Showers, short, but heavy. Still warm despite only occasional sunshine. Light variable breezes.
South shore
Pete checked from Ocean Edge
Hummingbird Hawk-moth on lavender at Ocean Edge entrance
Mediterranean gull 12 on Red Nab
Shag on wooden jetty
Middleton Nature Reserve - Malcolm 15:15 - 16:30
Main Pond
Mute Swan 3
Mallard 2 well grown broods with Mum
Common Snipe 1
Swallow 3
Emperor at least 5 males and a female
Lesser Emperor 1 male
Brown Hawker 1 female
Common Darter 4 males and a female
The Lesser Emperor was patrolling the pond and being chased by the Blue Emperors whenever it encroached into their territories. I saw it several times, but on each occasion it just seemed to appear out of nowhere and disappeared just as quickly!
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| Lesser Emperor. The last record was on 10th July so this is likely a new arrival |
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| Common Darter |
Small Red-eyed Damselfly just one pair in tandem seen.
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| Although the female wasn't really seen as she was below the water surface. |
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| Common Blue Damselfly |
Mute Swan 1
Gadwall 4
Mallard 8
Coot 8
Moorhen 2
There were more Small Red-eyed Damselflies on this pond 10+
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| Small Red-eyed Damselflies |
Emperor 3 males
Brown Hawker 1 male
Pond in the southern section of the reserve
Ruddy Darter at least 2 males, no females seen
Common Darter 1 male and 1 female
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| Ruddy Darter |
Migrant Hawker 1 male
Sparrowhawk soaring to the east
Long-Tailed Tits feeding party of at least 8 including juveniles
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| Juvenile Long-Tailed Tits |
Butterflies seen during the visit
Brimstone 1
Painted Lady 1
Red Admiral 3
Peacock 1
Gatekeeper 1
Meadow Brown lots
Green-Veined White 4
Speckled wood 4
