Natural highs and lows

Whilst carrying out July's bumblebee survey near Stromness waterworks, we came across a small pale moth. It wasn't a species with which we were familiar, but ObsIdentify was certain that it was a Smoky Wainscot. We did check the area for any panelling which was smouldering away, as these days one can't be too careful on dry moorland. Smoky Wainscot, Mythimna impura Upon returning home, before we had even made it through the front door, we discovered another small moth on the house wall. This one turned out to be Scoparia subfusca . Scoparia subfusca Over the next few days, a steady stream of other leps made an appearance at Burnbank as we pottered to and fro around home and garden. Large Yellow Underwing, Noctua pronuba Larch Tortrix, Zeiraphera griseana Dotted Clay, Xestia baja Common Rustic,  Mesapamea secalis. .. or is it? Yes, it wouldn't be a moth blogpost without a bit of controversy, would it? Another moth which fits the description is Lesser Common Rustic, Mesap...

Since my previous blogpost, a funny thing has occurred. In tiny increments, day by day, Summer has happened. Yes, really. The upshot of this unexpected development is that there has been lots of wildlife watching, either whilst working, waiting for ferries or on days off. So here's a whistle stop tour of the last fortnight. Training evening. Megan invited me along as another pair of eyes on one of her evening walks for clients. This had the added benefit of me being able to see what she does in her "office", which on this day was the clifftop path at Burwick in South Ronaldsay. It benefitted the clients too, as we found more wildlife to show them, whilst also allowing me to practise the role, should I ever need to cover for Megan. A Common Rustic moth on a Ragwort flower (Thanks to HA for the ID) Everyone wants to see Puffins (although they won't be here for much longer, as now the breeding season is over, they are heading back out to sea). Scottish Primrose outing: W...