Tuesday April 30 - Mockley Wood followed by some garden moths

 At the start 2024 I vaguely promised myself that I would target woodland this year, but during April have been unable to resist watery habitats to raise the species count. This morning I pressed the reset button and went to Mockley Wood just north of Ullenhall.

It was warmer, at last, and sunny, although the southerly breeze was a bit on the strong side. Mockley Wood is used by the local shooters and there is limited access for the rest of us. However, there is a footpath with cuts through the east side of the wood and then runs along its northern edge. This gives plenty of opportunity to see what is a lovely wood.

As for the birds, it was generally a case of more of the same. Plenty of singing Blackcaps (including a highly mimetic one which caused me a few problems until I saw it), Chiffchaffs, and other regular woodland birds. I found a Ravens nest by following the sound of the noisy youngsters which appeared close to fledging, and amongst the Blackcaps found a single singing Garden Warbler, my first of the year. It showed briefly, but the camera had no chance.

I didn't photograph any birds, but the presence of a few butterflies on the wing made me think it might be worth putting the garden trap out.

I did so, but some overnight rain may have suppressed the numbers. I only caught 18 moths, many of which were unidentifiably worn Brindled/Oak-tree Pugs. There were some highlights though. My first Powdered Quaker since 2020, and my first Streamer (somewhat the worse for wear unfortunately) since 2019.

Powdered Quaker

Streamer in the pot (it flew away as I tried to coax it onto a leaf)

Despite failing to get the Streamer to pose on a leaf, some of my other subjects were more responsive.

Orange Footman

Frosted Green

Flame Shoulder

I still haven't decided whether to take part in the West Midlands Alldayer on Saturday, but as most of the good stuff seems to have quit Morton Bagot, I think I will probably see if I can help the Earlswood team and leave my patch for Sunday.