Middleton Nature Reserve
Ringing report from Alan:
Three nets set on the East side this morning from 06.30 to 11.00. It was rather clearer than expected.
The catch was again very low with no Sedge Warblers and low numbers of other species except for 4 Common Whitethroats. Not sure why numbers of juveniles are so low but the site is extremely dry which may have resulted in birds moving elsewhere.
Birds caught:
Wren 1 + 2 retrap
Cetti's Warbler 1juv + 1 retrap
Great Tit 3 juvs
Robin 1 juv
Whitethroat 4 juvs
Dunnock 1 juv
Blackcap 1 juv
Chiffchaff 2 juvs
Long tailed Tit 1 juv
Janet had a walk around but saw nothing new, so took some butterfly shots:
Worn Small Tortoiseshell |
Male Speckled Wood |
Small Skipper |
Common Blue |
Tomorrow should see the start of a few days of east wind, which hopefully will bring in some new and possibly interesting insects.
Imperial Way (road to the Waste Recycling "Park" off the bypass)
This is the eastern boundary of the recording area, I just checked it out briefly on my way along the bypass (MD)
Swift 6
Swallow 2
Jackdaw 12 - one flock heading north
Blackcap 1 male singing
Chiffchaff 2 males singing
Stock Dove 2 probably 3 possibly more - there is hardly any traffic along this road at weekends and two were feeding on seeds along the kerb of the road. These slightly hazy shots were taken through my car windscreen.
After a while they flew off to the pylon to the west of the road (definitely in the recording area not just along the boundary) then flew off towards Middleton. Later a single bird then "another" pair flew east.
South Shore (MD)
Grayling butterfly male seen by Pete. Ocean Edge grassy edge near Red nab working its way south along the edge - unfortunately too quick to get a photograph. This is the first record here for a number of years.
I had an evening stroll along the sea wall (MD)
Mediterranean gull 8 adult 1 juvenile
Rock Pipits 6, 2 each, foreshore, Red Nab and lighthouse. One chasing the other at the lighthouse.
Finally, Janet sent this shot of recent graffiti on Middleton Nature reserve. Graffiti can never be condoned, but well crafted artwork on a derelict brick building, is less offensive than most (MD)