Eurasian Dotterel, Burbage Moor, 16/09/25.

What I suspect is Caloptilia Cuculipennella unless anyone can convince me otherwise? Found today in Derbyshire, long silvery gallery which thickens at the bottom, can see the leaf rolling. On Ash.

Any expert thoughts out there? @willowglass12.bsky.social @cliveaderbys.bsky.social

Definitely, some super moths amongst the selection too.

About time too, been checking Gold Spot every year for the last 3, a change of trap did the trick…

The last night of June gave up a crazy return in the Derbyshire Dales garden, 1042/146. Approximately 15 new for garden included this Lempke’s Gold Spot. 409 of the moths caught were Ermines (presumably mostly Bird Cherry), also losing 200 or so moths whilst processing.
Phew.
#teammoth #mothsmatter

Managed to connect with the Song Sparrow late on Tuesday evening at Thornwick, considerably jammy following its disappearance yesterday! A proper smart little bird even gave us a few short bursts of song. Lovely.

Best of the rest, two Poplar Hawks, a Peppered and a Pale Prominent. The night of the ‘Ps’!

#teammoth #mothsmatter #derbyshiremoths

Hope it does, looks like less than 10 records for Derbys 🤞🏻

First trap of the year back in Derbyshire, caught what I suspect is Ephestia Woodiella. Hard to get a photo showing the pinkish/reddish flush properly. Any thoughts from other moth gurus?

(Plenty of other goodies too, 105/45)

#teammoth #mothsmatter #derbyshiremoths

The now annual trip into the peaks with @milescluff.bsky.social came up trumps again yesterday with superb views of Wood Warblers, Redstarts, Ring Ouzels, Pied Fly etc. Some proper birding, and best views of many of these species I’ve ever had.

@derbyshirebirds.bsky.social

Best moth I found on Lesvos was this stunning Passenger, a rarity in the UK and particularly nice to see in the vicinity of a pair of Collared Flycatchers, Masked Shrike, 25+ Levant Sparrowhawk in/off and a hunting Montagu’s Harrier.

Cretzschmar’s Bunting

Rufous scrub-tailed Robin

Black-winged Stilt

Been neglecting this site in recent months, but we had a superb trip to Lesvos at the start of the month. 70 lifers out there, plus stacks of amazing inverts and sights to see.

234 bird species and over 600 moth species, it’s fair to say that whilst my time at Gibraltar Point NNR is now over, I’ve rinsed it to its full potential this year. I’ll be back for visits in the future for more wildlife madness.

Until then…

Leaf mining moths take us past 600 species for the year here at Gibraltar Point, in which is likely the only remaining way to score new ones. Stigmella Anomalella (rose leaf mine) the latest addition- and a tiny one!

#moths #teammoth #mothsmatter

The annual Norfolk trip threw up some cracking birds, including this Jack Snipe which dropped out the mist and landed out from Island Hide at RSPB Titchwell. Around 130 species seen by the group overall.

Birthday Bean, birthday Bunt and birthday Beers. The right way to do a Norfolk trip.
Amply supported so far by Pallid and Hen Harriers, Sibe Chiff, White-fronted Goose, Shore Larks, Red-necked and Slavonian Grebes, Velvet Scoters and GN Diver etc etc

A pleasure to catch up with a rare in Derbyshire while back home for holiday, the female Ring-necked Duck at Carsington Water. Presumably a long staying bird, glad it’s hung around for me to connect with. Looked settled as the light faded. @derbyshirebirds.bsky.social

Short eared Owls beginning to arrive as the cold snap hits, this one quartering over the saltmarsh before disappearing inland. Amazing birds to watch as they carve through the habitat.

#shortearedowl #SEO #bird #birding

Cypress Carpet another new moth to Gibraltar Point NNR, Lincs recently. Less than 20 county records and I had 2 in 3 days! A lovely mix of markings and that purple sheen. Proper smart.

#teammoth #mothsmatter

Coptotriche Marginea and Stigmella Plagicolella leaf mines recently at Gibraltar Point, no idea on county status or site status. Wonder if I can sneak any more onto the year list…

#teammoth #mothsmatter #leafmines

Looks like the end of the migrant moth bonanza here at Gibraltar Point NNR as the Mothing winds down and the traps get quieter. 11 Convolvulus Hawkmoths during the Autumn a *literal* huge highlight. Unforgettable moths!

#moth #moths #teammoth #mothsmatter #migrantmothuk

The Siberian Stonechat makes it into its third day at Gib, a rather special bird as it turns out, my 300th UK species! A proper stunner. What’s next?!
#bird #birds #birding #siberianstonechat

Found this lovely first winter male Siberian Stonechat at Gibraltar Point NNR this morning, proving elusive at times. A pale, peachy, smart looking bird, certainly not on my radar when I went seawatching early on! My 234th bird species at Gib this year and my best find yet.
#bird #birds #birding

Likely Pink footed Geese as they’re moving en masse to Norfolk at the minute for winter feeding

I’m away that weekend but should be back on the Sunday night and hopefully in time to get a trap out!

Red Swordgrass to light at Gibraltar Point NNR last night in a good migrant night! 4th site record and first since 27/11/13. 65/22 overall but 35 migrant moths of 11 species included 8 Udea Ferrugalis, 8 Dark Swordgrass, 3 Nomophila Noctella and a Gem.

#teammoth #mothsmatter #migrantmothuk

Oak Rustic

Oak Rustic to light amongst 62/20, new to Lincs! Probably the 7th new moth species to Lincs we’ve caught this year at Gibraltar Point NNR. Another Radford’s Flame Shoulder and a good number of Dark Swordgrass (7) to accompany it.

#teammoth #mothsmatter #migrantmothuk #oakrustic

The Merv returned last night, with another Radford’s FS for company. Activity a little lower as the temperature drops. 73/23 in 3 traps at Gib Point. 600 looks a stretch now, without resorting to leaf mines anyway!

#teammoth #mothsmatter #merveilledujour #migrantmothuk

That’s very Pink Floyd!

Certainly a nice surprise under one of my egg boxes! Another panic stations moment.