A Dog and dragonflies (appologies to Heart)

 It was in September 1978 that Anne & Nancy Wilson released the Heart album "Dog and Butterfly". I'd  been made aware of their musical talent, when they released the first album, Dreamboat Annie, 1975, purely because one of our school mates, Terry Archer, had decided to see the world for himself and enrolled as a trainee chef with the Merchant Navy. Heart have featured quite prominently in the musical soundtrack which has accompanied my life's journey ever since. So why all the nostalgia? Bruno, of course, our daily wanderings have become the catalyst for my increased awareness of the invertebrates which share the environments I am fortunate to be able to wander.. Added to this is the undoubted ability of modern digital image capture to compensate for the short-comings of the long-haired twat holding the kit, which has resulted in my being able to obtain some very pleasing images of subjects which I would have previously overlooked/ignored?

Black-tailed Skimmer - male

Banded Demoiselle - female

It would seem that I'm past the worst period, following Bev's passing, and am now beginning the slow readjustment to where my life will now call normal. I think it's fair to say that I certainly wouldn't have done it on my own and, as such, am indebted to family, friends and neighbours, who've been there for me during this whole ordeal. The one factor which I'd never thought about, until recently, is how much Bruno has impacted on this situation? He can't speak, yet is always there when I need him. Crazy when you think I never wanted a dog!

Five-spotted Burnet - along Harrison's Drove, Grove Ferry NNR yesterday

Although I've not made much fuss over the contents of the garden MV moth trap, in 2025, it certainly has provided some entertainment during these last few weeks. Nothing to cause major ripples amongst the local "moffas", yet still very pleasant to behold when I examine the egg trays each morning.

Male Four-spotted Footman - certainly not an annual visitor to the garden MV trap.

(Dark) Pine Knot-horn (Dioryctria abietella)

P.S. - I am grateful for an email from Steve Gale who corrected a major error in the original offering, concerning the parentage of Anne & Nancy.

Odonata provide focus

 My, very jammy, encounter with that Southern Emerald Damselfly on Worth Marshes RSPB Res. has provided the spark for a continued dalliance with this wonderfully diverse family of insects. So it has become routine, whilst out with Bruno, to carry my binos, as usual, but the camera kit now includes a set of extension tubes, thus allowing me to play around with the macro capabilities of the equipment I own. It would appear to be a good decision as I am really starting to push the boundaries of my photographic skill-set.

Scarce Chase - female

Four-spotted Chaser with a deformed lower left wing.
It certainly didn't impair its' flying ability.

Quite obviously YouTube offers masses of assistance to anyone seeking advice, yet I find it much better to "learn from my mistakes" as I seek to improve my results. I seek nothing more than to be able to capture images which will assist my written efforts to describe my adventures, via the platform of this blog. Magazine covers or "Wildlife Photographer of the Year" - not for me, I'm perfectly content to record what I encounter, as it happens, simply to share the enjoyment of being outdoors with your eyes open.

Norfolk Hawker - at long last I discovered one perched up, opposed to patrolling a drain.

Male Ruddy Darter, a very pleasant bonus on this morning's Bruno walk.

Humming-bird Hawk-moths have now become daily visitors to the Red Valerian flowers that surround the off-road parking area. I have set myself a goal to capture an image of a moth, in flight, but with no blurring due to movement. I have been playing around with 1/3200 th sec exposure, but feel that 1/5000 th sec might be required to achieve my aim?

1/3200 th sec - still I am unable to "freeze" the action

A very enjoyable day

 Father's Day doesn't mean so much when both your kids are well into their forties! Yet it was still very nice to receive an email, this morning, from my daughter and a phone call from my son, they still remember who I am? To be fair, Sarah-Jayne (and my grand-daughter Evelyn) had delivered a card, plus a "four-pack" yesterday afternoon, so I didn't feel neglected. Because it is Sunday, Bruno and I are able to get out earlier than normal, for our morning walk. This is purely because there is no rush hour or school traffic to contend with. A return to Worth Marshes RSPB Res was the order of the day but, before I'd even put the key in the van ignition, I spotted a Humming-bird Hawk-moth nectaring on the Red Valerian which surrounds the off road parking area. Extension tubes quickly fitted to the long lens, I left Bruno waiting whilst I attempted to grab a few images of the third individual I've seen this month visiting this nectar source.

