RANDOM – Page 5 – ROLLING HARBOUR GALLERY

ATALA HAIRSTREAK BUTTERFLY Eumaeus atala

Published on November 8, 2023 by Rolling HarbourLeave a comment

HANDY?

Published on September 24, 2023 by Rolling HarbourLeave a comment

“I can’t believe my hand is this huge…” (Lavade Fr)

HOODED MERGANSER

Published on August 24, 2023 by Rolling Harbour1 Comment

RAM IN THE PADDOCK: KEEPING AN EYE OUT

Published on August 1, 2023 by Rolling HarbourLeave a comment

BEE CONTENTED

Published on July 24, 2023August 1, 2023 by Rolling Harbour1 Comment

Flight of the Bumble Bee – Keith Salvesen

BROWN PELICAN – AFTER A DIVE

Published on June 26, 2023 by Rolling HarbourLeave a comment

PHOTO: Keith Salvesen . Abaco . Bahamas

BEE HAPPY

Published on March 7, 2023 by Rolling Harbour4 Comments

URBAN FOX ENJOYING JUNE SUNSHINE, WEST LONDON

Published on June 6, 2018June 6, 2018 by Rolling Harbour2 Comments

This fox in our garden this morning was lazily lying down, occasionally sleepily moving around and even yawning. Always wary, possibly aware of the human near the kitchen window, he kept a beady eye on the house. Even so, he lay for some time with his eyes near-closed, soaking up the June sunshine. Here are some photos of the visitor. You’ll see he is far from the manky scavenger that is the usual urban fox. He is well-groomed and with a good coat. These photos were taken through glass – I didn’t want to risk disturbing the fox by opening a window for a clearer shot.

I’m terrible at keeping up with this blog. I’d take it down, but for the surprising number of people who turn up to view the contents – some themes are strangely popular. For which attention, much thanks. But I am going to try harder. I’m rejigging the format gradually, and will do some weeding, raking and transplanting. Let’s see how that goes…

PALE TUSSOCK MOTH, DORSET

Published on June 27, 2017August 15, 2017 by Rolling Harbour2 Comments

Until a few days ago, I’m not sure I’d ever before seen a pale tussock moth Calliteara pudibunda that was on a wall inside our house. I took it outside and put it gently onto an old garden bench. 10 minutes later it was gone. As is so often the case I only had an iPhone with me at the time, so the photo above is a bit rough and ready. On the other hand, you get a good idea of the subtle and pretty colouring and marking of this moth – and as you see, it was intriguingly furry, with spotted legs.

I flicked through a couple of slightly basic butterfly / moth books we have, but could find nothing like this creature. So I checked out the FB page of UK MOTHS to find a match. Sure enough, others had queried the ID of this species so I discovered the name easily enough. I don’t think it is particularly rare. There were also plenty of other fascinating and indeed extraordinary-looking moths that are apparently quite common in the UK. A FB page that’s well worth taking a look at.

The pale tussock is a moth of spring / early summer, and its appearance seems to be distinctive enough to avoid confusion with other moth species. The other feature, only deployed once I’d got it outside the house, are its feathery antennae (below).