One of two Garden Tiger moths present this morning.
After taking a break for one morning on the Moth Box, I put it back on last night and was rewarded with three more moths that were new for the year. It was a clear morning with a Cirrocumulus cloud formation overhead, but no wind whatsoever. This turned to my advantage for when I was checking the Moth Box, there was a small movement of birds passing overhead that included my first Tree Pipit flying south and a few ‘Alba’ wagtails going over too.
Above, the micro moth Oak Longhorn and below, Brindled Oak Tortrix were both new for the year.
Among the 50 moths of 29 species were three more new for the year which included a Jasmine Moth, which annoyingly flew off before I could grab a photo of this beautiful moth. However, I had better luck with both a Brindled Poplar Tortrix and an Oak Longhorn that stayed still for me. Among the macro moths, just two Garden Tigers were in the Box and a Canary-shouldered Thorn was perched on the wall opposite the Box.
Above,Common Carpetand below, the Canary-shouldered Thorn.
The Moths present this morning included the following:
MACRO MOTHS:
Garden Tiger 2
Lime-speck Pug 8
Double-striped pug
Brimstone Moth 2
Pale Mottled Willow 7
Vine’s Rustic
Bright-line Brown-eye 2
Square-spot Rustic
Uncertain
Canary-shouldered Thorn
Willow Beauty 2
Marbled Beauty
Small Dusty Wave 2
Cabbage Moth
Garden Carpet
Common Carpet
MICRO MOTHS:
Dark Moss-moth
Common Plume 3
Narrow-winged Grey
Cherry-tree Ermine 2
Light Brown Apple Moth
Tree-mallow Tortrix
Jasmine Moth (New for Year)
Brindled Poplar Tortrix (NFY)
Chevron Grass-moth
Dark-spotted Moss-moth
Apple Leaf Miner
Oak Longhorn (NFY)
Chestnut Tortrix
In Hampshire yesterday, up to 8 Curlew Sandpipers were on Keyhaven Marshes and the Osprey was still showing well on Fishlake Meadows. The very long-staying Semipalmated Sandpiper is still on Sidlesham Ferry Pool this morning and yesterday, it was joined by a Wood Sandpiper.
A dull start to the day here early in the Cemetery.
There was no Moth Box switched on overnight and so no getting up at dawn for the first time this week! With migration in full swing, I thought I would try my luck with a very early walk around Highland Road Cemetery. There was a bit of overnight rain which not only was good for my garden, but might have dropped a few migrants into the Cemetery, so it certainly looked promising for something exciting.
The male Great Spotted Woodpecker flew into the Cemetery and landed on the Beech Tree.
It was still a bit overcast when I entered the Cemetery around 7am and with a few Willowchiffs heard calling, it was looking good; but that was about it. Though I hung around for the Willowchiffs to show (they did sound more like Chiffchaffs), there was no sighting of them. I checked any possible tree or gravestone for a possible Flycatcher, but no diamonds I’m afraid. However, though no migrants were seen, I did see a pair of Sparrowhawks briefly fly into one of the taller trees over on the west side and a male Great Spotted Woodpecker flew into the Cemetery from the east and showed well up in the near leafless Beech Tree. The birds seen or heard in the Cemetery this morning included the following:
Herring Gull
Carrion Crow
Magpie
Starling
Blackbird
Sparrowhawk (male & female)
Great Spotted Woodpecker (male)
Wren
Willowchiff
Wood Pigeon
Feral Pigeon
Collared Dove
Great Tit
Blue Tit
Another view of the Great Spotted Woodpecker. It was a restless bird and did not settle for long high in the tree.
It was surprising how many dog-walkers there were at this time of the morning, but I suppose they walk their dogs before heading off for work. It did start to brighten up after half an hour and a few Bees and Hoverflies were now on the wing and a Migrant Hawker dragonfly was hawking between the trees and Buddleia bushes for its breakfast. Sadly, I saw the Council chap with his motorised Lawn Mower driving into the Cemetery to manicure the southern half of the Cemetery. I have spoken to several people here who would like to see the grass grow wild, which would only benefit the wildlife even more. I just might take a drive over to Milton Cemetery to have a conversation with the management there.
