March 18th 2010

Common Scoter by Bob Hazell
I took the opportunity of an early morning lift to look at the post roost gathering near Potsdam Farm before they dispersed. At least 3000 gulls were gathered with Common Gulls being the most dominate species present but amongst them was an adult summer plumage Med Gull and a first winter Caspian Gull sat among the larger gulls till the appearance of a Peregrine soon had them in the air at 6:40 and majority headed off towards Lawford Heath.
Back home 2 Mistle Thrush went over garden then Bob came round to photograph last nights catch which included 2 Grey Shoulder-knot, Dotted Border, Pale Brindle Beauty and White-shouldered Brown House Moth before we went down to the pond.

Dotted Border by Bob Hazell

Alceris ferrugana by Bob Hazell

March Moth in a more opened winged appearance by Bob Hazell
A weather front is due bringing rain and stronger winds this evening so we were hoping for migrants to arrive and not disappointed when Bob found a Chiffchaff in toft shallows while I located 2 Sand Martin in the rainbow/windsurfing area. Also around were the 2 Great-northern Divers, the male Common Scoter still present off draycote bank, 8 Gadwall, 18 Goldeneye, Grey Wagtail, 3 Green Woodpecker and 5 Buzzard. Also of interest were Long-tailed Tits collecting nesting material and fresh signs of Badger activity.

yesterdays Red-crested Pochard by Bob Hazel

Special thanks to Bob Hazell for another great set of photos - check his birding and moth site out

Meanwhile just outside my patch White Wagtail and Wheatear were reported so more to look for tomorrow.

Richard