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…
Dragonflies: October 2024
Thursday 24th Similar numbers to a week or so ago with at least 15 Common Darters and two Migrant Hawkers on the Estate. Wednesday 16th The warm weather encouraged at least 20 Common Darters and four Migrant Hawkers on the Estate. Wednesday 9th We’re coming to the time of the year now when any species other than Migrant Hawker and…
Butterflies: October 2024
Thursday 24th A Painted Lady was on the Estate. Perhaps just in on the southerly winds? Thursday 17th Conditions were not too dissimilar from yesterday and singles of Wall and Small Copper joined the party. Wednesday 16th Warm conditions on the Estate. There were singles of Comma, Peacock, and Small White and four Speckled Woods. Friday 11th Four Speckled Woods,…
Moths: October 2024
Thursday 31st Overcast, windless, conditions kept the temperature above 12.7°C and ensured a varied catch. There are rarely big catches at this time of year and 42 moths of 22 species was a fair return. Migrants continue to show up with two Gems, five Rusty-dot Pearls, a Pearly Underwing, a Turnip, and a Scarce Bordered Straw last night. The locals…
Birds: October 2024
Thursday 31st The last day of the month saw another good variety of birds on offer. Two Hawfinches flew north over the Haven, two Coal Tits were mobile around the Estate, 250 Brent Geese went south offshore, and a Jack Snipe was on Restharrow Scrape. Just inland from the Observatory there was a small group of Yellowhammers around the hay…
Moths: September 2024
Sunday 29th Even cooler last night – just 3.8°C. There were 35 moths of 12 species. Lunar Underwing was most numerous with nine followed by seven Delicates. The only migrant was a Dark Sword-grass and Red-line Quaker was only the second this autumn. Saturday 28th It is definitely autumnal and with a minimum of 5.1°C there were just 64 moths…