Last night was my third search in three weeks for Plumed Prominent and, better late than never, the moth seems finally to be on the wing. A single male came to MV light at 6.45pm beneath some field maples in a wood near Marlow, Bucks. Woodland in the Bucks and Oxon Chilterns bounded by Marlow, Stokenchurch, Nettlebed and Henley-on-Thames seems to be where it is likely to be found locally, with BBOWT's Warburg Reserve one of its strongholds.
Dave Wilton
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| Plumed Prominent, 15th November |
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| Plumed Prominent, 15th November |
Hi Dave, nice catch and photos. The head shot showing the antenna is amazing.
ReplyDeleteNigel
Yes, fantastic antennae, aren't they? Could probably pick up BBC1 as well as a female!
DeleteHi Dave,
ReplyDeleteIs this a new site for it? BW, Marc
Hi Marc, as Peter has already stated not a new site, but I wanted to make sure that it was flying before even considering looking at new sites. As it has taken so much effort just to see if it was out yet, I'm now less inclined to spend time charging up and down the M40 to look for new sites this year. Maybe in 2015!!
DeleteYes, I feel much the same way. Autumn/early winter species don't seem to have done or be doing very well. I put a couple of traps out at Bagley last night to get a November session in and managed only a handful of moths. December Moth was most numerous with just 15 in total. But for one individual high up on the wall that I managed to coax down and identify I wouldn't have recorded a single Scarce Umber this year at Bagley unless they're flying particularly late this year. Just a single Sprawler as well and only 2 Mottled Umber. Was very disappointing and not hugely inspiring to go out and try new places for uncommon species.
DeleteWell done with your persistence, Dave - one i'd love to see, and as Nigel says, great shots of moth and antennae.
ReplyDeleteNot sure where Mr Wilton is today, but it's a long established site Marc.
ReplyDelete