It doesn't matter how long you've looked at the natural world there will always be encounters which take you, completely, by surprise. With the garden now becoming, ever more, central to my own involvement I don't suppose it should be any great shock that I'm seeing things that I've never previously bothered looking at?
 |
| A Burying Beetle - Nicrophorus interruptus Not why we operate the moth trap but always welcome as an aside to the real deal. |
Running a 125w "Robinson" MV moth trap is always going to provide massive opportunity for new discoveries. The effects of climate change, on the behaviour and distribution of moth species, has been well documented by the growing band of enthusiasts involved with recording such things. Me? I'm very happy to sit on the outside, looking in, and do things my own way. Being able to put a name to every insect/invertebrate that crosses my path is not why I look. Of course it's always nice when I'm able to put a name to a creature but, under no circumstances, is it important from an enjoyment angle. That I also make mistaken id calls isn't a concern. If I'm wrong there's absolutely no problem with me accepting the mistake and being able to use the error as a lesson moving forward.
 |
| A Migrant Hawker resting in the shade of a flower pot. |
I have nothing but respect for those whose involvement takes on a far more serious approach. That the Kent Moths website has, as part of its' header page, the following three words. "Observe, Record, Submit" says everything about why I'm so alienated from the cause. Looking at wildlife is how I enjoy myself, it's my hobby - not my job. Let's get this right, I only quoted the Kent Moth website because it covers where I live, not for any other reason. What Alex Perry, Ian Roberts, et al, have created is a superb resource and something they, as a collective, should feel rightly proud. However, the mantra for any natural history group should, in my opinion, be "Observe, Enjoy, Feel free to join in if you so wish?" No pressure, no compulsion, just a very simple invitation to anyone who feels the need to get more involved with their chosen pursuit.
 |
| What a White-point is supposed to look like! |
 |
| Dark Pine Knot-horn - Dioryctria abietella |
 |
| Cypress Pug |
 |
| A very mono-chrome Bloxworth Snout. Possible migrant? |
As I rapidly approach seventy years on this planet I'm afraid that my perspective of what's important might have gotten slightly skewed? And guess what? Moths ain't gonna figure in the mix when Putin decides he's about to instigate WW III. Red Data Book colonies of Nightingales mean "jack shit" in modern society, despite the political rhetoric spouted by those who claim to care. Money speaks volumes and those who perceive this to be the only reason for existence have no issues with steam-rollering whatever red-tape might prevent them from exploiting any avenue in the quest of that extra dollar! So sad but, I feel sure, it is a situation which future generations will have to deal with because my generation have failed, so dismally, to face up to the realities of climate change and the consequence of greed.
Sorry for the sermon, it appears that I'm on a bit of a downer at present; almost certainly a result of the situation at Fordwich and my inability to get back on The Stour for the foreseeable future?
Saw the situation on Fordwich on BBC South East last night, it sure looked pretty grim.
ReplyDeleteThat this happened at the C&DAA "Flagship" fishery will hopefully ensure questions are asked and lessons learned? It certainly won't be much fun clearing up, and disposing of, the huge mass of rotting fish corpses. I missed the BBC report but have seen plenty of images which were posted on various platforms within the social media networks. Thankfully, all the signs point toward this being a result of a natural phenomenon and not a far more serious issue of chemical pollution. Hoping all is well at your end? - Dylan
Delete