Reddish Buff Moth Project

Seaview Wildlife has become greatly involved in the conservation and monitoring of an extremely rare Moth. The Reddish Buff Moth which is classed as an endangered species, breeds in sparse open vegetation where the larvae feed on leaves of Saw-wort and is only found in very localised areas of the Isle of Wight.

Tara, Head Keeper, is working closely alongside other BIAZA collections on the Island as well as the Butterfly Conservation Trust and The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Trust to survey and monitor the distribution, breeding and feeding habits of this allusive Moth in the hope that we can encourage the overall population to increase and conserve the natural habitat in which it exists.

Tara has been trained to use a suction sampling method in order to survey areas of the Isle of Wight including Cranmore SSSI, Bouldner and Parkhurstwhich may be home to the Moths larvae.

 

Now the weather has warmed up, surveys are well underway but unfortunately we have yet to find any Moth larvae!

 

Feathery facts….

Did you know?  Thanks to selective breeding, it’s common for captive peafowl to buck the iridescent trend for all white feathers. This is called leucism, and it’s due to a genetic mutation that causes loss of pigmentation. These peafowl are often mistaken for being albino, but instead of having red eyes, animals with leucism retain their normal eye color.

 

Only the males are actually ‘ Peacocks ‘

  With its massive tail and iridescent colours, this bird has long fascinated its human observers—and we’re still learning its secrets. For example, a study recently published in The British Journal of Animal Behaviour says that when a peacock fans its ornamented train for the ladies during mating season, its feathers quiver, emitting a low-frequency sound inaudible to human ears. Depending on whether they want to attract females from far away or up close, they can change the sound by shaking different parts of their feathers. (They’re not the only animals that create infrasonic sounds. Elephants produce them with their vocal cords, most likely to communicate over long distances.)

Brunch, Lunch and Afternoon Tea are a real treat at Seaview….

 

The Gallery at Seaview

Our Gallery showcases some incredible Island talent – beautiful landscapes by local artist Jamie Russell www.islandvisions.co.uk



Wight Wildlife Photographer Stuart Shore exhibits captivating wildlife and landscape images  www.wightwildlife.co.uk



Ed at  www.gloryartglass.com designs some beautiful pieces and the bespoke penguins are a very popular line in our gift shop!


Maria Ward www.mariaward.co.uk has a quirky, charming style painting seascapes in a truly unique style!

      

Come on over to Seaview and browse in the Gallery ….  so much talent on such a small Island !

On the menu today….

Home made quiche, new potato salad, fresh mixed leaves & home made slaw… delish !

 

Sandcastles for Sealife Fundraiser August 16th

On Sunday 16th August, the Your Seas People & Port project is running its first ‘Sandcastles for Sealife’ competition on Appley Beach, Ryde, Isle of Wight.  Entrance costs just £5 for a 2 x 2 metre plot of sand to create a sealife themed masterpiece!  Please come along and join in supporting this worthwhile cause

http://www.orcaweb.org.uk/news/sandcastles-for-sealife-fundraiser

Remember our photographic competition 2015

Don't forget to enter our photographic competition 2015 http://www.seaviewwildlife.com/social-hub.aspx