A juvenile and adult Spotted Flycatcher in the New Forest recently. Photo by Pete Appleton.
There was an interesting piece on the New Forest Raptor Monitoring programme for this year where it explains the latest breeding numbers of raptors in the New Forest. As expected, Goshawk breeding has gone from strength to strength and has spelt bad news for the Hobbies which have had another low total breeding in the Forest. Predation from Goshawks has not helped and even the Sparrowhawk population there is low too. Common Buzzards seem to be holding their own and Honey Buzzards, though late breeding birds, have a handful of numbers still in the New Forest. I remember watching the breeding Montagu's Harriers in the Forest; but sadly, it is now a distant memory.
It was going to be a very warm night and it was well worth putting the Moth Box on again. Yes, I know I was going to retrap some of the moths from yesterday, but at least the Poplar Hawk-moth from the past few days had gone. This morning, there was a cloudless sky as I set about counting the moths with blurry eyes at 5.50am!
Another different August Thorn was found near the Box.
Another large selection of moths that included 85 moths of 47 species included another ‘lifer’ when I found the micro moth Verge Case-bearer (Coleophora trochilella). They are apparently recorded in Southsea, but this is a first for me and though they do look similar to others of this family, it most certainly looks good for this species. There were two more moth species that were new for the year that included the macro moth, Currant Pug; a regular annual species to my garden and also the micro moth, Hawthorn Moth, which,again, an annual species to my garden.
My first Verge Case-bearer micro moth.
Garden Tigermoths are increasing in number (can get well into double figures most years) in my garden with six counted today along with just the single Jersey Tiger.Amazingly, I had my second Golden Twin-spotmoth of the year (my third ever) and a variety ofGrass-moths.
Above, a Hawthorn Moth and below, a Currant Pug; both new for the year.
The following moths were recorded this morning:
MACRO MOTHS:
August Thorn
Lime-speck Pug 4
Double-striped Pug 6
Currant Pug (New for Year)
Small Dusty Wave
Golden Twin-spot
Uncertain 2
Tree-lichen Beauty 6
Brimstone Moth 3
Garden Tiger 6
Garden Carpet
Jersey Tiger
Common Rustic 4
Square-spotted Rustic 2
Willow Beauty 7
Marbled Green
Marbled Beauty 3
Buff Ermine
Large Yellow Underwing
Cloaked Minor
Silver Y 2
Pale Mottled Willow 2
Bright-line Brown-eye 2
Yellow-barred Brindle
Cabbage Moth
Shuttle-shaped Dart 4
Riband Wave
MICRO MOTHS:
Light Brown Apple Moth 7
Garden Pebble 2
Bird-cherry Ermine
Rusty Acorn Piercer
Chevron Grass-moth
Hawthorn Moth (New for Year)
Brown House Moth
Broom Shoot Moth
Tree-mallow Tortrix
Dark-spotted Moss-moth 2
Ruddy Streak 3
Willow Ermine
Black-banded Masoner
Common Masoner 5
Common Plume 11
Chestnut Tortrix 3
Verge Case-bearer (LIFER)
Grey Knot-horn
Common Grass-moth
Insects attracted to my Moth Box this morning included just the one Harlequin Ladybird and a Strawberry Seed Beetle. Overhead, I heard some Swallows singing but I could not locate the birds. Autumn migration should be on its way now and so I look forward to listening out to the migrants going over.
The male Blackcap showed well briefly over in the south side of the Cemy.
I took the dogs for another walk this morning over to Highland Road Cemetery. The weather was good and not too hot, unlike yesterday where it went into the 30’s! There have been some Pied Flycatcher sightings recently including one this morning seen on Portsdown Hill by a fellow ‘Lazee’. I had one in the Cemy a few years back and so I thought I would try my luck here. You never know!
