Dave Brown

[dave brown]

Saturday 8th May 2010.
One look out of the window told me today was not the day for butterflies or dragonflies. A phone call from a friend then had us heading to my favourite place. Good old Dungeness. Scenery not the best in the world but the wildlife exceeedingly good. Thirty minutes later we were watching a Whiskered Tern hawking insects over the New Diggings, showing from the road to Lydd. Also present were a few hundred Swifts, Swallows, House and Sand Martins, together with a few Common Terns. A quick chat with Dave Walker (very friendly Observatory Warden) and his equally friendly assistant confirmed that the recent weather there meant little or no Butterfly or moth activity.
With the rain falling harder it was time to leave Dunge and head inland. The Iberian Chiffchaff at Waderslade had already been present over a week so it was time to catch up with it. On arrival at the small wood off Chesnut Avenue the bird showed and sang within a few minutes of our arrival. This is still a scarce bird in Britain so where was the crowd. In 30 minutes the maximum crowd was five, and that included 3 from our family. It sang for long periods of time and only once did it mutter the usual Chiffchaff call, otherwise it was Iberian Chiffchaff all the way. It also look slighlty different in structure and colour. To my eyes the upper parts were greener, the legs were a brown colour and the tail appeared longer. The latter being subjective as there was nothing nearby to compare with.
Still raining hard and no chance of butterflies, so we rounded off the day by heading to Marden Meadows to admire the sight of 3000 plus Green Winged Orchids. They are currently at their best. In amongst the normal colour we found one white and several pink ones.
Considering the weather a very good day of wildlife watching.

[dave brown]

Saturday and Sunday proved to be a little disappointing weather wise here in Mid/ East Kent. We started off near Chilham hoping to see Dingy or Grizzled Skipper but failed miserably. Only 5 Large Whites, 3 Small Whites, 2 Orange Tips, Green Veined White and Peacock were present, together with one Early Purple Orchid and 3 Speckled Yellow moths. A Common Buzzard flew over being harassed by a Crow.
Being so quiet we decided a spell of bird watching was in order. Oare Marsh had the usual common waders, together with 3 Common Sandpipers and 2 Avocets. Just east of Faversham we saw one Honey Buzzard (11.10hours), possibly the one seen near Dover earlier in the day, 2 Hobbys and 4 Sparrowhawks. A phone call had us searching the area just west of Canterbury where a Red Kite had been seen by several birders about 20 minutes earlier. We were out of luck, but we did see a Common Buzzard and 2 more Hobbys.
I was informed that at least 10 Duke of Burgundy's were out at Denge Wood but by now drizzle was falling so it would have been a pointless visit.
Rain was forecast by midday for Sunday so it was out early to look for Downy Emerald at Castle Water Rye. No luck with these either but we did see our first Small Heath and Hairy Dragonfly of the spring. Hobby and 2 Cetti's Warblers also present. We then called in at Beckley Woods near Rye to look for Grizzled Skipper. We checked 2 sites were we saw them last year but failed to find any on this visit. We did see 2 Brimstones, Red Admiral, 4 Large Whites, Speckled Wood, 5 Speckled Yellow moths and 4 Early Purple Orchids before calling it a day as the clouds came over. The weather forecast is better for the coming week so next weekend could be interesting.

[dave brown]

Thursday 20 May 2010.
A late afternoon/ early evening visit to a local wood near Chilham, Kent only produced 2 Brimstones, 4 Large Whites and many Speckled Yellow moths. The site seems suitable for Skippers but I have yet to see one here.
Next we visited Chilham Lakes where 2 Green Veined Whites were present, also one singing Nightingale.
Our last port of call was more successful where 2 Brown Argus, 2 Dingy Skippers, 4 Large Whites, 5 plus Burnet Companion moths and 9 Lady Orchids were on show at the base of a hill on the Wye National nature reserve.
Friday 21 May 2010.
The predicated weather forecast encouraged us over the border into East Sussex. We first called in at Abbots Wood near Eastbourne to the welcome site of 62 Pearl Bordered Fritillaries in the northern section of this wood. Even allowing for a possible few double counted the true number must have been in excess of 55. A great deal of management work has been undertaken resulting in not only increased numbers but an extension of their range within the wood. Also 4 Brimstones, 5 Large Whites, 1 Small Heath and many Speckled Yellow moths.
Next we called in at Park Corner Heath but this was fairly quite apart from Brimstones. Over 21 were present, along with 4 Speckled Woods, 3 Blood Vein moths and 2 singing Nightingales. I was informed that Grizzled Skipper is in low numbers at this location this year.
Dave

[dave brown]

Saturday 22nd May 2010

With a predicated warm day we decided to visit Oaken Wood to catch up with the Wood Whites. We walked the Oaken Wood complex and about half way to Botany Bay in brilliant sunshine, the downside being that most butterflies were constantly on the move making photography difficult. The count being 34 plus Wood Whites, 2 Grizzled Skippers, 10 Brimstones, 1 Green Hairstreak, 1 Red Admiral, 4 Speckled Woods, 4 Orange Tips, 1 Small Copper, 2 Peacocks, 1 Common Blue, many Large & Small Whites, many Speckled Yellow Moths, 2 Blood Vein moths, Hornet and 1 Hairy Dragonfly.
The true figure for Wood White was probably nearer 50 but we were trying not to double count as everything was so active. A really excellent day in a beautiful location.

