Paul Harris
@paulupwey.bsky.social
Birds, Moths, Dragons, Orchids, Butterflies, Bugs.
Dorset.
Dorset.
My pulse was momentarily raised when I saw lots of windblown seeds coming off a Reedmace head at Jurassic Pools this morning. Sadly, it was the wrong species of Tit!
Black-throated Diver flew in from the east across Bowleaze Cove this morning, also 11 Razorbill and 3 Common Scoter on the sea there.
Black-throated Diver flew in from the east across Bowleaze Cove this morning, also 11 Razorbill and 3 Common Scoter on the sea there.
November 29, 2025 at 6:49 PM
My pulse was momentarily raised when I saw lots of windblown seeds coming off a Reedmace head at Jurassic Pools this morning. Sadly, it was the wrong species of Tit!
Black-throated Diver flew in from the east across Bowleaze Cove this morning, also 11 Razorbill and 3 Common Scoter on the sea there.
Black-throated Diver flew in from the east across Bowleaze Cove this morning, also 11 Razorbill and 3 Common Scoter on the sea there.
Weymouth. A few photos from this morning: A retrap Acleris hyemana from 5 days ago! Crocidosema plebejana, Palpita vitrealis and White-speck. 2 December Moth and a few ferrugalis also. @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
November 28, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Weymouth. A few photos from this morning: A retrap Acleris hyemana from 5 days ago! Crocidosema plebejana, Palpita vitrealis and White-speck. 2 December Moth and a few ferrugalis also. @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
Portland Castle: the closest Goosander I've ever seen, down to 1 foot off the shoreline! Flyby Kingfisher and Little Egret. Manic feeding flock of ~30 Cormorant (and a few Shag) also coming very close. 15+ Mergs more distant.
Castle Cove: 4 B-n Grebe + 1 GNDiver. @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
Castle Cove: 4 B-n Grebe + 1 GNDiver. @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
November 27, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Portland Castle: the closest Goosander I've ever seen, down to 1 foot off the shoreline! Flyby Kingfisher and Little Egret. Manic feeding flock of ~30 Cormorant (and a few Shag) also coming very close. 15+ Mergs more distant.
Castle Cove: 4 B-n Grebe + 1 GNDiver. @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
Castle Cove: 4 B-n Grebe + 1 GNDiver. @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
The rather mad spectacle of 2 White-tailed Eagle flying around together over Abbotsbury STW with a Red Kite for company! I also saw a WTE earlier this morning flying along the Chesil Beach at Moonfleet. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social @harbourbirds.bsky.social
November 25, 2025 at 12:37 PM
The rather mad spectacle of 2 White-tailed Eagle flying around together over Abbotsbury STW with a Red Kite for company! I also saw a WTE earlier this morning flying along the Chesil Beach at Moonfleet. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social @harbourbirds.bsky.social
Result already back on the GBBGull at Silverlake yesterday. It's been to Dorset before. Do you remember this @mattames6.bsky.social ?
November 23, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Result already back on the GBBGull at Silverlake yesterday. It's been to Dorset before. Do you remember this @mattames6.bsky.social ?
Only 3 moths in the trap, but one of them was a full blown lifer! Acleris hyemana. Very smart even though it is a bit worn. Very rare away from the Poole Basin, but follows a recent one trapped by John Down in Dorchester.
November 23, 2025 at 9:27 AM
Only 3 moths in the trap, but one of them was a full blown lifer! Acleris hyemana. Very smart even though it is a bit worn. Very rare away from the Poole Basin, but follows a recent one trapped by John Down in Dorchester.
I had a good look at Portland Harbour this morning from 3 different locations. Very quiet indeed out there. Apart from a host of Med Gulls, all I saw were 1 Black-necked Grebe, 2 GN Diver and 2 Common Scoter. At least one Red Admiral on the wing at Castle Cove. @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
November 20, 2025 at 1:33 PM
I had a good look at Portland Harbour this morning from 3 different locations. Very quiet indeed out there. Apart from a host of Med Gulls, all I saw were 1 Black-necked Grebe, 2 GN Diver and 2 Common Scoter. At least one Red Admiral on the wing at Castle Cove. @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social
Far too cold last night, hence very few moths. This male Gem worth a mention though.
The garden this morning produced Firecrest, Blackcap and Coal Tit, plus a hefty passage of Wood Pigeon.
The garden this morning produced Firecrest, Blackcap and Coal Tit, plus a hefty passage of Wood Pigeon.
November 17, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Far too cold last night, hence very few moths. This male Gem worth a mention though.
The garden this morning produced Firecrest, Blackcap and Coal Tit, plus a hefty passage of Wood Pigeon.
The garden this morning produced Firecrest, Blackcap and Coal Tit, plus a hefty passage of Wood Pigeon.
