Wednesday 20 May 2020

Cygnet arrival is highlight!

Very little wind, particularly early on plus sun all day meant  the temperature soared. Lots of people out taking advantage of relaxed restrictions. But little else happening.
Two good  moth records from Kevin's trap thoug - Two pink Elephants!
Elephant Hawk moth

Small Elephant Hawk moth

Rock Pipits  - the lighthouse pair still taking food to nest hole.

Middleton Nature Reserve
Mute Swan - 24 on main pond including nesting pair. The new influx seem determined to stay despite dogs swimming and model motorboat.
The pair on the "no swimming" pond have at least four chicks hatched with at least one egg remaining.
Thanks for picture Janet

Warblers - 8 of the 9 known breeding species seen and/or heard. This includef 3 Cetti's Warblers. The "missing" species was the Grasshopper Warbler.

Dragonflies- Broad- bodied chaser 2, Four-spotted chaser 3

Butterflies - Brimstone, Small White, Green Veined White, Orange Tip, Peacock, Speckled Wood and Small Heath.

Weasel 1

Orchids are starting to flower. I think these are Early Marsh, but I'm happy to be corrected (MD)