Marsh Harrier

Marsh Harrier - Juv south Middleton NR 0650hrs

A steady east breeze and 20C+, should equal insect migration off the sea, so the lighthouse area was checked twice today.

10:30 - 11:30 (low water)

A bit erratic at first, then became a steady influx of butterflies.

Red Admiral 36

Small White 25

Painted Lady 8

Small Tortoiseshell 3

Silver Y 2

 At 13:15 there were still plenty coming in, but they soon eased off as tide progressed further along sea wall. A walk down to No2 outflow, confirmed there were butterflies coming in all along the sea wall.

This count is only those that came in over lighthouse/wooden jetty wall till 14:00.

Red Admiral 12

Small White 26

Painted Lady 9

Small Tortoiseshell 8

Peacock 1

Silver Y 1

Most moved straight through, but a few whites and Painted Lady stopped for a top up. As did the Silver Y, which may just be resident.

Just one dragonfly, in the afternoon session. Male Migrant Hawker.