NORTH DOWNS & BEYOND

The cloud was low this morning, the light suppressed and the whole vibe was one of birding under a heavy blanket of dirty cotton wool. An early visit to Canons Farm was worthwhile, with a Barn Owl, Spotted Flycatcher, Grey Wagtail (scarce here), two Whinchats and four Stonechats being most notable. Afterwards an underwhelming brief sortie around Priest Hill was rescued by a solitary Whinchat. The garden MV was fairly lively, with Centre-barred Sallow, Orange Sallow and Large Ranunculus being typical of late September. I also trapped the greenest Red-green Carpet that I have ever seen (below).

Another night, another back garden MV haul. When I say haul, I really mean a modest catch. Amongst the sobre colours of various Quakers, Characters and Drabs was this Red-green Carpet, my first this year. Twenty years ago this was a very rare moth in Surrey and London, but now it is to be expected, but such smart moths are never a chore to look at.