June 2nd 2009

Well at least I tried. Had intended it to be a day dedicated to the pond but there was not a lot on offer with only a Black Tern out in the centre indicative of any passage. A search of the toft & farborough banks, country park and the sailing car parks produced Grey Wagtail, Hobby, 41 Mute Swan, 51 Canada Geese, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, 8 Garden Warbler, 3 Whitethroat and a few Blackcaps by which time the warming temperatures meant plenty of insects were soon showing.
Highlights were 58 Common Blue majority on farborough bank along with 6 Painted Lady, Silver Y and 4 Yellow Shell which is a shame they have now started mowing the grass (and flowers) on the grounds they need to have good visibility of the bank’s in case of any deterioration. More Painted Lady were on the move which appears to have slowed up and one of the 6 Grizzled Skippers seen decided to pose for photos as it warmed up.

Grizzled Skipper by Bob Hazell
Bob, Francoise and I, decided to pop over to Bishops Bowl adding 8 Dingy Skipper, 5 Large Skipper, 3 Small Heath and a Straw Dot to the day list

Dingy Skipper by Bob Hazell
before calling in at Stockton so Bob could take photos of the Greater Butterfly Orchid seeing similar species to Sunday but also noting Four Spotted Chaser amongst the Dragonflies and the day flying moth Cinnabar.
Five Spikes of Bee Orchid are out at the pond but two of last years sites have failed.

Bee Orchid by Bob Hazell
Last nights catch added Freyer’s Pug, Green Pug and Scorched Wing to the garden moth year list and with cloud cover tonight it could be good.

Richard