Monday 19th May 2008
Sunny, Clouding over, N/NE 2
A case of quality rather than quantity, today. Spent about 10 mins stalking a Mother Shipton at Cortonwood, this morning. Every time i got near it with the camera, it`d fly a short distance and settle at the base of the grasses. Feeling frustrated, there was nothing for it, other than to pot it up and photograph it on my trusty blue piece of ply.
A really stunning day-flying species. It`s easy to see where it got its name from ;
Back at home, an Elephant Hawkmoth had emerged in my rearing tank. Another stunning species, that was enhanced by a paint job ( 2nd pic ) ;
Plenty of activity around my feeding station, with this Mistle Thrush posing nicely on the birdbath ;
I think the main talking point of the day, is the weather. Can`t believe how cold it`s been. Two thirds the way through May and i`m wearing a sweatshirt. Unbelievable!!
A case of quality rather than quantity, today. Spent about 10 mins stalking a Mother Shipton at Cortonwood, this morning. Every time i got near it with the camera, it`d fly a short distance and settle at the base of the grasses. Feeling frustrated, there was nothing for it, other than to pot it up and photograph it on my trusty blue piece of ply.
A really stunning day-flying species. It`s easy to see where it got its name from ;
Back at home, an Elephant Hawkmoth had emerged in my rearing tank. Another stunning species, that was enhanced by a paint job ( 2nd pic ) ;
Plenty of activity around my feeding station, with this Mistle Thrush posing nicely on the birdbath ;
I think the main talking point of the day, is the weather. Can`t believe how cold it`s been. Two thirds the way through May and i`m wearing a sweatshirt. Unbelievable!!
posted by dean | 7:02 PM
7 Comments:
I really like your moth pictures. And every time you mention your rearing tank, I wonder what kind of set up you have. Have you ever posted pictures of it?
Thanks Cindy.
Regards the rearing tank. It`s just an old fish tank, with about 2inch of compost in the bottom.
I only rear 1 or 2 caterpillars of any one moth species, which are kept in seperate containers ( for feeding ) and then placed in the tank when they are ready to pupate.
PS - i always release the adults in the area i collected the larvae from.
Stunning creatures aren't they, each one! Though it's not obvious to me why the Mother Shipton is so called...
The Hawk moth is amazing.
Hi Toffeeapple.
Does`nt the marking on the forewing remind you of the profile of a famous ( here in Yorkshire, anyway ) Witch ( hence the name )
No, sorry, not heard of her - backwoods Welsh woman me! ;-)
Excellent Photos!
A joy to behold!
Keep at it- you definitely have the eye for it!
Anthony Nuepasture
Hi Anthony. Many thanks for dropping by and your kind words. Much appreciated.
Dean
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