On Saturday 25th we joined the BCNI outing to Peatlands Park. Target species Large Heath, Forester and Red Tipped Clearwing.

We arrived at 10.30,BCNI members had been present from early emptying the 13 moth traps which had been setup.

An impressive variety had been trapped. See the BCNI website for more details. Personal favourites being The Drinker and Beautiful Snout - no photos...

Large Heath - Peatland Park

After the traps where empty we all headed out onto the bog looking for Large Heath. This is the best and most reliable place in NI to see this species.

It didn't take long to put this species up,but get a photo was a different story. They are very flighty and combined with the strong wind they are not the easiest to photograph.

3 Forester Moths - Peatlands

After lunch we headed to the fen area for Forester and Clearwing. This involves a bit of cross country through very wet ditches. Even with people using pheromones,the Clearwings did not appear. On the other hand the Forester moths where fantastic.

No sooner had we arrived on the fen, when the green blue metallic sheen of these day flying moths was obvious. At least 15 where present, mostly feeding on the Common Spotted Orchids.