I thought you might like to see my special device for trying to attract rare immigrant moths to Thrupp. Much harrassed by poor weather, it has so far brought me only my first Winter Moth (I think) of 2014, below. Martin Wainwright, Thrupp, Oxon
A Blog for moth recorders in Bucks, Berks and Oxon
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2024!! It does look a bit like a time machine. Bw, Steve.
ReplyDeleteCan you explain your thinking behind it Martin?
ReplyDeleteHi both I rather like the look of it but I'm afraid there isn't much thought Peter, other than trying to raise my lamp higher in our flatlands in the hope that a passing Accent Gem will swoop down. Kirtlington of Death's Head Hawk moth fame has the advantage of being on a hill. All v best, M
ReplyDeletePS I should have added that the column with what looks like a bunch of Monarchs about to leave Mexico is no more than a large fish tank left by our predecessors. If anyone would like this - a very Waddesdon Manor of a breeding cage maybe - they are very welcome to it, provided they can collect. All best again, M
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I'd leave it out in a strong wind. In the meantime it might prove handy for Flying Fish, perhaps - or is it the wrong time of year for them?
ReplyDeleteLooks like it should have a flake in the top. You could always use the tank to raise chinamarks, dragonflies or even just rotifers.
ReplyDeleteFor a raised trap, Martin, have you considered your area of flat roof? Assuming there's safe access to it, running it there would give you a greater reach. You might even be able to get a contribution from London Oxford World Jetport (or whatever they call the airfield these days) for providing them with an additional landing light.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for all these excellent suggestions which I will ponder. I have tried the flat roof, Dave, and will do so again though I have to be a bit careful about the light reaching neighbours that high up. My invention failed completely last night with nothing arriving at all, but things were complicated by a smouldering bonfire close by which wreathed the lamp glow in eerie smoke. All best M
ReplyDeleteFor people interested in such things, checking out the history of light-trapping by C B Williams and others at Rothamsted Research is fascinating. This includes experiments with the effects of height of the light traps and loads more. The experiments started in the mid 1930s, but don't let that put you off. It's all over the internet and there's a good chapter on the topic in Colin Plant's "The Moths of Hertfordshire" (2008).
ReplyDelete