It has been an excellent start to the season here at Bawdsey. I’m always short of time and doing far too much, so here is a summary of the highlights:
Blossom Underwing: 2 immigrant examples on 31 March.
Nut-tree Tussock: 1 on 11 April – long-overdue ‘first’ for Bawdsey.
Chamomile Shark: singles on 11 & 15 May – the first here for a few years.
Seraphim – single on 15 May. ‘Second’ for Bawdsey – first record only last year.
Flame Wainscot – single immigrant examples on 15 & 23 May.
PURPLE CLOUD – 27th British record and third Suffolk record of this stunning immigrant on 22 May. A ‘first’ for Bawdsey.
Buttoned Snout – recorded in small numbers here annually. Noted on 23 & 27 May.
Concolorous – four singletons recorded as follows: 26, 27, 28 & 30 May. The first Bawdsey records. It is not known at this stage if they are migrants or resident in the area. An immigrant was recorded during this period at Kingsdown, Kent so suggests immigration.
Shore Wainscot – the first Bawdsey record on 27 May. Previously looked for on the beach and not found.
Grass Rivulet – the first Bawdsey record on 27 May. Well away from any known colonies. Possibly of immigrant origin. Other extra-limital records reported nationally in past week.
Ethmia terminella – recorded annually in small numbers. First of the year on 27 May.
Oblique Carpet – single on 28 May – first noted here last year.
Beautiful Hook-tip – particularly high numbers around recently; eight on 30 May.
Bordered Straw – first of the season on 28 May.
Pima boisduvaliella – first of the season on 29 May.
Puss Moth – single on 29 May.
Reed Dagger – single on 29 May.
Small Mottled Willow – first of the season on 29 May.
Red-necked Footman – single on 29 May.
Silver Barred – single on 30 May.
Nick Mason has also recorded highlights of Blair’s Mocha on 24 May and Flame Wainscot on 28 May in Hollesley village.
Good to hear from you Matthew – and to know there are good moths about. Purple cloud is a bit special…!
Tony H.
Well done on putting this news out Matthew, knew some of it but not all. My report on the month will follow soon, May hasn’t quite finished yet!