Above, a female Blackbird was one of several Blackbirds that flew out of just one bush. Below, a Great Tit in the same area.
Butterflies were in fairly good numbers today including thisSpeckled Wood (above) and a Meadow Brown(below).
Above, I was pleased to come across this male Common Blue butterfly around the southern half of the Cemy and below, one of two Hornet-mimic Hoverflies seen this morning.
Smooth Hawksbeardplants were popular today with (above) a Batman Hoverflyand (below) a Yellow-legged Mining Bee.
Above, Yarrow and Field Poppies were still abundant.
There were a few notable sightings within the Cemetery on my walk round and although there was no Pied Flycatcher present, I did find a male Blackcap perched in a bush over in the south side of the Cemy. It posed nicely for a while then flew east towards the gardens. Also in the same bush, a juvenile Goldfinch and at least four Blackbirds were present. Later, on my walk round, I saw the Green Woodpecker being chased briefly by a Magpie; though I think the Woodpecker flew off unharmed. Not often seen here, a Stock Dove flew over and landed in the Holm Oaks before flying off north. The Jay was seen twice on the footpath though it didn't stay long for a photo.
The birds seen or heard in the Cemetery this morning included the following:
Herring Gull
Wood Pigeon
Feral Pigeon
Stock Dove
Carrion Crow
Magpie
Jay
Wren
Goldfinch
Green Woodpecker
Blackcap
Blackbird
Great Tit
Blue Tit
A few butterflies were noted this morning that included my firstCommon Blue of the year on my local patch. It was a fine male and thankfully, despite a dog walker interrupting me taking a photo, the insect settled again for me to take a photo. A few Meadow Browns were seen as well as Small White’s and even a Speckled Woodwas found close to the footpath. Oddly, no Red Admirals were seen on the Buddleia, though I did see at least two Hornet-mimic Hoverflies enjoying the plant. At least two, possibly three Vapourer Moths were seen on the wing with their distinctive spiral flight; but as per usual, none settled. However, a White-banded Grass-moth was disturbed from the grass by the dogs and settled nicely on the ground. Just a shame my photo of it was overexposed.
Last Sunday afternoon, the Flying Ants were out and the Gulls soon came including these Mediterranean Gulls over my house.
Another sticky night with temperatures not much below 18 degrees, but it was clear and bright first thing this morning (5.45am). Surprisingly, there was only one moth that was new for the year, a Vapourer. This species is a rather common moth, but rarely seen settled as they have a distinctive flight pattern and are often seen during the day with their spiral flight. I often see them around this time of year over Highland Road Cemetery, so to get one sitting on the Moth Box is always rewarding.
Above, my first Flame Shoulder moth in my garden for several years and below, a Light Emerald moth with a Harlequin Ladybird.
Up to three Garden Tigers were present along with the long-staying Poplar Hawk-moth still perched on the same plant. The Plumed Fan-foot was also present and whether it is one of several in the area, I don't know, but it still is a very good moth to see. My first Flame Shoulder for many a year in my garden was a good find after seeing one in Devon a few weeks back. Other popular moths included a Light Emerald, 2 Marbled Green and a Tree-lichen Beauty. A total of 76 moths of 37 species were recorded today.
Elderberry Pearl.
