The majority of the moths within the egg trays this morning from my moth box.
It was back to the moths in my Southsea garden this morning, which meant another 6.30am start. Dawn started with a cloudless sky and a cool temperature of 10 degrees Centigrade, but very still and quiet, until a Chiffchaff was heard ‘hooeeet-ing’ in the trees behind me. I did see it a few times, but only as a silhouette, then minutes later, a small flock of 3 Meadow Pipits were seen flying high over the rooftops, heading north.
Above, a Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing was under the white sheet. Below, the micro moth Acleris notana / ferrugana. This species can only be reliably identified by dissection.
There was nothing new for the year within the moth box this morning. There were 30 moths of 10 species recorded with Square-spot Rustics being the most numerous moths. It will not be long now before the typical late Autumn moths arrive and there is still time for a nice migrant or two, especially if the wind changes to the south.
Another selection of the moths present this morning. From left to right: Square-spot Rustic, Lesser Yellow Underwing, L-album Wainscot, Large Yellow Underwing and another Square-spot Rustic.
Moths present this morning included the following:
4 Willow Beauty
4 L-album Wainscot
2 Double-striped Pug
8 Square-spot Rustic
6 Lesser Yellow Underwing
2 Large Yellow Underwing
1 Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing
1 Bright-line Brown-eye
2 Acleris notana \ ferrugana
1 Light Brown Apple Moth
1 Anania coronata
This afternoon, the back bedroom, always with the window open overnight, had attracted a few moths resting on the wall, which included an Anania coronata and also an L-album Wainscot. Quite often I would pull back the curtains and out pops a moth or two. In my back garden, at least two Chiffchaffs were present most of the day, around the garden, which are always a delight to see. I can say there were plenty of insects around in the warm afternoon sunshine.
Birding pal, Geoff Farwell, texted me to say that he spent the day down Farlington Marshes and notched up the following: Peregrine, 54 Knot, 11 Greenshank, 320 Wigeon, Kingfisher, 3 Blackcap and 3 Chiffchaff. Ten Great White Egrets were on Fishlake Meadows today, which goes to show that this species is most certainly on the increase in the county. A Facebook post today showed a superb photo of the White-winged Black Tern on Longham Lakes today. I checked right through the App on Birdguides, but could not find it on there? Was it there today or not?
Our first Little Stint of the year, one of three juvenile birds on Pennington Marshes today.
Having watched the brilliant Steve Hackett gig with Andy Fisher last night at the Guildhall, Portsmouth, I said I would pick him up around 9am this morning, a bit later than normal. However, I was a tad earlier than that as we made our way westbound along the M27 to Pennington Marshes. Our goal was the Wood Sandpipers and Little Stints that were on this reserve yesterday and what with the weather being near perfect, the day most certainly looked promising.
The Ruff that was very close to the footpath near the seawall on Fishtail Lagoon.
The Stints and Sandpipers, both species needed for our year list, were apparently around the Fishtail Lagoon yesterday evening, so from the car park at the bottom of Lower Pennington Lane, we made our way there to join a couple of birders on the sea wall. The whole area was alive with Hirundines that included Swallows, House and Sand Martins, enjoying them skimming the water to grab a drink or simply hawk over the reserve in loose flocks. The tide was on the up when we got there and so more waders were beginning to settle on the still water.
One of many House Martins flying over the Lagoon.
Almost immediately, we were onto our first Little Stint of the year, a juvenile bird that was feeding all by itself on one of the small islands. At least 5 Redshanks were counted and a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was soon joined by three more of the same species along with at least 6 Dunlin. We noticed a small group of birders, armed with long-lens cameras photographing something close to the footpath below the seawall and on closer inspection, it turned out to be a Ruff feeding very close within the reeds by the footpath. That was Andy’s second ‘year-tick’ of the day, which put a big smile on his face.
A Sand Martin hawking insects of the Lagoon.
