Velvet

 Sunday October 24

A reasonable trap of moths this morning, despite the wind and cooler temperatures. We were late too, Pam made another bread pudding. The highlight was a moth new for our garden.Until last week, I'd only seen one before, in Dungemess. Richard kindly brought one to NS, the first for his new garden in Beeston. It was a Streak.

 

Pam found it hiding in the sheet behind the MV Robinson. Despite being refrigerated for a couple of hours (accepted practice), it was very active in the pot. I hate that as it knocks scales off their wings. A quick photo and it was released.

Winterton - Friday

Towards the end of the really strong northerly winds, we drove to Winterton dunes car park, for the first time in months. It was open for business, but much of the cordoned off section facing the sea has disappeared. Sad to see such drastic erosion.

Settled in our favourite spot, two familiar birders in the lee of the shed behind us, I scoped the less than angry sea. I soon found the flock of Common Scoter, diligently, and slowly, searching through them. The flock kept appearing and disappearing in the troughs, diving for food at intervals. I saw glimpses of white......As is their wont, the flock drifted fast north, then rose and flew east before ditching and starting all over again. They'd done this for the second time, when a lone Velvet Scoter flew north, close in over the breaking surf. Excellent, we both got good views.