Dragonflies: June 2023
Tuesday 27th Two Southern Migrant Hawkers were in the Jubilee Field. Monday 26th Another first with a Brown Hawker seen on Worth marshes today, Sunday 25th Three Lesser Emperors were on Restharrow Scrape and our first Small Red-eyed Damselfly of the year was on the Observatory dipping pond. There were also at least 17 Banded Demoiselles by the bridge before…
Birds: June 2023
Friday 30th There were 20 Mediterranean Gulls on Restharrow Scrape and another four on Worth marshes. I expect numbers to increase over the next few weeks, with Pegwell Bay often a good spot. Listen out for their distinctive call overhead. Check out HERE for recordings. Tuesday 27th At least five Marsh Harriers hunted over Worth marshes and a Common Tern…
Ringing: June 2023
Friday 30th A very quiet morning with just new Blackcap and Robin plus retrap Blackcap and Long-tailed Tit. There is unlikely to be much ringing next week as we have some essential maintenance to do. Wednesday 28th A muggy but fairly calm morning produced another selection of young birds. These were two each of Robin, Blackbird and Whitethroat plus singles…
Moths: June 2023
Friday 30th A much reduced trap today after the clear sky, bright moon, and slightly cooler temperatures. The clear highlight was Anarsia spartiella which is, surprisingly, new for Sandwich Bay. Thursday 29th I was wrong. The thermometer stayed upright and the temperature minimum was 18.8°C so it is warm out there. The catch was even larger – 884 moths of…
Moths: May 2023
Wednesday 31st The difference last night was a layer of cloud. This was enough to increase the catch to35 moths of 19 species. None of these were new for the year although Green Carpet is more frequent in sheltered spots such as the Elms. The migrant last night was a Diamondback. Tuesday 30th We have a severe attack of repetitive…
Ringing: May 2023
Sunday 28th Although the wind had a rest overnight it quickly increased this morning. Four new birds were ringed – Blackbird, Song Thrush and two Starlings. A check of the local House Martin colony was a more positive. I had not expected eight of the 16 boxes to be occupied and with healthy clutches, another four had lined nests. Lets…
Birds: May 2023
Wednesday 31st Yesterday’s Spotted Flycatcher was still in the same spot in the Little Elms and showing well from the gate and carparking spaces opposite The Elms. Restharrow Scrape was full of young birds and looking really good, perhaps it will attract something like a Pratincole species soon. Two more Spotted Flycatchers were along the edge of the northern-most pine…
Dragonflies: May 2023
Sunday 28th Another Red-veined Darter was on the Estate today, this time by the Sailing Club area. Saturday 27th A Red-veined Darter was seen on Restharrow Scrape. Thursday 25th Hard work in the cool breeze. Singles of Broad-bodied Chaser and Four-spotted Chaser were on the Estate as well as a few Azure Damselflies. Three Black-tailed Skimmers and two Broad-bodied Chasers…
Butterflies: May 2023
Wednesday 24th The BMS Transect produced three Orange-tips, five Small Coppers, two Brown Argus, one Common Blue, one Holly Blue, one Red Admiral, two Peacocks, two Speckled Woods, three Walls, and 15 Small Heaths. Monday 22nd A count of ten Brown Argus on the Estate comprised a group of eight near the Cellars. Sunday 21st Two Walls were on New…
Ringing: April 2023
Sunday 30th Another quiet morning which was enlivened by the first Jay of the year. Another new Blackcap suggested that although arriving a bit late they are building up to good numbers. Saturday 29th There was a bit of breeze but not enough to affect ringing. Seven new birds included a Willow Warbler, a Goldfinch, a Dunnock, two House Sparrows…