I released the Crimson Speckled into the garden this morning. It sat here for a while, but has now gone. Has to be my highlight of the year! Garden macro No 475. I won't live long enough to make 500!
November 16, 2025 at 3:57 PM
I released the Crimson Speckled into the garden this morning. It sat here for a while, but has now gone. Has to be my highlight of the year! Garden macro No 475. I won't live long enough to make 500!
For 30 years there has been one species firmly at the top of my hit-list: Crimson Speckled. 30 years ago they had an almost mythical status, now more regular of course. So I was beyond elated to find this in one of the traps this morning!!! @migrantmothuk.bsky.social @dorsetmoths.bsky.social
November 15, 2025 at 9:40 AM
For 30 years there has been one species firmly at the top of my hit-list: Crimson Speckled. 30 years ago they had an almost mythical status, now more regular of course. So I was beyond elated to find this in one of the traps this morning!!! @migrantmothuk.bsky.social @dorsetmoths.bsky.social
I almost overlooked this amongst all the Light Brown Apple Moth in the traps today, it's Acleris hastiana, a form I've never seen before. Two Radford's FS may have been migrants, I've not had any here for ages.
Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Silverlake this morning with an open wing shot.
Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Silverlake this morning with an open wing shot.
November 14, 2025 at 1:36 PM
I almost overlooked this amongst all the Light Brown Apple Moth in the traps today, it's Acleris hastiana, a form I've never seen before. Two Radford's FS may have been migrants, I've not had any here for ages.
Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Silverlake this morning with an open wing shot.
Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Silverlake this morning with an open wing shot.
The usual suspects in the trap, but most of the interest was in late dates. Garden Carpet and Dark Arches not overly unusual, but Small Dusty Wave is crazy late. I'm assuming there aren't any closely allied European counterparts, but will check!
November 13, 2025 at 3:24 PM
The usual suspects in the trap, but most of the interest was in late dates. Garden Carpet and Dark Arches not overly unusual, but Small Dusty Wave is crazy late. I'm assuming there aren't any closely allied European counterparts, but will check!
A few from today: A Common Backswimmer found dead by one of the moth traps, presumably attracted in overnight. Pretty certain I've never had one to light here before. A small Common Footman larva on a wall near one of the traps and a nicely marked Epirrita sp from one of the traps.
November 11, 2025 at 5:48 PM
A few from today: A Common Backswimmer found dead by one of the moth traps, presumably attracted in overnight. Pretty certain I've never had one to light here before. A small Common Footman larva on a wall near one of the traps and a nicely marked Epirrita sp from one of the traps.
Delighted to find a Hedgehog in the garden tonight, loitering around one of the moth traps! First one I've seen for ages.
Rodden Hive this morning produced an impressive fishing flock of 50 Cormorant, quite the spectacle. Also 2 Marsh Harrier, 17 Shoveler, 4 Reed Bunting, Kingfisher and 105 Lapwing
Rodden Hive this morning produced an impressive fishing flock of 50 Cormorant, quite the spectacle. Also 2 Marsh Harrier, 17 Shoveler, 4 Reed Bunting, Kingfisher and 105 Lapwing
November 8, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Delighted to find a Hedgehog in the garden tonight, loitering around one of the moth traps! First one I've seen for ages.
Rodden Hive this morning produced an impressive fishing flock of 50 Cormorant, quite the spectacle. Also 2 Marsh Harrier, 17 Shoveler, 4 Reed Bunting, Kingfisher and 105 Lapwing
Rodden Hive this morning produced an impressive fishing flock of 50 Cormorant, quite the spectacle. Also 2 Marsh Harrier, 17 Shoveler, 4 Reed Bunting, Kingfisher and 105 Lapwing
A remarkable 33 species (plus a Red Admiral) from the garden traps last night. Gem, Golden Twin-spot, Palpita vitrealis, 2 Blair's Mocha, Rush Veneer the highlights. Also a late Blood-vein. Photos of the Gem plus the diminutive Cosmopterix pulchrimella and Tuta absoluta. @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
November 6, 2025 at 1:36 PM
A remarkable 33 species (plus a Red Admiral) from the garden traps last night. Gem, Golden Twin-spot, Palpita vitrealis, 2 Blair's Mocha, Rush Veneer the highlights. Also a late Blood-vein. Photos of the Gem plus the diminutive Cosmopterix pulchrimella and Tuta absoluta. @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
Well, I went out into the garden at 3am and 6am hoping that Crimson Speckled would be falling out of the sky like confetti. Sadly not to be! 😆. It was just much too windy. A few moths in the traps, Oak Rustic and White-speck worth a mention. Another late record in the form of this Brimstone.
