Garden Robin

Garden Robin

Friday 13 November 2015

November Update

A few moths from the last moth trapping session (both New for Year)

Feathered Thorn (Colotois pennaria)


Spruce Carpet (Thera britannica)


Thanks to Stewart and several others on Twitter for confirming id of Spruce Carpet (there are 3 similar species!).



I don't think I've shown you my moth blouse :) I wore it a few months ago when I took my moth trap along to a Moth Evening at St Patrick's Church, Earlswood, which turned out to be a great evening and it was lovely to see the enthusiasm of people who had come along to learn about moths.





I was rather pleased yesterday to see a Comma sunning itself on the patio.




There are very few birds visiting the garden feeders at the moment (mild weather/plenty of natural food available?) although we did have a Jay in the garden a week or so ago - the first visit for 5 years!


My son picked up this leaf on a railway station platform recently. I am not sure what has made the markings - a leaf miner I suspect. Have put a photo on Twitter and hoping for some id help. If not I will put it on i-spot.






There are dozens of these yellow fungi sprouting on the lawn - they look like Yellow Club but according to my Collins Guide the species is found on unimproved pasture - which my lawn certainly isn't! If anyone has any ideas of id please leave a comment.


More little toadstools growing among fallen berries and leaves.



A few photos of flowers still appearing in the garden.

Chrysanthemum (type bought in a pot from supermarket and then planted the following year in the garden)


The Nasturtiums that were so late flowering are still providing a touch of colour.


Cosmos


Coreopsis


Wild Primroses are already flowering


There are lots of Rowan and Pyracantha berries around the garden - usually birds have already eaten them by the middle of November.




The wildflower meadow has been cut down and some of the couch grass removed. A huge pack of Yellow Rattle has been planted to try and solve the grass problem - will be interesting to see what happens next year!