Pike prep and nocturnal garden action

November's arrival always feels like the Pike season is really getting started,  and looking back through my recent diary entries (since retirement!) this month has certainly provided some fantastic Pike action for my rods. Because I am no longer reliant upon time off work, in order to cast a baited rig, I have no desire to spend time on the bank whilst those guys in employment, who are limited for time, need to use the weekends to enjoy their angling experiences. I have enough on my plate attempting to discover the whereabouts of the fish I seek without needing to worry about what other anglers are doing? Obviously I keep an eye on the weather forecasts, yet the RMC is calling and the kit is fully prepped, thus, I'm able to jump into the van should opportunities arise within a Monday to Friday window. 

Dark Sword-grass - I've already recorded three this November 

The nights are lengthening, noticeably, as the calendar indicates the imminent approach of Armistice Day, after which, the lunacy associated with blatant commercial greed  as the "Christian" festival of Christmas takes centre stage. Thanet is still experiencing overnight temperatures remaining above 10C, thus the garden moth trap is providing interest every morning as I examine the egg trays. Migrant species still provide the bulk of the entertainment yet there are also odd residents which help keep me enthused.

Spruce Carpet - only the second of 2024

My fifth 2024 record of Golden Twin-spot - a migrant species which
I am recording more regularly as the years pass.

Another aspect of keeping an eye on the garden, once darkness falls, is the activity around the feeding bowls. Although I've not seen a Fox for quite some time, the bowl is always empty in the morning, whilst Hedgehogs remain very active. There are still, at least, three individuals visiting the feeding bowl regularly and I spent a while playing around with my camera kit, as I was watching the Tamworth v's Huddersfield Town on the laptop in my study.  

I've stopped using Tesco Kitten biscuits so now only offer Bakers "Small Dog"
Meaty Meals and the hedgehogs aren't complaining!