A good start to the day!

At 4.30am this morning, while closing up the actinic trap which was being run as usual on top of our patio table, I was confronted by this marvellous sight on the edge of the sheet - the first Convolvulus Hawk-moth here for four years.  It is an occasional visitor to Bucks during good weather for migrants, more often than not during September, and there are about 30 previous records from all across the county (of which the last was on 31st August 2018 in Olney).  The only other possible migrants in the catch here last night were Pyrausta despicata (1), Nomophila noctuella (1) & Silver Y (12).  P.despicata also appeared here on the 12th (when it was a first for the garden) and there have been quite a few unexpected records elsewhere too so it has certainly been undergoing some unusual dispersal even if these aren't actually visitors from across the Channel. 

Convolvulus Hawk-moth, Westcott 14th August

As Gypsy Moth seems to be the flavour of the day I thought I'd mention that two examples last night took me up to ten males this year since the first on the 3rd.  In past years I've only ever had singletons so it would be interesting to know where they're all coming from in 2020!  The moth must still be established in the Fairford Leys area of Aylesbury, where it has been for the last 15 years or so, but I imagine it has spread out from there by now and may be in some of the local woodlands too.

Dave Wilton
Westcott, Bucks