More Thanet moths

 Just finished checking through the egg trays from last night's efforts. Two new garden species being discovered in the process. Barred Hook-tip was actually on the outside of the trap when I turned it off at 05.25 hrs.

The Brindled Plume (Amblyptilia punctidactyla) was found later and has quite a characteristic pose which is not shown in any of the literature I have. It was only when I perused UKmoths that I was finally confident with my id.

As seems to be the case, recently, there is always something which causes much head scratching and today it was another Plume sp.

More of the same

 Had another session down at Brook but, have decided that it will be my last for a while, because I need to focus on the project I'd set myself when joining C&DAA. Got a great phone call from Benno telling me that, at last, his broken bones are starting to heal and the doctors are confident that he'll be back to normal in the near future. I fished from 11.30 - 15.00 hrs, absolutely smashing it. Sixteen fish landed, including another three "doubles", seemed a fitting way to finish my time down there. 

I have subjected that split cane "Dick Walker" Mk IV Avon to some severe punishment, these recent sessions. It has proven more than capable of handling anything these Carp are able to offer. Might it, one day, be put to the test of a Stour Barbel? Although, to be fair, the real question has to be " will I be put to the test of another R. Stour Barbel?" There's only one way of finding an answer and I'm back down the river next week to resume the quest. The garden moth trapping continues to provide excellent opportunities for discovering new species of this fascinating group of insects. 

Hawthorn Slender - Parornix anglicella

A Hawthorn Slender is the latest addition to our garden list, yet surely must have been overlooked in the past? It was nice to see increased numbers of Silver Y's on the egg trays this morning as they are a sure sign that moth migration is taking place. To add gravitas, to this perception, a Green Sandpiper flew over whilst I was fishing today.  Autumn is upon us, despite the calendar saying otherwise!

Barnies, Bernard & Ric

An off the cuff session, down at Brook Lake, was nothing more than "fun fishing". Exactly the same kit as I'd used on Tuesday, my results were also very similar. Another two "doubles", both Mirrors, gracing the landing net were the highlight of, over a dozen, Carp which fell to my floating baits. After the previous session, I concentrated on ensuring that my freebies were introduced at regular intervals, even whilst I was playing a fish. Just a small handful required to keep the ravenous hoard in my swim, I was probably rebaiting every 90 secs. Over the duration of my session I used in excess of 2 kg (dry weight) of mixed (Happy Shopper 'cos they're cheap as chips) dog & cat biscuits. My guess is that I hooked around one in four fish, which took my floating baits, landing even fewer due to the tiny size 12, barbless, Guru hook that I was using. Bottom line, which ever way I look at the session, it was absolutely spot on - enjoyment personified.

11 lbs 8 oz - what an advert for the "Carp Faggots" and their brainless use of 
"big pit" tackle on a carp puddle. The one below tipped the scales at 13 lbs 10 oz and 
provided a superb test of the Mk IV Avon and Match Aerial centrepin.

Now for some rather more serious words, if I'm capable? Firstly, I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bernard Cribbins, earlier today. In the crazy era of my angling past, I had the great fortune to bump into him on two occasions. The first time was at Lynch Hill, where I had just landed a 23 lbs Pike and he, along with Peter Stone, were fishing in a boat besides me and helped with the unhooking and subsequent photos. At the time, Bernard said that it was biggest Pike he'd ever seen!

The next time we crossed paths was at Mapledurham, on The Thames. I was Pike fishing in the mill pool whilst Bernard was filming a "Jackanory" series for the BBC. Standing in the doorway of the watermill, he was telling the tale of "Wind in the Willows" yet, being the gentleman he was, still had time to speak with me and recall that Lynch Hill encounter a few years previous. RIP Bernard.

Finally just a sentence to wish Ric F, a speedy recovery from the surgery he underwent earlier today. We haven't actually crossed paths since being members of The Tring Syndicate way back in the 1980's. You're in my thoughts, mate, and Sye sends his best wishes.

