Monday, 21 August 2023

A Redstart and some Insects

Mainly sunny, 23°, Light SSW.

A Redstart in Cholsey Church yard this morning. Initially heard only but still present and seen 3 hours later in same area. Alan arrived later but bird still very elusive and more often than not located by call. Last heard calling near the small wood near school. A Sparrowhawk, Common Whitethroat in same area and several Swallow overhead.

Very quiet on the hill this morning with just a couple of Yellowhammer, a Blackcap and several Chiffchaff noted.

Nearby 200+ Gulls and Corvids in recently tilled field.

Alan covered the Bunk line and Cholsey Meadows: Chiffchaff, Common Whitethroat, Sparrowhawk, Swallow and House Martin.

6 Swift, Bunk line on Saturday. Per Michael Pocock.

Dragonflies: all areas, Common Blue Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Emperor, Southern Hawker, Migrant Hawker, Brown Hawker, Ruddy Darter and Common Darter.

Butterflies: all areas, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Common Blue, Brown Argus, Red Admiral, Peacock, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Small Heath.

Moths: Garden, Hummingbird Hawkmoth, Mottled Beauty and White-line Dart.

Insects: Lollingdon, 2 Hornet Robber Fly, C Meadows, Speckled Bush Cricket.

Hornet Robber Fly
Speckled Bush Cricket courtesy Alan
Southern Hawker (male above, female below) courtesy Alan

Buzzard
Rooks and Jackdaws, plus the odd Gull catching a thermal
Common Darters mating courtesy Alan
Common Darter

2 comments:

  1. Alan.What distinguishes male from female southern hawker?

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  2. Male: Dark with bright green and blue markings with a slim abdomen which is distinctly waisted just below the junction with the thorax.

    Female: Brown with bright green markings and slightly broader abdomen.

    Hope this has been useful

    Alan

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