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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 22h

Best from here today were Loxostege sticticalis and a tatty Orange Sallow, very few records of either. @migrantmothuk.bsky.social @dorsetmoths.bsky.social

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Astonishingly, another Maize Wainscot here. There must be loads out there in the ether. Also a superb little Carnation Tortrix, a rare moth here. @migrantmothuk.bsky.social @dorsetmoths.bsky.social

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Shaky hands time this morning when I saw this in the trap. I knew instantly what it was as I've caught them in France. Maize Wainscot (Sesamia nonagrioides). Afaik, 5th for UK and first for Dorset. Also, another Euchromius ocellea, No 7 this year. @migrantmothuk.bsky.social @dorsetmoths.bsky.social

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

9 redhead Goosander at Silverlake, same place as the 4 a few days ago. All preening on the mud under the Gorse bank, to the west of the Volcano mound. Weren't there 9 in Poole Hbr recently? @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Euchromius ocellea (my 6th this year) was the best from the trap, closely followed by my first ever Clouded Yellow in a trap and a late Treble Brown Spot. Also Sombre Brocade, Golden Twin-spot, 6 Clancy's, 3 Blair's Mocha, 5 Palpita, several SM Willow, 7 Barred Sallow, Feathered Brindle, W-C Seedbug

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

A good inland flock of 75+ GBBGull at Silverlake this morning, not my best, I have had 90+ before. Of more interest, there were 6 ringed birds from the Portland Breakwater colony. The movement between the two sites is very interesting, I must have had 20+ ringing recoveries from the breakwater now.

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Out on the Coastal Vibes boat again yesterday. Very little seen, but this Peregrine was sat on the Harbour Breakwater, quite unconcerned by the boat. Last photo I took before the camera broke!

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

My faithful old Canon SX70 appears to have bitten the dust. An ’err60’ message and a horrible clunking sound, which I think means the gearing has gone. Any advice on a replacement? I suspect the answer might be the Nikon P950, but any advice happily received. Cheers!

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

I could see the underside of this Geometer on the inside of the trap lid last night. It looked very interesting, so I managed to pot it there and then. Well worth it, a very smart Many-lined, my 2nd this year and 3rd ever. Otherwise a Feathered Brindle well worth a photo. @migrantmothuk.bsky.social

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Bit of a Raptor-fest at Rodden Hive. 2 imm White-tailed Eagle thermally high together. Then a fishing Osprey which then thermalled up with 2 Red Kite! @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Migrant Hawker in the garden this morning. Lots about, but rarely settled. I only saw this one because it made a dash from its perch for a Humming-bird Hawk Moth, but failed to connect!

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

A decent night considering the chill. Best my 3rd White-line Snout, now local?? Also Striped Hawk, 4 Vestal, Blair's Mocha, Clancy's etc. Some autumn colour for the pix though, with Lozotaeniodes formosana and Pink-barred Sallow. Couple from the Coastal Vibes trip last night as well.

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Complete fluke at Silverlake this morning. I stopped to chat to my Mum on the phone, and saw these two Autumn Lady's-tresses near my feet! Found no others at all in an extensive search of the area. The only oddity in the trap was this 2nd gen Least Carpet.

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

4 Goosander at Silverlake, asleep on the bank just west of the 'volcano' mound. (East Lake). @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

My first Ni Moth for more than two weeks plus Vestal, 3 Clancy's Rustic, Clifden Nonpareil, Blair's Mocha, Red Underwing, Sallow, Frosted Orange.

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Golden Twin-spot are virtually daily lately, this one worth a photo though. It has conjoined spots, but only on one side. Two each Vestal and Clancy's the only other moths of any real note.

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Two nfy last night, a very smart Brindled Green and a huge Clifden Nonpareil. The CNP flew across the garden from the trap and landed on the house wall. Wow!

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Out on a Coastal Vibes jolly this evening, firstly around Portland Harbour then along the Breakwater. Pic of Portland covered in low cloud. Fascinating to see the roosting GBBGulls up close, I counted ~500. Also a smart 1st w YLHGull flew close past the boat on the way back in.

