Really should have made the trip over to Martin Mere today for a fine bag of waders - 3 Temminck's Stint, 2 Wood Sands and all the other mere goodies, but the soaring temperatures confined me to base and the garden.
Close cold beer will usually beat a distant hot stint these days.
Not to say that Dempsey Towers hasn't had anything of interest - the garden's first Broad Bodied Chaser, this immature male (above), zoomed in yesterday.
Always find tenerals a bit confusing, so I took the coward's way out and handed the id over to Phil Smith, who kindly did the honours.
Small Copper, Holly Blue and Peacocks on the wing and a spot of mothing last night yielded Swallow Prominent, Treble Lines, Gold Spot, Brimstone, Shuttle Shaped Dart and a striking red and black Common Marbled Carpet, which threw me for awhile.
Marshside was hot and Avocetty last time I looked, with Dunlin, Reed Warblers, Percy Sledge and Wheatear still.
Mebbe the thundery conditions forecast for later in the week will bring us a quality wader or two to compete with the mere.
Quick visit to Plex this afternoon to enjoy the breeze over the flat fields saw several Common Buzzards doing the same (cull them to protect Pheasants? What planet is DEFRA on???!?).
The scaffolding is down on the Haskayne Cutting as pylon work moves on, so I took advantage and had a wander.
Singing Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Percy Sledge, Yellowhammer and lots of marsh orchids coming up.
Plus plenty of hot, hot sun.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
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Hi John,
Moth trapped at Ainsdale reserve on Friday with Ron Moyes and Colin Daly. Very decent night (53 macros & 3 micros).
Pick of the bunch I suppose was a single White Colon. It's a real specialist this one, living on vegetated sand-dunes. It's categorised as Nationally Scarce B (recorded from 31-100 sites since 1980). This makes it much rarer than the Dark-green Frits and Graylings that zip about the reserve later in the year (both Local - 101-300 sites). We managed a single White Colon last year also - great to see it again!
We also bagged a Bordered Sallow (new for us on the site). This one's a Local moth, quite common down south, but much scarcer and more coastal up here. All in all a good night!
Keep up the good work with the blog!
BRgds
John
Not really on our patch but I had the privilege of a fantastic walk around World's End and the Horseshoe pass at the weekend.
Managed to get sightings of the following: Blackcap, Redstart, Tree Pipit, Willow and Garden Warblers, Stonechat, Pied and Spotted Flycatcher, Dipper, Grey Wag and House Martin.
Fantastic learning experience for me and a highly recommended walk. Tick of the day: Dipper taking a bath on the way to World's End!
To celebrate The Queen’s Jubilee weekend, on Sunday 3 June, the RSPB and North Meols Civic Society invite you to take a journey back in time on a guided walk exploring the rich coastal heritage of Marshside.
Beginning in Roman times, participants will be invited to delve into the history and wildlife of the area including the 60 years of the Queen’s reign to this Jubilee year, as they travel from semi-detached suburbia to the sea. Walkers will learn about dramatic changes to the coast, the people who have lived in the area and the wildlife that is found here today.
The event also provides an opportunity to explore RSPB Marshside, an internationally important wetland nature reserve on the shores of the Ribble estuary. An experienced guide will introduce walkers to the place where the RSPB protects and manages 110 ha of coastal grassland and pools that are home to breeding waders, wintering wildfowl and other wildlife such as brown hares and wintering birds of prey.
The walk will make use of the footpath and cycle route along Marshside Road which was completed in 2011 with funding from HLF under the auspices of the Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership Scheme.
To take part, meet the guides at 11am at local historical landmark, the Fog Bell, on Marshside Road (opposite Stanley High School sports field). The walk will finish in the Sandgrounders’ hide at RSPB Marshside reserve visitor centre.
Suitable clothing and footwear is advised, as the walk will take in an exposed site across the saltmarsh.
The event is free, but donations are always welcome. No dogs please. There is no need to book, just turn up!
Instead of driving why not take the bus? Buses 44 and 15 both stop just by the fog bell on Marshside Road.
Free parking is available in the Sefton Council car park opposite the junction of Marshside Road and Marine Drive. For more details phone 01704 226190 or visit www.rspb.org.uk/marshside.