After some early morning showers, the threatened thunderstorms didn't materialise and the day remained dry, with the odd sunny spell. A light west wind.
Middleton Nature Reserve
Janet was exercising a dog but still managed some great shots and records.
 |
| This Roebuck was looking for cover |
 |
| Looks like it has been reading the Ostrich book of hiding! (Yes, I know it's only a myth) |
 |
| This doe was nearby |
 |
| Greenfinch |
 |
| Swallow upside down chasing flies |
Goosander 1 juvenile on the main pond - historically they have been extremely rare here, but this year we have had two females and a male visiting during spring passage. And we had a juvenile, as early as June 30th, this could well be the same one. Janet took some good shots, but it was quite distant. Fortunately she let me know and I popped down with my zoom camera (MD)
 |
| Juvenile Goosander |
Initially it was just resting
Perhaps, it had already eaten, as a little later it was fishing. Same technique as last time, snorkel first then dive. It didn't catch anything on this foray.
Dragonflies:Emperor 1 male
Four-Spotted Chaser 1
Black-Tailed Skimmer 1 male
 |
| Male Black-Tailed Skimmer |
Red Nab
I checked towards high water (MD)
Mediterranean gulls 12. Just one previously read white ringed darvic bird seen
Curlew c100 heading south
Whimbrel 1 heading south
 |
| Whimbrel |
Redshank 20
Ringed Plover 2. In the same patch of rocks as yesterday, but both striving to keep out of sight (slightly better at it than the Roebuck!)
 |
| Adult Ringed Plover |
 |
| Juvenile Ringed Plover (head) |
Kevin Eaves spotted a Painted Lady on the Nature Park Buddleia, as well as:
Comma
Red Admiral
Peacock
Large White
Gatekeeper
Meadow Brown