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Well they all count....very surprised to find this Indian Meal Moth (Plodia interpunctella) in the trap today, a new species for here. They're normally found in warehouses etc. Otherwise Delicate, Blair's Mocha, 2 Vestal, 3 Clancy's Rustic, 15 Palpita, Gem and Golden Twin-spot.

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

I wish I could say that these were all in my trap last night, but sadly no. These are all species I've seen and/or trapped before and are on my semi-realistic wish list for this autumn. The Oleander was Roy Eden's from West Bex. Spurge and Pale Shoulder from France. Silver-striped from Rhodes.

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Surprised to find another Euchromius ocellea in the traps today. Otherwise photos of Barred Sallow, Clancy's Rustic and a very smart bicoloria form of Cloaked Minor. Best of rest were Golden Twin-spot, and 3 Blair's Mocha. @migrantmothuk.bsky.social

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Having just renovated the garden shed, I found this tiny Snail inside whilst doing a quick inspection this evening. How stunning is this. The app tells me it is the wonderfully named Two Toothed Door Snail (Clausilia bidentata). I think they're pretty damn common, but couldn't resist a photo.

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Rodden Hive typically quiet/crap! My first 3 Pintail of the autumn plus 4 Turnstone and a Knot. Best though was this Bloody-nosed Beetle trundling across the path in front of me. Very sad to spot this roadkill Tawny Owl in Buckland Ripers. I moved it to the verge to give it some dignity in death.

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Nothing very exciting in the moth traps last night, but this splendid Eucosma campoliliana deserved to have its photo taken. Also, I had an Osprey high over Silverlake at 2.30 this afternoon, heading west. I could see the GBB Gulls looking up at the sky, so I did the same!

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Best from the traps were Golden Twin-spot, 3 Blair's Mocha, 2 Vestal and 2 Clancy's Rustic. Highlight though was this Western Conifer Seedbug which had landed on one of the garden chairs. Stunning insect and the first I've had here for ages. @migrantmothuk.bsky.social

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

This is just getting silly, my 3rd Passenger this morning, plus a very worn Euchromius ocellea, Ni Moth, Vestal, Delicate and the first Red Underwing of the autumn. @migrantmothuk.bsky.social @dorsetmoths.bsky.social

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

I rarely ever get Convolvulus Hawk here as there are no Nicotiana. Hence, nice to see one sat in the cone of a trap this morning. Also: Striped Hawk, Ni Moth, Dewick's Plusia, Delicate, Clancy's Rustic, Scarce Bordered Straw, Oncocera semirubella x2 etc. @migrantmothuk.bsky.social

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Best from the traps were Golden Twin-spot, Dewick's Plusia, Small Marbled and 2 Vestal. Best sighting by the trap were two Devil's coach-horse having a bit of a fight. I can't remember the last time I saw one of these.

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Butterfly transect dominated by Adonis Blues and Clouded Yellows, with nearly 30 of each seen. A pair of the latter making sure there will be more next year!

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Not quite as much of a shock as the first one, but did bring out a couple of expletives. The Passenger, a couple of weeks since the last one and this one in much worse nick. Also, a Frosted Orange just to prove its now autumn. @migrantmothuk.bsky.social @dorsetmoths.bsky.social

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Little to report from here despite a fair bit of effort. A wire-walking Common Sand from Rodden Hive yesterday and a Pale Eggar from the trap today, a rare moth here now.

1140

Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Moth traps quiet but this splendid Dewick's Plusia warranted getting the camera out. They are undoubtedly breeding locally now. Photos without flash and with diffused flash. Think I prefer the latter.

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Two Vestal flushed from the corner of a field at Rodden Hive, photo of one in situ. Birds were: Spot Fly, first 4 Wigeon of the autumn, 10 Teal, Common Sand, 20+ Yellow Wags, Marsh Harrier, Peregrine.

