Birds: January
Thursday 30th A Skylark flying in off the sea was unusual in that there shouldn’t be any birds migrating at this time of year and it is not particularly cold enough for hard weather movements. However, there has been a marked increase in Skylark activity in the last few days and are now singing across the golf courses. So perhaps…
Moths: December
Tuesday 17th The forecast overnight was way off and a clear sky led to the temperature dropping below 2°C and a frost forming. There were no moths in the trap. Monday 16th The promise of a mild, settled, night tempted the trap out. It was worth it despite the fact there were only two moths. One was the first December…
Ringing: December
Sunday 29th The last couple of days have been so foggy that the nets would have been too wet. It seemed at first today might head the same way, particularly as there was no breeze, but the fog held off. Thirty-six birds were caught. At first 30 of these being retraps might seem a bit frustrating but a main aim…
Birds: December
Sunday 29th Four Black-tailed Godwits were new in on RSPB Worth marshes with two Egyptian Geese, three Marsh Harriers, a Great White Egret, and a Raven also seen. Saturday 28th Most people were either still full of Christmas turkey or out looking at Yellow Warbler/Scops Owl, but a Black-throated Diver was noted offshore. Thursday 26th Four Barnacle Geese were on…
Dragonflies: November
Friday 15th For a while it looked like there would be no sightings of any Odonata this month. However, a brief period of sunshine revealed at least nine Common Darters still hanging on along the edge of the Great Wood on RSPB Worth marshes.
Butterflies: November
Tuesday 26th A Red Admiral was seen on RSPB Worth marshes, perhaps the last of the year? Sunday 24th It was some surprise to see a male Brimstone on the Green Wall today. Thursday 14th Another Red Admiral was on the Estate. Monday 11th After weeks without any butterfly to report it was surprising to see two in two days.…
Ringing: November
We ringed 972 birds of 28 species in October. This is 431 less than October 2023 but we ringed 477 Lesser Redpoll in October 2023 and just 51 this October. Saturday 30th A mild, overcast, with a bit of a breeze, day. Greenfinch was one of the staples of winter ringing here at one time but the bird we caught…
Moths: November
Tuesday 26th After a break for gales, storms, and frost, the trap was back out last night following a mild day. The temperature was not expected to fall to 1.8°C but it did before the sky clouded over and rain arrived (during which time the temperature went back up to 6.8°C). Only one moth, a Feathered Thorn, and two fly…
Birds: November
Friday 29th A Caspian Gull was amongst the throng of gulls on RSPB Worth Marshes. Thursday 28th Brighter conditions today. There was a build-up of Great Crested Grebes and Cormorants offshore, with at least 168 of the latter gathering on the Point at high tide. On RSPB Worth Marshes, a Water Pipit and two Great White Egrets were present, whilst…
Ringing: October 2024
Wednesday 30th A calm, overcast, morning which dampened the very mild feel. Fifty-six birds were ringed. Top spot went to 28 Lesser Redpoll, which finally seem to be moving. The first Fieldfare (two) of the autumn were ringed along with six Redwings, five Blackbirds and two Song Thrushes. There were also four Chiffchaffs, three Goldcrests, two Blue Tits and singles…