A slightly circuitous route to PB via Bosham took a few minutes under an hour today. South Brooks still bone dry and just a single kite and 3+ Stonechats. A Clouded Yellow bumbled through, first for the year and Ann saw two more later. Some Ivy Bees were noisy at the back of the hide. Red Admiral, Speckled Woods and Common Blues were the only other butterflies. The North Brooks were more productive with a smart and quite close juvenile Marsh Harrier, circling up and being joined by a second bird plus another kite. A few Snipe and a dozen or so Wigeon. Hornets were particularly obvious and active today at the top of the zigzag. Today was the first day this autumn without a single hirundine.
Afternoon at WWT produced the usual fare although ground work ensured Kingfishers were kept away from the photo perch. At least 120 Med Gulls were bathing but only two birds out of water showed rings, one white and one green, the usual Belgian and French colours. The latter was already known to Martin Daniels from previous postings; I think the white one was a new visitor.
PS Earlier the moth trap was damp with dew and had just a handful of moths, mostly 'blunderwings' but first one out was a Bloxworth Snout, a lifer plus, obviously, NfG/T. But still no Lunar Underwings, sallows, Black Rustic or quakers. Maybe one or two more sessions before the month is out!!
