August 1st 2009

The overnight rain arrived earlier and more prolonged than forecasted but that did stop me having a ball with me moths managing 120 of 46 species. All thanks to every candle I own burning brightly.

Hornet - this beasty nearly had me when emptying the traps

After a couple of hours sleep and before the next rain front arrived I was passing Toft down the Southam Rd, Dunchurch at the delightful hour of 04:40hrs when a Tawny Owl was spotted perched and just further on a Barn Owl was hunting around Bunkers Hill.
Continued on to pond and though damp managed a good collection of species with the best being a Black Tern resting on a buoy off hensborough bank and 8 Yellow-legged Gull and juv Med Gull seen before they left the roost. Other species seen were Goosander off inlet, 3 Shelduck out in centre and there was Oystercatcher, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Little Ringed Plover and Dunlin dotted around the reservoir and the supporting cast included 10 Swift, 30 Sand Martin, Gadwall, Kingfisher, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Green Woodpecker, Teal, Gadwall and Whitethroat. The next front arrived so called it a day and drenched time I got home.
Entertained by Mark and Mason who came round for a chat this afternoon otherwise the rain ruined the rest of the day.

Richard