Scooted over to Mere Sands Wood today, where the shade of the trees gave some relief from the oppressive heat.
Jellyhead called me from Marshside where there wasn't much about apart from the usual residents - it looked pretty dead as I drove through, although I understand a Barn Owl had been hunting up near the Crossens bend first thing.
It was too hot to tootle over to Pennington Flash for the male Lesser Scaup (was it there today?), so dragonflying was the order of the day.
Birdwise, Mere Sands was predictably quiet, although a Kingfisher showed quite well, and Reed Warblers were still singing away.
Nuthatch and Greater 'pecker calling too, but aside from that Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Jay were the only birdies of note.
Got a few shots of a Moorhen family as I watched the reserve's dragonflies...
Plenty of Four Spot Chasers about, Brown Hawkers, two Emperors and a few Black Tailed Skimmers, but the best was a flyby Banded Demoiselle - very nice.
Dragonflies are a pain to try to photograph, but I got some reasonable images of Four Spotted Chaser.
Loads of Common Blue and Blue Tailed Damselflies and a distant Hawker - either Common or Southern (too far away to be sure) were buzzing about too.
Did a bit of botany (Common Spotted Orchid, Pendulous Flowered Helleborine) and headed home for a cold beer...pleasant enough morning.
Mothing on Friday night at home in Ainsdale, when I caught:
Buff Arches 2
Poplar Hawkmoth 3
Brimstone 5
Heart and Dart 30+
Silver Y 3
Swallowtail 1
Large Yellow Underwing 15
Small Magpie 7
Buff Ermine 9
The Flame 1
Dot Moth 3
Snout 1
Fan Foot 4
Grey Dagger 1
Dark Arches 6
Pale Shouldered Brocade? Didn't hang around long enough to be sure!
Garden Carpet 5
Common Emerald 1
Peach Blossom 2
Common Plume 1
Rivulet 2
Lesser Yellow Underwing 3
Brightline Brown Eye 1
Common Marbled CArpet 1
Knot Grass 2
Marbled Beauty 1
Looks great for trapping tonight actually - but I've got work in the morning, so I shan't be lighting up Dempsey Towers like a Christmas Tree this evening - the neighbours must be devastated.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
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