Two actinic traps were run which contained lots of interest including Short-cloaked Moth, The Confused and a double figure count of Drinker moths.
Moth morning on a beautiful spring day at Hollin Hall, Hardcastle Crags on May 25th 2023. Attended by members of the wildlife survey group, they are: myself, John, Steve Blacksmith, Nick, Peachy Steve and ?.
Two of Calderdale's finest budding moth-ers, Jennie Smith and Cath Baker photographing a Drinker moth at Manshead moor plantation, Ripponden on Aug. 11th 2023.
Myself and Andy searching the rather unstable quarry cave mentioned above.
Intrepid moth-er Anthony Arak inspecting the vegetation around one of his two traps he ran regularly on Norland moor in 2021-2.
Barry Nield hanging a clearwing lure at Cromwell Bottom on June 23rd 2019. A keen moth trapper here for several years who gave me the opportunity to see many new species for which I will always be greatful.
And the light in action. The weather was so muggy that it proved not only very attractive to moths but midges as well, thousands of them. In fact the black patch under the light is made up of countless dead midges that flew in to the light, got zapped and dropped on to the sheet. As well as the countless bite marks, I woke the next morning to find three dead ones under my left eyelid!
The great man himself - William Collinson who authored the book, The Butterflies and Moths of Halifax and District for the Halifax Scientific Society in 1969. The book is a valuable resource and fascinating read for us modern day moth-ers.
Andy Cockroft and Anthony Arak searching for hibernating butterflies and moths in a cave at Howroyd Quarry, Barkisland on Jan. 9th 2022. Just two Heralds were found.
He sadly passed away in 2024, R.I.P Barry.
Paul Talbot, the first to seriously study micro moths in Calderdale from 1999 onwards and the inspiration for many of the new generation of local moth-ers including myself.
Andy Cockroft and Brian Leecy setting up a lamp and sheet at Blake Dean, June 7th 2008. Two of the most active and experienced moth-ers in the borough who used to run trapping sessions throughout the valley and encourage the experienced and newcomers alike to come along.
Winston Plowes, Pecket Well, May 20th 2008 on a trip to photograph Green Hairstreaks. Located in Hebden Bridge he runs a trap from the bow of his barge on the Rochdale canal.
Andy applying sugar solution to tree trunks at Gorpley Clough, Oct. 26th 2008. Despite cold temperatures and heavy showers a good number and variety of moths were recorded including a local speciality, the Red Sword-grass.
A good turn out at Hardcastle Craggs in March 2011. Nick and Sandra Carter (centre) run their trap from the edge of Midgely moor often turning up interesting species. Also, Christine and Winston (left) and Brian and Nick Dawtry (right).
July 21st 2012, Brookfoot Loop. Resembling some sort of moonlit, pagan ritual this is a shot of Peter and Brian Leecy with me in the centre - nets at the ready as we wait for the moths to arrive. Photo by Bruce Hoyle of the Halifax Scientific Society.
Another shot from Bruce from the Brookfoot Loop trip as the expectant group begin to gather. That's me already pulling moths out of my net.
Three stalwarts of the Cromwell Bottom Wildlife Group: Graham Haigh, Allan Wolfenden and Colin Duke who runs a trap and searches for moths by day. Photo courtesy of Bruce Hoyle.
A fungi foray at Gosport Clough, Stainland on Oct. 9th 2016 with Peachy Steve and Sarah Flood (with field guides) who host the occasional moth breakfasts around the Sowerby and Luddenden Dean areas.
He retired to the New Forest where he spent his final years no doubt enjoying the abundant wildlife there.
Another one of me from 2006 where I'm obviously hard at work staring at the garden Buddleia in the hope of something rare turning up.
Even though my modest garden was surrounded by urban sprawl it still produced some interesting finds from time to time.
3 comments:
that is a great selection of photos.
Moth on Charlie :-)
Just come across your excellent blog after researching plume moth eggs and whilst your photograph of Twenty Plume Moth larva and ova are not the same species I am studying they were helpful.
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