The Natural Stone

Mediterranean Gull

2012-01-24T13:46:00.001Z

Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus, first-winter

Common Gull Larus canus, first-winter

Canon EOS 500D 70-300 IS USM

Ferry Meadows Wildfowl

2012-01-06T16:23:00.005Z

European White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons albifrons, adult

Greylag Anser anser

Canada Goose Branta canadensis

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

Coot Fulica atra

Backlit Mute Swans

2011-11-30T13:50:00.001Z

A lunchtime walk along the Embankment in Peterborough.

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Canon EOS500 70-300mm IS USM

Sepia Dawn White-front

2011-11-28T20:55:00.002Z

A misty dawn provided this atmospheric shot of the lingering white-front at the west end of Gunwade Lake, Ferry Meadows.

European White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons albifrons with Greylags Anser anser

Canon EOS500 70-300mm IS USM

Goosander, Ferry Meadows

2011-11-24T08:16:00.001Z

Found this swimming on Lynch Lake at Ferry Meadows this morning.

Goosander, female/immature with Black-headed and Common Gulls

Canon EOS500D 70-300mm IS USM

European White-fronted Goose

2011-11-18T08:46:00.003Z

This was found at Ferry Meadows yesterday by newcomer on the block Malte Busch, who also found a Great Grey Shrike here but that could not be relocated this morning. I relocated the goose with a flock of Greylags just west of the river along the Nene Valley Railway.

Note the pinkish bill and clear white band at the tail tip, features that help place it in the North-east European tunra population rather than that from Greenland.

Lone adults consorting with feral geese are often written off as escapes but there have been no records of such birds in the summer and there can be little doubt this is wild bird. There has been an unusual influx of these geese into Britain over the past week or so and no doubt we will see more.

It would be nice to get a decent bird that isn't only photographable at a distance in half light.

European White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons albifrons

Canon EOS500D 70-300mm IS USM

Grey Squirrel

2011-11-16T13:47:00.001Z

The only photographable wildlife on another sunny lunchtime jaunt to the Broadway Cemetery.

Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis

Canon EOS500D 70-300mm IS USM

Mid-November mothing

2011-11-14T20:10:00.003Z

A run of mild nights has resulted in just a couple of Feathered Thorns. These were there again last night but had a bit of company giving the following list:
1395 Rusty Dot Pearl (Udea ferrugalis), 1
1760 Red-green Carpet (Chloroclysta siterata), 1
1923 Feathered Thorn (Colotois pennaria), 2
2259 Dark Chestnut (Conistra ligula), 1

Feathered Thorn Colotois pennaria

Red-green Carpet Chloroclysta siterata

Canon Powershot A640

Woo, Smew

2011-11-11T08:52:00.000Z

Smew is now seriously scarce in the Peterborough area; this was my first in the area for 4 years! I found this redhead in the south bay of Gunwade Lake but while I was cycling around to the west side for a better look it had taken off and I watched it fly high to the east never to be seen again. A real shame.

Grey Phalarope

2011-11-09T10:48:00.005Z

So, another Grey Phal! And another find, my third (although the first was a joint effort).

I was cycling into work around Overton Lake when I picked it up. Initially heard calling rather like Kingfisher and while scanning for it saw this. At first in flight it resembled a tiny marsh tern! As it got closer it looked more wader-like and I entertained thoughts of Sanderling, but it didn't look right and that call was wrong. Then it landed on the water, still rather distant, but the penny had dropped and I was fairly sure of the id at this point and started to ring the other birders I knew were on site.

It remained flighty, only settling and attempting to feed for short periods. Before anyone else got to it it flew off and it took a while to refind it on Overton again where it was successfully seen by Don Gardener, Chris Avanti, Matt Webb and Mike Weedon. I stayed with it for about half an hour until it flew off again. I headed off to work but it was relocated on Gunwade Lake where it showed well until 10:00 when it flew off high to the north.

Of course the photos leave a lot to be desired. It was very dull (which is why the bird was here in the first place) and the bird stayed at a good distance. I've included the blurred flight shots as it's nice to have some images of the open wing.

Grey Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius

Canon EOS 500D 70-300mm IS USM

Sparrowhawk

2011-11-06T21:50:00.004Z

Terror of the garden feeders. The coarse barring and streaked upper breast mark this out as a juvenile. I think it may have overdone the eye-liner though. It was quite small, so probably a male. Unfortunately not terribly close and taken through double glazing so not a brilliant shot.

Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus

Canon EOS 500D 70-300mm IS USM

A few late moths

2011-11-05T11:52:00.000Z

Ran the MV trap last night and came up with a few moths:
2227 The Sprawler (Brachionycha sphinx) 2
2245 Green-brindled Crecent (Allophyes oxyacanthae) ab. capucina 1
2375 Large Wainscot (Rhizedra lutosa) 1
2441 Silver Y (Autographa gamma) 1

The Sprawler Brachionycha sphinx

Large Wainscot Rhizedra lutosa

Canon Powershot A640

Dark Chestnut

2011-11-03T08:40:00.000Z

The weather has been quite favourable for mothing for the past few days with mild southerly winds promising the chance of migrants but I've just not got around to setting the trap up. However a good moth came to me last night in the shape of the third ever Dark Chestnut for the garden attracted to house lights.

This is a classic dark, oily-looking individual with a nice straight termen and sharp apex.

Dark Chestnut Conistra ligula

Canon Powershot A640

Broadway Cemetery

2011-11-02T13:34:00.002Z

For some time now I've been very unhappy with shots from my EOS500 and 70-300mm combination to the point where I've been considering a replacement. But as ever the first thing to check is operator error. Now there is no getting away from the fact that the 70-300mm is not sharp at 300mm wide open. But what I'd failed to realise was just how much better it is stopped down and how good the IS is even at relatively slow shutter speeds. The following shots were taken at Broadway Cemetery this lunchtime. All are stopped down to f16 or more leading to shutter speeds of as low as 1/30s even at ISO400. But here's the thing, they are really sharp and not at all noisy.

So basically I've been ballsing it up all this time by not working with the limitations and strengths of the equipment. I hope to get get out and get some more shots before too long.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta

Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum

Harlequin Ladybird Harmonia axyridis f. spectabilis

Canon EOS 500 70-300mm IS USM

Bonaparte's Gull and a week around Sennen Cove

2011-10-29T09:43:00.003+01:00

Had a really good week in Cornwall. Started off dipping the Scarlet Tanager but bumped into Mike Edgecombe who joined up with us on the Azure Tit twitch in Finland. Found 2 Yellow-browed Warblers, 3 Firecrests and a few other things like Water Rail and Short-eared Owl. There was also a good passage of skuas (Great, Arctic and Pomarine) in the early part of the week and a Great Northern Diver in the bay at the end.

The icing on the cake though came just as we were packing to go. I noticed a chap at the bus stop opposite the house taking a photo and went over to him. He said he'd just found an adult Bonaparte's Gull and sure enough there it was. I went back to get scope and camera and got these shots although the scope is badly damaged at the moment (off for repair next week). I'd been checking the gulls in front of the house all week so I guess if it had turned up on any other morning I might have found it. As it is it was only present for about an hour so I'm glad to have got it at all.

Note the small black bill, darker back and grey nape compared with Black-headed Gull. It also had pale pink legs and relatively plain white underside to the primaries.

Bonaparte's Gull Chroicocephalus philadelphia, adult with first winter Mediterranean Gull Ichthyaetus melanocephalus

Bonaparte's Gull Chroicocephalus philadelphia, adult with Black-headed Gulls Chroicocephalus ridibundus

Digiscoped with Canon Powershot A640 and (broken) Leica APO77 x20

Visual Migration

2011-10-15T17:11:00.002+01:00

Can't quite bring myself to use the term 'vizmig' but the last three days of easterly winds have brought birds flooding through in their thousands. The Ferry Meadows regulars, Don Gardener, Matt Webb, Mike Weedon and Chris Avanti, have been excellent company as we've logged masses of Redwings, Fieldfares, Skylarks, Meadow Pipits, Chaffinches, Linnets and even the odd Bullfinch flying south or west.

The highlights were a party of four Brambling over on Thursday morning and an amazing female Hen Harrier on Friday. The latter is a very scarce bird away from the fens.

Today was much clearer and colder, with an extensive ground frost, and far fewer birds but I still managed a Brambling over at Greenhill, Elton.

Last for a while

2011-10-04T22:11:00.004+01:00

Last night was the last warm 'mothy' night forecast for a while so the trap went out again. Probably my best ever catch for an October night with 2 each of the migrants Rusty Dot Pearl and Silver Y, another 2 Dusky-lemon Sallows and the second Brown-spot Pinion for the garden. With 6 micros awaiting identification that's 53 moths of 27 species last night.

0648 White-shouldered House-moth (Endrosis sarcitrella) 1
0874 Blastobasis lacticolella 1
1048 Garden Rose Tortrix (Acleris variegana) 1
1395 Rusty Dot Pearl (Udea ferrugalis) 2
1937 Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria) 2
2092 Shuttle-shaped Dart (Agrotis puta) 1
2107 Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba) 2
2109 Lesser Yellow Underwing (Noctua comes) 4
2134 Square-spot Rustic (Xestia xanthographa) 1
2240 Blair's Shoulder-knot (Lithophane leautieri) 3
2245 Green-brindled Crecent (Allophyes oxyacanthae) 1
2262 The Brick (Agrochola circellaris) 1
2266 Brown-spot Pinion (Agrochola litura) 1
2267 Beaded Chestnut (Agrochola lychnidis) 7
2270 Lunar Underwing (Omphaloscelis lunosa) 11
2272 Barred Sallow (Xanthia aurago) 2
2274 The Sallow (Xanthia icteritia) 1
2275 Dusky-lemon Sallow (Xanthia gilvago) 2
2306 Angle Shades (Phlogophora meticulosa) 1
2441 Silver Y (Autographa gamma) 2
2477 The Snout (Hypena proboscidalis) 1

Moths moths moths

2011-10-03T22:08:00.001+01:00

Another Dusky-lemon Sallow and a late Common Wainscot last night.

0985 Carnation Tortrix (Cacoecimorpha pronubana) 1
1906 Brimstone Moth (Opisthograptis luteolata) 1
1937 Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria) 1
2087 Turnip Moth (Agrotis segetum) 2
2107 Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba) 3
2109 Lesser Yellow Underwing (Noctua comes) 2
2199 Common Wainscot (Mythimna pallens) 1
2240 Blair's Shoulder-knot (Lithophane leautieri) 3
2248 Brindled Green (Dryobotodes eremita) 1
2263 Red-line Quaker (Agrochola lota) 1
2267 Beaded Chestnut (Agrochola lychnidis) 16
2270 Lunar Underwing (Omphaloscelis lunosa) 13
2272 Barred Sallow (Xanthia aurago) 3
2274 The Sallow (Xanthia icteritia) 3
2275 Dusky-lemon Sallow (Xanthia gilvago) 1
2477 The Snout (Hypena proboscidalis) 1
7-spot Ladybird (Adalia 7-punctata) 2
Birch Shieldbug (Elasmostethus interstinctus) 1

Raven at last

2011-10-02T19:27:00.003+01:00

Thanks to Karen I now have Raven on many lists including PBC and garden. She heard a call and then spotted two birds flying by. I got bins on them and watched as one rolled over twice and they both headed off west into Northamptonshire.

List totals now:
Garden: 106
PBC: 238
PBC Self found: 214
BIGBY 2011: 148

More moths and Hornets

2011-10-01T19:07:00.000+01:00

Another good catch last night with another migrant Rusty Dot Pearl and this form of Garden Rose Tortrix which I don't remember getting in the garden before.

