An 04:30 start this morning for a “Dawn Chorus” along Cholsey Marsh. At that time of day the huge Moon (an almost full supermoon and called the Flower Moon) was just about to set as the Sun was rising almost in opposition.
The air was full of birdsong with Sedge Warbler and Blackbird appearing to dominate for volume.
55 species noted in 4 hours walking from the 4-Arches to Bow Bridge.
Most of the Warblers seen/heard with Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Common Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff.
The Cuckoo appeared several times and very close, very vocal but was very mobile and impossible to get a photo of!
A Mute Swan was being very aggressive towards both Canada Geese and Greylag Geese.
A few other species seen were An Oystercatcher (flew downriver then back upriver), Little Grebe, 2 Tufted Duck, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel.
Swift, House Martin and Swallow also noted.
Too cold for any insects early this morning.
Approx. 11:00 a Spotted Flycatcher appeared in one of the garden Lime trees but was scared off by a gardener with a mower nearby and flew off into Whitehead Meadow. Second record of this species for the garden.
A Raven reported again near the Cholsey/Moulsford border. Per MA.
Dragonflies: Azure Damselfly,
Butterflies: Alan was out later in the day and has seen 6+ Marsh Fritillary with some egg laying happening and some Green Hairstreak butterflies, also Dingy Skipper and Small Blue. The latter 2 both new for the year.
The garden has produced several Brimstone, Orange Tip and Holly Blue.
Willow Warbler ↕
Common Whitethroat in the early morning sun
Common Whitethroat
Angry Swan
Linnet
Yellowhammer
Marsh Fritillary (courtesy Alan Dawson)
Speckled Wood (courtesy Adrian Bennett)
Marsh Fritillary (courtesy Alan Dawson)
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