Moth Identification Using Google Images

Not for the first time when trying to identify something I used the Google search where you can upload a photo and Google will try to find similar images.

Use Google search as normal, enter your search words and start the search. Once the results have loaded choose Images and a camera icon appears in the search bar:

 

Clicking on the camera allows you to upload a photo or give a URL with the photo you are trying to identify. Once loaded scroll down a bit and click on 'Visually similar images'.

 

If you are lucky you may be able to scroll through those and find what you want. I say 'if you are lucky' as it is far from perfect and has only worked occasionally for me. Also not all images are named.

I was trying to identify this moth I spotted on Sunday:

   

As luck would have it there was one shown which looked very similar so I think there is a good possibility this is a Poplar Grey moth (Subacronicta megacephala)

Not my month for getting identification correct. Many thanks to Ragged Robin of Ragged Robin's Nature Notes  for pointing out this is an Early Grey not a Poplar Grey Moth.

What Are We Looking At?

Sunday was another glorious hot day with the temperature peaking a little under 25C according to my weather station. Before it got too hot we went for a short walkabout. We ended up on the edge of a large field of oil seed rape. From my eye level I could see a sea of yellow stretching into the distance but for a change I thought I would photograph it from somewhere nearer to Penny's viewpoint:



Not so inspiring. I can see why she concentrates on the smells of the countryside while I appreciate the sights and sounds.

Holly Blue Butterfly

Just as we set off for our mid morning walkabout a flash of blue flew past us and landed on the ivy growing on the outside of my fence:





My luck was in as I rarely seem to see these settle long enough to photograph.
My thanks to Conehead54 for correcting my intial mis-identification of Common Blue.
This one is a Holly Blue.

All in all a glorious April day today.
Wall to wall Sunshine:
 

Maximum temperature 19.7C:


Sunday promises to be even hotter.

A Greenfinch Comes Visiting

A few years ago I had lots of Greenfinches visiting the bird feeders, that was until the dreaded finch disease reared its ugly head. Then for three years it was the Greenfinches which seemed to bring the disease to my garden. Consequently numbers of Greenfinches and Goldfinches rapidly declined.

Nowadays I watch with some trepidation when one arrives at the feeders.
Fortunately this one seemed to be in good health:







A bit of video:

The Flying T

Spotted resting on the shed door.
A common Plume Moth:



In its usual resting configuration with the wings rolled up.
Not managed to see one with its wings open as yet

I've Got My Beady Eye On You

About tea time yesterday we were sat outside enjoying some Sunshine and the warmest part of the day when a female Blackbird settled on the roof of the Summerhouse just a few feet away:



Fortunately the camera was within reach as I had just missed a great photo opportunity. I had heard some sounds. Just the occasional single squawk. At the same time the local Wood Pigeons had scattered to the four winds. When I looked out to see what it was I was astonished to see two birds of prey flying round together. Not a sight I get to see more than about once a year, if that. Too high and too far away to identify and even further away by the time I grabbed a camera. It was then I decided to sit outside hoping they might fly back this way but that was not to be.

Also missed this morning, a bit of Robin bonding. Female was on one of the cameras when the male flew up to her and fed her the Sunflower heart he was carrying. I've only seen this happen once before and would love to photo it or even better - grab some video.

More moss was being added to the watering can today.

Would You Adam and Eve It?

Been watching a Robin collecting grass or moss and disappearing in the same direction every time so I went on a nest hunt. Now, there is a perfectly good, safe, dry nest box on the back of the shed set up for any Robin looking for a des res:

   

As can be seen from the grab from the video camera inside the box, completely deserted.
Anyway, that wasn't the direction the Robin kept disappearing. That was almost to ground level at the side of the greenhouse. What was there which would be of interest to a Robin?

An abandoned watering can?:


A quick peek inside showed some fresh moss near the back:


A closer view:


Yes, definitely signs of recent activity.
Now, is this going to be a safe place to bring up a family?
Too many cats prowling at all times of day and night so we will have to wait and see what happens.
Maybe I could erect some wire netting to protect the area.

No problem with the can filling with water when it rains.
It was abandoned as there is a large crack in the base so it has good drainage.

Robins are well known for using anything they think suitable as a nesting site from kettles to cardboard boxes in outbuildings.