Our last day started like the first. Heavy overnight rain, still pouring at breakfast time. Time to open the trap, sitting just inside the partially open French Windows. That way, we stay dry and the Caddis flies escape.
The first moth I saw was another Clifden Nonpareil. This one was very tatty, unlike the one we caught at home. Waw. How lucky are we. Blair's Shoulder Knot, Red-line Quaker and another two Vestals (making five in all ), were the best of the rest.
Maybe a last visit to Portland Obs would pay off.
We set off in sunshine belying the huge puddles on the narrow, high hedge-lined country lanes which lead towards Dorchester.
We stopped at Ferrybridge car park when we could see that there were Brent Geese on the estuary. Only about twenty to start with. A very restless group which kept taking off, then returning, gradually being joined by another couple of small groups.They were all Dark-bellied.
The sea at the Bill was stormy to-day. There are cross currents here which produce patches of rough water even in calm conditions. Gannets were the dominant species. Pam saw a few unidentified Auks and I'm sure that I scoped a Storm Petrel in a trough. Ah well.
Back to the Observatory. No egg boxes in the front doorstep bin to-day. Pam went in to talk to Martin and to show him the Clifden's in case he wanted it. Another man present asked where we were staying. On hearing the answer, he informed us that it was at the edge of THE area for Clifden's as they breed nearby. Portland have not trapped one this year though.
We then successfully located Lodmoor RSPB reserve followed by Radipole Lake, only to find that access was neither obvious nor easy. For one it was a longish walk from a leisure centre car park. I always expect RSPB reserves to have a Centre and parking area.
Time to drive back to Cedar Lodge and to pack the car in preparation for a prompt departure in the morning.
Friday October 18
We left at 7.50 and were home at 1.50 having shopped in Thetford Sainsbury's. It was worth the earlyish departure as we missed all the Friday traffic around the conurbations and on the M25.
I haven't identified these beasties yet. Some moth trap intruders and less than good photos.
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