Migrants!

Was hoping for a summer migrant today at the Farmlands (most other local sites are getting Sand Martins already) but instead we got migrants of the winter kind in the form our first Med Gull for the year (a cracking summer adult) and a distant Great White Egret heading southeast (unfortunately my camera couldn't focus on it as it was too distant). There was also a single Fieldfare on the mound. Other interesting bits included 3 Water Pipits, 2 Green Sandpiper, 3 Wigeon, Buzzard, Peregrine (yesterday), singing male Blackcap on the bridge and 2-3 Chiffchaff. 

More action in the moth trap with the mild cloudy evenings with a few more NFYs. 

 Adult summer Mediterranean Gull . The status of Med Gull has changed at Beddington in recent years with wintering numbers reducing to occasional records and the post breeding dispersal migration in early autumn no longer occurring but seemingly been replaced by an early spring migration which in recent years has included groups (mainly adults) flying over. Now that tipping has finished at the farmlands, presumably they will become even less frequent. Interestingly this species seems to be doing very well along the South coast and in other parts of the UK so our local decline seems to confined to this area. 

 Presumed hybrid Lesser Black-backed x Herring Gull 

 Dotted Border - a first for year 

 Our best year for Twin-spot Quakers with up to six (also one Common Quaker in this picture for comparison ) 

Micro moths don't get much more boring this- Depressaria daucella (even got a depressing name). Another first for year.