June 12th 2009

A cool clear night was not productive for moths but ideal for observing Jupiter and four of its moons - Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto. Recent rain has cleared up the air pollution and if it’s clear over the next few nights Jupiter is near the moon from very late till dawn.
A Goldfinch on the feeders this time of year is an odd record for the garden while broods of Blackbird, Greenfinch and Dunnock are scattered about calling to be fed. At least 10 Swifts feeding overhead but a 30 minute check on the sky produced nothing else.
A look at the pond with Dave this afternoon in gorgeous weather was just that – a look!
Draycote Meadows had Chiffchaff, 6 Bullfinch, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Jay and 2 Buzzard with 20+ Common Blue, 30+ Large Skipper, 2 Small Heath, 5 Large White, 6 Painted Lady, 6 Speckled Wood, 5 Grass Rivulet, Burnet Companion and 2 Celyha lacunana.

Richard