PB Duty

A very quiet day, literally, with hardly any bird sounds other than Chiffchaffs, one at least of which was singing. With October just days away Westmead pool is still bone dry and birdless. A Sparrowhawk coursing low over the grass popped up on a fence post and 10+ Buzzards were airborne with probably another 5 elsewhere during the day.

From the hanger five Whinchat and four Stonechat, Ruff, Snipe, Peregrine and an incredibly brief view of a Merlin, presumably the same one as seen by Jon Winder three days previously. Wigeon (35 ish) were grazing amongst a gazillion geese.

Treecreepers were calling strongly as usual and a few Jays were shifting acorns.
Finally, a high and distant falcon turned into a Hobby when it started to chase insects.

On the insect front a guesstimate of 50+ Hornets and a single Clouded Yellow.

At home I ran the trap light on a sheet for three hours from dusk up until a fine drizzle started but caught little and nothing new.

Common Marbled Carpet