Clifden Nonpareil

Cloudy with some heavy rain, 18°, light to blustery SSW

Another rare moth caught by Tony Rayner today. A Clifden Nonpareil or Blue Underwing. The second record for Cholsey after one last year.

This moth recolonised southern England in 2007 and is slowly spreading northwards.

The unusual name of this moth derives from the first British records on the Cliveden estate in Berkshire in the 18th century and nonpareil meaning “without equal” in French.

Birdwise:

A flock of 50+ Hirundines over Church road this morning feeding along the edge of a rain front and moving off to the south east. Virtually all House Martin and 3 Swallow noted.

Possibly the same or another flock back after the rain ceased feeding over Whitehead Meadow and surrounding area.

A few photos taken by Tony before release.




from Cholsey Wildlife https://cholseywildlife.blogspot.com/2019/09/clifden-nonpareil.html

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