Despite a lengthy search around Fishtail Lagoon, there was no sign of yesterday's Wood Sandpipers. Other birds of note here included at least two White Wagtails showing very well on the edge of the pool and in the scrubby area behind the Lagoon, a Wheatear and a Whinchat were seen well. Looking beyond the Lagoon, there were in fact good numbers of Pied Wagtails and Meadow Pipits on the ground and even a Yellow Wagtail flew over but we failed to locate the bird. We took a stroll up to Keyhaven Lagoon where we picked up two more Little Stints over on the far side and also on the Lagoon here, apart from the 40+ Canada Geese, were two Black-tailed Godwit and singles of Redshank and Dunlin. Andy picked out a Kestrel hunting over the fields, while I checked the sea behind me and found a small group of four Great Crested Grebes on the still water.
One of the Curlew Sandpipers feeding on the Lagoon.
One of the juvenile Little Stints on the Fishtail Lagoon.
Again, no sign of the Wood Sandpipers from yesterday and so we then headed along the seawall overlooking Butts Lagoon. Good numbers of Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit and Lapwing rested on the islands and a few Dunlin joined them too, having arrived in from the harbour. There was a large gathering of Canada Geese here too, but apart from a Grey Heron, there was nothing much else among them. At least two Water Rails were calling in the reedbed in front of us, but they refused to show themselves while we were there. Andy picked out a pair of soaring Common Buzzards in the distance over the fields, for I double-checked them for Honey-buzzards as they have been sighted several times this week.
Above, a Whinchat which Andy spotted behind the Lagoon and below, two of the Curlew Sandpipers with a Dunlin. A third Curlew Sand was nearby.
We then made our way back to the car, picking out another Wheatear along the way plus more Hirundines to keep us busy. A Cetti's Warbler flew across the footpath and showed well briefly in one of the brambles. The drive back home was without any hassle as I suggested a nice pint and Cheesy Chips at the Chairmakers Pub in Denmead on the way back, which was met with a resounding 'Huzzah'!
Abovem another Sand Martin flying over the Lagoon. Not an easy photo to take with a Bridge Camera. Below, resting Lapwing on Butts Lagoon.
Sitting down, enjoying our pint and lunch, we saw from the Buddleia plant behind us, a Painted Lady butterfly that flew off the plant and landed on the ground. Andy managed to grab a few photos from his mobile, but I got the shock of my life when I discovered something even rarer on the same Buddleia plant. Our first ever Brown Hairstreak was opening and shutting its wings while perched on one of the flowers! I simply could not believe it, for the nearest place I know that these insects are found is at Noar Hill, in the north of the County. So to see one here is somewhat baffling. Thankfully, Andy managed to get some good photos of the butterfly using his camera phone, while mine were awful.
Above, Andy was in total disbelief with a Brown Hairstreak butterfly behind him! Below, the butterfly itself.
As well as the superb butterflies (Red Admiral and Small White), there was an impressive list of birds in the area that included at least 3 Common Buzzards, a Grey Wagtail, a large number of Linnets over by the Stables opposite the Pub and a good number of Hirundines overhead. A female Sparrowhawk circled over the field opposite and a small flock of Meadow Pipits headed north over the countryside. What a cracking day birding with lovely weather thrown in too.
Above, this Grey Heron and Lapwing were on Butts Lagoon. Below, a pair of White Wagtails on Fishtail Lagoon.
My first Beaded Chestnut of the year rounded off a wonderful week here in Wales.
On our way back home today, therefore I must say, I have really enjoyed myself here at this superb location. Even my wife said she would most certainly stay here again, mostly for the peace and quiet.
Up to three Rosy Rustic moths were recorded this morning.
This morning, it was bright and with a lot of clouds around, but most of all, it was dry. Thankfully, we have been very lucky with the weather this week and it was only last Sunday it had been raining. Yes, it has been a bit windy at times, but there has always been something to look at during my stay here, whether it has been the moths or the birds and simply all the wildlife here. The owners of the Farm have provided us with everything we needed here and though I only spoke to Dot, and not her husband, she has been very helpful and understanding regarding me exploring their Farm. Even the pets she has roaming the Farm, were friendly, which is always a bonus.
Two Common Marbled Carpets were recorded today.
After just two moths yesterday, I took a gamble last night and put the moth box on overnight and it most certainly paid off. A total of 28 moths of 13 species were recorded, including my first Beaded Chestnut of the year and Common Marbled Carpets are starting to arrive too, with two individuals present of different colours. There were a few micros this morning, including my first Rush Veneer of the week.
A Rush Veneer was a surprise this morning within the moth box.