Swifts and Twin-spots

 After yesterday's exploits down at Brook Lake, what happened in Sheffield, last night, ensured I went to bed a very contented soul. If George Best, Gazza or Christiano Ronaldo had scored a goal similar to that which Alessia Russo did, at Bramall Lane, it would be lauded as genius by the footballing pundits. How was it reported on the BBC Sports website? "Very naughty" as her Lioness team-mates stated in their post match interviews. Will it matter if they meet France or Germany at Wembley, on Sunday? The confidence and self-belief, that they clearly have, should surely see them lift the trophy and with it, the spirit of our nation because one thing's for sure. Sunak and/or Truss can't!

I had toyed with going back down to Brook but didn't bother. Plenty to occupy my time around the garden, dead heading the planters and baskets plus general tidying around the drive and patio. Around 10.50 hrs it became obvious that there were numbers of Swifts passing overhead. A ten minute sample count revealed 307, mainly East, and so it continued for another hour before numbers fell away. The birds were moving on a very broad front right over Newlands Farm and, as I write this, at 17.45 hrs, there are still odd groups passing through, although now they seem on a more Northerly path. There is no way I could provide an accurate count, because I couldn't be arsed! The numbers were certainly in the thousands and by far the largest movement I've ever witnessed.

Overnight moth trapping provided plenty of interest with some fairly decent species being present on the egg trays. Three more Jersey Tigers, a Gypsy Moth and male Oak Eggar were the real, in your face, moths as I examined the contents of the Robinson Trap today. However, on the very first tray, I espied a superb Golden Twin-spot. This species was a real "rare" during those early years but, now, thanks to climate change being recorded in ever increasing numbers across the UK. 

Other bits included the likes of Turnip Moth, Nutmeg, Plain Pug and Small Fan-footed Wave. Garden moth trapping, as does local patch birding, has the ability to elevate the status of "common" species purely because of the location and restricted boundaries involved. And so it proved today, I discovered a Twin-spotted Wainscot on one of the final egg trays. It constitutes only the third garden record in twenty-one years! To say I was delighted would be doing the moth an injustice - I was buzzing like a newbie to the dark art and for that I must thank, once again, a certain Gavin Haig!

Split cane doubles

 I spent a very enjoyable afternoon (12.30 - 17.30 hrs) fishing down at Brook Lake. Tactics were simplicity itself, free lined floating dog treats on a size 12 Guru barbless hook. The rod was my trusty B. James & Son, "Dick Walker" Mk IV Avon fitted with the Allcock's Match Aerial centrepin and 5 lbs b.s. line. A 5 litre bucket of mixed "Happy Shopper" dog and cat biscuits provided my freebies and it was all systems go. Due to a rather dramatic change of wind direction, mid session, I fished two swims at opposite ends of this, rather intimate, carp puddle. Both provided superb sport with these ravenous Carp and, because of my tackle choices, it was always going to be close range fishing. The furthest cast probably little more than five, or six, yards. I spent less than two hours in the first swim, landing four, losing a couple and getting a real lesson in bait presentation due to the silly number of missed bites. 

13 lbs 14 oz of surface caught Mirror

The second swim was even more testing. I had a real head scratching hour, missing numerous bites without any idea why? I played around with my bait presentation and, also, the rhythm of the introduction of free offerings. It seems that this second train of thought opened the door because just before 16.00 hrs I finally hooked my first Carp in the new swim. 16.20 hrs and I'm still playing this fish which stubbornly refused to be coaxed away from the lake bed. In my head it was by far the biggest fish I'd hooked in the venue and, had I lost it, would have been gutted. It was a further five minutes before I saw the culprit and a minute, or so, later drew my prize over the rim of the landing net. What the f*ck? A very long, and lean, Common which tipped the scales at 9 lbs 8 oz. 

After getting myself back together I quickly hooked another Common, of a similar stamp, which was in the net within a couple of minutes. Over the next hour I managed to land five more fish, including another nice Mirror of 13 lbs 12 oz. 

13 lbs 12 oz - peas in a pod!

An absolutely brilliant session and just what I needed. Nothing too testing, from an angling perspective, it provided a nice opportunity to spend time on the bank with zero expectations. Barbel soon?

An angler's blog?

My current blog visitor numbers are dismal, if the stats are what really matter? I've questioned, in previous posts, the relevance of "blogging" within the whirlpool of social media platforms yet had to conclude the written word still has a place, however limited, in the cyber community. With this, baseline, mentality I happily continue to post my spin on the world knowing that very few will ever read it and, as a result, I'll offend even fewer with my opinions. It's almost certainly an age related slant on the status quo of cyber demographics. 