Worth was a very peaceful place and we didn't encounter another soul in the two, and a bit, hours we were wandering the area. Had a lot of fun pointing the lens in the direction of several, very confiding, dragonflies but the images will have to wait for another day? We were back home before 11.00 hrs  and I was in the process of sorting out lunch when Benno rang. It was the kick up the arse I required. "Did I fancy some Rudd fishing down at Stonar? " Plans were drawn up and we met in the car park just after 15.00 hrs. We were in no hurry, soaking the nets/mats and weigh slings for the mandatory fifteen minutes before driving around to have a chat with fellow PAC member, Tom Lane, who was also Rudd fishing the venue. It was well after 16.00 hrs before we settled on a swim, already decided that 18.30 hrs would be pack up time so Benno could get home to watch the Grand Prix. It turned out to be just the ticket, as we both caught a few Rudd, topped off by a 1 lbs 12 oz specimen for me and a 2 lbs 2 oz individual for Ben. Excellent start to my June mini project.

With the "traditional" coarse fishing season commencing at mid-night I wish all those fellow piscators tight lines and wet nets for the coming campaign. 

Totally unexpected discovery

Because I needed to get the ball rolling with the sale of Bev's car, plus a visit to the insurance brokers to sort out the situation, Bruno and I didn't leave home until around 11.00 hrs. We headed across to Worth Marshes RSPB Res. purely because I thought there might be a chance of a dragonfly, or two, to point the camera at. As it turns out, the brisk easterly breeze, did little to assist my cause and it was a real struggle to find anything worthy of a photo. I'd parked the van at the end of the Pinnock Wall and had walked all the way to the gateway, overlooking the main flood, seeing just singles of Banded Demoiselle, Black-tailed Skimmer, Common Darter and a Scarce Chaser for the effort. Lots of common damselflies along the route, but not what I was hoping for. It was on our return leg that I finally discovered a Wasp Beetle, nectaring on bramble blossom beside the track. 

Wasp Beetle (Clytus arietis) - certainly brightened the stroll with its' presence

This is probably the first time I've knowingly spent time with this very common insect and I really enjoyed playing around with the long lens and extension tubes. We probably hadn't walked another fifty yards when I disturbed a damselfly from the low vegetation beside the track. Obviously much larger than the numerous Azure, Blue-tailed and Variable Damselflies that were constantly on view, this appeared to be an Emerald sp? Not a group with which I'm particularly familiar, so I rattled off a dozen, or so, shots in the hope that I'd be able to get a positive id when back at my laptop.We slowly made our way back to the van, grabbing a few images of a freshly emerged Common Darter as we did so and that was it for our wandering.

A very co-operative individual

I have to admit that it was the Wasp Beetle which was star of the morning, for me, just a striking creature and most unexpected. So it was quite a while after getting home that I down loaded the images from the Canon EOS 90d and I started to become curious about the id of that Emerald Damselfly sp. It certainly didn't match the images I had available in my ancient reference guides. Next stop was Google, where else? This is when things became a litlle more exciting. My first impressions were that it was a Southern Emerald Damselfly, but there was a nagging doubt over the lack of a bi-coloured pterostigmata so there was only one course of action open to me. I emailed Marc Heath (Mr Kent Dragonflies) for an opinion. The exchange was quick and brief, resulting in a confirmed id and the additional bonus that it is the first to be spotted in the UK in 2025 - get in!

Unsurprisingly this represents a UK tick, although I feel sure that I've
encountered this species at several locations around the Med whilst on holiday.

This provides yet another demonstration of why it's more important to look, than actually know what it is your looking at.

Every day as it comes

 It seems unbelievable that Bev passed away four weeks ago and yet I'm still nowhere close to getting over the trauma. It doesn't matter where I am, or what I'm doing, there are always memories and flash-backs which recall our time together. Thankfully Bruno doesn't understand what's going on and boisterously demands attention on a regular basis. Our daily walks provide me with space, and time, to enjoy the simple pleasures of being outdoors. The binos and camera kit play a huge part in this aspect of my daily routine and I am certainly learning quite a lot about how little I actually know about so many creatures that share my space. 

Gold Spot - by no means a rare moth yet, it is one of those species which fired my enthusiasm
way back at the start of my journey and still retains that "something special" every time I see one.

Female Azure Damselfly - well at least I think it is? The more I look the less I know!

I am now in the process of selling Bev's Mazda CX-3, as it is absolutely useless to me! Can't get rods and stinking nets, mats, etc within such a small vehicule, plus it is £48/month to insure, thus a cost I can well do without. I have also been in contact with NRS and arranged that they come to collect the hospital bed and associated kit which is now redundant and taking up space in my spare room. Wardrobes need emptying, as do many cupboards and drawers around the bungalow. Thankfully, Debbie (Bev's daughter) is more than happy to assist me in this task, although because of work commitments, it will be weekends only.

