commonest species was the Tawny Shears followed by Cochylidia implicitana. Got two surprises for the location; a Poplar Hawk=moth and a Phyllonorycter quercifoliella. Two bird related species; Monopis crocicapitella and M. laevigella. Hope for better luck next trip.
I can remember going to Havergate a few times and having similar results Raymond! Not a lot of shelter on there if it is a bit windy. Good for the saltmarsh moths when conditions are right though.