Peter Jones Wildlife blog

Performed not one, but two reptile surveys this weekend. Neither were particularly memorable,  a few Common Lizards at Burley, and a single Slow Worm at Godshill. I blame the weather!  In between, I headed to Hurst Castle where I finally caught up with Dew Moth, and also Sea Pea, plus a few other new plants. Overnight I ran a moth trap from the campervan at Hurst Cut bridge, that went well. Delicate and Dog's tooth both new ones, and a lot of Middle Barred Minors amongst the other species. Delicate Dog's Tooth  Dew Moth

The East winds are still keeping the moth traps results pretty low at the moment, but today at least had a bit of quality with 2 new species: Rustic Shoulder Knot (fairly common, but eluding me up until now), and Buttoned Snout (nationally scarce, with me being just on the edge of their range). Other species included Sharp-angled peacock, Brussels lace, Straw Dot, Willow Beauty, Buff Ermine, Flame Shoulder, Ribbon Wave, Pale Tussock, Ringed China Mark, Treble lines, Brown silver line, Heart and dart, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Garden Carpet, and Small Magpie. Rustic Shoulder Knot Buttoned Snout

Perhaps one of the last things to return to normal for me after the pandemic. I've enrolled as a "Casual Surveyor" this year to maintain my license whilst I think about whether committing more fully in future years. I chose one of the best locations today for my survey, but the reptiles were elusive, which is often the case as we head into the summer months. 1 reptile recorded, and it was a Smooth Snake which was a nice bonus. This one probably lingering under the refugia while it shedded it's skin. Note the cloudy eye as evidence of shedding.  Also in the New forest today. A few Heath Sptted Orchid, Lesser Butterfly Orchid and Bastard Balm (very rare in UK, but one I forget I saw a couple of weeks ago in France!!)