A couple of much milder nights have shown that moths may only be around in limited numbers so far as species are concerned but within each species, the guest-list can still be healthy. Yesterday, for example, no fewer than 13 December Moths paid me a call, nine inside the light-trap and four on the wall of the house nearby.
Here they are in various poses, one of them displaying the fine 'TV aerial' antennae which are as much a feature of the species as its lovely fur coat. Usually moths unfold their antennae when I tickle or otherwise disturb them, but this chap was already on the qui vive.
Meanwhile, our porch light is acting as a minor moth trap, particularly where Winter Moths are concerned. Checking outside lights is always an interesting diversion which anyone can do, as Conehead notes in commenting on my last post. A useful extra is when a window is involved, as you can photograph the moth from both sides (provided your windows are reasonably clean).
My last moths are a pair of Winters, this time on the wall along with the quartet of Decembers.
Elsewhere in the natural world, our many squirrels are foraging energetically at the moment; and we used up our last nasturtium flowers by stuffing them with goats' cheese, anchovy essence and capers. Yum!
2 comments:
Lovely nasturtiums - I grew one called "Alpine Mixed" this year from seed - excellent stuff. Here we call the grey squirrels 'tree rats' because they forced the reds out of our woods and ravage the bird feeders.
Hi Edward
Sorry for the delay and thanks for the nasturtium tip. We'll try those next year. Our little meal tasted delicious - they have that slight peppery taste of radishes. We have to make do with grey squirrels though we saw a lovely red one on Brownsea Island this Summer though. Not much trapping now, though I'll put the lamp out if we get a mild night. Otherwise happy Christmas and thanks again for all your time and expertise. M
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