A Yellow-tailed Moth caterpillar out on Minster Marshes

Pine Hawk-moth - always a welcome visitor to the 
garden MV trap

Large Skipper enjoying the sunshine out on Minster Marshes

The world will continue to rotate and, with it, so my life should also resume some form of routine. Quite how different it will be from the previous twenty-five years remains for me to find out? It might seem quite weird to visitors to my blog but, I get a great deal of positivity by sharing my version of reality via the posts I place into cyberspace.

Striped Hawk-moth

This is my thirty - first year of running a garden moth trap, of one type or other, and this morning I finally added Striped Hawk-moth to my list. Over the years I've seen plenty of these splendid moths, all of which have graced the traps of other Kent "moffas". So now it's my turn and the tenth Hawk-moth species is on my Dumpton garden list..

A little worn, but it's my first so I'll settle for that!

Good numbers of moths being attracted to the MV light, but nothing to suggest migration on any scale, as yet.

Catching up and (hopefully) moving on

These past few weeks have seen my emotional and physical wellbeing pushed beyond anything I've previously had to deal with. As I've stated in many previous posts, I am very fortunate to have such a strong family, plus friends and neighbours, who've been there for me throughout this whole ordeal. All that said, I still find myself having moments where I question "why Bev?" and suffer the emotional fall out as a result. I imagine that this is perfectly normal for anyone in my position, yet it still doesn't make it any easier when it happens. 

Mother Shipton (moth) out on Minster Marshes

It would appear that Bruno might be a "blessing in disguise"? as I now have the responsibility for his welfare, as well as my own! Although fishing hasn't played a part in this recent period (with one obvious exception!) I have still been getting out with the binos and camera kit with Bruno as my excuse. I've got loads of images which will never see the light of day, but there are a few which are worth sharing, that I've taken during this difficult period. 

Male Emperor dragonfly - Minster Marshes

Adult Red Kite at Oak Hill Lawn Cemetery, Hatfield, HERTS

My very first Chinese Water Deer seen from the Paul Thrush Hide at Wilstone Res. Tring

A rather spectacular "green morph" Barred Red in the garden moth trap

As yet I have made no long term plans for my angling journey. Quite obviously, there is that "wild" thirty pound Carp, on a split cane if possible?, that could provide focus over the coming months yet, for the rest of June I am looking at a mini-project revolving around the capture of a 2 lbs+ Rudd from Stonar Lake in Sandwich. It is a venue suited perfectly for me to discover how Bruno can cope with extended time on the bank and, even, overnighters. Who knows; I might morph into an Alan Wilson "time bandit"?

Toughest day of my life

 At 11.00 hrs,, on Tuesday morning, family, friends and neighbours were gathered at the Thanet Crematorium to say our good-byes to Bev. Thanks to the incredible efforts of Twyman & Holmes (the funeral directors), Chris the Celebrant who conducted the service and Bev's daughter, Debbie, who co-ordinated the entire admin side of things, it was a very fitting send off for someone who'd made such a positive impression on so many others during her time on this planet.

No two ways about it, I really struggled with the emotional journey which unfolded throughout the day and am truly grateful for the kindness and support offered by all those gathered around me. The staff at The Racing Greyhound did us proud, when the formalities were over, providing exactly the right level of service for all of us who attended the wake. Although still numb at the moment, I'm sure that the only way is up as time ticks on?

Benno joins the gang!

With Bev's funeral just three days away I jumped at the chance to join Ben for another session down at his syndicate venue. A 04.30 hrs rendezvous in the car park was arranged and I spent a very pleasant morning ( I packed up at 12.30 hrs because of Bruno) although I failed to put a fish on the bank today. I did lose two, both to hook pulls, due to the rapidly emerging weed growth within the pit and my insistence on using barbless hooks. However, Ben fared a little better, although also losing two fish, as he landed his first Tench over nine pounds. At 9 lbs 1 oz, he becomes the third "Wraftie" to achieve such a feat, joining my brother Simon and I. It was a stunning individual and I am rather pleased with the shots obtained.

I had to content myself playing around with the long lens, pointing it in the direction of a Common Tern which was patrolling the margins on the look out for snacks. So much more to see, via the binoculars, it was a very pleasant way to waste away a few hours whilst the clock ticks, relentlessly, towards Bev's final farewell. 

Despite the incredible support being provided by family, friends and neighbours I am not coping particularly well at present. I am dreading the service at the crematorium and just want Tuesday out of the way so I can press the "re-set button" and get my life back into some form of routine again?