The following moths were present this morning:
MACRO MOTHS:
Bright-line Brown-eye
Flame Shoulder
Double-striped Pug
Plumed Fan-foot
Common Rustic
Cabbage Moth
Marbled Green 2
Vapourer Moth (New for Year)
Lime-speck Pug 5
Poplar Hawk-moth
Marbled Beauty 3
Silver Y
Tree-lichen Beauty
Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing
Brimstone Moth 4
Shuttle-shaped Dart 7
Riband Wave
Garden Carpet 2
Garden Tiger 3
Light Emerald
Yellow-barred Brindle 2
MICRO MOTHS:
Mint Moth 2
Black-banded Masoner
Brown House Moth
Broom Shoot Moth
Bud Moth
Chestnut Moth
Bird-cherry Ermine 3
Common Masoner 2
Dark-spotted Moss-moth 2
Light Brown Apple Moth 7
Elderberry Pearl
Meal Moth
Common Plume 9
Garden Grey
Tree-mallow Tortrix
Dark Moss-moth
Two Plant Bugs were present in the Moth Box.
Other insects present in and around the Moth Box included two Plant Bugs and three Harlequin Ladybirds. Yesterday afternoon, the Flying Ants brought out good numbers of Mediterranean Gulls among the many Herring and Black-headed Gulls. Even the Swifts suddenly reappeared after an absence over the last few days. Most have now started to move south with birds probably the northern birds now pushing through. Today is going to be the hottest day of the year and I wonder what will be seen today on the south coast. The Semipalmated Sandpiper is once again on the Sidlesham Ferry Pool this morning and for the ‘twitchers’, the American Cliff Swallow is still on St. Mary’s, on the Isle of Scilly.
The potted August Thorn this afternoon.
This afternoon, I checked around the Moth Box and surrounding area for any moths I missed and flushed an August Thorn that quickly flew off but fortunately for me, it landed on the outside kitchen wall. I quickly potted it and checked it thoroughly to dismiss the closely related September Thorn. A few other moths flew off, but nothing of note. Over at the Paddocks at Northney, Hayling Island; the first Autumn's Pied Flycatchers was found by a fellow 'Lazee Birder', but subsequently disappeared shortly afterwards. I will probably try my luck this week if not, maybe Highland Road Cemetery might come up with the goods!
Above, a Pied Flycatcher was found at an undisclosed site in the New Forest on Sunday. Photo by Pete Appleton. Below, the Osprey at Fishlake Meadows. Photo by Rob Porter.
A moth species that is rare in my garden is this Cyclamen Tortrix.
The weekend temperatures are creeping up and up and tomorrow is predicted to be the hottest day of the year and so I shall take full advantage of this by putting the Moth Box on overnight for the next couple of nights. It paid off this morning with my highest total of the year with 130 moths of 49 species recorded that included two more that were new for the year and both micro moths: Cyclamen Tortrix and Elbow-striped Grass-veneer. The former moth is quite scarce in my garden, only recorded twice before whereas the Grass-veneer is a regular moth around this time of year.
My second 'year-tick' of the morning was this Elbow-striped Grass-veneer.
Again, a good variety this morning that included yesterday's Poplar Hawk-moth still perched in the neighbouring plant by the Moth Box. My third Plumed Fan-foot was present along with three Tree-lichen Beauties, 4 Yellow-barred Brindles, a smart looking Lackey moth and a nice variety of micro moths that included two migrant Rusty Acorn Piercers, Rusty-dot Pearl, Tawny-fronted Straw, Tree-mallow Tortrix, Meal Moth and my second Willow Ermine of the year. Surprisingly, there were no other insects around bar a few Crane Flies this morning.
My third Plumed Fan-foot by the Moth Box.
