The Blackneck (Lygephila pastinum) 27 June 2008

An unexpected species (the 350th for the garden) and, in contrast to the docile Buff-tip, one of the least co-operative moths i've ever tried to photograph.

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

Buff-tip (Phalera bucephala) 29 June 2008

An excellent species which usually sits quietly in front of the camera

pete
22W actinic
Fuji Finepix A800

Lilac Beauties, Earith 27th June 2008

Male

Female

Autumn

I always get told off by my girlfriend for saying things like 'the nights are drawing in now' at the end of June, but the fact is that if you're a birder, 'summer' doesn't really exist. The first returning passage waders are already starting to appear, which means that from now until the beginning of November it's officially autumn. My favourite season. Hurrah. And it's only 14 weeks until I go to Shetland. I've just booked my flights - Friday 3rd October till Wednesday 15th October in case you're interested. Trust me - this is the year of the Siberian Accentor at Grutness. This is what it will look like... I've already written my description and pencilled it in on my found list:

Farcet Fen first and some migrants

The Fern, Farcet Fen, 24 June 08A new species for the garden and 5km square. Caught at light (15w actinic).

Diamond-back Moth, Farcet Fen, 23 June 08Fifth record for the garden for this migrant - all previous records caught during the great migrant summer of 2006. Caught at light (160w MVB).

Dark Sword-grass, Farcet Fen, 24 June 08
The first record of this migrant since the 14 caught during the summer of 2006. Caught at light (15w actinic).

What's the commonest bird in Britain?

The Chavinch, of course:

Pager messages you rarely see