Moths and Darters

The first thing that was noticeable about the moth traps was the large number of midges trapped overnight!  There was not a hugh number of moths but plenty to keep us busy first thing this morning.  As usual we tried to photograph some of them.  It was very windy so we had to find a sheltered place and we were able to get not one, not two but three Autumnal Rustic Moths all together.

Silver Y moths can be seen on the wing during the day, but they are usually very active and do not sit still for long.  Their wings are always fluttering, making any reasonable photograph almost impossible.  Amazingly one sat still for ages so that we could take a photo!  This is a migrant species and can be seen in large numbers especially at coastal migration watch points.  

The wind was strong and blustery but this did not stop the Common Darters from flying.  They use the marker posts and rails to land and sunbathe.  This is the male

and this the female.  In good weather they can fly right through to October.

Once the moths were ID'd and the traps cleared away the volunteers carried out various indoor tasks.  Thank you to everyone who helped.