Heysham Obs
The top sighting today, a reflection of the catastrophic decline in the last two years, was a Wall Brown butterfly on Middleton IE along the road between the western and central marshes
Heysham NR
Sprinkling of Chiffchaff (5-10), one or two Whitethroat and a scattering of ticking, presumed migrant Robin. At least one Jay. Kingfisher in the NR marsh mid-afternoon (thanks Doreen).
No report of any sightings of note from one birder known to have checked the outfalls etc.
Insects
Heysham NR
Two Holly Blue, male Brimstone & at least two Small Copper but no Gatekeeper were seen during a quick walk round. Dragonflies comprised two Migrant Hawker and a single Brown Hawker - perhaps fractionally too early in the day for this group. Butterfly transect results from the reserve: Common Blue 12, Small White 10, Large White 1, Speckled Wood (just) 5, Meadow Brown 25, Small Copper 3, Peacock 8, Red Admiral 1, Brimstone 7, Painted Lady 1, Small Tortoiseshell 1 (the Holly Blues did not behave for the census)
Middleton IE
See intro. Dragonflies were thin on the ground in good conditions. 6 Migrant hawker, one male Ruddy Darter, 2 Brown Hawker, 2 geriatric male Emperor and a similarly old and tired male Black-tailed Skimmer. c30 Common Darter and c10 Emerald Damselfly were casually recorded
Moths
The last few mornings have seen the top species as Treble Bar as we have managed to check the catch before they all shoot out of the window! Dark fruit-tree Tortrix (Pandemis heparana) appeared to be new for the year
Elsewhere
Nothing new at Leighton Moss other than an increase to 5 Ruff (i.e. 3 Spoonbill, 18 Little Egret). 7 Painted Lady seen along the Cockersands seawall.