With the blog now well into it's 10th year, I'm struggling to find stuff to write about which has anything remotely to do with Pike fishing! My own fault, entirely, because of that recent project on the RMC and all the success that went with it. Any new visitor won't be expecting garden moth trapping to provide the bulk of posts when looking at the blog title, that's for sure. Hey-ho! The inclusion of  "& observations" allows me to write about anything I encounter without a "trade descriptions" enquiry being required! Moths have played a huge role in my recent routine as I struggle to find enthusiasm for the Barbel challenge that I'd hoped would evolve as the new river season opened. Thankfully there is light at the end of the tunnel? My ham-string issues are now sorted and that nasty coughing has gone away with neither Bev or I ever testing positive for Covid. What was it? Don't know, or care, it's now in the past and we can move on. Benno is back at work, although still awaiting further medical procedures concerning his broken arm. It's probably been ten days since I last cast a line and the urge to get back to the waterside is growing with each passing day. 

About three weeks ago, whilst fishing on Brook Lake, I had a major catastrophe. I'd been playing a very powerful Carp for the best part of twenty minutes when the spool, on my ABU Cardinal 55, exploded. Needless to say, the Carp was lost and the reel rendered useless due the lack of a spare. Fear ye not, I hadn't lost a giant, just a very spirited fish which had little regard for the 5 lbs b.s. line or the split cane Mk IV Avon rod. It is at this juncture that I discovered the existence of a guy by the name of Les Shaw (click here for his website). Somewhere in Derbyshire he runs a business, from home, which caters for the whims of anglers such as myself. Could he supply replacement spools for ABU Cardinal 55's? You bet your life he could and not just any old spools. He can supply brand new, all metal versions, that are better than the originals made by ABU in Sweden during the 1980's. Certainly not cheap, I ordered two, so that I could pair up my Cardinal 55 with my Cardinal 155. Not much change out of £80, but every penny well spent in my opinion. The new spools are simply superb and incorporate a line clip which the originals didn't have. 

So I now have another pair of reels saved from an existence of gathering dust at the back of my tackle cupboard. Not too sure if they'll see much action until the Pike season, but that's a quandary I'll face up to when the need arises. I sent a thank-you email to Les and asked if he was able to supply replacement spools for ABU Cardinal 44 X's? His reply speaks volumes about the character of this man. "Yes" he could BUT, the spools had been produced for the Cardinal 44 model and were a tight fit on the axle of the 44X. Honesty in business is a very rare commodity, so this is why I've made such a fuss about the service Les provides. I might just get a short, afternoon, session in tomorrow but will certainly be back home in plenty of time for the Lionesses semi-final game. I was watching the Sweden v's Belgium game, at the New York Stadium in Rotherham, and was drawn to the advertising hoardings which stated "Women play football" - "Not Women's football". 

So after all that stuff, there's absolutely no way I can conclude this post without mention of the latest garden mothing exploits. Still no sign of an Orache, Dark Crimson Underwing or Splendid Brocade, such is life, but plenty to keep me entertained. Tree-lichen Beauty, Rush Veneer and Diamond-backs are a gimme, although never numerous. I've now recorded seven Jersey Tigers which seems to suggest that the garden plants are doing what they're supposed to, especially the Nicotiana? Best moth of last night was a Tawny-barred Angle, new for the garden, and a "lifer" to boot.

Nothing makes much sense

 Monday and Tuesday were so hot, it was absolutely ridiculous, thus our climate change experience was headline news across every media outlet and platform nationwide. Now? Well it's all forgotten as the gutter press concentrate upon Sunak v's Truss in the "lesser of two evils battle" and the Sport's Editors upon the superb efforts of "The Lionesses" in Euro 2022. I have to say a massive "well done" to the team behind the recent Snickers advert which I've seen streamed on Youtube. The message clearly being "you're only half a fan if you don't support women's football" - very clever and totally in keeping with the way the game is evolving globally. I've still not managed to get back down to The Stour due, in part, to Bev and I both suffering from a nasty cough. Neither of us have tested positive for Covid, yet I wouldn't be at all surprised if that is what is the cause, given the current infection statistics. We're certainly not suffering any symptoms which would cause us to be hospitalised, so have to assume the vaccine program has given us a level of immunity which prevented that worse case scenario from playing out? In the spirit of common sense, however, we're isolating at home until we get over this niggling ailment. Over reaction? Better to be safe, than sorry, would be my response. All it has meant, in reality, is that we've not been able to get the grand-kids from school, on Wednesday, and haven't been out shopping or socialising (or fishing!).

