Birding and other distractions

Having failed to see the Collared Pratincole at Higham Marshes on 16th another attempt was made today since the bird continued to be reported, albeit from Cliffe Pools. Fortunately the pratincole was still present this morning though views were distant as it hawked over BB5. On Flamingo pool was a Little Ringed Plover, together with two Ringed Plovers.  The number of Mediterranean Gulls breeding on the islands is relatively low this year, possibly a maximum of ten pairs. The usual population appeared to desert the area during the cold weather of April, and instead seem to have switched to the Medway where approx. 360 birds were counted on the RSPB boat trip last Monday. Other birds at Cliffe included three Cuckoos, three Lesser Whitethroats and four-five Nightingales. Holly Blue was one of several species of butterfly seen. Male Cuckoo Sedge Warbler Little Ringed Plover Holly Blue

A repeat visit to this site as the same day last year. A warm day at last, up to 18C during the afternoon.  Whilst the principal purpose was to look for butterflies the birds of the area obviously attract attention. Singing Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting were enjoyable, though much less unexpected were two calling Quail from the downland. One of the Quail was fairly close though try as I might couldn't see it. The principal target in terms of butterflies was Marsh Fritillary, a species I had never seen before. On the same date last year I failed to see any as it was a very early season, and the flight period of adults was coming to an end. The timing on this occasion in a late season proved ideal and I soon starting seeing the fritillary in Bokerly Dyke. At least 10 were seen in total, some of the males engaged in territorial skirmishes. Other butterflies included first of the year Small Copper, Common Blue, Small Blue, Brown Argus and Small Heath. Brimstone and Dingy Skipper were n...

T he second visit to this site for the Breeding Waders of Wet Meadows survey. The marsh looked in great condition following the rainfall in May. A Bittern heard booming from the reed bed to the south of the Woolpack Inn was a good start to the walk. A Bearded Tit was also heard from the same reed bed, plus two others later on in the southern section of the marsh (Old Cheyne Court). Three Yellow Wagtails and a singing Corn Bunting were nice, but unfortunately there was little sign of any waders on the marsh, with just a single pair of Lapwing present on Old Cheyne Court.

The forecast rain didn't amount to much today, with just a couple of light showers in the morning. The rest of the day was cloudy with some lengthy sunny periods. A drake Garganey was present on a small pool together with a pair of Gadwall. Hopefully, he has a mate sitting on eggs in the vicinity. A pair of Slow-worms were found, the female shown below. A very attractive individual, possibly not a full adult based on size, though the tip of the tail was missing. Four Common Lizards were basking on top of refugia (squares of felt) that had been placed out. The reptile population is probably being monitored by an ecologist in view of possible development in the area!  Unfortunately, there was no sign of Wall Lizards near the power station, the third time I have failed to find any this year. This may suggest that the colony has died out in that locality or dispersed further inland, away from the coast. A small number of butterflies were active, including a Painted Lady and my first of...

Fairly cloudy this morning at Park Corner Heath in East Sussex, though odd sunny intervals encouraged sufficient activity from Pearl-bordered Fritillary, a species I missed last year. About six individuals were seen in total, in appearance generally very similar to Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, though the underwing is diagnostic. However, obtaining the underwing view proved no easy matter as once settled the butterflies generally held their wings flat. A more obliging individual was eventually photographed, as shown below. A fair number of Painted Ladies were also at the site, with individuals sometimes chased by a fritillary despite their much smaller size. Arriving at Old Lodge in Ashdown Forest by early afternoon the weather was now pleasantly sunny for long periods. The open vistas of heather, with areas of woodland were an impressive sight, and the birdlife no less so. Singing Willow Warbler were found on several occasions, and songs of Redstart, Tree Pipit and Woodlark were al...

A glorious morning at Motney where the 'purring' of Turtle Dove was soon heard. Two birds were seen, often on wires over the scrub. At DE only one Adder was found, a female seen before, and apparently still unmated. Also just one female Adder at CL, though a new, most impressive, individual. A single Painted Lady was present together with several Peacock. Arriving at Blue Bell Hill reserve just after 10 the weather had unfortunately clouded over, and it started to rain. I took some pictures of a local Raven before deciding to come back later. In the afternoon it was mostly sunny, though fairly windy on the reserve. However, I found a fairly sheltered area on the lower slope with an excellent sward of downland plants, including Wild Strawberry. Three new for the year butterflies were found, Dingy Skipper (approx. 6), Grizzled Skipper (approx. 4), and a single Green Hairstreak. Brimstone butterflies were also quite active. Turtle Dove & Starling (juv) Common Whitethroat Adder...