Garden Rose Tortrix Acleris variegana

Large Wainscot Rhizedra lutosa

Hornet Vespa crabro

Canon Powershot A640
0994 Clepsis consimilana 1
1041 Acleris sparsana 1
1048 Garden Rose Tortrix (Acleris variegana) 2
1342 Eudonia angustea 1
1395 Rusty Dot Pearl (Udea ferrugalis) 1
1906 Brimstone Moth (Opisthograptis luteolata) 1
1937 Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria) 1
2092 Shuttle-shaped Dart (Agrotis puta) 1
2107 Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba) 3
2109 Lesser Yellow Underwing (Noctua comes) 1
2240 Blair's Shoulder-knot (Lithophane leautieri) 1
2252 Large Ranunculus (Polymixis flavicincta) 1
2267 Beaded Chestnut (Agrochola lychnidis) 19
2270 Lunar Underwing (Omphaloscelis lunosa) 18
2272 Barred Sallow (Xanthia aurago) 3
2273 Pink-barred Sallow (Xanthia togata) 1
2361 Rosy Rustic (Hydraecia micacea) 2
2375 Large Wainscot (Rhizedra lutosa) 3
2389 Pale Mottled Willow (Caradrina clavipalpis) 3
2477 The Snout (Hypena proboscidalis) 1
Hornet (Vespa crabro) 2

Brown-spot Pinion

2011-09-30T19:24:00.001+01:00

Last nights catch included the third Dusky-lemon and Pink-barred Sallows and first Brown-spot Pinion for the garden. Birch Shieldbug is regular at light. Not had that many Brindled Greens either. Unfortunately no photos.

0648 White-shouldered House-moth (Endrosis sarcitrella) 1
1048 Garden Rose Tortrix (Acleris variegana) 3
1361 Pyrausta aurata 1
1764 Common Marbled Carpet (Chloroclysta truncata) 1
2092 Shuttle-shaped Dart (Agrotis puta) 1
2107 Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba) 1
2109 Lesser Yellow Underwing (Noctua comes) 2
2110 Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (Noctua fimbriata) 1
2248 Brindled Green (Dryobotodes eremita) 1
2266 Brown-spot Pinion (Agrochola litura) 1
2267 Beaded Chestnut (Agrochola lychnidis) 15
2270 Lunar Underwing (Omphaloscelis lunosa) 10
2273 Pink-barred Sallow (Xanthia togata) 2
2274 The Sallow (Xanthia icteritia) 1
2275 Dusky-lemon Sallow (Xanthia gilvago) 1
2477 The Snout (Hypena proboscidalis) 1
Birch Shieldbug (Elasmostethus interstinctus) 1

Lunar Underwings continue to steal the show

2011-09-29T08:14:00.000+01:00

Last night's catch:

1048 Garden Rose Tortrix (Acleris variegana) 1
1745 The Mallow (Larentia clavaria) 1
1937 Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria) 1
2107 Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba) 1
2109 Lesser Yellow Underwing (Noctua comes) 1
2134 Square-spot Rustic (Xestia xanthographa) 1
2267 Beaded Chestnut (Agrochola lychnidis) 12
2270 Lunar Underwing (Omphaloscelis lunosa) 15
2272 Barred Sallow (Xanthia aurago) 1
2361 Rosy Rustic (Hydraecia micacea) 2
2364 Frosted Orange (Gortyna flavago) 1

Migrant Moths

2011-09-24T19:40:00.002+01:00

A couple of migrants in the trap last night; Silver Y and Rusty Dot Pearl. The Mallow is only the 6th for the garden and it's the first time I've attracted Dark Bush-cricket to light.

Rusty Dot Pearl Udea ferrugalis

The Mallow Larentia clavaria

Canon Powershot A640

1309 Agriphila geniculea 1
1342 Eudonia angustea 1
1395 Rusty Dot Pearl (Udea ferrugalis) 1
1745 The Mallow (Larentia clavaria) 1
1764 Common Marbled Carpet (Chloroclysta truncata) 1
2092 Shuttle-shaped Dart (Agrotis puta) 1
2107 Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba) 5
2109 Lesser Yellow Underwing (Noctua comes) 5
2240 Blair's Shoulder-knot (Lithophane leautieri) 1
2252 Large Ranunculus (Polymixis flavicincta) 1
2267 Beaded Chestnut (Agrochola lychnidis) 5
2269 Centre-barred Sallow (Atethmia centrago) 1
2270 Lunar Underwing (Omphaloscelis lunosa) 15
2272 Barred Sallow (Xanthia aurago) 1
2353 Flounced Rustic (Luperina testacea) 1
2384 Vine's Rustic (Hoplodrina ambigua) 1
2389 Pale Mottled Willow (Caradrina clavipalpis) 1
2441 Silver Y (Autographa gamma) 1
Dark Bush-cricket (Pholidoptera griseoaptera) 1

Autumn moths

2011-09-23T18:48:00.002+01:00

A rare mothing session last night. Nothing remarkable but a couple of photos.

Large Ranunculus Polymixis flavicincta

Beaded Chestnut Agrochola lychnidis

Pale Mottled Willow Paradrina clavipalpis

Canon Powershot A640

1342 Eudonia angustea 1
1764 Common Marbled Carpet (Chloroclysta truncata) 3
1776 Green Carpet (Colostygia pectinataria) 1
2107 Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba) 2
2109 Lesser Yellow Underwing (Noctua comes) 1
2134 Square-spot Rustic (Xestia xanthographa) 3
2252 Large Ranunculus (Polymixis flavicincta) 1
2267 Beaded Chestnut (Agrochola lychnidis) 2
2270 Lunar Underwing (Omphaloscelis lunosa) 9
2389 Pale Mottled Willow (Caradrina clavipalpis) 1

Western Conifer Seed Bug

2011-09-21T21:10:00.002+01:00

This large (18mm body and head) bug appeared in my office near the centre of Peterborough today. Checking on British Bugs it turns out to be an adventive species in the Coreidae (Squashbug) family. It is native to the western USA and first arrived in Europe in 1999. The last couple of years have seen increasing records in the UK but this could well be the first anywhere near here.

Not knowing what it was, I let it go, which sort of makes me a criminal apparently as it is against the law to release non-native animals. Fortunately you have to know what it is and it's taken me a while to get around to sorting out the ID.

Western Conifer Seed Bug Leptoglossus occidentalis

Canon Powershot A640

Wildlife of Barnsdale Gardens

2011-09-17T22:00:00.002+01:00

A weekend 'en famille' saw me at the excellent gardens of the late, great Geoff Hamilton. He was a real pioneer of environmentally friendly gardening and this comes through in the abundance of insects and other wildlife we saw today. Here is a small selection I managed to snap.

Common Frog Rana temporaria

Comma Polygonia c-album

Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta

Green Shield Bug Palomena prasina

Stictopleurus abutilon

Bombus terrestris

Honey Bee Apis mellifera

Canon EOS500D 18-55mm

West Penwith Wildlife

2011-08-29T12:06:00.001+01:00

Another excellent stay in West Penwith. The highlights weren't photographed unfortunately. Excellent views of Slow Worm and Adder on the cliff walks, a couple of Basking Sharks early on in the week, a Sunfish, several Harbour Porpoises.

There was a huge movement of Manx Shearwaters south past Sennen and on one morning 9 Sooty Shearwaters in an hour (when c.670 Manx flew by). Only one Balearic Shearwater and one Arctic Skua. Peregrines were thin on the ground but Ravens and Choughs showed regularly and a few migrants like Whimbrel.

Walking back along Bosistow Lane one afternoon we passed a couple of birders. I asked them what they were looking for but didn't get an answer (why are birders so uncommunicative?) so had a look as went by and saw this (sorry about the very poor shot):

Western Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli

I had no idea this was present (this was its last of three days) and it is my first in the UK (but seen quite a few abroad, including in Morocco earlier this year). The question is was it self found? I would probably have walked straight past it had there not been birders hanging around and it wasn't calling at the time. It didn't feel like a find anyway.

Here's a selection of other beasties from the week. The shieldbug is new to me; the sharp pronotal spines are distinctive. It is a predator of caterpillars. The Sand Wasp was quite abundant.

Picromerus bidens

Sand Wasp Ammophila sp.

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria selene

Common Blue Polyommatus icarus

Six-spot Burnet Zygaena filipendulae

Common Lizard Lacerta vivipara

Canon EOS 500D 18-55mm

Wood Warbler, Ferry Meadows

2011-08-19T08:40:00.000+01:00

Found by Matt Webb this morning near Lynch Bridge while I was stood next to him. Fabulous views of this really bright individual.

Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix

Digiscoped with Canon Powershot A640 and Leica APO77 x20

Horntail, Hathersage Moor

2011-08-14T19:34:00.004+01:00

A couple of these large spectacular sawflies were on the millstone grit outcrops around Over Owler Tor. They seem to be of the northern taiganus subspecies.

Horntail Urocerus gigas taiganus

Canon Powershot A640

Juvenile Bullfinch

2011-08-14T08:45:00.000+01:00

The latest bird to hit our windows at home. Most are only stunned and this one seemed fine after being placed in a window box away from the cats to recuperate.

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula, juvenile

Canon Powershot A640

Green-veined Whites

2011-08-13T16:20:00.000+01:00

A pair in cop along the Nene near Elton Bridge.

Canon Powershot A640

Winging it

2011-07-26T20:14:00.001+01:00

Another garden first in the moth trap this morning but unfortunately something had been eating its way through the contents and chose this as one of its first victims. There were also the wings of a Brimstone Moth but this one is very scarce indeed and it's a real shame it was killed and we couldn't see the whole moth.

There are only two other recent records for VC31. Not totally unexpected though as there are known breeding sites not far away.

The Four-spotted Tyta luctuosa

Canon Powershot A640

Least Carpet

2011-07-12T20:41:00.001+01:00

A welcome garden first.

Least Carpet Idaea rusticata

Canon Powershot A640

Bombus horturum

2011-07-06T07:30:00.000+01:00

A few of these bumblebees appearing in the moth trap lately.

Bombus hortorum

Canon Powershot A640

July's moths

2011-07-05T13:08:00.000+01:00

List of the 79 species (48 macros) recorded so far this month (preceded by B&F catalogue numbers). Orthopygia glaucinalis and The V-pug were both third records for the garden.
0411 Argyresthia goedartella
0424 Bird-cherry Ermine (Yponomeuta evonymella)
0866 Brachmia blandella
0874 Blastobasis lacticolella
0937 Agapeta hamana
0986 Syndemis musculana
0994 Clepsis consimilana
1001 Lozotaeniodes formosanus
1010 Red-barred Tortrix (Ditula angustiorana)
1016x Cnephasia sp.
1020 Grey Tortrix (Cnephasia stephensiana)
1036 Acleris forsskaleana
1048 Garden Rose Tortrix (Acleris variegana)
1063 Celypha striana
1076 Celypha lacunana
1082 Plum Tortrix (Hedya pruniana)
1261 Codling Moth (Cydia pomonella)
1288 Twenty-plume Moth (Alucita hexadactyla)
1293 Garden Grass-veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella)
1334 Scoparia ambigualis
1337 Eudonia pallida
1338 Dipleurina lacustrata
1344 Eudonia mercurella
1361 Pyrausta aurata
1390 Udea prunalis
1392 Udea olivalis
1398 Phlyctaenia coronata
1405 Mother of Pearl (Pleuroptya ruralis)
1415 Orthopygia glaucinalis
1424 Endotricha flammealis
1524 Emmelina monodactyla
1651 Chinese Character (Cilix glaucata)
1654 Figure of Eighty (Tethea ocularis)
1705 Dwarf Cream Wave (Idaea fuscovenosa)
1707 Small Dusty Wave (Idaea seriata)
1708 Single-dotted Wave (Idaea dimidiata)
1713 Riband Wave (Idaea aversata) (all ab. remutata)
1722 Flame Carpet (Xanthorhoe designata)
1758 Barred Straw (Eulithis pyraliata)
1817 Foxglove Pug (Eupithecia pulchellata)
1825 Lime-speck Pug (Eupithecia centaureata)
1858 The V-Pug (Chloroclystis v-ata)
1887 Clouded Border (Lomaspilis marginata)
1919 Purple Thorn (Selenia tetralunaria)
1921 Scalloped Oak (Crocallis elinguaria)
1922 Swallow-tailed Moth (Ourapteryx sambucaria)
1931 Peppered Moth (Biston betularia) (all typical)
1976 Privet Hawk-moth (Sphinx ligustri)
1981 Poplar Hawk-moth (Laothoe populi)
1991 Elephant Hawk-moth (Deilephila elpenor)
1994 Buff-tip (Phalera bucephala)
2029 Brown-tail (Euproctis chrysorrhoea)
2030 Yellow-tail (Euproctis similis)
2031 White Satin Moth (Leucoma salicis)
2047 Scarce Footman (Eilema complana)
2050 Common Footman (Eilema lurideola)
2061 Buff Ermine (Spilosoma lubricipeda)
2089 Heart & Dart (Agrotis exclamationis)
2098 The Flame (Axylia putris)
2107 Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba)
2128 Double Square-spot (Xestia triangulum)
2155 Dot Moth (Melanchra persicariae)
2160 Bright-line Brown-eye (Lacanobia oleracea)
2193 The Clay (Mythimna ferrago)
2198 Smoky Wainscot (Mythimna impura)
2278 Poplar Grey (Acronicta megacephala)
2302 Brown Rustic (Rusina ferruginea)
2321 Dark Arches (Apamea monoglypha) (incl. 1 f. aethiops)
2322 Light Arches (Apamea lithoxylaea)
2337x Marbled Minor agg. (Oligia strigilis agg.)
2341 Cloaked Minor (Mesoligia furuncula)
2345 Small Dotted Buff (Photedes minima)
2381 The Uncertain (Hoplodrina alsines)
2382 The Rustic (Hoplodrina blanda)
2387 Mottled Rustic (Caradrina morpheus)
2434 Burnished Brass (Diachrysia chrysitis)
2441 Silver Y (Autographa gamma)
2477 The Snout (Hypena proboscidalis)
2489 The Fan-foot (Herminia tarsipennalis)

Elton Bridge

2011-07-03T21:26:00.001+01:00

Very productive walk along the Nene dowstream of Elton Bridge with plenty of butterflies. The Chaser was rather far away for a photo, hence the rather ropey shot, but good to see. Emperor and Brown Hawker also on the wing here.

