Hebrew Character

I was amused to read my entry for a year ago, which stated that my enthusiasm for photography was at a low ebb. That's exactly how I feel today, so I guess it must be part of the natural cycle. I always find March a difficult month. On the one hand there are signs of spring all around, but the weather can still be miserably dull or bitterly cold. Today has been grey and gloomy yet again, and has done nothing to fuel my photographic mojo.

Luckily Pete put the moth trap on, for the third time this year. Quite a few moths fly on mild nights in March and April, and when he checked the trap a few minutes ago there were a few Common Quakers, a Small Quaker (both rather drab brown) and a single Hebrew Character.

This is a very common early spring moth, and gets its name from the distinctive black mark on its wings, which is shaped like the Hebrew character Nun. It can be found in almost any habitat and is widespread throughout Britain, although somewhat more local in Scotland, avoiding areas of high ground. The caterpillars eat a wide variety of trees and bushes. It shouldn't be confused with the equally common Setaceous Hebrew Character, which flies later in the season.

Although at first sight it seems fairly drab, a close view shows a range of soft burnished colours - and a very fluffy face!

Chicken update
Shes' still doing well, and the wound seems to be healing slowly. I think she'll be living in the house for the forseeable future. We bring in her companion during the day - a Sebright bantam of immense character, who actually stole the cheese from Ben's lunchtime sandwich today! Thanks for all the good wishes for her...