Tawny Pinion, Earith 31 March 09

Red Chestnut, Earith 17 March 09

Twin-spotted Quaker, Elton

Twin-spotted Quaker Orthosia munda

© Brian Stone

Cambridge moths 11 March 09

Three typical early-year species to light last night: Hebrew Character Orthosia gothica, Common Quaker Orthosia cerasi and March Moth Alsophila aescularia

pete
CB1 3ST
22W actinic
Canon400D + 50mm/f2.5 macro

Lead-coloured Drab, Elton

A rather dark specimen.

Lead-coloured Drab Orthosia populeti

© Brian Stone Canon Powershot A640

Twin-spotted Quaker, Cambridge, 7 March 09

2189 Twin-spotted Quaker Orthosia munda
The only moth attracted to the trap so far this year, but a first for the garden.

pete
CB1 3ST
Cambs/vc29
22W actinic
Canon400D + 50mm/f2.5 macro

Stop Press - First for Britain in Leicestershire!!!

This stunning Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachii was found at the Twycross 'Natural Surroundings Nature Reserve' in north-west Leicestershire last week, attracting a large crowd of admirers. Spokesman for the Leicestershire and Rutland Otorhinolaryngological Society, Mr Eric Twatt, said "We think the bird may have been blown off course by strong winds whilst migrating."

The bird is believed to be still present at the time of writing. A full write up of this unexpected first for Britain will appear in the Twitchers' Chronicle and Gazette next month.

The Blue-winged Kookaburra in its 'natural surroundings'. Note the clearly captive (and obviously completely untickable) Puna Ibis in a cage behind it.