The moths present this morning included the following:
MACRO MOTHS:
Poplar Hawk-moth
Plumed Fan-foot
Garden Carpet 3
Dark Arches
Garden Tiger
Square-spot Rustic 2
Dark Sword-grass
Pale Mottled Willow 6
Brimstone Moth 9
Common Emerald
Tree-lichen Beauty 3
Small Dusty Wave 4
Riband Wave
Marbled Beauty 3
Double-striped Pug 11
Lime-speck Pug 5
Uncertain 2
Buff Ermine
Common Rustic 2
Marbled Green
Shuttle-shaped Dart 10
Angle Shades
Yellow-barred Brindle 4
Cabbage Moth 3
Large Yellow Underwing 2
Lackey
Silver Y 6
Willow Beauty 2
MICRO MOTHS
Ruddy Streak
Meal Moth
Bud Moth
Tree-mallow Tortrix
Apple Leaf Miner 2
Elbow-stripe Grass-veneer (NFY)
Rusty Acorn Piercer 3
Rusty-dot Pearl
Common Masoner 3
Common Plume 8
Light Brown Apple Moth 7
Willow Ermine
Chestnut Tortrix
Mother of Pearl
Copper-fringed Drab
Tawny-fronted Straw
Rufous Pearl
Black-banded Masoner 4
Bird-cherry Ermine
Cyclamen Tortrix (NFY)
Dark Moss-moth
The migrant moth, Rusty Acorn Piercer.
The Osprey is still on Fishlake Meadows this morning and the Semipalmated Sandpiper seen yesterday, has taken up residency on Sidlesham Ferry Pool this morning.
The Semipalmated Sandpiper remained distant and so I highlighted where the bird was off Church Norton among Ringed Plover, Dunlin and Oystercatchers.
It was back birding with both Geoff and Andy today after a break of three weeks and we most certainly had a good day with a wealth of superb wildlife to look at within two destinations. I was hoping that yesterday's Rose-coloured Starling would reappear today, but it was not to be. Even birding pals, Emma and Matt Parkes went for the bird yesterday evening and it was sadly a ‘no-show’. So, the other good option was to go for my 3rd ever Semipalmated Sandpiper at Church Norton and then to check out Denny Wood in the New Forest for the reported Pied Flycatcher. The only thing that didn't play ball was the weather for I thought it was going to be a scorcher of a day…..well it most certainly wasn't in the New Forest! Not only were we in for an excellent ‘year-tick’ with the Sandpiper (which, incidentally, was a ‘lifer’ for Andy), but I also got to see my first ever Wood Crickets!
The Moth Box
Above, there was a surprise visit from this Migrant Hawker dragonfly and below, my first Tawny-fronted Straw micro moth of the year.
But first, I had a Moth Box to check out and was pleasantly surprised with a total of 51 moths of 28 species that included another new moth for the year, the micro moth Tawny-fronted Straw. Tree-lichen Beauty, Willow Ermine and a Copper-fringed Drab. It wasn't till I got home this afternoon when I found a Poplar Hawk-moth perched in the plant by the Moth Box and I identified a Copper-fringed Drab which I potted earlier to add to my day total here. A total of 51 moths of 28 species were recorded from my Moth Box today.
Above, my second Willow Ermine of the year and below, my second Poplar Hawk-moth for the year in my garden.
The moths present this morning included the following:
MACRO MOTHS:
Marbled Green
Poplar Hawk-moth
Uncertain
Cabbage Moth
Common Rustic
Willow Beauty
Garden Carpet
Pale Mottled Willow
Lime-speck Pug
Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing
Double-striped Pug
Garden Carpet 4
Brimstone Moth 9
Tree-lichen Beauty
MICRO MOTHS:
Common Plume 6
Common Masoner
Willow Ermine
Ruddy Streak
Black-banded Masoner
Light Brown Apple Moth 6
Garden Grey
Four-spotted Yellowneck
Apple Leaf Miner 2
Mint Moth 2
Italian Bark Moth
Tawny-fronted Straw (New for Year)
Brown House Moth
Copper-fringed Drab
Another insect surprise was this Supertramp Beetle, a species of Diving Beetle.
Last night, before retiring to bed, I had a quick check of the Moth Box and found a Migrant Hawker dragonfly perched on the white sheet behind the box! I reeled off a few photos and then called it a night. As I checked the egg trays within the Moth Box, there was the Migrant Hawker kind of fast asleep it seems, so I placed the egg tray near the box and after ten minutes or so, watched the insects vibrate its wings and then took off over the gardens. Another interesting insect I found on the white sheet was a Supertramp Beetle (Rhantus suturalis); a species of Diving Beetle. So, where is the nearest water for these insects to roam? My neighbour has a discontinued Koi Carp tank in his garden. From there perhaps?
