Westcott, Bucks

This is really just to check that signing-in and posting still work as they should (...and they do seem to be, for me at least) because there's been very little of interest in the trap at Westcott since the beginning of this month.  A Parornix on the 1st and a Nut-tree Tussock last night have been the only new species for the garden list.  Others seen over those five nights comprised March Moth, Shoulder Stripe, Engrailed, Small Quaker, Blossom Underwing, Common Quaker, Powdered Quaker, Clouded Drab, Twin-spotted Quaker, Hebrew Character, Grey Shoulder-knot & Chestnut, with Common Quaker the only one getting into double figures.  The night of the 3rd I was lucky not to draw a blank with just a single Hebrew Character being foolish enough to brave the frost.

Nut-tree Tussock, Westcott 5th April

Nut-tree Tussock, Westcott 5th April

I've done some totting-up of macro-moth numbers trapped in the garden between 1st January and 31st March and 2019 has proved to be by far the best year ever with 1747 individual macros appearing (the previous best was 1374 in 2012, otherwise I've never broken the thousand barrier for that period in any year).  Way out in front this year was Common Quaker with 650 individuals and of course I'm still getting them - it is having its best year ever here.

Dave Wilton
Westcott, Bucks