Six-spot Burnet Zygaena filipendulae

Essex Skipper Thymelicus lineola

Scarce Chaser Libellula fulva

Red Kite bird table

2011-06-19T18:03:00.000+01:00

There are now two or three Red Kites that patrol Elton village looking for food all day every day. Every now and then we put some food out on a high table in the garden and it isn't long before a kite is along to take it. There were three birds circling the garden today so we gave it a go and this one took it on the third attempt. Spot a second bird swooping in to try to steal it.

Red Kite Milvus milvus

Canon EOS 500D 18-55mm IS USM

This week's moths

2011-06-16T18:00:00.003+01:00

67 species recorded over the past couple of days. A full list below the photos.

Small Elephant Hawk-moth Deilephila porcellus

Small Elephant Deilephila porcellus and Elephant Hawk-moths Deilephila elpenor

Small Elephant Deilephila porcellus, Elephant Deilephila elpenor and Poplar Hawk-moths Laothoe populi

The Cinnabar

Swallow-tailed Moth Ourapteryx sambucaria

Common Emerald Hemithea aestivaria

Cochylis hybridella

Tinea semifulvella

Double Square-spot Xestia triangulum

Canon Powershot A640

67 species recorded over the past two days:
0246 Tinea semifulvella
0870x Oegoconia sp.
0925 Phtheochroa rugosana
0965 Cochylis hybridella
0977 Large Fruit-tree Tortrix (Archips podana)
0980 Variegated Golden Tortrix (Archips xylosteana)
0989 Timothy Tortrix (Aphelia paleana)
0994 Clepsis consimilana
1002 Lozotaenia forsterana
1010 Red-barred Tortrix (Ditula angustiorana)
1011 Pseudargyrotoza conwagana
1032 Aleimma loeflingiana
1033 Green Oak Tortrix (Tortrix viridana)
1076 Celypha lacunana
1083 Marbled Orchard Tortrix (Hedya nubiferana)
1115 Ancylis achatana
1293 Garden Grass-veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella)
1301 Crambus lathoniellus
1342 Eudonia angustea
1392 Udea olivalis
1428 Bee Moth (Aphomia sociella)
1439 Trachycera advenella
1654 Figure of Eighty (Tethea ocularis)
1669 Common Emerald (Hemithea aestivaria)
1682 Blood-vein (Timandra comae) (both forms)
1711 Treble Brown Spot (Idaea trigeminata)
1713 Riband Wave (Idaea aversata)
1727 Silver-ground Carpet (Xanthorhoe montanata)
1742 Yellow Shell (Camptogramma bilineata)
1758 Barred Straw (Eulithis pyraliata)
1776 Green Carpet (Colostygia pectinataria)
1817 Foxglove Pug (Eupithecia pulchellata)
1834 Common Pug (Eupithecia vulgata)
1906 Brimstone Moth (Opisthograptis luteolata)
1922 Swallow-tailed Moth (Ourapteryx sambucaria)
1931 Peppered Moth (Biston betularia)
1937 Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria)
1958 Clouded Silver (Lomographa temerata)
1961 Light Emerald (Campaea margaritata)
1981 Poplar Hawk-moth (Laothoe populi)
1991 Elephant Hawk-moth (Deilephila elpenor)
1992 Small Elephant Hawk-moth (Deilephila porcellus)
1994 Buff-tip (Phalera bucephala)
2040 Four-dotted Footman (Cybosia mesomella)
2050 Common Footman (Eilema lurideola)
2060 White Ermine (Spilosoma lubricipeda)
2061 Buff Ermine (Spilosoma lubricipeda)
2069 The Cinnabar (Tyria jacobaeae)
2087 Turnip Moth (Agrotis segetum)
2089 Heart & Dart (Agrotis exclamationis)
2092 Shuttle-shaped Dart (Agrotis puta)
2128 Double Square-spot (Xestia triangulum)
2154 Cabbage Moth (Mamestra brassicae)
2160 Bright-line Brown-eye (Lacanobia oleracea)
2302 Brown Rustic (Rusina ferruginea)
2321 Dark Arches (Apamea monoglypha)
2327 Clouded Brindle (Apamea epomidion)
2333 Large Nutmeg (Apamea anceps)
2334 Rustic Shoulder-knot (Apamea sordens)
2337x Marbled Minor agg. (Oligia strigilis agg.)
2380 Treble Lines (Charanyca trigrammica)
2381 The Uncertain (Hoplodrina alsines)
2384 Vine's Rustic (Hoplodrina ambigua)
2389 Pale Mottled Willow (Caradrina clavipalpis)
2434 Burnished Brass (Diachrysia chrysitis) (both forms)
2473 Beautiful Hook-tip (Laspeyria flexula)
2489 The Fan-foot (Herminia tarsipennalis)

Stenurella melanura at Bedford Purlieus

2011-06-14T20:19:00.001+01:00

This was new to me. I only identified it because my copy of the excellent new photographic guide to the insects of the New Forest arrived today. This has a good selection of longhorn photos in its comprehensive pages. I've a bit of a soft spot for longhorn beetles and this one, which is smaller than most, is given the common name Black-striped Longhorn Beetle.

Stenurella melanura

Canon Powershot A640

Black Hairstreak, Bedford Purlieus

2011-06-11T19:23:00.000+01:00

Found this at Bedford Purlieus this afternoon. I've only ever seen them at Glapthorn Cow Pastures before now. It's had a hard time of it and seems quite early in the season.

Other insects about were Large Skippers, loads of Speckled Woods, a Red Admiral, Southern Hawkers, a teneral Common Darter and a fair few Common Blue Damselflies. Green Oak Tortrixes were flitting around the oak trees and the grass moths Crambus lathoniellus and Chrysoteuchia culmella were in the grassy areas.

Elephants and Hook-tips

2011-06-10T08:30:00.001+01:00

Hawk moths have been in relatively short supply so far this year so it was nice to get two Elephants this morning. Beautiful Hook-tip was another highlight as was yesterday's Phoenix (only the second for the garden), which unfortunately did not sit for a photo.

Elephant Hawkmoth Deilephila elpenor

Burnished Brass Diachrysia chrysitis f. aurea

Beautiful Hook-tip Laspeyria flexula

Canon Powershot A640

Mull Mountain Hares

2011-06-01T20:43:00.000+01:00

Another cracking week on The Ross Of Mull. The highlights were the confiding Mountain Hares around Fidden Farm.

Mountain Hare Lepus timidus

Skylark Alauda arvensis

Raven Corvus corax

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Canon EOS 500D EF 70-300mm IS USM

Scorched Wing

2011-05-20T08:30:00.001+01:00

A selection from an unremarkable session last night.

Scorched Wing Plagodis dolabraria

Buff Ermine Spilosoma luteum

Lime-speck Pug Eupithecia centaureata

Red Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe spadicearia

Plum Tortrix Hedya pruniana

Expr2 number
0409a Argyresthia trifasciata 1
1082 Plum Tortrix (Hedya pruniana) 1
1724 Red Twin-spot Carpet (Xanthorhoe spadicearia) 1
1825 Lime-speck Pug (Eupithecia centaureata) 1
1834 Common Pug (Eupithecia vulgata) 1
1851 Golden-rod Pug (Eupithecia virgaureata) 1
1904 Scorched Wing (Plagodis dolabraria) 1
1961 Light Emerald (Campaea margaritata) 1
2061 Buff Ermine (Spilosoma lubricipeda) 1
2089 Heart & Dart (Agrotis exclamationis) 3
2302 Brown Rustic (Rusina ferruginea) 1
2333 Large Nutmeg (Apamea anceps) 8
2334 Rustic Shoulder-knot (Apamea sordens) 2
2380 Treble Lines (Charanyca trigrammica) 5
2384 Vine's Rustic (Hoplodrina ambigua) 1
2450 The Spectacle (Abrostola tripartita) 1
Cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha) 9

Photos taken with Canon Powershot A640

New garden moth

2011-05-18T11:31:00.004+01:00

A real case of little and large last night. The garden first has a wingspan of just 8mm compared to more like 80mm for the Eyed Hawk-moth.

Phyllonorycter hilarella

Canon Powershot A640

Eyed Hawk-moth Smerinthus ocellata

Lime Hawk-moth Mimas tiliae

Canon EOS 500D 18-55mm IS USM

Pale Oak Beauty

2011-05-11T23:15:00.000+01:00

Another garden first. This large geometer was the pick of a fairly good catch last night.

Pale Oak Beauty Hypomecis punctinalis

The Spectacle Abrostola tripartita

Poplar Hawk-moth Laothoe populi

Bee Moth Aphomia sociella

0974 Argyrotaenia ljungiana 1
0985 Carnation Tortrix (Cacoecimorpha pronubana) 1
0986 Syndemis musculana 1
1011 Pseudargyrotoza conwagana 1
1428 Bee Moth (Aphomia sociella) 3
1654 Figure of Eighty (Tethea ocularis) 1
1819 Mottled Pug (Eupithecia exiguata) 1
1834 Common Pug (Eupithecia vulgata) 2
1937 Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria) 1
1944 Pale Oak Beauty (Hypomecis punctinalis) 1
1956 Common Wave (Cabera exanthemata) 1
1981 Poplar Hawk-moth (Laothoe populi) 1
2019 Chocolate-tip (Clostera curtula) 1
2063 Muslin Moth (Diaphora mendica) 5
2092 Shuttle-shaped Dart (Agrotis puta) 1
2302 Brown Rustic (Rusina ferruginea) 1
2334 Rustic Shoulder-knot (Apamea sordens) 4
2380 Treble Lines (Charanyca trigrammica) 2
2384 Vine's Rustic (Hoplodrina ambigua) 3
2450 The Spectacle (Abrostola tripartita) 1
2492 Small Fan-foot (Herminia grisealis) 1
Cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha) 8

Photos: Canon Powershot A640

Poplar Kitten and friends

2011-05-10T12:21:00.000+01:00

Among the moths caught over the past two nights these agreed to be photographed for the record. The kitten is only the second garden record.

Poplar Kitten Furcula bifida

Angle Shades Phlogophora meticulosa

Garden Pebble Evergestis forficalis

The full list for the past two nights:
0017 Common Swift (Hepialus lupulinus)
0986 Syndemis musculana
1174 Epiblema cynosbatella
1356 Garden Pebble (Evergestis forficalis)
1376 Small Magpie (Eurrhypara hortulata)
1654 Figure of Eighty (Tethea ocularis)
1728 Garden Carpet (Xanthorhoe fluctuata)
1764 Common Marbled Carpet (Chloroclysta truncata)
1819 Mottled Pug (Eupithecia exiguata)
1830 Wormwood Pug (Eupithecia absinthiata)
1834 Common Pug (Eupithecia vulgata)
1981 Poplar Hawk-moth (Laothoe populi)
1998 Poplar Kitten (Furcula bifida)
2011 Pale Prominent (Pterostoma palpina)
2028 Pale Tussock (Calliteara pudibunda)
2063 Muslin Moth (Diaphora mendica)
2089 Heart & Dart (Agrotis exclamationis)
2092 Shuttle-shaped Dart (Agrotis puta)
2102 Flame Shoulder (Ochropleura plecta)
2145 The Nutmeg (Discestra trifolii)
2306 Angle Shades (Phlogophora meticulosa)
2334 Rustic Shoulder-knot (Apamea sordens)
2380 Treble Lines (Charanyca trigrammica)

photos taken with Canon Powershot A640

Elton Insects

2011-05-07T15:37:00.002+01:00

A walk by the Island, Elton Bridge and the lock revealed a large number of mayflies and other insects typical of this time of year. The first Red-eyed Damselflies were also on the river.

