Birding and other distractions

What has become an annual visit to this site was today earlier than usual (e.g. on 1 6/7 last year) encouraged by recent reports of Purple Emperor. The weather was mostly sunny, albeit breezy, though increasingly warm after midday. We had one sighting of Purple Emperor, a male along the footpath by the 'poo bin' triangle. Unfortunately it settled on the ground only momentarily th ough gave very close flight views at low level.  Other butterflies were more obliging especially White Admiral, about a dozen being seen, the first by our feet. In addition four-five Silver-washed Fritillary were much enjoyed. Insects seen also included a Hornet, female Beautiful Demoiselle, and Black and Yellow Longhorn Beetle, the latter a wasp mimic. Family parties of Nuthatch were very vocal in the woods, with other species such as Blue Tit seemingly mixed in. Song was heard from both Treecreeper and Marsh Tit (briefly) though the singing birds could not be seen. A Spotted Flycatcher was more oblig...

In two previous visits to Motney, the first on 19th May, I've seen two Turtle Doves each time, but heard no purring males this year. Waking early this morning it was a good opportunity to check again and in good weather. The first walk along the road yielded nothing so I continued to Otterham Creek. Then looking back from the creek, success, a Turtle Dove was on the wires, and began purring. After a couple of minutes it flew off in the direction of the sewage farm, so I walked back to the road.  From the road I could see two more Turtle Doves on the wires ahead, and views through the 'scope confirmed they were both juveniles (in the last two years it hasn't been until August that I found any juvs here). At one point there were also two purring males, one on the wires, and another, which I couldn't see, behind the houses. Later, at nearby RDE, a good view of a male Bullfinch, plus a Lesser Whitethroat showed briefly. Also three Adders, including a very reddish female. Ad...

Very good activity from butterflies in the sunshine today. Marbled White was the most visible species, especially on SB. One small patch of thistles had no less than eleven on the flowers. Nearby another thistle had an obliging Dark-Green Fritillary with two others in the area. Ringlet were very noticeable and both Small and Large Skippers were also found. At this time of year there is a profusion of orchids on SB, Fragrant especially on the east bank, and Pyramidal in more general locations on the downland. A Marsh Tit was present in PV where two Bullfinch were heard, then seen in flight. Three Buzzard flew over whilst watching the butterflies on SB. The only reptile was a juvenile Adder in TF. Thistles with Marbled Whites Marbled White Marbled White Dark-green Fritillary Ringlet Ringlet Small Skipper Large Skipper Ox-eye Daisy and Pyramidal Orchid in DV Fragrant Orchids Juvenile Adder

Another very warm day. The first meadow (Longhoes Field) had a nice show of Poppies and other wild flowers including Viper's Bugloss. However, further on The Valley was a blaze of colour with an amazing stand of Poppies flanked by Hawks-beard on the headland. There were moderate numbers of butterflies, mainly Meadow Brown, though with several Small Tortoiseshell and Small Skipper, plus a Comma. A nice fresh Red Admiral was watched taking salts on the ground, often from dog poo! Bullfinch were heard on a couple of occasions. Longhoes Field Hawks-beard in foreground Red Admiral  Red Admiral Small Skipper on Viper's Bugloss Small Skipper

A glorious morning for the final visit to this survey site in BWoWM. Unlike the other marshes  recently surveyed (Allhallows and Filborough) waders have bred at Eastchurch, with three pairs of Lapwing having a total of five young, now fully independent of the adults. The behaviour of a pair of Redshank was also indicative of young being present, and I briefly saw one chick. Three pairs of Shelduck were on the marsh, one of which had seven ducklings. As on the previous visit the cattle were very inquisitive, coming over to check me out. Eastchurch is a relatively small site and finishing at 10:30 I decided to call in at Bredhurst on the way back.  Unfortunately it had largely clouded over by the time I arrived, so few butterflies were seen, though seven (sub-adult) Slow-worms and a juvenile Adder were found. Eastchurch Marsh One of the scrapes at Eastchurch Young Shelduck  Cattle checking me out! Slow-worm  Juvenile Adder Greater Butterfly Orchid

The third of three visits to Allhallows for the BWoWM survey. Weather was sunny with a cool breeze. Unfortunately no waders were found despite the marshes looking in great condition. Despite this I enjoyed the walk seeing a nice range of birds. Good numbers of both Skylark and Meadow Pipit were found, with approx. 20 singing males of each species. At eight individuals Reed Warbler slightly outnumbered Sedge Warbler. I was particularly pleased to hear two singing Corn Bunting.  As on the previous visit a Cattle Egret was present on the marsh, though very wary, while a Hobby was again seen near Stoke Lagoon. Other raptors were two Marsh Harrier and a Kestrel. Near the end of the walk a very vocal Cuckoo was eventually seen in flight , and an inquisitive dog Fox stared me down, showing no fear. Small Tortoiseshell were numerous, with similar reports elsewhere in Kent on the day suggesting a real comeback for this species . A Painted Lady was also notable. Dog Fox. Young Swallows