Wednesday 3 May 2017

A Quiet Visitor to the Garden ~~~

Hello Friends!
For the past ten days or so the weather has meant no gardening {only if I really, really had to} as it has been very cold and very windy. I'm not a fan of gardening in twenty to thirty mile an hour winds!  However, it has been a lovely spring day today, the sun shone brightly in a boldly blue sky, and cottontail puffs of clouds scurried along in the not too insignificant breezes that billowed and blew the cobwebs away ~~~ a perfect afternoon for a few hours weeding in the garden, so booted and suited in my gardening togs off I went and carried on the job of clearing the raspberry patch ~~~

I had not been clearing very long when I discovered I had a very quiet companion. At first I thought it was a leaf, but then I realised it was a beautiful Angle Shades moth {Phlogophora meticulosa ~ which sounds rather like a spell from a Harry Potter novel!}

With a wingspan of about 45 ~ 50 mm, it is a fairly common moth, especially in southern coastal areas, with distinctive markings and looking not unlike a withered leaf {great camouflage}.


It would not let me go! It clung on to my gloves, and despite my best efforts refused to fly away to the safety of nearby cover, so moth on hand I came and found my camera and took some photos of the obliging little creature.  Here are the best ones I managed ~~~ to see a larger image, just click on each image ~~~






Eventually, the dear little thing decided it was best if it listened to me, so I released it quietly into a lovely patch of brambles and nettles ~~~

Until next time ~~~


~~~Deborah xo




11 comments:

  1. What a magical moment in your garden, Deb! How nice it stayed for a photo shoot. Glad your weather is better for gardening. We were out on the patio for dinner at noon and had to come back inside as our winds are blowing and the temperatures are chilly. The sun is shining beautifully, though. We are expecting quite a bit of rain toward the end of the week so I must get my jacket and get my solar power outdoors. xoxo ♥

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    1. I am often blessed with moths, and this one had to come inside for a few moments to fetch the camera {I prayed it would not take off while we were indoors!}
      Enjoy eating al fresco as much as you can until that rain comes ~ which we could use a good downpour of here! xoxo

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  2. Replies
    1. It is always an honour when this sort of magic happens!

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  3. No wonder you thought it was a leaf, it does have great camouflage. It is quite lovely and what an obliging guest. I am glad you had the chance to play in the dirt today.

    Love and hugs,
    Darlene

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  4. What a beauty! Maybe he liked that leather patch on your glove?

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  5. It looks like this moth is wearing army camouflage.

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