Hoo 19/05/21

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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 year Wall. Hoo marsh and seawall tends to be a good area for the latter species.

A Raven was receiving some grief from a pair of Carrion Crows near the power station. On the marsh were several Brent Geese plus numerous Greylags and Canada Geese. A drake Shoveler was seen in a distant fleet. 

Along the seawall a fine female Wheatear flashed her white rump as she flew ahead of us. Presumably a late migrant? A single Corn Bunting was also seen in flight.

We found an unusual bumblebee on the seawall, visiting flowers. Subsequent checks show that it is one of the carder bees, though unsure exactly which species. Possibly either Brown-banded or Moss carder bee, either of which are scarce so the record will be reported.

Drake Garganey with Gadwall in background

Garganey with Gadwall pair

Female Slow-worm


Common Lizard

Common Lizard

Wall butterfly

Dark-bellied Brent Goose with Oystercatcher

Northern Wheatear (female)



Carder bee sp.

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