Fortunately, the freezers are always well stocked with supplies, although mine does have two compartments solely for the purpose of bait storage. We certainly won't be going hungry and, in the worse case scenario, can always call upon Debbie (Bev's daughter) or Benno to give us some assistance if our immediate neighbours are unwilling to help. So much to be positive about even under these circumstances. The garden, therefore, has to provide my link to the natural world and, today, there was a huge increase in the number of Common Swifts (birds, not moths) around the Newlands Farm area. Gauging accurate numbers would be unrealistic as they were feeding low over the surrounding corn fields and, also high above the surrounding housing estate, regularly moving between the two. Obviously not migrants, it would be my guess that they made up the bulk of the local St. Luke's & St. Lawrence area breeding population. Possibly sixty birds involved but, whatever number, certainly the most I've seen in 2022!

What's left? Moths of course!!!!! At present I am having a superb time looking at a bunch of insects (micro moths) which have, until recently, been completely off my radar. That I'm also re-acquainting myself with another group of inverts (macro moths) has provided some crazy "wow" moments. What needs to be highlighted, at this point, is the huge influence geographical location has upon my moth trapping.  Obviously I do attempt to improve the situation with the choice of garden plants that we provide as added attraction but, bottom line, Thanet is superbly placed to attract/intercept the waifs and strays from continental Europe, dependant upon weather opposed to environmental factors. Having the ability to peruse the internet provides massive insight into the "bigger picture". It might be Dungeness BO, Folkestone Birds, Paul Trodd, Gavin Haig, Stewart Sexton or Mark Skevington , amongst  many others, whose mothing exploits are so wonderfully shared via the medium of "blogland". Sharing their experiences just serves to enthuse me to push my own boundaries and long may it continue. What it isn't is a competition, all I want from the exchange is to enjoy the journey as it unfolds. I'm still attempting to improve upon my pitiful camera techniques and seem to have stumbled (?) upon a combination of 14 mm extension tube, Sigma 55 - 200 mm lens and the Canon EOS 400D body which might just be the way forward?

Beautiful Plume - Amblyptilia acanthadactyla

Tree-lichen Beauty - Cryphia algae
Four last night

Saltmarsh Plume - Agdistis bennetii

Rush Veneer - Nomophila noctuella
One of seventeen last night!

Moths are absolutely fascinating insects and I'm very grateful to those who've been instrumental in my involvement with the experience. Where will it lead? Absolutely no idea, although the ability to be involved without the requirement for excessive mobility certainly sits well with an old bloke, and an arthritic skeleton, as the clock ticks steadily into oblivion!

Kent Knot-horn - Moitrelia obductella

All I do know is that while garden mothing continues to provide an enjoyable challenge I'll happily explore the potential on offer.

  

Heatwave action

Monday had been bloody hot and with temperatures, on Tuesday, in excess of 37C being recorded around Thanet, any thoughts of pushing a loaded barrow over a mile, in each direction, just to attempt to catch a Barbel quickly disappeared as the day progressed. Now, don't get me wrong, under no circumstances am I moaning about the heat! I usually have to spend good money on airfares to experience weather like that, so being able to do so in/around the bungalow was a real treat. Obviously there is a far more serious side to the "climate change" debate but, due to politicians and big business, alike, completely in contempt of such scientific proof, there seems no way back?

So, if fishing was off the menu, the garden would have to provide my wildlife kicks. The moth trap is continuing to lure a good variety of species, whilst Hedgehog numbers appear to show a healthy population being present around our neighbourhood. It's not unusual to have four animals around the garden, at any one time, and six is my best count so far in 2022. I'd mentioned in the previous post that I had decided to fence off the MV in a bid to reduce the number of moths falling foul of my spikey visitors. It is now in position and seems to be doing the trick.

