Moth Recorders Meeting - Rutland Water 04/05/2008

On arriving at the Egleton Birdwatching Centre for the meeting, a quick scan over lagoon 1 produced some very nice Black Terns (at least 25 but more reported through the day), Common Terns, shitloads of Shelducks and other assorted regulars including Egyptian Geese. Onto the main business - the annual moth recorders meeting. The review was a little shorter than usual, what with 2007 being so crap! Only 5 new micro species for VC55 last year, and no new macros. Still a few good highlights though and always good to see a few faces coming out of hibernation. The meeting also gives a good chance to exchange tales, plans and fresh egg trays. Thanks as always to Adrian for pulling together the slides and data, and also this year to Graham Finch and Roy Goff for some slides and notes about mothing in Gambia. Seeing as the forecast was for rain, the post meeting activity involved beer and food for a few of us (Keith and Janet, Graham and Nona, Adrian and me). We decamped to the Horse & Jockey in Manton where I enjoyed a couple of pints of Cooking from the very local Grainstore Brewery in Oakham. Not the best beer per se, but better than the mass-brewed stuff and better than the much stronger Ten Fifty on offer given the drive home. A scampi meal was also excellent - and large!