Never in my wildest dreams!

Only to be expected, but life isn't much fun at present so when Benno asked if I fancied a session on the bank I wasn't particularly enthusiastic about the prospect. He had been chatting with the owner of his syndicate fishery and had been given the OK for me to tag along on a "guest ticket". Benno has been absolutely smashing it up with some fantastic Tench, to 8lbs, falling to his rods.

Benno's current PB of 8 lbs exactly

One major problem was that I couldn't take Bruno with me, thus it seemed an idea doomed to fail. However, my neighbours Terry & Glynis offered a solution. They would happily look after Bruno, overnight, thus allowing me an early morning session with a pack up time around 14.00 hrs. Benno got the ticket sorted and we met in the car park just before 05.00 hrs this morning.  We were set up in a nice double swim and rods out within an hour, or so, and the waiting game began. The brisk westerly wind did nothing to assist our cause and we had niggling doubts about our baiting strategy due to the undertow created by the conditions.. I was absolutely gutted when I had an aborted take on my left-hand rod, just after 10.00 hrs, and was in the process of getting the rod back out when the right hander absolutely busted off. No mistake, this time around, and after a plodding battle, lasting several minutes, Benno was able to slip a net under my prize. What the f**k? It looked massive and was certainly the biggest Tench I'd landed since my time in the Tring Syndicate (1981 - 93). I got the rods back out whilst Benno took care of the fish. Once the rigs were back in position we were able to go through the ritual weighing and photo session. 

My new PB Tench  

What a fish it turned out to be. At a weight of 9 lbs 13 oz it is is a new PB for me and possibly the heaviest Tench captured, deliberately, at the venue, thus far in 2025. Well that was it for me and I packed up just after 12.30 hrs, grinning like an imbecile as I pushed the barrow back towards the van. Benno decided to move swims and I await news of what occurred after we parted company?

Simple distractions provide enjoyment

 Although Debbie and I have gotten the funeral arrangements well underway, there is so much other baggage which comes with the passing of a loved one. Slowly, but surely, each bridge is being crossed as and when is necessary and helpful advice is forthcoming whenever it is required. I'd be a fool and a liar if I said that I was dealing with the stresses involved, but the passing of time is certainly easing the numbness and shock. Thankfully, Bruno still requires attention and his daily exercise allows me to take a break from the harsh reality and simply find enjoyment from whatever natural history encounters come my way. Binoculars round my neck and the camera over my shoulder, I have been quite content to click away at whatever subjects deign to offer themselves as we cross paths. What follows is a sample of the type of images I've captured whilst walking around various local sites.

My first Brown Argus of 2025 seen down on Minster Marshes

Adult Cattle Egret, in breeding attire, near Harrison's Drove at Grove Ferry NR

Four-spotted Chaser at Worth RSPB Res.

One take away from these recent wanderings is a need for me to carry my macro kit more often. There have been some outstanding opportunities to capture images of many insect species which simply isn't possible with the 100 - 400 mm lens. I'll finish with an offering taken from the back door. The local Foxes are now very confiding with at least three individuals visiting the feeding bowl regularly. My flash photography still requires a bit of fine tuning but, given the situation right outside my study doorway, there should be plenty of scope for me to hone my technique as the summer advances.

Doorstep history experience

 I will start by saying a massive thank-you to everyone who's offered sympathy and support, via the comments facility, email and/or on cards posted through the letter box. I am truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of genuine emotion following Bev's passing. As an individual I am nowhere close to getting over the situation and remain in a state of numbness coupled with shock. However, given the amazing level of support being offered by family, friends and neighbours, I seem to be doing OK, at present?  I am particularly grateful to Craig S, my old birding buddie and the "Best Man" at our wedding, who has accompanied me on a couple of Bruno walks recently. Plenty for us to reminisce about, whilst we have been taking in the sights at Worth RSPB and Minster Marshes.

Yesterday Craig made mention of the air display scheduled for Ramsgate Harbour/Main Beach to coincide with the celebrations surrounding the 85th anniversary of Operation Dynamo - the Dunkirk evacuation of British and Allied troops in May 1940. No big deal, we did the Bruno walk before getting over to the cliff-top overlooking the main beach in plenty of time for the 12.45 hrs appearance of oldest, airworthy, Fairey Swordfish biplane, in the world. What a privilege, although we'd already seen it earlier in the day as it flew over the marshes en route to Manston.

A couple of Royal Navy helicopters then put in an appearance before a Mk I Spitfire arrived on the scene to entertain the gathered crowds. It put on a very good show, although the sun wasn't in a particularly helpful position for obtaining decent images from where we were standing. A most enjoyable distraction from the reality of my current situation was further enhanced when we called in at The Racing Greyhound, for a swift half, before getting back to sort out Bruno. 

