A day at home

I had a load of paperwork to do today so decided to stay at the lodge and squeeze in a bit of garden birding. 42 species in and from the garden HERE with highlights including a female-type Marsh Harrier flying high to the east, the first Firecrest for the garden autumn and a few Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps. The early morning vis-mig was pretty disappointing with very few hirundines and small numbers of Mipits.

The moth trap was also a bit dissappointing but it was a clear night with a bright moon. Highlights included Pink-barred Sallow (NFY) and also Sallow and Centre-barred Sallow and also a striking Scarce Bordered Straw.

I aslo got in a few bits of work around the garden including tidying up the pond, the path and car park area and a bit of pruning on the tomatoes. Also needed to put woodchip down in the duck pen as they are making a mess in there. As it's been unseasonaly warm and dry a bit of watering was also needed.

In the office we made good progress with Thee Bryans stuff and getting the paperwork out of the way. 

Garden Firecrest (above), Chiffchaff (below), Blackcap (below that) and Marsh Harrier (bottom bird pic)

Scarce Bordered Straw- a shock at first as in the early light I thought my number had finally come in with Eastern Bordered Straw but alas just a nicely marked Scarce 

Pink-barred Sallow 

Black Rustic- now appearing. Lunar Underwings also building (Ivy must been in flower now) so all very much mid-autumn