The fence is made from some old aviary netting and the rain guard nothing
more complicated than a Pyrex dish

Been some really nice moths on the egg trays, just lately, although it would appear the the Hawk-moth extravaganza might be coming to an end. Just one each of Eyed and Elephant last night but, it was great whilst it lasted. I happily admit that micro moths are certainly providing me with id challenges which, previously, I have shirked. It's a learning curve which I'm slowly embarking upon. There's no great rush as it is a journey of personal development, not a tick in a box exercise. 

Jersey Tigers

Garden Tiger

Female Oak Eggar

Swallow Prominent

The Barbel in The Stour aren't going anywhere and, fortunately, time is now on my side. I will get back down to the river shortly but, in the meanwhile, will continue to enjoy whatever comes my way via the 125w MV trap and the garden feeding stations. 

Straw Grass-veneer - Agriphila straminella

Pearl Grass-veneer - Catoptria pinella

Dark Bordered Pearl - Evergestis limbata

I like the Crambid group of moths, basically because they're reasonably straight forward id challenges and therefore, right up my street. Yet it's not all moths which are attracted to the light and this Long-winged Conehead was certainly a surprise this morning.

Weekend break

 Bev and I have just got back from a superb weekend sojourn which involved rendezvousing with both sides of our families. We set off, around 11.00 hrs, on Friday and returned just before 19.00 hrs on Sunday. Our route took us up to, my brother, Tim & Julie's place, in Bourne End, Herts, where we spent a couple of hours before continuing our journey to Wellingborough, in Northamptonshire, our base for the next two nights, thus enabling us to attend Bev's cousin's (Sarah) 50th birthday bash and allowing me to partake of a couple of "light ales". The party in Northamptonshire was absolutely superb. Phil and Sarah put on an event which surpassed everything any of us could have wished for. Obviously, the weather played a significant role in our being able to spend the majority of our time outside in their lovely garden, but whatever the conditions they did themselves proud - it was nice to be part of such a happy occasion. 

Our return journey took a slight detour as we then headed across to Aston Clinton, Buckinghamshire, where my youngest brother, Sye and Yve reside. We spent a very pleasant few hours out in the garden, being joined by Tim & Julie, before heading up the road to The Rothchild Arms PH for a bite to eat and a pint. All too soon it was time to say our good-byes and head off, back down, to darkest Thanet. It had been a thoroughly enjoyable weekend away and even more so because the family meet ups were for celebration rather than the normal gatherings due to bloody funerals! 

So, obviously, the garden moth trapping had a break whilst we were away and I was really looking forward to getting back into the groove. On the Thursday night, before we'd left, I had trapped our second, ever, garden Pine Hawk-moth, plus a bonus Old Lady. Both species which impress due to size and their physical appearance, proper moffa's moths!

Apple Leaf-miner - Lyonetia clerkella

Horse Chestnut Leaf-miner - Cameraria ohridella

The haul, overnight, was a bit predictable under the current conditions, migrants being conspicuous by their absence? The odd Silver Y and Diamond-back, but nothing better, so it was once again the micro moths which provided the bulk of my entertainment. Two ridiculously tiny examples were good fun as I did my best with the camera kit. Apple Leaf-miner and Horse Chestnut Leaf-miner were the culprits, both species incredibly common but overlooked/ignored by the vast majority of UK residents. Quite a few other species which require further study so I'm already preparing a project for the long dark nights, of the Pike season, where I will attempt to get id's for all those species which I didn't secure at the time of their capture. It'll certainly give me something to do away from the bankside efforts. 

Hawthorn Ermine - Paraswammerdamia nebulella

Barred Marble - Celypha striana

This morning, however, dealt me a massive reality slap by way of highlighting a huge conflict of interests in my nocturnal activities. Feeding Hedgehogs and simultaneously running a 125w MV Robinson trap are a recipe for disaster. Not only did I discover the wings of, at least two, Privet Hawk-moths, it was the Jersey Tiger which had fallen prey to these garden visitors which tripped the balance. Not since the very early 2000's have I needed to "fence off" my MV trap but, now I'm actively encouraging these wonderful animals into my garden, feel it has to be done for the sake of the insects drawn by the light. Hedgehogs are garden "royalty" given their crazy demise over this past two decades; that we still are able to attract six, or more, individuals with our feeding station is testament to how well they are doing within the Dumpton urban jungle. I put plenty of food out for them, so don't actually require to back this up with live items, such as moths. I've not seen a garden Fox in over a fortnight, so do hope our regular visitor hasn't fallen foul of the local "pest control" jesters. Why would you need to control Foxes when all you do is grow Wheat, Barley, Cauliflowers and Potatoes? Answers on a postcard please!

