Pantry Moths and Plovers

I sat outside in the sunshine this morning and enjoyed the peace and quiet until three plovers flew over.  What a raucous bird they are!  So much loud squawking and racketing – they must be one of my least favourite birds. 

They returned soon after, chasing a hawk, and still screeching.  Years ago, on the farm, they used to chase our Pied Stilts until finally there were none left living in our swamp.

A Pied Stilt on the beach

The plover, technically the spur-winged plover or masked lapwing (Vanellus miles) is a native of Australia and arrived in New Zealand under its own power, which meant it became classified as a native bird and in 1946 became fully protected by law.

This protection was removed in 2010 after the bird became widespread throughout every region, and officials received multiple complaints about crop damage and aggressive behaviour towards other native species.

A group of Plovers congregating on open pasture

The last few days we have been inundated with pantry moths which appear to be entering the house from outside each evening (through the cat door!).  Last night we found grubs in an open packet of muesli, which was then disposed of in the kitchen waste bin. 

About an hour later there was a shriek from grand-daughter when she discovered little white grubs crawling all over the kitchen floor!  I am still laughing!!

Horrid things, but we soon cleaned them up.  I have checked our other supplies today and found a few more and disposed of them.  Hopefully there isn’t any more lurking away somewhere in a dark forgotten corner of the kitchen.

Gathering pine cones is a favourite autumn activity, but will remain a memory this year

Life is full of little disasters – we just need to learn to laugh at them J

Margaret.