Thanks, Trevor, and no, there wasn't the same frisson of excitement around this as there would have been if it was a Camberwell Beauty for example.
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
However, once again this was an ID after the event, and maybe if I'd known what it was at the time I wouldn't have been so casual taking a few snaps of it down in the grass.
Thanks, Vince - interesting to know that at least one other has been seen recently. I've let the moth recorder for Surrey know, and am waiting for a reply back (which may have some other news of them of course).
You're right about the retirement lark, Wurzel (and Buggy!). Any sign of the sun and I'm off out!
![Wink :wink:](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
The nearest part of my local patch is only two minutes walk away and most of what I'm seeing at the moment is on this part - it has a large wild buddleia, loads of ivy in full flower (and in full sun for much of the day), and lots of bramble too. It's also sheltered for the most part. And talking of whispering... Guess what appears in the post below?
Wednesday 13th September: After the overnight blow with attendant lashing rain, the day dawned brilliant blue, and amazingly remained sunny for good portions of the day. I confined my attentions to my local area, with a couple of forays before and after midday. Commas were to be found all over the place today...
...and two at least were seen prior to their maiden flights, with the telltale signs of meconium on the foliage beneath them.
There were once again dozens of Red Admirals, many of which also appeared brand new.
A Peacock joined them on the ivy today...
...eschewing the dandelions, which were left to the Whites...
...to a solitary Small Copper...
...and to a single Small Tortoiseshell. This last individual had rather a granular look to it, which may well be recognisible next spring if it survives the winter.
Another singleton, rarely found in this particular area, was a very worn Small Heath.
Finally, to cap a very productive day, I spotted two separate Holly Blues. One of these was down low, and not flying far. It turned out to be brand new male, probably a third brood individual (given today's date and the earliness of the second brood this year).
Dave