The following moths present this morning included the following:
1 Beaded Chestnut (NFY)
2 Green Carpet
6 Setaceous Hebrew Character
1 Flame Shoulder
3 Square-spot Rustic
3 Rosy Rustic
1 Small Square-spot
3 Snout
2 Common Marbled Carpet
1 Brimstone Moth
1 Rush Veneer
1 Garden Rose Tortrix
2 Celypha lacunana
1 Brown House Moth
So, wrapping up this superb week here, I do hope to come again at this location; yes, a long drive, but well worth the trip. The sun is now shining here at 8am and hopefully, a nice weekend beckons. Below, even Scruff thoroughly enjoyed himself here.
The sun shining on the hills at the end of the track.
I took a stroll this afternoon, up the track leading to the main road, checking out the fields and hedgerows for anything of note, though it was a tad breezy and bracing. The northerly wind cut through me at times and thankfully, the shelter of the hedgerows was a blessing. As it's our last day here at this beautiful place, I thought I should make the most of the bright weather and who knows what could be just around the next field?
Above, House Sparrows by the feeders in the Farm garden and below, the front of the Farm looking down from one of the fields.
To be honest, sightings were far and few between during my hours walk, but I did come across another couple of Spotted Flycatchers in the row of trees behind the Barns. These were most likely new birds just passing through as I could not find any at all around the Farm earlier today. Also seen was a female Sparrowhawk, keeping low over the arable fields and then disappearing over a hedge and probably on the hunt for some unwary migrant. I noticed Chiffchaff numbers have dropped considerably around the Farm, but I did hear a few birds calling in the distance.
One of two Spotted Flycatchers seen in the top fields.
What was noticeable was the large movement of Hirundines, notably Swallows and House Martins flying low over the fields. I soaring Common Buzzard, which looked as though it was going through a heavy moult judging by the feathers, had the Hirundines gathering in a large flock at one stage, but soon headed off back low over the fields, snatching aerial insects on the way.
Above, a Common Buzzard in heavy moult flying low over the fields. Below, one of several House Martins flying over the fields with the Swallows.
Above, the swirling flock of Corvids high over the Farm this afternoon.
When we got back, I came across the owner of the Farm and had a chat about the wildlife I had seen during our week here. In doing so, a huge flock of Corvids flew high over the Farm, mostly Rooks and Jackdaws, that all circled for a while then headed off. Easily over a 100+ birds were involved and quite a spectacle too. A Nuthatch was seen briefly feeding on one of the feeders, then it flew off over the Barns. I just might have another look around the Farm before packing up my gear for the long drive home tomorrow. Earlier this morning, 2 juvenile Long-tailed Skua, 3 Pomarine Skua and a juvenile Sabine’s Gull flew past Strumble Head. If only I was there!
The Swallows kindly perched on the overhead wires behind the barns early this morning.
Our penultimate day at this lovely location in South Wales and my day kicked off again with a check of the moth box at dawn. I passed a resting Red Admiral on the wall of the Cottage, wings closed, imitating a leaf that had been stuck to the wall. A few Large Black Slugs had to be avoided as I made my way to the side of the house and checking the wall behind the moth box, I could not find one moth, which did not bode well. There were plenty of Crane Flies though, but that was not what I was after.
There were just two moths and a few insects within the moth box this morning, which was very disappointing. From top to bottom: Setaceous Hebrew Character moth, Brimstone Moth and the Crane Fly Tipula maxima.
Even checking the box when I took the lid off, I was to be disappointed as all I could muster for the whole night was just TWO moths; one very worn Setaceous Hebrew Character and one Brimstone Moth! With electricity costs going through the roof, I would consider that a total waste of money, but that's the risk you take in ‘Moth-ing’. Apart from a couple of Dung Beetles, which goes to prove that not a lot was flying about last night, one of the UK’s largest Crane Flies was present on one of the egg trays; the Crane Fly Tipula maxima, which was my first one this year.
Top photo: a Great Spotted Woodpecker was proclaiming its territory on the right hand side of the field at dawn. Bottom photo: a Large Black Slug on one of the patio slabs.