Ephemera vulgata, male

Pyrochroa serraticornis

Green-veined White Pieris napi

Canon EOS 500D EF 18-55mm IS USM

More moths

2011-05-07T15:27:00.003+01:00

The heavy rain held off until the morning and there were a few new moths in the MV trap.

0141 Nematopogon schwarziellus 1
0247 Tinea trinotella 1
0610 Elachista argentella 1
0947 Aethes smeathmanniana 1
0974 Argyrotaenia ljungiana 2
0986 Syndemis musculana 4
1174 Epiblema cynosbatella 1
1288 Twenty-plume Moth (Alucita hexadactyla) 1
1651 Chinese Character (Cilix glaucata) 2
1819 Mottled Pug (Eupithecia exiguata) 2
1834 Common Pug (Eupithecia vulgata) 3
1853 Oak-tree Pug (Eupithecia dodoneata) 2
1906 Brimstone Moth (Opisthograptis luteolata) 2
1981 Poplar Hawk-moth (Laothoe populi) 1
2007 Swallow Prominent (Pheosia tremula) 1
2019 Chocolate-tip (Clostera curtula) 1
2028 Pale Tussock (Calliteara pudibunda) 1
2060 White Ermine (Spilosoma lubricipeda) 1
2060 White Ermine (Spilosoma lubricipeda) 1
2063 Muslin Moth (Diaphora mendica) 2
2089 Heart & Dart (Agrotis exclamationis) 1
2092 Shuttle-shaped Dart (Agrotis puta) 1
2190 Hebrew Character (Orthosia gothica) 1
2334 Rustic Shoulder-knot (Apamea sordens) 2
2380 Treble Lines (Charanyca trigrammica) 3
2384 Vine's Rustic (Hoplodrina ambigua) 1
Cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha) 5

Pale Tussock Calliteara pudibunda, male

Swallow Prominent Pheosia tremula

Hebrew Character Orthosia gothica

Treble Lines Charanyca trigrammica

Canon Powershot A640

Moths

2011-05-06T07:53:00.002+01:00

Cloud, a new moon and less wind means a few moths at last. Among them a first adult of The Mullein for the garden, previously only known from a single larva. I've only just planted Verbascum in the garden a few weeks ago.

1356 Garden Pebble (Evergestis forficalis) 1
1428 Bee Moth (Aphomia sociella) 1
1981 Poplar Hawk-moth (Laothoe populi) 1
2063 Muslin Moth (Diaphora mendica) 2
2089 Heart & Dart (Agrotis exclamationis) 1
2092 Shuttle-shaped Dart (Agrotis puta) 2
2098 The Flame (Axylia putris) 1
2334 Rustic Shoulder-knot (Apamea sordens) 1
2380 Treble Lines (Charanyca trigrammica) 4
2384 Vine's Rustic (Hoplodrina ambigua) 1
Cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha) 2
Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris) 1
German Wasp (Vespula germanica) 1

The Mullein Shargacucullia verbasci

Poplar Hawk-moth Laothoe populi

German Wasp Vespula germanica

Canon Powershot A640

Elton Odos

2011-05-02T16:35:00.003+01:00

A walk around Elton, Yarwell and Nassington produced these plus Common Blue Damselfly and Large Red Damselfly. There were also plenty of butterlfies: Speckled Wood, Orange-tip, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Holly Blue, Green-veined White.

Hairy Dragonfly Brachytron pratense, female

Banded Demoiselle Calopteryx splendens, male

Canon EOS 500D EF 18-55mm/70-300mm IS USM

Ringed Red Kite

2011-05-02T16:32:00.003+01:00

Two of these magnificent birds have been buzzing our garden for days now. They often make close passes, sometimes grappling each other and calling. They are not wing tagged but as this photos shows at least one is ringed with a BTO style ring on the right leg.

Red Kite Milvus milvus

Canon EOS 500D EF 18-55mm/70-300mm IS USM

Holly Blue

2011-05-01T19:52:00.000+01:00

A common sight in the garden.

Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus

Canon Powershot A640

Hirundos

2011-04-27T12:58:00.000+01:00

Swallow Hirundo rustica

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Canon EOS 500D EF 18-55mm/70-300mm IS USM

Little Egret

2011-04-25T11:53:00.000+01:00

This was all I had to show for yet another failed attempt to see Pied Flycatcher in the area, this time at Maxey GP.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Canon EOS 500D EF 18-55mm/70-300mm IS USM

Hawthorn Shieldbug studies

2011-04-24T19:34:00.003+01:00

Post hibernation adult in the garden today.

Hawthorn Shieldbug Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale

Canon Powershot A640

Semioscopis steinkellneriana

2011-04-24T12:05:00.005+01:00

Ran the moth trap for the past few nights and recorded the following:
0667 Semioscopis steinkellneriana (new for the garden last night)
0870x Oegoconia sp.
0893 Mompha epilobiella
0974 Argyrotaenia ljungiana
1288 Twenty-plume Moth (Alucita hexadactyla)
1724 Red Twin-spot Carpet (Xanthorhoe spadicearia)
2006 Lesser Swallow Prominent (Pheosia gnoma)
2007 Swallow Prominent (Pheosia tremula)
2019 Chocolate-tip (Clostera curtula)
2063 Muslin Moth (Diaphora mendica)
2092 Shuttle-shaped Dart (Agrotis puta)
2187 Common Quaker (Orthosia cerasi)
2190 Hebrew Character (Orthosia gothica)

Semioscopis steinkellneriana

Lesser Swallow Prominent Pheosia gnoma

Chocolate-tip Clostera curtula

Muslin Moth Diaphora mendica

Canon Powershot A640

Zebra Finch

2011-04-22T18:50:00.000+01:00

A spate of escaped birds showing up at the moment. As well as this Australian cagebird there is a pair of exotic quails doing the rounds of Elton gardens at the moment.

Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata

Canon EOS 500D EF 18-55mm/70-300mm IS USM

Jardin des Plantes

2011-04-22T13:29:00.000+01:00

A hot day in Paris but the cutest Red Pandas in the Menagerie at the Jardin des Plantes.

Red Pandas Ailurus fulgens

Le Frog! Either Pool or Edible Frog Rana lessonae/esculenta

Jardin des Plantes, Paris

Canon EOS 500D EF 18-55mm/70-300mm IS USM

Capri Wildlife

2011-04-22T12:59:00.002+01:00

An overland trip to Sorrento and Capri last week was superb. The bulk of the wildlife interest was on Capri, although Pompei and Herculaneum produced some passing bird interest in the shape of the odd Hoopoe, a surprising number of Tree Sparrows (as well as the more expected Italian Sparrows) and a Night Heron.

Italian Wall Lizards were just about everywhere. There was a good number of migrant birds on the island: Nightingale, Pied Flycatcher, Wood Warbler, Cuckoo, Swifts and hirundines.

Weevil

Italian Wall Lizard Podarcis sicula

Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix

Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis

Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans

Canon EOS 500D EF 18-55mm/70-300mm IS

Wheatear

2011-04-14T08:25:00.001+01:00

Had my first Reed and Grasshopper Warblers of the year this morning and yet another Wheatear. This male was on Beeby's BP.

Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

Canon EOD 500D, EF 70-300mm IS USM

Weekend birding

2011-04-10T18:15:00.001+01:00

A lot of cycling this weekend. On Saturday morning I went to Caldecote to try for the Ring Ouzel but only saw a brief Wheatear and some confiding Yellowhammers. Saturday was a long ride to the end of the Central Drove and back.

Masses of raptors about on both days with up to 3 Red Kites together and 8 Common Buzzards in one go over Elton.

Sunrise over Chesterton on Sunday morning

Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella, Caldecote

Red Kite Milvus milvus, Elton

Canon EOD 500D, EF 70-300mm IS USM

Spring Collection

2011-04-09T16:16:00.002+01:00

Bedford Purlieus was modelling some of this seasons new looks today.

Wood Anemone Anemone nemorosa

Primrose Primula vulgaris

Lesser celandine Ranunculus ficaria

Canon EOD 500D, EF 70-300mm IS USM

Emperor

2011-04-09T07:53:00.003+01:00

Hardly any moths last night but this was among them. A garden first.

Emperor Moth Saturnia pavonia, female

Canon Powershot A640

Mothering Sunday

2011-04-04T08:25:00.000+01:00

Spent the weekend with Mum in Hampshire where the feeding station was bristling with birds, among them a male Reed Bunting and a Marsh Tit. I also did a bit of mothing and caught the following fairly standard set for the time of year:
1663 March Moth (Alsophila aescularia) 3
1852 Brindled Pug (Eupithecia abbreviata) 1
1906 Brimstone Moth (Opisthograptis luteolata) 1
1930 Oak Beauty (Biston strataria) 1
2182 Small Quaker (Orthosia cruda) 1
2187 Common Quaker (Orthosia cerasi) 7
2188 Clouded Drab (Orthosia incerta) 5
2189 Twin-spotted Quaker (Orthosia munda) 1
2190 Hebrew Character (Orthosia gothica) 5
2243 Early Grey (Xylocampa areola) 1
2258 The Chestnut (Conistra vaccinii) 1

Reed Bunting

Goldfinch

Canon EOD 500D, EF 70-300mm IS USM

Twin-spotted Quaker

2011-03-31T13:12:00.000+01:00

The first reasonable night's mothing last night. The highlight this rather splendid Twin-spotted Quaker

0663 Diurnea fagella 1
1497 Amblyptilia acanthadactyla 1
1524 Emmelina monodactyla 1
2182 Small Quaker (Orthosia cruda) 5
2187 Common Quaker (Orthosia cerasi) 6
2188 Clouded Drab (Orthosia incerta) 4
2189 Twin-spotted Quaker (Orthosia munda) 1
2190 Hebrew Character (Orthosia gothica) 3
2258 The Chestnut (Conistra vaccinii) 1

Twin-spotted Quaker Orthosia munda

Canon Powershot A640

Rock Pipit

2011-03-28T12:34:00.000+01:00

I found this bird in the traditional location on the rocky shore of Gunwade Lake this morning.

Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus

Canon EOS 500D EF 70-300mm IS USM

Little Gulls

2011-03-25T12:33:00.000Z

Found on Gunwade Lake this morning by Mike Weedon. A good early record followed up straight away by an early House Martin.

Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus, adult winter

Canon EOS 500D EF 70-300mm IS USM

Spring Moths

2011-03-24T21:58:00.000Z

Over the past few days I've recorded the following moths in the garden:
0663 Diurnea fagella
1497 Amblyptilia acanthadactyla
1524 Emmelina monodactyla
1663 March Moth (Alsophila aescularia)
1746 Shoulder-stripe (Anticlea badiata)
1930 Oak Beauty (Biston strataria)
1934 Dotted Border (Agriopis marginaria)
2182 Small Quaker (Orthosia cruda)
2187 Common Quaker (Orthosia cerasi)
2188 Clouded Drab (Orthosia incerta)
2190 Hebrew Character (Orthosia gothica)
2258 The Chestnut (Conistra vaccinii)

Amblyptilia acanthadactyla

Diurnea fagella

Morocco 16-20 March 2011

2011-03-21T12:42:00.000Z

Day 0 Wednesday, 16th March

My first trip to Morocco was in December 2009 and I was keen to add some summer visitors to the excellent array of birds I saw that time around. So a plan was hatched to repeat that itinerary in March. With a new crew assembled we headed off from East Midlands airport in the afternoon to arrive at Marrakech just after dark and start the mammoth 600km drive to the east of the country. The 15:50 flight landed on time at 19:15 and we were on the road soon after 20:30.

