I can honestly say I have never been one for twitching, but today I had my first ever, and it wasn't for a bird but for a moth. So it was a quick visit to the Obs this afternoon, to see one of Britain's rarest moths, a Tawny Prominent (Harpyia milhauseri).
This Tawny Prominent is a very rare visitor from the continent, with just two previous records, the first was 1966 in West Sussex and the second 1993 in Kent. This one here was caught in Weymouth yesterday and apparently was on the outside of the moth trap. So that a wider audience could see this rarity it was on show at the Obs yesterday and today.
Wakeham
At this time of year the butterflies are starting to look a bit battered. This is a Gatekeeper with a chunk out of its wing.
The rest of the afternoon was spent in the garden, watching the world go by. Highlights were a Slow-worm in its usual spot and a couple of moths. The first was a Mint Moth on the Mint of course and the second moth was a Rusty Dot Pearl in the Vegetable patch.
The other night I had a Mint Moth in the moth trap, and here it is in the daylight, on Mint of course.
A Rusty Dot Pearl
Another attempt at capturing a Honeybee in flight.
It's a bit easier videoing them. Also in amongst the Honeybees was a White-tailed Bumblebee
Here we have a male Red-tailed Bumblebee.
A Large White caterpillar making short work of the Nasturtiums.
A big stare from Benji.
And no wonder!!! He's looking at Ted and thinking how on earth did you get in that state.
Polly's Cottage
And a finally a happy ending to this little fella who fell down the chimney.
Well I'm not sure how long he was there, but..........
..........there was this little fella at the back of the chimney stack.
Once free, he was taken outside and away he flew. We like happy endings.