As the light got better, I noticed a lot of activity regarding the bird life down in the field below me and the neighbouring trees. When a pair of Ravens flew overhead (I could hear their wing beats as they flew past), calling as they went by, this got me intrigued and so I made myself another coffee and stood overlooking the field for the next hour up to 8am. Armed with my binoculars and camera, the morning turned out to be quite fresh, with a light northerly wind blowing and with the temperature around 13 degrees, it was still quite bright with large clouds drifting low above the fields.
Above, some of the Mistle Thrushes perched up one of the dead trees on the left hand side of the field. Can you spot the Song Thrush? Below, a Coal Tit on top of the Conifer behind me.
Again, as mentioned, there was a lot of bird activity, notably from the Thrushes, with a count of at least 9 Mistle Thrushes settling on one of the tall leafless trees to my left and then suddenly joined by a flock of around 6 Song Thrushes, which were enjoying eating the berries in one of the Elderberry trees. A Bat species flew past heading back towards its roosting spot in the neighbouring trees within the Farm garden. A male Great Spotted Woodpecker was exclaiming his territory on one of the tall trees to my right, near the river, his call echoing across the field. Then he took off and flew into the trees within the Farm garden.
Above, a flock of Grey Lag Geese flying distantly over the Welsh countryside seen from the Farm garden. Below, the Swallows getting restless on the overhead wires.
Corvids, mostly Rooks, Carrion Crows and Jackdaws were in large flocks flying over the countryside in the distance, while smaller numbers flew up the hill and over the Farm. At least two Jays were making a din below on the left hand side of the field, flitting about in the branches of the trees. Overhead, the occasional passerine would fly over including at least 2 Linnets, Chaffinches, a lone Meadow Pipit and even a Bullfinch put in an appearance; my first of the trip here.
Above, one of the Mistle Thrush flock and below, the resting Red Admiral butterfly on the wall of the Cottage.
Behind me, the Goldcrest was vocal within the nearest Conifer to where I stood and a Coal Tit posed nicely for me at the top of the same Conifer for a quick photo. The local Swallows, with a few youngsters among them, also posed nicely on the overhead wires near the barns until flying off to search for aerial insects for breakfast. All in all, a lovely hour's birding. It looks like its going to be a relaxing day on the Farm today. Hopefully, I shall come across some more nice sightings during the day.
I was in luck this afternoon when I found this Pied Flycatcher at the back of the Horses Field on the Farm.
Last night's weather forecast turned out to be complete garbage where it was mostly overcast, blustery with the occasional bit of sunshine, nowhere near the very warm temperatures and all day sunshine as predicted. Becky and I took a trip into Cardigan, within the county of Ceredigion, for a general ‘look around’ this morning and I was amazed that the majority of people we spoke to were English. Yet another touristy town, but it was, yet again, very scenic as we parked the car within a large car park by the Afon Teifi river. A Grey Heron was seen standing over the far side and a Grey Wagtail flew high over the car park. Always got my birding head on!
Above, the stretch of bushes and trees where I found both the Pied and Spotted Flycatchers. Then, first the Horse came over and wanted a pat on the head and then one of the Cats decided to rub himself on my leg. Can a Birder get any peace or do they think I am Dr. Doolittle? Below, a record shot of the Pied Flycatcher was the best I could do.
With Scruff being a very old dog and Becky’s leg playing her up, it was a very slow walk along the High street where we had a Coffee, rummaged through a few nice Craft shops and then finished off with lunch in a lovely riverside Cafe. On our way to Cardigan, I saw what I think were two Red Kites quartering over a field, but doing 50mph and checking the Kites, I would give it 90% chance they were. A few Buzzards flew over, but little else of note on the pleasant drive into Cardigan.
Swallows flying over during a brief bit of sunshine by the Horses Field.
When we got back, a nice cup of cup of coffee and a cake followed and after watching our Queens coffin being taken from Buckingham Palace to St. Pauls Cathedral on the telly with Becky, I decided to take a look outside for another spot of birding around the Farm. I was only mentioning yesterday that it would be good to see a Pied Flycatcher among the many Spotted Flycatchers here and would you believe it, I found one. It was seen at the far end of the Horses Field, with at least two Spotted Flycatchers, but confirmation was difficult as it was overcast, distant and I had to use the highest zoom on my camera. As my camera can stretch to 2000x, it was a case of getting a sharp enough photo of the bird.
A male Great Spotted Woodpecker in one of the trees behind the Cottage.
