I know it's a modest ambition, but I have wanted to get a photo of a Magpie Moth in my light-trap since I started in 2005. None have visited me here and the only one to come in Leeds fluttered out before I was ready with the camera and was grabbed and eaten by the robin which always watched me in the mornings. Now at last I have my pic. It was also good to watch two Hummingbird Hawks on buddleia at Stonor Park and to have an Oblique Carpet and a Yellow-bordered Brindle in the eggboxes back at home.
Martin Wainwright, Thrupp, Oxon
You were unlucky to have your Magpie eaten by a bird, Martin, they are supposed to be distasteful/poisonous.(Which will be why the spectacular colouration).
ReplyDeleteIncidentally, Yellow-barred Brindle, not bordered.
thanks v much for putting the Yellow-barred right, Andrew, and that's a very interesting point about the Magpie and robin.
ReplyDeleteit was a mid-air snatch when the moth was flying and the warning/op-art camouflage presumably less visible. but i wonder if the robin dropped its prey after settling and taking a bite
all v best
M