First Car provided an excellent saloon car but with an ominous crack in the windscreen had no hesitation in offering us another, larger and less cracked one for the same price. So it was in a little more comfort than expected that we undertook the gruelling overnight drive through some of the densest fog I've come across heading into the mountains. Martin's quote: "I'm glad you're driving because a couple of times it's looked like the road could go either way and I think I'd have gone a different way to you!". Well I did stay on the road and as we neared the summit of Tizi 'n' Tichka Pass the fog cleared and we were treated to sensational views of the snowy mountains by the strong moonlight.

Day 1 Thursday, 17th March

We passed little in the way of wildlife but only narrowly missed a few of the stray dogs scattered along the way. About 10km west of Skoura at 01:05 a comfort stop produced a calling Stone Curlew, the first bird of the trip. We arrived at the track near the Auberge Tresor just east of Rissani at about 05:00 and started to search the tracks in the car headlights flushing a Crested/Maghreb Lark in the process. It was 05:45, and still dark, when we flushed an Egyptian Nightjar from close to the track just south of the small hillock. We were able to listen to this bird sing until dawn when two birds were watched flying around here for about an hour. Amazing! Only 3 species on the list and one of the main targets well and truly in the bag.

Egyptian Nightjar Caprimulgus aegyptius

Apart from the Crested/Maghreb Larks and some song from Hoopoe Lark we saw little else here before moving on to the Yasmina track, stopping to watch the extraordinary display flight of more Hoopoe Larks on the way and picking up our first Spectacled Warblers, Desert and White-crowned Black Wheatears and a very showy Lybian Jird.

Lybian Jird Meriones libycus

2-3km along the track at the sandy scrub area described in Gosney we stopped to find an impressive array of birds: Bar-tailed Desert, Crested/Maghreb, Short-toed, Lesser Short-toed and Hoopoe Larks, Spectacled and Bonelli's Warblers and a pair of Desert Warblers collecting nesting material.

African Desert Warbler Sylvia deserti

It was now gone 9am and we were ready for some breakfast at the friendly Cafe Caravan on the edge of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. At £3 a head the breakfast of omelets, bread and tea really hit the mark with House Sparrows, Feral Pigeons, Swallows, 10 Brown-necked Ravens, Short-toed and Hoopoe Larks, White Wagtail and several White-crowned Back Weatears for company. Welcome to Morocco!

Desert Berber

Erg Chebbi

Auberge Caravan

The days of Desert Sparrows on demand here look to be well gone now and, although we later heard rumour of a pair using a nest box at Auberge Jasmina, we were persuaded that a 4x4 trek into the dunes was the only way of assuring views of the number one target species for the area. The fee of 700 Dirham (about £14 each) proved to be utterly non-negotiable; a new concept for me in Morocco where a level of haggling is to be expected, and we were loaded into a jeep which immediately and alarmingly set off in the wrong direction, heading away from the dunes. For me one of the attractions of the excursion was getting into the heart of the dunes but this was not to be. However my initial fears that we were being taken for a ride in more than one way were to be totally unfounded. Despite a couple of confidence-sapping stops to scan more Short-toed Larks we ended up at a lone tree a little way north of a Riad called Sand Fisch. It should be possible to find this independently if you are feeling adventurous as the Riad is signposted from the main road but I'm guessing the drive could stretch the capabilities of most hire cars.

Desert Sparrow Passer simplex
male

female

This tree proved to be a refuge for 5-6 Desert Sparrows breeding there away from the attentions of the House Sparrows that have now taken over the more accessible locations in numbers. The same tree also hosted a male Subalpine Warbler and Desert Wheatear, Southern Grey Shrike and Bar-tailed Desert Larks were nearby.

Sparrow photography Moroccan style - Berber guide climbs tree to 'encourage' the birds to the outer branches

It was clear that our fee would have earned us far more time with our guide and his jeep had we wanted it so this trip is not bad value. For example had there been any Houbaras left after the season's hunting activities I'm sure this fella would have taken us to them. But there weren't and, having other sand fisch to fry ourselves we headed back to our car and skirted the dunes south towards Merzouga passing the tamarisk stand where I had Tristram's Warbler in December. This held good numbers of Subalpine Warblers and a couple of Woodchat Shrikes and further on we encountered a few Collared Doves, more Swallows, a House Martin and a couple more Brown-necked Ravens.

Brown-necked Ravens Corvus ruficollis

Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti

A quick check of the lake area revealed no water so we headed back to Rissani where we picked up our first Common Bulbuls, Clouded Yellows and a Vagrant Emperor, refilled the car and headed off around the Circuit Touristique in search of Babblers and Bee-eaters. We soon picked up a couple of Lesser Kestrels and had 3 Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters fly over closely followed by a Laughing Dove. Not everyone saw these well though, but the Bee-eaters showed well again at the deep wide valley at Zaouzt Sidi Ali, where they were perched in palms just up stream, and 3 Laughing Doves perched up at Ksar Adah near the end of the circuit for all to see along with our first House Bunting. Also on the way round were a White Stork, Hoopoe, Woodchat Shrike, Desert Wheatear, Serin and a Swallowtail butterfly.

Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator

Laughing Doves Spilopelia senegalensis

Bibron’s Agama Agama impalearis (TBC)

It was now about 16:30 and we made our way to the cliffs west of Rissani for an appointment with Pharaoh Eagle Owl and inevitably meeting up with Ali The Nomad (his line "I am always here" somewhat at odds with his epithet) and his side-kick Abdelghani. We picked up Sardinian Warbler, a female Moussier's Redstart, plenty of Chiffchaffs, a Whitethroat and Bonelli's Warbler on the way before striking lucky with a corking male Tristram's Warbler. Ali wasn't inspiring confidence by introducing a pair of Feral Pigeons as Barbary Falcons but he was with us for the duration and as we approached the cliff we located first one then two genuine Barbary Falcons at close quarters on the cliff and flying around at times. A party of 5 Black Kites circled distantly to the east as we searched for the owls. It was Abdelghani who located the Pharaoh Eagle Owl deep in a fissure near the break in the cliffs that we had to look west along the cliff line to see.

Tristram's Warbler Sylvia deserticola

Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides

On the way back Chris pulled a Spanish Sparrow out of a largish roost gathering of House Sparrows and we watched a Kestrel and medium-sized bat tussling. Finally back at the road a presumed Red-necked Nightjar flushed ahead of us. With both 'guides' demanding 100 Dirham we had a bit of trouble sorting out the smaller notes and change and Abdelghani went a bit short and wasn't too happy. A slightly sour end to an amazing first day's birding.

We once again stayed at the Hotel Tafilalet in Erfoud, which I can still thoroughly recommend. For 330 dirhams each (c.£25) we had a three course meal, two twin rooms with warm showers and an amazing breakfast of hard boiled eggs, pain au chocolat, bread and cake. It also served excellent cold beer and the obligatory House Buntings were singing in the courtyard in the morning. A top budget choice.

Day 2 Friday, 18th March

After a glorious eight hours asleep, during which I don't think my body moved a muscle, and that excellent breakfast we were heading back out to the Circuit Touristique for another pop at Fulvous Babbler. A couple of Trumpeter Finches were on rough ground on the southern edge of Erfoud and we passed Sand Martin, Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow and House Martin buzzing about along the road. On the way south we stopped briefly in the agricultural date palm groves where another small party of Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters passed overhead, Serins, Chiffchaffs, Subalpine Warblers and Common Bulbuls flitted around the palms and an elusive Western Orphean Warbler failed to show very well at all.

Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus

At the start of the Circuit Touristique a pair of Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters appeared to be settled and looking to breed in the sandy eroded land just west of the road junction.

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus

Not far along at a narrow bridge over a well-vegetated, small concrete culvert there were Common Bulbuls, a Hoopoe, many Chiffchaffs, 2 Subalpine Warblers, a showy Bonelli’s Warbler, a fly over Booted Eagle and at least three singing Saharan Olivacious Warblers. This distinctive warbler has a more fluting version of Eastern Olivacious Warbler’s song with rather shorter phrases. With greyish plumage, a pale secondary panel and a habit of dipping its tail Chiffchaff-style this is surely as good a species as most others.

Booted Eagle Aquila pennata

Western Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli

Saharan Olivacious Warbler Hippolais (pallida) reiseri

Our next stop was at the deep, wide river crossing by Zaouzt Sidi Ali, where at least 6 Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters performed beautifully and 2 Little Owls shared the same palms.

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus

Little Owl Athene noctua

Moving on to the more open country just beyond the village Chris suggested stopping for a wander and we immediately picked up the calls of a party of Fulvous Babblers that gave great views as they fed around the irrigation channels and palms.

Fulvous Babbler Turdoides fulva

A couple of Southern Grey Shrikes and fly over Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters completed the picture here and with our last target for this area in the bag we set off back towards Erfoud and the road west.

West of Erfoud, heading for Jorf, the road crosses a very wide ravine with sluices just to the north. A wander in the damp river bed revealed at least 6 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Green Sandpipers, 2 Snipe, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, many Chiffchaffs, another Bonelli’s Warbler, a few Iberian Wagtails, 2 Moroccan Wagtails, Crested Lark, Woodchat Shrike, a Black-eared Wheatear, Serins and Red-veined Darter. A couple of the Chiffchaffs looked very good for Iberian Chiffchaff but they were silent and we did not give them the sort of attention I'd like to be sure of the id.

Moroccan White Wagtail Motacilla alba subpersonata

West of Fezna at the 264km post to Ouarzazate we located our first Desert Larks and a short way along the minor road to Goulmima a male Moussier’s Redstart, Bonelli’s Warbler, Northern Wheatear and Spectacled Warbler. This road was lined with Desert Wheatears and there were Southern Grey Shrikes and a Blue Rock Thrush plus, at the deep river crossing, a pair of Ruddy Shelducks an Isabelline Warbler and more Chiffchaffs. A party of 20 or so European Bee-eaters was feeding high near the village of Ksar-el-Kebir-el-Kdim.

Now east of Goulmima on the N10 at the wadi between the 43 and 44km posts from Errachidia we only had to go a few 100m from the road before encountering a pair of Scrub Warblers. This site is described in Gosney but on both my visits the birds have been much closer to the road than suggested in that guide. It shouldn’t be necessary to go beyond the first bush but it is easy to walk straight past these birds as they mainly keep out of sight on the ground between the low bushes. It is inconceivable that this is the only such wadi in the area to host these characterful birds and surely a crew with a bit of time could try some of the similar habitat elsewhere along the N10 and reduce the pressure on these.

We also saw 2 Southern Grey Shrikes, Short-toed Larks, a Thekla Lark, Desert Wheatear, Brown-necked Raven and a distant Short-toed Eagle to the north before heading back west towards Tinghir. The river crossing at the turn for the Todra Gorge had singing Grey Wagtail and Cetti’s Warbler pus Swallows and Sand Martins overhead. West of here the first Red-rumped Wheatears started appearing from the 148km post to Errachidia.

Todra River Crossing, Tinghir

Reaching the Ikniounen Road at c.18:30 we had half an hour or so of daylight to enjoy a Long-legged Buzzard, a Lanner, Red-rumped and Desert Wheatears, Thekla Lark and at dusk a distant Pharaoh Eagle Owl calling. However no Sandgrouse showed and we retired to the Soleil Bleu to find two other groups of birders staying at this popular hotel on the edge of Boumalne. A four bedded room with three course evening meal and breakfast set us back a bargain 300 Dirham (£22.50) each, and there was beer and wine available, although the beer did run out!

Day 3 Saturday, 19th March

Saturday morning saw us all out early checking out the area around the hotel. Bob Buckler of Wingspan Bird Tours had a party staying and had seen a male Seebohm’s Wheatear the previous day. Sure enough this was still present and showed really well along with Desert Wheatears, Short-toed, Thekla and Desert Larks, Linnets, Red-rumped and White-crowned Black Wheatears.

Seebohm's Wheatear Oenanthe (oenanthe) seebohmi

A Pallid Swift flew up the valley and there were House Bunting, Blue Rock Thrush and Laughing Dove on the hotel itself.

Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius

Hotel Soleil Bleu

During the best breakfast of the trip (pancakes, bread, jam, honey and olives) Martin noticed a flock of Sandgrouse hurtle past the hotel window but despite a mad dash outside they could not be seen again and went unidentified. Soon after we were out again at the pools on the Ikniounen Road and at c.08:30 a flock of 13 Crowned Sandgrouse flew in calling and landed behind the pools. Unfortunately they were soon spooked by a Long-legged Buzzard. Other birds here were Northern, Desert and Red-rumped Wheatears, Woodchat Shrike, Temminck’s, Short-toed, Thekla and Hoopoe Larks, White Wagtail, Spectacled Warbler, Tawny Pipit, Trumpeter Finches and fly through Common and Pallid Swift and Lanner Falcon. We also had 2 Thick-billed Larks fly through heading west.

