Three Rock Pipits flew in calling at Moonfleet this morning and landed briefly. One was a striking pinky/grey job, but I only managed to get a photo of this duller individual. They must be littoralis though, especially with that white outer tail feather. 42 Redshank my best Fleet count this winter.
Moth trap rather quiet but this dark-form Diurnea fagella worthy of a photo I thought.
Common Gulls must be on the move, a flock of 400 at Rodden Hive this morning, a very unusual sight there. Little else to report sadly.
That is superb! I wish I'd taken that photo!
Tristan, one of the best plants I've ever seen. These were in east Dorset in 2021. They really should be an honorary Orchid!
Failed to find any early migrants on a walk out to Redcliff Point. Just two Cetti's to report, including one in a back garden at Bowleaze!
This minty fresh Early Thorn from the trap was nfy.
I think unlikely they'll ever recolonise here naturally Martin. They must be fighting against an ever decreasing gene pool as well.
First Brindled Pug of the year in the trap, plus a much more unusual occupant in the form of an early instar Common Footman larva. Not the first time I've had one either. I guess they fall off the overhanging trees?
Best of a wander along the River Wey in Nottington was a female Kingfisher.
Hi Martin, yes long gone sadly. I can't give you the years, but they used to be in the woods at Sherford Bridge, but not in this century! The last stronghold was at South Poorton, the last place I saw them. I wish I could remember the year, but it was a long time ago.
Two months into the mothing year and I've now notched up 40 species with this Twin-spotted Quaker. Otherwise the traps were abject rubbish.
Silverlake was hard work this morning in the mud, wind and rain, but singing Woodlark and Dartford just about made up for it.
Utterly stunning Wayne. 👏
Moth traps very poor, but saved by this Streamer. Otherwise, 4 Oak Beauty worth a mention.
Rodden Hive quiet this morning bar small numbers of lingering Teal.
The Sibe Chiff was again at Abbotsbury STW with 20+ Chiffs. Rather elusive though.
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
My first Sand Martin of the year at Silverlake this morning, I honestly can't recall if I've had a February one before. Nearby at Woodsford, 2 Green Sand and 3 Cetti's. Blackcap and Chiffchaff both in song at the end of my garden.
I’ll absolutely be buying this Graeme!
Yes, it's a very recent occurrence. I'm sure they'll close the path in no time!
Three nfy in the moth traps: Agonopterix yeatiana, Oak Nycteoline and Pale Pinion. 4 Oak Beauty in one trap worth a mention. 33 of 14 sp.
Cetti's at Underbarn Walk was new for me there, Slav Grebe also still. Castle Cove produced 6 B-n Grebe (2+2+1+1), 2+ GND, 14 Brents. Underbarn is collapsing!
There you go Mark, one I photographed in 2021. I saw some a few days ago when I was looking for Gorse Shieldbugs, so they're out now for sure.
Still no March Moth here either John. The Brimstone was in Lorton Lane btw. Just a fly through.
Five Butterflies seen today, 3 Peacock (this one at Moonfleet), Comma and Brimstone. Less in the moth trap than yesterday (26 of 13sp), but Oak Beauty and Acleris literana were nfy. 2 Clouded Drab which couldn't look more different.
Thanks Tristan. Yes I did look at the literature and it said May! I have iRecorded it.
Stunning photos Lyn! 😲
Yes, a strange evening Steve. I barely saw a Moth before I went to bed, but ended up with 50 of 16 sp this morning. I could only put it down to the wind dropping off overnight?? A bit too clear and chilly out there tonight, but we'll see!
What a difference a day makes. One moth yesterday, 47 of 15 species today! Selected pics of Diurnea fagella, Herald (one of 3) and the thoracic crests of Tawny Pinion. Smart little beetle from the trap at the Trout Farm appears to be Donacia marginata, a reed species.
Lucy, this is a Common Green Shieldbug in it's winter 'plumage'. They gradually turn green as the spring progresses.
Peter, many years ago I found a neck-ringed Bewick's at Lewell Mill. It transpired it had come from the Pechora Delta! Interesting to hear the result on yours.
Moth traps rubbish, but this tatty Scrobipalpa costella was nfy at least.
A sewage works morning: Female Blackcap and Cetti's at Piddlehinton STW.
The highlight at Louds Mill STW was a pair of displaying Firecrest. They were flaring crowns and chasing each other around the bushes, great to watch.
Thanks Lyn!
Thanks Alan, photographed in situ as well. A joint effort!
Phil Sterling suggested we pop down to Two Mile Coppice with a couple of traps to see if that's where my recent Small Brindled Beauty came from. No joy there, but a masterclass in larva ID from Phil when he spotted this Light Emerald larva. Check out the fringe of 'hairs' on the underside.
Wow! Were those the small ones, or have I misremembered that?
My first ever Striped Hawk was in February Steve, 1998! 🤞