My first Common Grass-moth of the year at Andy's garden.
I returned Andy’s Moth Box to him this morning which I had used in Devon and he kindly obliged to say that he left two outside lights on to hopefully attract some moths overnight. Apparently, he successfully recorded two more ‘year-ticks’ for me. The moths present included the following:
Black Arches
Willow Beauty
Grey Knot-horn (NFY)
Common Grass-moth 2 (NFY)
Common Plume
The micro moth Grey Knot-horn. Another new moth for the year.
Church Norton & Pagham Harbour, West Sussex.
Another distant photo of the Semipalmated Sandpiper among the waders off Church Norton.
Earlier today, there was a report that the Semi-palmated Sandpiper was at the back of the Ferry Pool and so we headed there first. Sadly, there was no sign of the Sandpiper, but at least 6 Avocet and two Common Sandpipers on the Ferry Pool along with about 25 Black-tailed Godwit. A quick check on Birdguides revealed that the ‘Semi-P’ was now in front of the benches off Church Norton; so we ‘hot-footed' it to this destination. We joined a small gathering of birders (including a few regulars here) who kindly pointed out where the Semipalmated Sandpiper was. The bird certainly looked good through the scope, but it was a little distant, feeding among a flock of Ringed Plover and a few Dunlin. This was my third time I have seen this species, with previous sightings being at Dairy Lane, Chichester (sadly, now a Housing Estate) and one on the Lake at Farlington Marshes.
Above, this Mistle Thrush was seen on our arrival to the Car Park at Church Norton. Below, a Gatekeeper butterfly enjoying a Common Knapweed within the graveyard.
Other sightings in the harbour included Oystercatcher, Curlew, Redshank, Whimbrel and a few Sandwich Tern; while behind us, we could hear both Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker and a few Willowchiffs calling. Some Red Admiral butterflies were fluttering around by the bushes and a probable Migrant Hawker dragonfly flew overhead.
Above and below, we took a walk inside St. Wilfrid's church and was amazed to see this beautiful stained glass window showing lots of birds.
Above, this Red Admiral butterfly posed nicely by the entrance to the Churchyard and below, this Common Whitethroat also showed well enjoying theBlackberries.
We then took a walk around the Graveyard and even had a look inside St. Wilfrids Church, which was open to the public today. Regarding the bird sightings here, there was quite a variety. Overhead, there was a large flock of House Martins hawking for insects and a few Swallows joined them also. Andy saw a Swift among them and a second bird was seen a little later on. A few Warblers were noted that included a showy Common Whitethroat feeding on the Blackberries; a male Blackcap and at least one Willow Warbler. A large flock of Titmice went through near the main gate that included good numbers of Long-tailed, Blue and Great Tit and several Warblers went through with them, which were most likely both Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. I was sure I heard a Firecrest calling, but there was no sighting. A pair of Mistle Thrushes flew over and the Great Spotted Woodpecker put in a few appearances too, flying overhead.
The Common Whitethroat in the Church Norton graveyard.
Denny Wood & Bishop’s Dyke, New Forest.
The gorgeous view from Shatterford Car Park with the purple Heather showing nicely as far as the eye could see.
After picking up some breakfast at the Piggery Farm Shop, we made our way west. We got lucky with a Kingfisher flying over Beaulieu River, near Aldermoor Lodge, before we got to Shatterford Car Park and on arrival, there was a large Police presence here due to a lot of ‘Travellers’ being present opposite the Hotel. From Shatterford, it was still overcast and there was a cool breeze blowing over the purpleHeather. You could of been fooled for thinking it was Lavender due to the colour of the flowering plants. Geoff pointed out THREE varieties of Heather here that included the smaller Common Heather and the more larger Bell Heather; but there was a third species, Cross-leaved Heather! I never knew there was a third species. The walk to Denny Wood produced a few Stonechats on the Heath, but sadly, we found a dead juvenile on the path. We couldn't see any sign of injury, so probably natural causes? A Meadow Pipit was calling and seen on the Heath close to the footpath and when we arrived on the outskirts of Denny Wood, there was a large flock of both Swallows and House Martins hawking for insects around the trees.