Thekla Lark Galerida theklae

We continued along the Ikniounen Road then doubled back along the old Tagdilt Track stopping at the ‘Wheatear Wall’ and the small, low-lying oasis with tamarisks. The latter had a party of 11 Cream-coloured Coursers feeding on the slope to the north and in the vegetation itself there were 3 Quail, flushed from the long tussocky grass. Chiffchaffs were in the Tamarisks, White Wagtail in the water-filled stream, House Sparrows, Northern, Red-rumped and Desert Wheatears, Short-toed, Lesser Short-toed, Thekla and Hoopoe Larks, Southern Grey Shrike and Hoopoe in and around the oasis.

A Scorpion Martin found turning over a stone in the desert

Our final stop here was at the dump near Boumalne. Not the most pleasant surroundings, with piles of rubbish and feral dogs, including the odd dead one, around, but full of birds. The highlight here were 3 Thick-billed Larks, which showed very well alongside the Temminck’s, Short-toed and Lesser Short-toed Larks, Trumpeter Finches and the always entertaining Fat Sand Rats. A couple of Long-legged Buzzards and 2 Black Kites lingered and an immature, rufous morph Booted Eagle drifted over giving a momentary identification challenge.

Black Kite Milvus migrans

Fat Sand Rats Psammomys obesus

With only one remaining target desert bird left to find we now headed off west again along the N10 in search of Maghreb Wheatear. Our first Cattle Egrets were west of El Keela and further stops produced more Trumpeter Finches, Desert and Thekla Larks, Spectacled Warbler, frequent Desert Wheatears and Southern Grey Shrikes. At the Errachidia 248km mark a Barbary Falcon flew over and Thick-billed Lark showed in the rocky wadi. At the El Keela 48km post a Golden Eagle (probably 3rd calendar year) circled and dropped onto prey, possibly a large lizard, before carrying it off.

Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos with prey

2 White Storks were in nests on minarets 7km west of Skoura where the road crosses a wide river. With Maghreb Wheatear looking increasingly unlikely we stopped for some wetland birding at the east end of the Barrage Al Mansour turning off the N10 onto a track about 19km west of Skoura. Many Grey Herons, a few Little Egret, 1 Spoonbill, Black-winged Stilts, 25 Ruddy Shelduck, Coot, Mallard, Garganey, Little and Great Crested Grebes, Black-headed and Yellow-legged Gulls, White and Yellow Wagtails (iberiae and flavissima), Northern Wheatear, Swallows, House Martins, Red-rumped Swallows, many Cormorants, Kestrel, a female Marsh Harrier and an Osprey. We had stopped by the shore next to a radio mast by a east-facing cliff and here there were two Rock Martins showing well.

It was now decision time as we had been informed of heavy snowfalls in the High Atlas and the group that had been at Oukaimeden several days before had seen no Crimson-winged Finches. I also had in mind that my friend Chris Hughes had got snowed in for 24 hours at Oukaimeden in March one year and the forecast was for light rain in Marrakech. That could easily translate into more heavy snow at altitude. We had the option of heading for the coast instead but decided to take the pass across the mountains in the daylight and assess how much snow had retreated in the five days since the heavy falls.

So, leaving here at 15:20 we passed through Ouarzazate, where there were more Cattle Egrets on the western outskirts and 23 White Storks on the edge of a village at Oued El Malah further west. As we climbed the Tizi ‘n’ Tichka pass we picked up Raven, Woodchat Shrike, Black Wheatear and Moussier’s Redstart and on the descent Crag Martin, Long-legged Buzzard, Serin and Chaffinch. Further along the descent at Zerkden a Cirl Bunting was singing and African Blue Tit and Great Tit showed. There had clearly been some significant snow melt so we decided to press on to the ski resort and phoned ahead to make sure there was somewhere to stay.

After some hairy roads with assorted unlit cycles, donkeys, trucks, dogs, etc. all looming suddenly out of the dark we arrived in the moon-lit snowscape of the Oukainmeden ski resort at 20:40. Last time I arrived at the Chez Juju I had to knock on windows to get staff to open up the hotel. But that was in snow-free conditions in December. This time the restaurant was full of customers and there were only a couple of rooms left. The food here is not the greatest but the chocolate mousse is excellent and the potage and kofti did the job and, for the third night in a row, there was beer available.

Day 4 Sunday, 20th March

The final day dawned over a crystal clear, cold, snowy scene and we were out again before breakfast to find that Crimson-winged Finches were back in force. The first were around the first ski carpark along with a few Atlas Shore Larks. There were many more finches at the base of the final ski lift, the chair lift, taking the total to about 100. All were preferring to feed on crushed walnut shells which were scattered liberally about the walls. Meanwhile Alpine and Red-billed Choughs were flying in and a pair of Ravens landed in the first carpark. White Wagtail, Chaffinch, Black Redstart, Mistle Thrush, Kestrel, Rock Sparrow and a rather splendid flock of 20-30 pure Rock Doves completed the avian interest at the skiing area and we moved on to the resort behind the hotel.

Crimson-winged Finches Rhodopechys sanguinea and Atlas Shore Lark Eremophila alpestris atlas feeding

Crimson-winged Finches Rhodopechys sanguinea

String Crimson

Crimson-winged Finch food

Atlas Shore Lark Eremophila alpestris atlas

Red-billed Choughs Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax, mutual preening

Raven Corvus corax

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

There were directions in the bird log at the Chez Juju to a Levaillant’s Green Woodpecker nest hole. Take the road past the hotel and the right fork towards the radar station rather than the ski area, then double back on the second track into the housing. The nest hole is in the tree closest to the white portacabin of the Moroccan Ski and Mountain Organisiation. The birds get on the rocks and building walls nearby. There were also 2 Rock Buntings nearby and many Black Redstarts and Rock Sparrows plus Blackbird, African Blue Tit and African Chaffinch. The rocks were also busy with some Atlas Day Geckos (a Moroccan endemic) and one or two Andalucian Wall Lizards.

Levaillant's Green Woodpecker Picus vaillantii

Rock Bunting Emberiza cia

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros

Atlas Day Gecko Quedenfeldtia trachyblepharus

Andalucian Wall Lizard Podarcis vaucheri

Another day with lifers under the belt for the team before breakfast. We returned to the hotel for a leisurely meal of cake, toast and jam outside in the sun, during which 3 Crimson-winged Finches came and perched in the garden. All the time skiers were arriving until the place was thoroughly packed, donkeys appearing from all angles and a band playing in the carpark in front of us.

Ski Sunday - Moroccan style

The hotel doesn’t take plastic so it was fortunate that Don had brought a fair few Euros with him to help cover the rather heftier bill than we’d been used to (it worked out at about £48 each including the bar bill) and still leave enough for a bit of lunch! That successfully done we drove up to the observatory and communications tower where Alpine Accentor and Lammergeier can be seen. Neither showed for us but I don’t think I’ve come across a higher density of Black Redstarts anywhere and there were also Moussier’s Redstart, Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Sparrow, Kestrel and both Choughs.

Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus

By 11:30 we were heading off back down the mountain passing Red-rumped Swallows and Black Wheatears and the first of several Cleopatras. As we reached the first pines Firecrests could be heard singing everywhere and African Blue Tit, Great and Coal Tits, Robin and African Chaffinch were in the trees. We stopped at the first (highest) Tagine place for lunch where the request for two tagines between the four of us seemed to cause immense confusion. They arrived however, one lamb and one beef, with plenty of bread and ‘Berber Whisky’, consumed with Moussier’s Redstarts and the only Wren of the trip in attendance. The whole lot was 200 Dirham, about £3.75 each.

Moussier’s Redstart Phoenicurus moussieri

The rest of the descent was fairly uneventful with the expected birds plus a few Cattle Egrets near the bottom and a snatch of Short-toed Treecreeper song heard. At the junction with the Route d’Ourika we turned to head a little way up that valley locating Moroccan Wagtail in the river, the only Woodpigeons of the trip and a single Little Swift over with some Red-rumped Swallows before we headed for the plains near Marrakech.

The area south of Marrakech is a maze of agricultural land and gardens. The common birds were Collared Dove, Feral Pigeon, House Sparrow, Blackbird, African Chaffinch, Crested Lark, Swallow, Common Bulbul, Sardinian Warbler and Southern Grey Shrike. We also had 2 Nightingales, a Cetti’s Warbler, 2 Fan-tailed Warblers and a Black-eared Wheatear. The target though was Moroccan Magpie and we located a pair at a nest by one of the roads criss-crossing the area. We couldn’t watch these for as long as we’d have liked as a party of blokes in a pickup stopped saying something about no photography. There were no sensitive sites around so we can only assume they were looking for trouble or thought we might have got them on film. There were political demonstrations in Marrakech (and across Morocco) that day and it might be they were just a bit twitched.

Southern Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor/meridionalis elegans

Anyway we moved on in the direction of the airport picking up the inevitable Spotless Starlings on the way. With airport formalities out of the way we had time to enjoy the House Buntings inside the terminal building and the Pallid Swifts coming to the windows outside.

Another excellent trip to this wonderful country was at an end. We drove 1465km in Morocco and saw 126 species in four days.

Click here for a full annotated species list.

Morocco 2011 Species List

2011-03-21T12:30:00.014Z

For the full report click here

Birds (126 species)

Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea - 25 Barrage Al Mansour and 2 south of Goulmima
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos - Barrage Al Mansour
Garganey Anas querquedula - Barrage Al Mansour
Quail Coturnix coturnix - 3 in oasis near 'wheatear wall'
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis - Barrage Al Mansour
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus - Barrage Al Mansour
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo - Barrage Al Mansour plus one flying south of Erfoud
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis - west of Ouarzazate and the low-lying Ourika valley
Little Egret Egretta garzetta - Barrage Al Mansour
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea - Barrage Al Mansour
White Stork Ciconia ciconia - 2 on nests 7km west of Skoura, 23 at Oued El Malah west of Ouarzazate
Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia - 1 Barrage Al Mansour
Black Kite Milvus migrans - 5 near Rissani, 2 at Boumalne Tip
Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus - 1 north of N10 44km west of Errachidia
Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus - 1 female at Barrage Al Mansour
Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus - mainly singles in deserts and mountains, less common than in December
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos - 1 immature with prey 45km west of El Keela
Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus - adult pale morph on Circuit Touristique and immature rufous morph at Boumalne Tip
Osprey Pandion haliaetus - 1 Barrage Al Mansour
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni - at least 2 near Rissani
Kestrel Falco tinnunculus - odd ones and twos in many places
Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus - 1 in Tagdilt area
Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides - pair at cliffs west of Rissani and single over N10 248km west of Errachidia
Coot Fulica atra - many at Barrage Al Mansour
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus - 4+ Barrage Al Mansour
Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus - 1 calling in night west of Skoura
Cream-coloured Courser Cursorius cursor - 11 by oasis near 'wheatear wall'
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius - several in river beds with some water
Snipe Gallinago gallinago - 2 in wide river bed west of Erfoud
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus - 2 in wide river bed west of Erfoud
Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus - Barrage Al Mansour
Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis - Barrage Al Mansour
Crowned Sandgrouse Pterocles coronatus - 13 at pools with water on Iknounen road
Rock Dove Columba livia - c.25 pure birds at Oukaimeden, Feral Pigeon common throughout
Woodpigeon Columba palumbus - 2 over Ourika valley
Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto - widespread
Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis - up to 3 on Circuit Touristique
Paraoh Eagle Owl Bubo ascalaphus - male in crevice at cliffs west of Rissani, 1 calling at dusk in Tagdilt area
Little Owl Athene noctua - 2 by river at Zaouzt Sidi Ali on Circuit Touristique
Red-necked Nightjar Caprimulgus ruficollis - one near road at cliffs west of Rissani
Egyptian Nightjar Caprimulgus aegyptius- 2 singing and flying at dawn on tracks north of Auberge Tresor just south of small hillocks
Swift Apus apus - 1 north at Iknounen Road
Pallid Swift Apus pallidus - a few north near Boumalne and several around terminal building Marrakech Airport
Little Swift Apus affinis - 1 over Ourika valley
Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops superciliosus - up to 6 on Circuit Touristique plus 1-2 just west of Rissani and in wide river bed west of Erfoud
European Bee-eater Merops apiaster - c.20 at Ksar-el-Kebir-el-Kdim SE of Goulmima
Hoopoe Upupa epops - singles seen and heard in desert oases
Levaillant's Woodpecker Picus vaillantii - pair at nest site in Oukaimeden village
Bar-tailed Desert Lark Ammomanes cincturus - only in the eastern desert area
Desert Lark Ammomanes deserti - in deserts west of Fezna and in Boumalne area
Hoopoe Lark Alaemon alaudipes - several in western deserts and Tagdilt area
Thick-billed Lark Rhamphocoris clotbey - 2 over the Iknounen Road, 3 at Boumalne Tip and 1 at wadi on N10 248km west of Errachidia
Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla - common in deserts
Lesser Short-toed Lark Calandrella rufescens - small numbers in eastern desert and Tagdilt area
Crested Lark Galerida cristata - small numbers widespread, presumed Mahgreb Larks seen in Rissani area
Thekla Lark Galerida theklae - fairly common in stony deserts
Atlas Shore Lark Eremophila alpestris atlas - 4+ around the ski area at Oukaimeden
Temminck's Horned Lark Eremophila bilopha - a few in Tagdilt area
Sand Martin Riparia riparia - a few south of Erfoud
Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula - 2 at cliff on NE shore of Barrage Al Mansour plus several suspected elsewhere in east
Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris - several in High Atlas
Swallow Hirundo rustica - quite common in deserts
Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica - widespread in small numbers
House Martin Delichon urbica - singles south of Erfoud and at Erg chebbi
Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris - singles in eastern desert and Tagdilt area
Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava - several iberiae in damp river beds, 1 flavissima west of Erfoud
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea - singing male at river in Tinghir
White Wagtail Motacilla alba - small numbers, mainly in desert areas, 2 subpersonata in river bed west of Erfoud and 1 in river at Ourika Valley
Garden Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus - common and widespread in well vegetated areas
Wren Troglodytes troglodytes - 1 singing above first village down from Oukaimeden
Robin Erithacus rubecula - 1 calling in pines just below Oukaimeden
Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos - 2 singing in agricultural plain south of Marrakech
Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros - numerous at Oukaimeden around resort and mast areas
Moussier's Redstart Phoenicurus moussieri - female at cliffs west of Rissani, male at teh Goulmima turn west of Fezna, singing males and pairs in mountains
Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe - several singles in deserts
Seebohm's Wheatear Oenanthe (oenanthe) seebohmi - male by Soleil Bleu, Boumalne
Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica - 1 in river bed west of Erfoud and 1 by river in plains south of Marrakech
Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti - very common in deserts
Red-rumped Wheatear Oenanthe moesta - fairly common west of Tinghir
White-crowned Black Wheatear Oenanthe leucopyga - very common in deserts and desert towns
Black Wheatear Oenanthe leucura - pairs seen in mountains
Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius - singles at Soleil Bleu and in mountains
Blackbird Turdus merula - quite common in desert oases
Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus - several at Oukaimeden
Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti - 1 singing at river in Tinghir and 1 in agricultural plain south of Marrakech
Fan-tailed Warbler Cisticola juncidis - 2 singing near river bed in agricultural area south of Marrakech
Scrub Warbler Scotocerca inquieta - 2 east of Goulmima at 44km west of Errachidia
Saharan Olivaceous Warbler Iduna (pallida) reiseri - 3+ in tamarisks c.1km along Circuit Touristique
Isabelline Warbler Iduna opaca - 1 at river crossing south of Goulmima
Tristram's Warbler Sylvia deserticola - 1 male in tamarisks at cliffs west of Rissani
Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata - fairly common in low desert scrub
Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans - fairly common in deserts and oases
Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala - small numbers in suitable habitat
Desert Warbler Sylvia nana - a pair collecting nesting material 2-3km along Jasmina track
Western Orphean Warbler Sylvia hortensis - 1 in date palms between Erfoud and Rissani
Whitethroat Sylvia communis - 1 at cliffs west of Rissani
Western Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli - small numbers in oases and damp river beds
Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita - common in desert oases and damp river beds
(Iberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus ibericus - probables in in river bed west of Erfoud)
Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus - common in pines along mountain roads
Fulvous Babbler Turdoides fulvus - 6 in open cultivated aera south of Zaouzt Sidi Ali on Circuit Touristique
Coal Tit Periparus ater - in high pines in mountains
African Blue Tit Cyanistes teneriffae - quite common in high mountains, especially at Oukaimeden
Great Tit Parus major - in high pines in mountains
Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla - 1 heard singing along Oukaimeden road
Southern Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor/meridionalis elegans - quite common in deserts and low-lying cultivated areas
Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator - scattered singles widespread
Moroccan Magpie Pica pica mauritanica - pair at presumed nest site in agricultural plain south of Marrakech
Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus - common around Oukaimeden
Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax - common around Oukaimeden
Brown-necked Raven Corvus ruficollis - up to 10 around Erg Chebbi and single at Scrub Warbler site
Raven Corvus corax - several in high mountains
Spotless Starling Sturnus unicolor - a few along the Route d'Ourika near Marrakech
House Sparrow Passer domesticus - common and widespread
Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis - 1 with House Sparrow roost at cliffs west of Rissani
Desert Sparrow Passer simplex - 5-6 breeding in lone tree north of Sand Fisch near Erg Chebbi
Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia - common at Oukaimeden
African Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs africana - quite common and widespread in mountains and plain south of Marrakech
Serin Serinus serinus - fairly common and widespread
Greenfinch Carduelis chloris - a few in and around towns and cultivation
Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis - a few scattered records
Linnet Carduelis cannabina - very small numbers on desert areas
African Crimson-winged Finch Rhodopechys (sanguinea) aliena - just over 100 around the ski areas at dawn
Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus - small numbers in many desert locations
Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus - 1 singing in northern side of Tizi 'n' Tichka pass
Rock Bunting Emberiza cia - 2 in Oukaimeden village
House Bunting Emberiza striolata - 1 or 2 around many buildings including most of the hotels

Mammals
Cape Hare Lepus capensis - 1 flushed from small oasis near 'wheatear wall'
Lybian Jird Meriones libycus - 1 showed very well by the Merzouga road
Fat Sand Rat Psammomys obesus - common in Tagdilt area, especially at Boumalne Tip

Reptiles
Bibron’s Agama Agama impalearis TBC - 1 on the Circuit Touristique
Andalucian Wall Lizard Podarcis vaucheri - 1 in Oukaimeden
Atlas Day Gecko Quedenfeldtia trachyblepharus - many in Oukaimeden village and around the comms tower.

Butterflies
Green-veined White Pieris napi - 1 south of Rissani
Bath White Pontia daplidice - 1 south of Rissani
Swallowtail Papilio machaon - 1 south of Rissani
Cleopatra Gonepteryx cleopatra - several in High Atlas mountains
Clouded Yellow Colias croceus - scattered singles in deserts

Dragonflies
Vagrant Emperor Anax ephippiger - 1 positively identified at Rissani plus presumably the majority of the many resembling this species seen in the wider desert, often far from water.
Red-veined Darter Sympetrum fonscolombii - 1 in river bed west of Erfoud.

Red Kite

2011-03-13T20:42:00.002Z

First reasonable moth catch of the year last night. The totals were:
1930 Oak Beauty (Biston strataria) 2
1934 Dotted Border (Agriopis marginaria) 2
2182 Small Quaker (Orthosia cruda) 6
2187 Common Quaker (Orthosia cerasi) 17
2188 Clouded Drab (Orthosia incerta) 4
2190 Hebrew Character (Orthosia gothica) 3
1546 Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) 1

Late in the day the sun came out and provided the opportunity for this shot. I hope better will be possible as a pair have settled very close to home and are often low over the garden.

Red Kite Milvus milvus

Canon EOS 500D EF 70-300mm IS USM

Red-crested Pochards, Ferry Meadows

2011-03-12T23:31:00.002Z

On Overton Lake.

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina
Male

Female

Canon EOS 500D EF 70-300mm IS USM

Castor Hanglands Tits and Nuthatch

2011-03-12T23:18:00.004Z

A good selection of birds, mainly tits visiting the feeder at Castor Hanglands this morning and excellent views of a drumming male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.

Nuthatch Sitta europaea

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

Marsh Tit Poecile palustris

Coal Tit Periparus ater

Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus

Great Tit Parus major

Canon EOS 500D EF 70-300mm IS USM

Nordic Jackdaw

2011-03-09T17:49:00.003Z

Working from home today and saw two of these striking Jackdaws briefly under the feeders. Jackdaws never seem to stick around for long, especially when trying to photograph them, so the pic is a bit ropey but you can see the silvery collar distinctive of the Scandinavian/East European race. Compare with the one in front.

Nordic Jackdaw Corvus monedula monedula

Canon EOS 500D EF 70-300mm IS USM

Stoatally fantastic

2011-03-08T12:33:00.000Z

OK so this pic is not of the Stoat, which didn't stick around quite long enough for a photo. But a Stoat in ermine is a fine thing to behold and this was my first since I was a nipper and the undoubted highlight of the year so far. It showed really well at the SW end of Orton BP and was white except for some yellowing of the fur to the rear and a black 'mask of Zorro' and of course tail tip.

The Roe Deer was one of five that appeared nearby. At least two were males with full antlers. They were a bit distant but a record shot was just possible.

Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus, male

Canon EOS 500D EF 70-300mm IS USM

Ferry Meadows this morning

2011-03-07T12:24:00.000Z

At last the sun comes out. Took the opportuntity to exercise the new camera on the way to work through Ferry Meadows this morning.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea hunting

Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus
One of two males sparring every morning in front of the first hide on the reserve.

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus
A ringed adult saluting near the visitor centre

Canon EOS 500D EF 70-300mm IS USM

Barcelona Wildlife

2011-03-05T17:16:00.008Z

A great weekend in Barcelona. In addition to those photographed there were also Serins, Firecrests, Ring-necked Parakeets and plenty of Hummingbird Hawk-moths.

Crested Tit Lophophanes cristatus

Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros

Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis

Common Wall Lizard Podarcis muralis

Carpenter Bee Xylocopa sp.

Canon EOS 500D, 18-55 or 70-300mm

Stoat

2011-02-24T12:43:00.000Z

On Oak Meadow at Ferry Meadows this morning. Don and I were able to watch this for some time before it spotted us and legged it.

Stoat Mustela erminea

Canon EOS 500D, 70-300mm IS USM

Lesser Redpolls

2011-02-13T21:49:00.001Z

One of eight feeding in birch trees in the garden today.

Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret

Canon EOS 500D, 70-300mm IS USM

Elton

2011-02-12T22:51:00.003Z

Some more fun with the new 500D and 70-300mm. These all taken in and around Elton.

Alder catkin Alnus

Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

Tree Sparrow Passer montanus

Elton Church

Canon EOS 500D, 70-300mm IS USM

First day with the 500D

2011-02-08T12:37:00.000Z

New toy arrived yesterday so, with the wind finally died down and the sun out, I was keen to get to Ferry Meadows for a go. The first shot was taken at home before the sun came up and is of the heron that has taken to perching on the roofs here.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Canon EOS 500D 70-300mm IS USM

Garden Moorhen

2011-01-15T19:25:00.001Z

Canon Powershot SX30IS

January Moths

2011-01-14T12:28:00.000Z

Some mild conditions encouraged me to try a bit of winter mothing and three species resulted. Second Mottled Umber for the garden and first January records for Winter Moth and March Moth (previous earliest 11th Feb.).

Mottled Umber Erannis defoliaria

March Moth Alsophila aescularia

Winter Moth Operophtera brumata

Canon Powershot A640

Nordic Jackdaw, Ferry Meadows

2011-01-13T18:00:00.000Z

Feeding at lunchtime today near the visitor centre.

Jackdaw, Corvus monedula monedula

Digiscoped with Canon Powershot A640 and Leica APO77x20

The worst Waxwing photo?

2011-01-04T18:46:00.000Z

Cycled up to Werrington to see the flock of Waxwings here today and counted about 120. Photography was hampered by the fact that the birds were staying in the tops of the trees and I had left my camera on settings more suited to midday in the sahara than midwinter in Peterborough. Hence this rather ropey attempt.

Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus

Digiscoped with Canon Powershot A640 and Leica APO77x20

Climbing Bank Vole

2010-11-28T14:52:00.005Z

The cold weather has made the Bank Voles in the garden much bolder. One has taken to climbing an ivy-covered fence to get at some fat balls in a feeder hanging nearby. At least three others feed below it.

Videoscoped with Canon Powershot A640 and Leica APO77x20

The Biking Birder

2010-11-15T12:40:00.002Z

Well it was excellent to be able to meet up with Gary yesterday and offer him somewhere to stay. Gary's epic journey around the UK visiting every RSPB and WWT reserve, not to mention a fair few ECO Schools, continues through Cambridgeshire and I was able to join him for the ride to the Nene Washes this morning.

There were not that many birds on show and nothing to add to Gary's 242 species total (chasing the record of 251) but it was a fabulous morning; icy cold and still with a cracking sunrise.

Keep going Gary and good luck:
http://www.bikingbirder.co.uk/
http://bikingbirder2010.blogspot.com/

Office Short-eared Owl

2010-11-12T16:36:00.002Z

Waxwing in the morning, Short-eared Owl in the afternoon. Crikey!

Sitting at my desk I picked up a distant group of four high-flying birds heading towards me high in the one small patch of sky I can see from here. When I put my bins on them I was astonished to see one was an owl. I scrabbled to get a scope but by that time it was getting closer and too high so I stayed on it with bins and watched as it passed directly over the office heading WNW shadowed by three Carrion Crows. It stayed fairly high but was clearly a Short-eared Owl, the pale belly and solid black primary tips being obvious with bins.

61st species seen from this office window following the 60th this morning. What next?!

Office Waxwing

2010-11-12T09:58:00.004Z

Spent this morning searching the Nene Valley from Castor Meadows eastwards following yesterday's sighting of a Great Grey Shrike at Ferry Meadows. There were a lot of birds around, especially winter thrushes moving west. The highlights were two large gangs of passerines mobbing birds: the first was near Lynch Bridge, which led to very close views of a roosting Tawny Owl in a yew and the second was a Sparrowhawk at the north end of Coney Meadow. Plenty of Siskins were around the NVR Yacht Club crossing and there were a lot of Goldcrests around generally.

Of course there was no sign of the shrike but on arriving at work I looked out of the window to see this beauty sat on the treetop behind the houses opposite. No doubt attracted by the rowans on Park Road this was a very welcome office tick.

Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus

Digiscoped with Canon Powershot A640 and Leica APO77 x20

Merveille du Jour

2010-10-28T08:32:00.001+01:00

The second Merveille du Jour for the garden. The last was in 2005. Also Feathered Thorn, Red-green Carpet, Brick, Yellow-line Quaker, Red-line Quaker, Beaded Chestnut, Green-brindled Crescent and Garden Rose Tortrix.

Merveille du Jour Dichonia aprilina

Canon Powershot A640

West Penwith, August

2010-10-24T08:31:00.014+01:00

Only just got around to sorting out the photos from a superb 10 day visit to West Cornwall at the end of August. We normally go to Sennen in late October but for various reasons ended up going around the summer bank holiday. An excellent week with lots of walking, some surfing and a fair bit of rock climbing plus of course plenty of wildlife.

A good series of Basking Shark records, a couple of Sunfish and good seabird passage, with quite a few Storm Petrels, Balearic and Sooty Shearwaters.

Orthoptera

Roesel's Bush-cricket Metrioptera roeseli

Grey Bush-cricket Platycleis albopunctata

Speckled Bush-cricket Leptophyes punctatissima

Field Grasshopper Chorthippus brunneus

Lepidoptera

Yellow Shell Camptogramma bilineata

Prausta despicata

Grayling Hipparchia semele

Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas

Wall Lasiommata megera

Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria

Fox Moth Macrothylacia rubi, larva

Emperor Moth Saturnia pavonia, larva

Vapourer Moth Orgyia antiqua, larva

Other insects and arachnids

Bristletail

Rose Chafer Cetonia aurata

Harvestman eating grasshopper

Herps

Common Toad Bufo bufo

Common Lizard Lacerta vivipara

Odonata

Beautiful Demoiselle Calopteryx virgo

Golden-ringed Dragonfly Cordulegaster boltonii

Birds

Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax

Jackdaw Corvus monedula, eating Slow worm

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

Stonechat Saxicola rubicola, juvenile

Fish

Basking Shark Cetorhinus maximus

Gannets and Crane

2010-10-12T16:57:00.003+01:00

I took a bike ride out to Bradley Fen this lunchtime but long before I got there I noticed four juvenile Gannets were circling low over me as I biked across the Frank Perkins viaduct. They headed off over Fletton and I rang Mike Weedon over at Lynchwood to get him to put the news out.

Ten minutes later I had a call from him to say they had just flown past his office over the East of England Showground. At that moment I was at the west end of Bradley Fen and had just noticed an adult Crane flying over me. This drifted off over Stanground where it gained height and headed off west. Sure enough ten minutes later Mike had this go over the office too! Unknown to us at the time Matt Webb had seen the same bird from Ferry Meadows.

Multiple observations of the same birds as they fly through are strangely satisfying and the whole experience made for an exciting and entertaining lunchhour.

I'd seen one Gannet earlier this autumn taking the same route as the four here. It was also seen by Steve Dudley as it flew over the town bridge five minutes before I saw it crossing Nene Parkway and heading over Orton Mere.

With the six seen by Matt and Don the day before my single Gannet is becoming a positively common bird in the area!

Autumn Moths

2010-10-09T10:52:00.007+01:00

A good selection of typical autumn moths last night. Pink-barred Sallow is only the second garden record (last in 2007) and Light Brown Apple Moth only the fourth. The Marbled Beauty is an unusually late record.

Pink-barred Sallow Xanthia togata

Yellow-line Quaker Agrochola macilenta

Large Ranunculus Polymixis flavicincta

Feathered Thorn Colotois pennaria

The Sallow Xanthia icteritia

Green-brindled Crescent Allophyes oxyacanthae

ab. capucina

Beaded Chestnut Agrochola lychnidis

The Chestnut Conistra vaccinii

Angle Shades Phlogophora meticulosa

Blair's Shoulder-knot Lithophane leautieri

Marbled Beauty Cryphia domestica

Light Brown Apple Moth Epiphyas postvittana

A good selection of moths last night during this mild spell of weather.

Canon Powershot A640

35 moths of 23 species
0998 Light Brown Apple Moth (Epiphyas postvittana) 1
1048 Garden Rose Tortrix (Acleris variegana) 1
1795x November Moth agg, (Epirrita dilutata agg.) 1
1923 Feathered Thorn (Colotois pennaria) 2
2087 Turnip Moth (Agrotis segetum) 1
2107 Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba) 1
2109 Lesser Yellow Underwing (Noctua comes) 1
2199 Common Wainscot (Mythimna pallens) 1
2240 Blair's Shoulder-knot (Lithophane leautieri) 1
2245 Green-brindled Crecent (Allophyes oxyacanthae) 3
2245 Green-brindled Crecent (Allophyes oxyacanthae) 1
2252 Large Ranunculus (Polymixis flavicincta) 1
2258 The Chestnut (Conistra vaccinii) 1
2263 Red-line Quaker (Agrochola lota) 1
2264 Yellow-line Quaker (Agrochola macilenta) 1
2267 Beaded Chestnut (Agrochola lychnidis) 5
2270 Lunar Underwing (Omphaloscelis lunosa) 1
2272 Barred Sallow (Xanthia aurago) 4
2273 Pink-barred Sallow (Xanthia togata) 1
2274 The Sallow (Xanthia icteritia) 2
2306 Angle Shades (Phlogophora meticulosa) 1
2361 Rosy Rustic (Hydraecia micacea) 1
2441 Silver Y (Autographa gamma) 1
2477 The Snout (Hypena proboscidalis) 1

Rock Pipit, Ferry Meadows

2010-10-08T21:31:00.002+01:00

Matt Webb found two Rockits on the rocky shore of Gunwade Lake at Ferry Meadows this afternoon. One showed very well as I cycled past on the way home but I'm sure two more flew off. So perhaps there were three!?

Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus

Digiscoped with Canon Powershot A640 and Leica APO77x20

Stanground Wash Migrants

2010-10-08T16:13:00.002+01:00

An inspired decision to head along the North Bank this lunchtime netted a few grounded migrants and a PBC lifer.

This is the year for Lapland Buntings. The numbers being recorded countrywide are huge and the first one in our area this year was reported over earlier in the week, predictably by the workers on the Nene Washes. However while I was watching the chats pictured below I heard an unmistakably 'pu' call and looked up to see four birds flying south over my head. This is not a species we get around here very often so I've listened to recording of the call every autumn for years to keep familiar with what to listen for. I always dreaded my first being a distant one calling just once and leaving you wondering if you were hearing things. But this was calls close by overhead and repeated several times. Couldn't want for better.

My 237th PBC species and 212th find for the area.

This is a very late date for Whinchat locally. In the past 10 years or more there is only one later record and that was on 13th Oct.

The Wheatear was one of two. Overall quite a lunchtime haul from this excellent little patch.

Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra

Digiscoped with Canon Powershot A640 and Leica APO77x20

Slender Groundhopper

2010-10-02T19:39:00.000+01:00

A woodland clearing at Easton Hornstocks held plenty of these little orthopterans. A new species for me but overlooked rather than uncommon.

A bit later in the day my SX10 developed a lens fault so these might be the last pics we see from this excellent camera.

Slender Groundhopper Tetrix subulata, female

Canon Powershot SX10

Moths last night

2010-09-29T21:41:00.002+01:00

1048 Garden Rose Tortrix (Acleris variegana) 1
1342 Eudonia angustea 1
1764 Common Marbled Carpet (Chloroclysta truncata) 1
1914 Dusky Thorn (Ennomos fuscantaria) 1
1923 Feathered Thorn (Colotois pennaria) 1
1961 Light Emerald Campaea margaritata 1
2107 Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba) 1
2109 Lesser Yellow Underwing (Noctua comes) 2
2240 Blair's Shoulder-knot (Lithophane leautieri) 2
2267 Beaded Chestnut (Agrochola lychnidis) 6
2270 Lunar Underwing (Omphaloscelis lunosa) 30
2272 Barred Sallow (Xanthia aurago) 2
2364 Frosted Orange (Gortyna flavago) 1
2389 Pale Mottled Willow (Caradrina clavipalpis) 1

Terns, Ferry Meadows

2010-09-23T09:40:00.002+01:00

A party of 8 Black Terns dropped in on Gunwade Lake at Ferry Meadows this morning as I cycled to work. One juvenile Common Tern also remains and this was close enough for a shot at one point.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo, juvenile

Digiscoped with Canon Powershot A640 ad Leica APO77x20

Dusky-lemon Sallow

2010-09-21T21:59:00.000+01:00

Only the second for the garden. The first was on the same date in 2006.

Dusky-lemon Sallow Xanthia gilvago

The Sallow Xanthia icteritia

1048 Garden Rose Tortrix (Acleris variegana) 3
1342 Eudonia angustea 3
1707 Small Dusty Wave (Idaea seriata) 1
1776 Green Carpet (Colostygia pectinataria) 1
1825 Lime-speck Pug (Eupithecia centaureata) 1
1906 Brimstone Moth (Opisthograptis luteolata) 1
1913 Canary-shouldered Thorn (Ennomos alniaria) 1
1914 Dusky Thorn (Ennomos fuscantaria) 2
2107 Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba) 4
2134 Square-spot Rustic (Xestia xanthographa) 1
2198 Smoky Wainscot (Mythimna impura) 2
2267 Beaded Chestnut (Agrochola lychnidis) 1
2270 Lunar Underwing (Omphaloscelis lunosa) 16
2274 The Sallow (Xanthia icteritia) 1
2275 Dusky-lemon Sallow (Xanthia gilvago) 1
2353 Flounced Rustic (Luperina testacea) 1
2384 Vine's Rustic (Hoplodrina ambigua) 1
2389 Pale Mottled Willow (Caradrina clavipalpis) 1
2477 The Snout (Hypena proboscidalis) 1

Ventnor Wall Lizards

2010-09-19T13:39:00.000+01:00

A return visit to the Botanical Gardens at Ventnor where the wall lizards were showing extremely well. Perhaps 30 or more seen in a variety of ages, sizes, colours and markings.

Common Wall Lizards

Canon Powershot SX10