Pretty chilly this morning at 6am with just 31 individuals of 15 species but this Dark Arches, one of two, was NfY and very smart. This small water beetle, possibly Rhantus suturalis, was accompanied by a caddis fly.
Later, over a very nice breakfast, a clean looking adult Gannet was not too far out and the first I've seen for thirteen months!! This Tree Bumblebee was minding its own business when dive-bombed by a Merodon equestris but just managed to stay in shot. Best flyer of the day was this Golden-ringed Dragonfly in the dragon 'hotspot' opposite and just prior to the wooden Badger.
West side now given over to eclipsing ducks; last week's drake Teal had only moved six feet!! Another dozen or so were on north scrape. Lots of young BHGs at various stages including free-flying but a couple of Avocet chicks were still of an age to be possibly gulped down by gulls or herons. Only other waders were two Redshank, thirty Lapwing and four godwits. A slight increase in Med Gull presence is presumably down to non- or failed breeding.
Finally, a few flighty Marbled Whites were out today. No doubt pictures of these from elsewhere will appear before the end of the month.
