May 6th 2010

Overnight temperatures were good enough to bring in White-spotted Pug, Yellow-barred Brindle and Garden Carpet all new for my moth year list so along with Dave’s Least Black Arches and Waved Umber Bob had plenty to get work on this morning.

Yellow-barred Brindle

Waved Umber

When we arrived at the pond the early morning rain was keeping the Swifts low and again in good numbers though counting was difficult so 500 was probably a low estimate but unfortunately by the time we got to farborough spit the low cloud was effecting visibility and the temperatures fell making life a little unpleasant in our summer clothes so we returned to the visitors centre. Both Great-northern Divers were still present and the male Garganey was hiding in willows and not playing ball. Only other birds of note were 2 Wheatear, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Linnet, Sparrowhawk, Green Woodpecker and 4 Whitethroat.

Maidens Blush on the side of visitors centre

After lunch we visited Ryton Country Park but the weathermen were way off the mark so in dull conditions we were more than content to enjoy 4 Cuckoo, Marsh Tit and many Great-spotted and Green Woodpeckers although a bit of butterflying would have been a treat.

Cuckoo presumed female exploring nest sites

All pictures by Bob Hazell

Richard