Despite a dismal weather forecast for Sunday 7 July, fifteen members of the Field Club met in a lovely garden in Shilton for our annual moth morning. It was great to have several members who had never been to this event before.
Despite the recent unsettled weather, our butterfly hunt on 20 July struck lucky with the elements, and fine, calm conditions netted a fully subscribed haul of members, and a good range of butterflies too.
As always, Moth Morning on Saturday 1 July was a success, attracting a full quota of members. Despite it being cloudy, breezy, and cool with an occasional shower, there were plenty of moths collected overnight in the three traps.
Alison Weaver, who has very keen eyes, has recently seen otters in the centre of Witney.
Alison writes: During this year’s very hot summer an island emerged in the Windrush where the river goes under the Witney bridge.
John C. writes:
We don’t usually think of this time of year as a time to go looking for flowers but there are a number of late-flowering species that are as rewarding to find as the season winds down as the first spring flowers are as the season winds up. A particular favourite of mine is autumn gentian, Gentianella amarella. Whilst perhaps not as spectacular as spring gentians – which are rare in the British Isles – they’re not very uncommon and have, to my mind, a rather understated charm.
On the evening of 24 June, moth expert Julian Howe and I set up three moth traps in and around a private garden in Shilton.
WEST OXFORDSHIRE FIELD CLUB