Friday, 30 June 2017

Insects & Birds

Cloudy, 20°, light NW.

A walk out to Lollingdon today, little change noted.

One field contained 17 Red Kite and 3 Buzzard and I noticed a couple of Rabbit carcasses present so these presumably attracted the birds to the field.

The hill was relatively quiet, at least 2 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Corn Bunting, 3 Yellowhammer, 2 Blackcap and 4 Common Whitethroat and a small flock of 14 Linnet. Also at least 3 House Sparrow on the hill.

Nearby were several Chiffchaff and a Kingfisher (per Tony Williams).

A Reed Bunting still in song on the walk out and several Great-spotted Woodpecker. The Little Owl also heard.

A pair of Barn Owl have 3 young in the parish so good news there. (per TW).

Butterflies: not so many around today but still good numbers of Meadow Brown and one seen being taken by a Wasp.

Others noted were: Large SkipperLarge White, Small White, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, first Gatekeeper of the year and Ringlet.

Moths: TW has been running a Moth trap recently and a few interesting moths have turned up: Waved Black, Pine Hawkmoth, Elephant Hawkmoth, Privet Hawkmoth and Poplar Hawkmoth.

Tony Rayner: Meadow full of Ladies Bedstraw, Birdsfoot Trefiol, Betony & Knapweed.

Marbled White everywhere, caught 10 skippers today - 6 Essex 4 Small. Also had first Gatekeeper.

Pyramidal Orchids have increased from 70 last year to 200 this year.
Mothing here this morning with Treehouse School - had 4 Elephant Hawks which were the obvious favourites.

Hornet Mimic Hoverfly
 Whitethroat collecting food for young
 Gatekeeper
 A tussle between a Small Tortoiseshell & Meadow Brown
 Wasp taking a Meadow Brown
 Moorhen and young
Small Tortoiseshell

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