Cliffe 11/09/21

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Better than expected weather this afternoon tempted me to look for butterflies at Cliffe. The visit would also coincide with high tide hence the opportunity to check the pools for waders and other waterbirds.

There had been reports earlier in the week of Clouded Yellows near the seawall, so that was the first port of call. Sure enough the butterflies were still around, mainly near the jetty with a profusion of flowering plants there and noticeably warm. I saw approx. six Clouded Yellow including three battling together. A couple were very quite worn though most looked in reasonably good condition. They were very active though the odd one occasionally landed for a short period.

Other butterflies included two Painted Lady, plus Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Common Blue and Small Heath.

A confiding Wheatear nearby showed well on the seawall.

Checking the pools on the way back the wader numbers were very impressive, particularly approx. 2000 Avocet. Testing a new travelscope (60mm) I struggled slightly with small waders on the far side of Flamingo and Radar pools though managed to identify three Curlew Sandpiper.

Painted Lady

Painted Lady

Painted Lady

Small Tortoiseshell 

Common Blue (female)

Wheatear

Wheatear

Little Egret





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