Minor Matters

We are still yet to get a proper (Sub-Saharan) migrant at the farmlands this year despite LRPs and hirundines turning up already at most nearby patches. The period of strong Atlantic winds continues which is not helping migrants.  However there were some minor changes with a pair of new Wigeon joining our long staying three birds, a new male Stonechat, a Fieldfare, 5 Redwing and what looked like an intergrade Pied x White Wagtail. There was also a small passage of Chaffinch (15+) heading north with 2 Brambling going over with them. Surprisingly two male Meadow Pipits were singing on the mounds despite the very blustery conditions. Full sightings from today HERE

The moth trap has been steady over the last few days. Oak Nycteoline was new for the year today and had a Common Plume earlier in the week  but otherwise the usual Common and Small Quakers, Clouded Drabs, Twin-spot Quakers, Early Greys, Oak Beautys, Agonopterix alstromeriana, the odd Satellite and also had a Chestnut today. 

 Wigeon feeding on the new grassland edge to the Southern Lake 

 One of the few migrants today- a male Common Stonechat 

 Presumed intergrade Pied x White Wagtail. The grey on the flanks looks too extensive for a pure White and the contrast seems too great for a pure Pied. 

 Common Plume 

 Oak Beauty- been a good season (early Spring) for them 

Chestnut- a bit of local scarcity