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

I went downstairs at 3.30am to watch the torrential rain. I can't remember the last time I saw rain like that and the moths were still flying in it! Best was my 2nd ever Purple Marbled, the last was in 2000! A rather unexciting pale form though. Agriphila latistria a big rarity here.

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Happy enough this morning with a new Micro, Argyresthia semitestacella. Try saying that without your teeth in. Noticeable for its size, 7mm long, much larger than albistria. Otherwise Anarsia inoxiella, Lilac Beauty and a fresh Ptocheuusa paupella from yesterday, the latter plentiful this year.

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Given how dry it has been, I was surprised to hear that Marsh Gentian are having a good year on the Dorset Heaths. Stopped off for a look today as they are such stunning flowers. Also flushed a Grayling which almost vanish when they land!

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Still some moths to be had in these cooler nights. First Centre-barred Sallow and fabulously bequiffed Golden Twin-spot of the year. Another Ni Moth and a Small Ranunculus, the latter from yesterday. My 4th since the 1st one in July. Scarce Bordered Straw also worth a mention (no photo).

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

I'd given up photographing every Striped Hawk this year, but got the urge when I was letting this one go last night. Such a stunning insect.

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Some productive inland birding this morning. Best was a very unexpected (and rather early?) Whinchat. Not far behind were these three juvenile LRP's. To my astonishment they flew in and landed right in front of me, completely unconcerned by my presence. Even I managed to get some photos!

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

From this morning: Spot Fly and Yellow Wag in Langton Herring village. Osprey sat on Chesil Beach from Rodden Hive (digiscoped on 70x at 800m range!). 4 Cattle Egret in Nottington on the way home (spotted from the car). A worn Pyrausta purpuralis from the trap, these are far from regular here.

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

A moment of sheer elation and then terror when I turned over an egg tray this morning. I had to creep back to the conservatory to pot this as they're very jumpy. Luckily I made it! The Passenger, not the monster rarity it once was but new for here. Also Campion and a Eupoecilia angustella.

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

A very busy day considering I'm supposed to be long retired. Moth trapping at home and also at inland survey site. Then afternoon out on the Bird Boat. Highlight of the latter were the Ospreys again, this time winching people out of the sea. Fab to find breeding Little Grebe on the survey, 2 chicks.

One of three Grey Seal on Portland Hbr breakwater.

Epiblema scutulana from the survey traps.

One of two juv Little Grebe. They have been incredibly secretive, I've hardly seen them all summer.

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Another visit to Bennett's Water gardens to look for Willow Emerald Damselfly again. Just this one found, spotted by @daragh2.bsky.social Closer and more obliging than the ones a few days back. Lovely to bump into Phil Anslow, the finder, an old friend. Also, Ruddy Darter + Painted Lady in the trap.

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

A few moths from today: Caloptilia honoratella, Catoptria falsella, Oncocera semirubella and Pyla fusca.

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Phyllonorcyter acerifoliella. A very long name for such a tiny moth.

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

A couple of results just in from 12/8. An interesting Caloptilia has turned out to be the summer form of honoratella. And the Delplanqueia has predictably turned out to be inscriptella.

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Best from the traps were 2 Small Marbled and a Striped Hawk. But I think we're all bored with photos of them! Never thought the day would come when I wouldn't bother to photograph a Striped Hawk. So a superb Celypha rosaceana and a cracking form of Epinotia nisella instead. @dorsetmoths.bsky.social

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Nothing too exciting here today. Coleophora salicorniae worth a mention as is this Tawny-barred Angle, I don't get them very often these days.

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

A few days ago, a friend of mine, Phil Anslow, found a Willow Emerald Damselfly at Bennetts Water Gardens in Weymouth. This morning Brett and myself went to have a search. After much looking we found a handful in waterside Alders. Really tricky to find! Best of my poor photos. £14 entrance fee 🤦‍♂️

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Paul Harris @paulupwey.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

I nearly had to reach for the Eclipse glasses when I saw this in the trap! My second Small Ranunculus and much better than the first one. What a cracking little moth. @dorsetmoths.bsky.social

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