The "Little Ships" departed the harbour at 06.00 hrs, this morning and are due to return around 16.00 hrs on Monday. I might make an effort to watch them return, dependant on circumstances at home and the weather?

One of the vessels involved in Operation Dynamo approaching Ramsgate Harbour
whilst the air display was happening.

RIP Bev

 At 11.40 hrs, this morning, Bev passed away, peacefully, in our bungalow. Her battle with cancer is now ended and I am forever grateful to the carers, nurses and Pilgrims Hospice staff who have ensured that the final part of her journey was as pain and stress free as was possible. 

Beverley Denise "Wraftie" 19.03.1958 - 13.05.2025
Sleep well beautiful.

With everything that now has to be dealt with my blogging will be erratic, to say the least, but I have every intention of getting back into the groove once this chapter has been concluded. As an individual I am extraordinarily fortunate to have such a strong family, added to a tight knit bunch of friends and neighbours, who will ensure that I am well supported during this painful time.

Keeping busy

Under the current circumstances I am fully aware that my daily routine will be firmly based in, and around, the bungalow. My Bruno time, as is my natural history fix, spent out in the garden. I'd already given up on worrying about the garden this year, yet thanks to Bev's daughter, Debbie, coming around to sit with her mum for a couple of hours, yesterday, I was able to grab the chance to take a drive across to the Elham Valley Garden Centre in order to purchase the plants required to ensure that the wall mounted and hanging baskets would be presentable? With time on my side, I can now start to think about getting the odd planter sorted out, thus giving me a distraction from the reality of everyday life. I do have one planter already well prepared, this being the one right outside my study doorway which contains those most important of plants, Nicotiana - Tobacco Plants, the Convolvulus Hawk-moth magnet during late-Summer/early-Autumn period.

A Convolvulus Hawk-moth feeding on Nicotiana last September

I did receive a nice phone call from Benno yesterday as he excitedly relayed the news of another PB Tench from the "un-named" syndicate venue. A subsequent exchange, later in the evening, has resulted in a nice twist. Because there is absolutely no way I'll be getting out with the fishing kit, it seemed only right that Benno uses my pair of Duncan Kay 1lbs 10oz t/c Carp rods for his Tench project, just as I had done on Wilstone back in the 1980's during my quest for a "double". I failed to achieve that particular target, but would love for Benno to experience the thrills of playing a fiesty Tench on exactly the same rods which have been part of my own speccy hunting journey since 1983!

7lbs 14oz - absolutely magnificent, but not on a Duncan Kay!

In times like these

Despite the cold statistic of my life's journey being into it's seventieth year, nothing has prepared me for the trauma involved in dealing with Bev's deteriorating health situation. I'm incredibly fortunate to have a solid family behind me, plus living within a superbly tight-knit neighbourhood., support is always very close to hand. To add to this, I am totally in awe of the care being provided by the NHS District Nurses and the Community Urgent Care Team, plus that of the Pilgrim's Hospice staff. Absolutely incredible level of service, on the end of a phone, no matter what time of day, or night!

Bruno's walks have had to be curtailed, as I need to be as close to hand as is possible, so his only exercise takes place in the back garden. Fortunately he's happy to chase and retrieve a ball for hours on end, then takes a break for a drink and a nap, thus allowing me to potter around the bungalow and garden. This past couple of days have been absolutely glorious and the camera kit/binos always close to hand. Common Buzzards are still moving over the Newlands Farm area, with a nice 2nd c/y Red Kite drifting east this morning. A couple of adult Mediterranean Gulls added to the fun and the garden moth trapping is finally showing signs of improvement. Nothing out of the ordinary, thus far, but numbers are certainly on the up.

With so much time to ponder over things I have been sorting through the ridiculous amount of fishing kit which shares my study area. One very positive aside from this exercise was an email exchange with Les Shaw (Classic Vintage Fishing Tackle)  enquiring about service and/or repairs to some of the ancient kit I still use. As is always the case, Les was completely honest with his reply and I was put in touch with Martin Stone who has agreed to service my pair of 1975 ABU Cardinal 66X's at a very competitive price. However, my 1980's Shimano Carbomatic GT4000 reel and original Steve Neville bite alarm did not come within Les's sphere of contacts and so will remain unusable unless someone else knows differently?

An original Steve Neville bite alarm circa 1993?

Pre bait-runners, this was Shimano's answer to the ABU Cardinal 55