Wednesday 30th
There were 229 moths of 74 species in the trap. An Oak Processionary was the best of the bunch and the only addition for the year. Two Small Wainscots, one of each colour form, added some variety and a Maple Prominent was a good find for the main trap being scarcely seen away from the Jubilee Field.
Tuesday 29th
A respectable catch of 260 moths of 85 species. On the migrants side, a Tree-lichen Beauty was the standout amongst two Small Mottled Willows, two Turnips and a Dark Sword-grass while an Acrobasis suavella is a good record of a more local species. There were two year ticks for the Obs in Mouse Moth and Oak Hook-tip.
Friday 25th
The trap was placed under cover by the Ringing Room due to constant rainfall, reducing the catch but a worthwhile venture with 136 moths of 55 species. Two Chocolate-tips were the first for some months and the kittens were well represented with single examples of Sallow and Poplar Kitten. The moth of the day was a very fresh Small Mottled Willow, completely unlike the more worn examples seen earlier in the year. While more likely an immigrant, its fun to speculate that it could be a sign of local breeding.
Thursday 24th
A bump in moths was very nice to have ahead of a very successful Moth's and Muffins event where we had 266 moths of 79 species to show people. The Common Rustic group still lead the counts at 47 present and there was a noticeable increase in Southern Wainscot with ten in the trap. A slightly worn Campion and an immaculate Peach Blossom were the only additions to the year.
Wednesday 23rd
A slightly warmer night bumped up the numbers a little bit to 179 moths of 59 species. There were some signs of migration with a Dark Sword-grass, two Turnips and most notably the first Scarce Bordered Straw of the year. A knackered Sussex Emerald was another highlight with Twin-spotted Wainscot and Rosy Rustic further adding to the year list.
Tuesday 22nd
After a few very wet nights, the trap went out again and produced 132 moths of 52 species. Dusky Thorn, Poplar Kitten, Pine Carpet and a drab but unmistakable Porter's Rustic were new additions for the year.
Friday 18th
The wind finally died down which gave way to a better catch in the main trap with 342 moths of 90+ species. It was mostly a barrage of the 'yellow underwings' but a Tree-lichen Beauty, Yellow-tail and a stunning Large Emerald were all new for the year. Also of note were singles of Uncinus obductella, Sciota rhenella, and a few Gymnancyla canella.
Thursday 17th
There were 197 moths of 57 species in the car park trap, mainly featuring a mix of Dark Arches, Common Rustic agg. and Smoky Wainscot but there were a few additions to the Obs year list with Copper Underwing and Webb's Wainscot.
Tuesday 15th
Due to holidays, illness and time pressures trapping has been irregular but visitors have contributed some good records including a Light Crimson Underwing and several Sciota rhenellas in the last week. There was a Festoon on Sandown Road.
A fairly good showing by the main trap despite overnight conditions being far from ideal and cold at 11.9°C. There were 166 moths of 47 species present and the first Canary-shouldered Thorn of the year along with an Early Thorn and a Herald.
Monday 14th
Some south easterly winds and cloudy, humid overnight spells didn't produce the sought-after migrants seen elsewhere in the country but the main trap was bustling with 413 moths of 117 species. Diamondbacks were the most numerous with 37 and singles of Sciota rhenella and Pigmy Footman were notable records.
The first Jersey Tiger of the year was seen flying around the Obs.
Friday 11th
Overnight conditions were very clear, reducing the potential catch to 144 moths of 60 species. Poplar Hawk-moths made a re-emergence with four in the trap and there was a year tick in a lovely Rosy Footman.
Tuesday 8th
A Red-belted Clearwing came to a lure by the Obs.
Sunday 6th
A Red-tipped Clearwing came to a lure by the Obs.
Friday 4th
A very cool night with temperatures reaching just 11°C and accordingly there were 199 moths of 56 species. The only standout moth was a biggie - the 3rd record of Four-spotted for the Obs.
Wednesday 2nd
The warmest night of the year, hitting 18°C which probably contributed to a catch of 664 moths of 122 species. Dark Arches and Smokey Wainscot dominated the counts, collectively accounting for half the catch and there was a stampede of 23 Elephant Hawk-moths. Mother of Pearl, Lunar-spotted Pinion, Garden Tiger, Small Angle Shades and Brown-veined Wainscot were new for year.