Last day at Center Parcs.

Monday 29th May 2023.

A Nut-tree Tussock (left) and Little Thorn (right) moths were in the moth box this morning.

Our last day at Center Parcs and my first port of call was the moth box where there were an additional three more moths added to my year list. Another glorious day beckoned and I even had a bit of a lay in too, not rising till well after 6am this time. The three moths in question included a Common White Wave, Brown Silver-line and a Nut-tree Tussock and although there weren't as many moths as yesterday, it was a nice variety nonetheless.

The moths present this morning included the following:

• 1 Common White Wave (NFY)
• 2 Common Marbled Carpet
• 1 Scalloped Hook-tip
• 3 Spruce Carpet
• 2 Brown Silver-line (NFY)
• 1 Little Thorn
• 1 Nut-tree Tussock (NFY)
• 1 Grey Pine Carpet
• 1 Dwarf Pug

Two different types of Common Marbled Carpet this morning.

Becky and I decided to have a relaxing day just drinking either coffee or cold drinks, while the other guys went swimming and during our time, I did see a few notable sightings. After checking the moths, I sat down inside the Chalet and watched the birds (and the nuisance Squirrels) feeding on the peanuts put out for them. A Jay was the main attraction, while Robins, Blue and Great Tit, Blackbirds and a Song Thrush came down for a feed as did a Carrion Crow, that did not seem successful in grabbing a nut or two. I did hear some Crossbills calling outside and saw at least one bird fly from one of the tall Pines to another Pine, but no photo I’m afraid of.

Above, Nut-tree Tussock and below, Brown Silver-lines moths were both new for the year.

Walking from the Sports Bar to the center of the Parc, there were plenty of Siskins flying over and a Garden Warbler was heard singing along the ‘zig-zag’ path, but no sighting. Blackcaps were singing everywhere, but again, no sightings whatsoever! My first Blue-tailed Damselfly of the year flew briefly along the footpath but quickly disappeared. We finally left the complex at around 3.30pm after a spot of lunch and yet another look in the shops there. On the way back, which was much quicker than going to Center Parcs, I saw at least four Common Buzzards over the Wiltshire & Hampshire countryside.   

Just a few birds that paid a visit to our patio garden at the back of the Chalet. Top to bottom: Robin, female Chaffinch, male Blackbird and Great Tit.

A total of 16 moths that were new for the year were seen over the Bank Holiday weekend and some nice birds seen too including Spotted Flycatcher, Siskin and Crossbill and with both Firecrest and Garden Warbler heard in the nice weather, I can honestly say that this was a pretty good trip here. Yes, a very expensive place to both stay and purchase anything, it is superbly run and incredibly clean considering how many people were staying there.

Plus a few more: from top to bottom, Robin, Song Thrush and this showy Jay.