Heysham Obs
Middleton IE
A male Southern Hawker was a long-overdue new species for the site and took the list to 21, not bad for a northern site. 16 of these breed at the site. A single Ruddy Darter was along the lamppost dyke in the western marsh and there were good numbers of Emperor and Brown & Migrant Hawker scattered around as well as a latish Black-tailed Skimmer on the model boat pond. A Wall Brown was a welcome sight.
The three singing Grasshopper Warbler on the last visit a week ago were silent (presumed departed) and the only evidence of this species was a single juvenile, which may not have been of local origin, trapped and ringed. Quite a few Willow Warbler trickled through (10-15 at a site not renowned for this species) but vis mig was limited to just 4 Swift and an earlyish Tree Pipit. A Spotted Flycatcher sat on a fence near the model boat pond was unexpected A Kingfisher made a brief appearance.
Heysham Nature Reserve
As suggested by the dissipated but still noticeable Willow Warbler presence at Middleton, the bushes nearer the coast contained a higher concentration of migrants during a trip to the office at c0800hrs. Around the office were: 10+ Whitethroat (5 in the buddleias), 3 unringed 1st winter (post-juv moult) Robin, 15 or so Willow Warbler.
Heysham Head
Two Wheatear (one two days ago) plus 3 Small Copper
Moths
Southern Wainscot continued to feature in the hut trap and rendered even more noticeable by the virtual lack of Smoky Wainscot this year.
No coverage of the shore sites so NNEW on the Black Guillemot for a few days now. Anyone out there assuming they were being recorded and therefore did not publicise their sighting? Thanks in anticipation.
Elsewhere
3 Spoonbill. 12 Little Egret and an Osprey Leighton Moss area. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and one Little Egret visible from Sunderland tidal road looking towards Basil Point at low tide.
