Grain 6th September

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I checked the Port Victoria end of the village as it clearly has good potential for migrant birds and find it slightly easier to work than the country park in Grain. Nothing particularly unusual today though there seemed to have been a fall of Lesser Whitethroats with 14 being seen during the visit. In addition eight Common Whitethroats, one each of Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Reed Warbler, two each of Kestrel and Sparrowhawk, and one Peregrine.

Lesser Whitethroat and Common Whitethroat

Long-tailed Tit

The sun came out later in the morning with a notable increase in insect activity. Dragonflies included this male Migrant Hawker, though with half the right forewing missing unfortunately. The yellow triangle at the base of the abdomen is a distinguishing feature of this species.  On the ruins a number of Common Darters were also seen.

Migrant Hawker

Common Darter

Butterflies included approx. five Wall around the ruins, two of which were mating. Six Holly Blue, three Common Blue, a single Comma and at least one Peacock were also found.  

A Weasel running along a footpath towards me was a nice way to finish the day.

Wall

Mating pair of Wall

Peacock

Comma







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