Dingy Dowd - Blastobasis adustella

The Stour Barbel now require some attention but, sadly, Benno still hasn't been given the green light on his broken arm, so won't be able to join me for at least another two weeks. Hopefully I will be able to cast a bait sometime this week, it will all be weather dependant I guess?

Better stamp of "scamps"

 In a recent email/comments box exchange, with my old mate Mark "Chiddy" Chidwick, I was told that the carp in Brook Lake were of a higher average weight than those in Jade where I had, previously, enjoyed so much success. Sure enough, I can confirm that Mark's information holds true and, indeed, there are larger fish in Brook Lake. I've just got back from my latest session having landed eight Carp in little over three hours. Great fun using the B. James & Son "Dick Walker" split cane Mk IV Avon in conjunction with my Allcock's Match Aerial centrepin, 5 lbs b.s. mono, size 12 Guru barbless hooks and Baker's "Small Dog" Meaty Meals for hook baits. Instead of the average fish being between 2 & 4 lbs, as in Jade Lake, the carp today were in the region of 6 lbs with a bonus visitor to the landing net which weighed in at 10 lbs 8 oz - so a "Barney Rubble" no less!

10 lbs 8 oz of incredibly hard fighting, Brook Lake, Common Carp

My ham-string is far less painful and, with luck, on Friday Benno will get the all clear from his medical team thus allowing us to embark upon a serious campaign in search of those enigmatic Kentish Stour Barbel. With this as the backdrop, all being well, I will get one more trip down to Minster before a resumption of the main project for Summer 2022?

Scarce Silver Lines - Bena bicolorana

So with all that out of the way, "what about the garden moths?" What I must say is that I'm totally indebted to Gavin Haig, over at NQS. His infectious enthusiasm for this aspect of natural history involvement has certainly rubbed off. I'm currently having a blast, looking at creatures I'd previously ignored. Micro moths are a wonderful distraction from the reality of present day life in the UK. Is nailing an id important? Not from where I view the situation although readily accepting that others will hold very different opinions. With temperatures not dropping below 66 F, last night, it came as no surprise that the MV trap contained twenty-three Elephant Hawk-moths, which is five more than the previous best haul. So much else to enjoy as the various egg trays were examined, yet, to counter this positive, there were plenty of individual insects which caused frustration in equal measure. Some photos!

Figure of Eighty - Tethea ocularis

Ear Moth - Amphipoea oculea

Maple Prominent - Ptilodon cucullina

Lunar - spotted Pinion - Cosmia pyralina

So far, all pretty mundane as, although not regular garden visitors, they are easily identified from the various reference sources that I use. These next few have been given an id but, not one that I'm 100% confident about.

Plum Fruit Moth - Grapholita funebrana

Mugwort Plume - Hellinsia lienigianus

Reed Veneer - Chilo phragmitella

This next bunch are causing me more issues than is healthy. Surely moths which are so well marked should be easy to find within all of the info available on the internet? To be perfectly honest, it's probably me being a complete dullard and the id's of all of these insects is very straightforward. Please, if you have any suggestions, feel free to point me in the right direction. I'm not proud, so I'll certainly acknowledge any assistance and say thank-you!

Striped Wainscot - Mythimna pudorina
My best guess!

Cloaked Minor - Mesoligia  furuncula

Oak Nycteoline - Nycteola revayana ramosana

Apple-leaf Skeletonizer - Choreutis pariana

The last three I don't have the first idea? Well I do now many thanks to Stewart Sexton for his generous contribution. How can moths with such prominent markings be that difficult to identify? I'm probably going to look a right twat once someone who knows what they're talking about sees this! Never mind, it's not like I'm unused to being called a "twat" having spent my entire working life in factory environments.