November 5, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Well, I went out into the garden at 3am and 6am hoping that Crimson Speckled would be falling out of the sky like confetti. Sadly not to be! 😆. It was just much too windy. A few moths in the traps, Oak Rustic and White-speck worth a mention. Another late record in the form of this Brimstone.
Corizus hyoscyami on the house wall by one of the moth traps. I've had this species quite often in the garden, but never to light before. Such an exotic looking Bug. Little to report from the traps so far, I've only seen an Oak Rustic, but it's windier than last night. Maybe dropping off a bit now 🤞
November 4, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Corizus hyoscyami on the house wall by one of the moth traps. I've had this species quite often in the garden, but never to light before. Such an exotic looking Bug. Little to report from the traps so far, I've only seen an Oak Rustic, but it's windier than last night. Maybe dropping off a bit now 🤞
Mavis, fab piece of work! Here's one of the real thing to show how accurate yours is. This had landed by my moth trap in France. I got this jammy shot just as it took off!
November 4, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Mavis, fab piece of work! Here's one of the real thing to show how accurate yours is. This had landed by my moth trap in France. I got this jammy shot just as it took off!
Weymouth: Best from the two traps were a tatty Cosmopolitan and a rather immaculate Golden Twin-spot. @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
November 4, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Weymouth: Best from the two traps were a tatty Cosmopolitan and a rather immaculate Golden Twin-spot. @migrantmothuk.bsky.social
The most unusual moth from the trap today was an exceptionally late Mottled Rustic!
At Silverlake, the 2 Pink-feet flew in mid morning, a quick photo taken before they went to sleep again. Also, a photo of part of the flock with one of the two YLHG present today. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
At Silverlake, the 2 Pink-feet flew in mid morning, a quick photo taken before they went to sleep again. Also, a photo of part of the flock with one of the two YLHG present today. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
November 3, 2025 at 2:31 PM
The most unusual moth from the trap today was an exceptionally late Mottled Rustic!
At Silverlake, the 2 Pink-feet flew in mid morning, a quick photo taken before they went to sleep again. Also, a photo of part of the flock with one of the two YLHG present today. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
At Silverlake, the 2 Pink-feet flew in mid morning, a quick photo taken before they went to sleep again. Also, a photo of part of the flock with one of the two YLHG present today. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
At least a dozen Common Darter on the wing at Silverlake including several pairs egg-laying. Frustrating brief views of a Dragonfly with a blue base to the abdomen. Failed to find it again despite much searching. More scorching views of the Pink-feet though!
November 2, 2025 at 12:47 PM
At least a dozen Common Darter on the wing at Silverlake including several pairs egg-laying. Frustrating brief views of a Dragonfly with a blue base to the abdomen. Failed to find it again despite much searching. More scorching views of the Pink-feet though!
Here are the Pink-feet when I found them this morning! Even though they were asleep I could still see the darker heads. They did eventually wake up and go for a swim.
A surprising 14 sp in the moth trap, best were Oak Rustic, White-speck, Red-green Carpet and Barred Sallow.
A surprising 14 sp in the moth trap, best were Oak Rustic, White-speck, Red-green Carpet and Barred Sallow.
November 1, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Here are the Pink-feet when I found them this morning! Even though they were asleep I could still see the darker heads. They did eventually wake up and go for a swim.
A surprising 14 sp in the moth trap, best were Oak Rustic, White-speck, Red-green Carpet and Barred Sallow.
A surprising 14 sp in the moth trap, best were Oak Rustic, White-speck, Red-green Carpet and Barred Sallow.
Rarity value of a bird is very much related to its location. Two Spoonbills in Poole Harbour would barely be worth a mention, two at Silverlake are quite gripping! Only one previous record that I'm aware of. As soon as the sun came out, they livened up and flew off south. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
October 31, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Rarity value of a bird is very much related to its location. Two Spoonbills in Poole Harbour would barely be worth a mention, two at Silverlake are quite gripping! Only one previous record that I'm aware of. As soon as the sun came out, they livened up and flew off south. @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
More moths than I expected given the wild weather overnight. The oddest of them all though, was this Kent Black Arches. Extremely late date, but 2nd gen examples are not unprecedented in Dorset.
October 31, 2025 at 9:19 AM
More moths than I expected given the wild weather overnight. The oddest of them all though, was this Kent Black Arches. Extremely late date, but 2nd gen examples are not unprecedented in Dorset.
Best from Rodden Hive was a flyover Woodlark which headed off NE, calling as it went. I'm pretty sure this might be my first ever record from the Fleet. The 4 Barnacle Geese are still present. Best from the trap was the first Red-green Carpet of the autumn.
October 30, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Best from Rodden Hive was a flyover Woodlark which headed off NE, calling as it went. I'm pretty sure this might be my first ever record from the Fleet. The 4 Barnacle Geese are still present. Best from the trap was the first Red-green Carpet of the autumn.