Not as slim as a Spotted Flycatcher and showing a glowing white breast, pale head and eventually, the dark primaries with flashing white secondaries, I was in no doubt it was my second Pied Flycatcher of the Autumn. Well chuffed. Sadly, the photos did not do it justice, but the fields are private and so I had to make do with long distance shots. There were also a few Chiffchaffs flitting about in the same hedgerow and a Robin.
Another Swallow flew fairly low over the Horses Field. Not easy to photograph with my Bridge Camera, honestly!
Other birds in the area included a Great Spotted Woodpecker perched high up in a leafless branch behind the Cottage and a Pied Wagtail flew over. Swallows were abundant again. A singing Goldcrest was flitting about in the trees near the Horses field and a pair of Chaffinches were feeding on one of the feeders within the garden. Judging by the amount of birds here, I bet they get a lot of good birds in the winter coming down to feed, although they will be wary of the Cats present here. I actually saw one of the adult Persian Cats eat a mouse whole, although they don't seem bothered about the birds!
This superb image of a White-winged Black Tern over Longham Lakes, Dorset, was taken by Facebook friend, Christine Whiffen. The bird has been present there for a few days now, the same set of lakes Andy Fisher and myself saw the American Black Tern a few years back. I am tempted to go for this on Saturday should it still be present.
The Spotted Flycatchers showed very well today at the Farm this afternoon.
This morning, it was Becky's turn in choosing where to go and she wanted to visit the town of Tenby, in the southern end of Pembrokeshire, some 25 miles away down on the south coast of Wales. True, I didn't expect much wildlife there for me to look at, although the obligatory Herring Gulls and Jackdaws were plentiful and I did see, believe it or not, a Coal Tit, Goldcrest and a Robin in the heart of the main shopping area by a Church garden as we had a Pasty & Coffee on a bench. There were quite a few Swallows flying over too, which is no surprise for this time of year.
Above, a distant view of Caldey Island from the South Beach and below, the Lighthouse on Caldey Island.
Though scenic by the sea, with lovely views of both the North & Sand Beach that is so popular for Holidaymakers and also Caldey Island in the distance along with its Lighthouse (my second Lighthouse this week!) and also Tenby Castle. We had a bite to eat earlier and the weather was overcast with a drop of rain now and then, but the whole area was swarming with Holidaymakers and their dogs (us included, I suppose) and really, though there were some nice shops, it really is not my type of holiday.
Above, Tenby Castle which was attracting the Holidaymakers and below, it also attracted the Herring Gulls.
We made our way back at around 2.30pm and got back to our Cottage roughly 45 minutes later. One thing we noticed was that the Fuel prices vary immensely from garage to garage and we even saw one Petrol Station selling unleaded fuel under £1.50 per litre; easily the cheapest I have known it for some time and there was a huge queue of traffic waiting to get in there! The weather greatly improved when we got back into Crymych, the sun shining and the tall hills in the distance looking green and lush.
From top to bottom: Chiffchaff in the garden, Spotted Flycatcher in the same place and bottom photo, a Blue Tit sharing the feeder with a female Chaffinch.
After dropping everything back into the car and making a coffee, I did another shift of birding around the Farm and came across some good numbers and a variety of birds. Around the bird feeders, which attracted Blue, Great and Coal Tits, House Sparrows and Chaffinches, while all around there were at least ten Chiffchaffs seen flitting around every bush and tree in the area; but what really got me excited was the amount of Spotted Flycatchers present. I counted at least 6 individuals, though there could have easily been more than this and some showed incredibly well, totally oblivious of me standing there watching. Will I eventually get lucky with a Pied Flycatcher?
From top to bottom: Jay, Spotted Flycatcher x 2, Chiffchaff.
Other notable sightings included a pair of Great Spotted Woodpecker in an Ash tree by the Horse Field. A single Common Buzzard drifted over, but too quick for me to grab a photo. A small flock of Meadow Pipits flew over as did another Siskin, though I never saw the latter, but I did see the Linnet flying over. A Jay was preening itself within a tree adjacent to the Horse Field. A nice hour birding in lovely weather.
Above, a Marmalade Hoverfly enjoying the sunshine as was this Speckled Wood butterfly below. There were also a few Red Admiral and Small White butterflies seen during that hour.
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