Late Run

 Sunday February 13

I did look at the weather forecast to-day. The rest of the week looks pretty dire, with yet another storm predicted for Friday. Late afternoon, as we walked to the car, it started to rain. Fortunately, it stopped by the time we reached St Benet's Abbey car park, where we were the only car. One Thurne Mill still sail-less, encircled by scaffolding, the other a glowing white. We use them as sight marks. An hour later, a few Carrion Crows, small groups of Cormorants flying to roost, Wood Pigeons scatting about, nothing of note.Then, two Marsh Harriers flew along the river bank, passing a fast flying Kestrel being hurled the other way by a following wind.

Pam saw them first, her eyes are now much better than mine. Eight Cranes flying over distant Thurne village, peeling off over the houses in the direction of Clippesby.

We stayed a little longer before returning to the comfort of home.

We continue to trap Pale Brindled Beauty, this one rather dark,

 

March Moth and Chestnut in very small numbers. 

The traps have been put away for the rest of this week - after that forecast. The Robinson MV stopped working last week. Pam put in a new bulb, no change. Then she unscrewed the Choke, dry inside, it's always covered anyway. Friend Rainer, who started out as an electrician, had a look at it. The neck of the bulb and the holder was full of what he called gunge. Dead insects etc., he had to use a wire brush to clean them. The light then worked perfectly. I'd forgotten that I usually clean that area at the end of the main season, so it hasn't been done for at least two years.

Two species of micro too, one new for the year Emmelina Monodactyla. Common Plume. It was the first moth scientific name I learned, I much prefer it to the 'Common' prefix.

 

The other, an Acleris ferrugana/notana. They can only be identified separately by dissection.