Above, Geoff pointed out this Lesser Gorse flower growing by the footpath and below, both Common and Bell Heather growing on the Heath.
We entered the Wood and took the footpath close to the edge of the woodland. Geoff picked up the stridulation of Wood Crickets and after a short time locating some, I couldn't believe how small they were. This was an insect ‘first’ for me as we found several in a small area, but, best of all, I now knew what they sound like and we soon discovered that they were in very good numbers throughout the woodland and even into Bishop’s Dyke. There was no sign of the Pied Flycatcher reported earlier today, but as we took the footpath leading to Bishop’s Dyke, we could hear the call of a Redstart nearby and eventually found the bird in a bramble by one of the small bridges. Stonechats here were in good numbers too, including a few juvenile birds. Looking east, the large pool in the distance held both Grey Heron and Little Egrets and at least six Mallard swimming on the water. On reaching the bridge where the Redstart had been, we checked out the insects swimming in the water below that included a Great Diving Beetle, Water Boatman and even some Pond Skaters. It was only a small area of water, but it can hold so much!
Above, a sad find of a dead juvenile Stonechat along the footpath to Denny Wood and below, a Meadow Pipit on the Heath.
Above, my first Wood Crickets were found within Denny Wood and below, Crossed-leaved Heather.
Walking through Bishop’s Dyke, we came across a large flock of Titmice again that included Coal, a couple of Marsh, Blue and Great Tits with a few Chiffchaffs among them as well. However, when we looked at the footpath, we found many holes in the sandy soil which seemed to go on for miles. Even a passer-by told us that she had seen these holes a long way back. We soon saw the owner of the holes coming in to land by their holes and they turned out to be the European Beewolf. I’ll be honest, I have never heard of them before now, but doing a bit of research (which I always do when I discover something new), they are a species of large Solitary Wasp that inhabit sandy locations including Heathland. However, there is a dark side to them as they hunt Honey Beesand we found quite a few carcasses of the Honey Beeand even some actually bringing in their prey too. Fascinating stuff. Nearby, we also found a Kite-tailed Robberfly sat on a large pebble near the Wasps.
The Redstart just before the entrance to Bishop's Dyke and below a Great Diving Beetle on the small pond by the same bridge.
Above, one of several Water Boatman in the small pool and below, a male Common Darter on the footpath within Bishop's Dyke.
Above, the Kite-tailed Robberfly along the same footpath and below, a European Beewolf bringing in its catch, what looks to be a hapless Honey Bee.
Above, the European Beewolf at its entrance hole and below, another one with its catch.
Above, a Woodland Dor Beetle and below, the poisonous The Sickener toadstool.
Above, Geoff found this female Silver-studded Blue butterfly and below, Andy found this male Black-tailed Skimmer dragonfly on the footpath.
Exiting Bishop’s Dyke, another small flock of Titmice flew around the area by the small bridge that included another Marsh Tit. We found another Redstart seen distantly bathing and preening itself and incidentally, both birds looked good for being male birds. More Stonechats were seen on the heath near the Railway Line and a male Dartford Warbler was seen briefly flying over the bracken, but it was a very quick view. Geoff found a female Silver-studded Blue butterfly perched near the main footpath and a Woodland Dor Beetle was found on the same footpath. Two interesting species of fungi were found on our trip here that included a Grey Spotted Aminita Mushroom and the very poisonous The Sickener! Yet another great day with the guys, tiring, but what a variety of interesting wildlife today.
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