Dave

[dave brown]

Update of recent days.

Saturday 29th May 2010.
The weather did not bode well for Butterflies and so it turned out, with only Large White being seen. We did call in at Oare Marshes to see a male Marsh Harrier and 4 Avocets. Elmley RSPB reserve produced 15 Little Egrets, Peregrine and Common Buzzard. At a location south of Faversham we had the wonderful sight of 376 White Helleborine Orchids just about to flower (I estimate about a week away). Also 15 Greater Twayblade.
Sunday 30th May 2010.
The day started dull so we commenced our day at Pett Level to see one Red Kite, 3 Common Buzzards, Hobby, Med Gull, Little Egret and 2 Cettis Warblers. Next was Beckley Woods. On the approach we saw 4 Common Buzzards, in the woods we came across 2 Common Blues, 2 Brimstones, 3 Large Whites, 12 Speckled Yellow moths, 6 Silver Y moths but still no Grizzled Skippers. Dragonflies seen were 1 Hairy Hawker and Broad Bodied Chaser. The weather was now starting to improve but Hamstreet woods only gave up 2 Brimstones, 3 Speckled Yellow moths, 5 Azure Damselflies and 1 Large Red Damselfly.
Monday 31st May 2010
The poor holiday weather continued so it was no surprise that a visit to East Blean woods failed to find any Heath Fritillaries. The only goodie being a Sharp Angled Peacock moth. Nearby Stodmarsh only produced 2 Hobbys, Sparrowhawk, Marsh Harrier, 200 plus Swifts and the usual Reed and Sedge warblers.
We ended the day at Yockletts Bank, a local site well known for its orchids. A brief visit produced 4 Fly Orchids, 26 Lady Orchids, 1 Common Spotted, 1 Greater Butterfly, 2 White Helleborine and 2 Greater Twayblades.
Like many others I found this weekend a great disapointment when it came to butterflies. Things can only get better.
Wednesday 02 June 2010.
A very welcome phone call from someone at Dungeness saw us joining him 45 minutes later to look at a splendid 1st Summer male Red Footed Falcon sitting on posts at the back of Hookers Pit. We also learnt that Grizzled Skipper numbers around the observatory trapping area were reasonable this year with a maximum of 15 being seen.
Dave

[dave brown]

SATURDAY 05 JUNE 2010
Today the forecast was good so it was time to catch up with Duke of Burgundy in Kent. My local site is Bonsai Bank in Denge Woods. Despite being a little late in the year there was still at least 8 on the wing, with 2 being in pristine condition. Also present 6 Common Blues, 8 Large Whites, 1 Speckled Wood,1 Burnet Companion (moth) and many Speckled Yellows (moth). This is also a good orchid site with 350 plus Lady Orchid still in good flower, 10 White Helleborine about to flower, 4 Greater Butterfly Orchid, with many Common Spotted and Greater Twayblade coming through. 2 Common Buzzards flew over, with Willow Warbler, Marsh Tit and Blackcap present.

SUNDAY 06TH JUNE 2010
The forecast was mixed but worth a visit to Ashdown Forest in case any early Silver Studded Blue were on the wing. Despite a 2 hour search we could not find any. We did see 1 Green Hairstreak, 2 Small Heath, 4 Large White, 1 Speckled Wood. Moths present included 3 Blood Vein, 10 Silver Y, 5 Lattice Heath and 3 Brown China Mark. Bird life was good with a final count of 10 Redstarts, 4 Tree Pipits, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Cuckoos, 2 Crossbills and 4 Redpolls.
Some dragonflies were on the wing and included 10 Broad Bodied Chasers, 6 Large Red Damselflys and 1 Four Spotted Chaser.

Dave

[dave brown]

MONDAY 7TH JUNE 2010
Today we visited Park Corner Heath in East Sussex and despite an overcast start we managed to see 8 Small Pearl Bordered Fritillaries, 1 Brimstone, 4 Blood Vein moths and a smashing Cream Spot Tiger moth. The sun was breaking through as we left with a number of visitors arriving, so I imagine more SPBF were seen later as the recording book showed up to 22 were present.
We then went on to nearby Glynde to see a minimum of 3 Red Kites and 2 Common Buzzards between there and Ringmer. The kites looked settled as we watched them for about an hour. Also 1 Common Blue.

WEDNESDAY 8TH JUNE 2010
The forecast was showers but this did not stop us checking out East Blean Wood near Canterbury. We found 5 Heath Fritillaries resting on bracken but none flew in the dull weather. Also present 1 Blood Vein moth and 3 Speckled Yellow moths. Heavy rain then fell stopping any further activity.

Dave

[dave brown]

WEDNESDAY EVENING 09TH JUNE 2010
The weather started to brighten up so a trip to an undisclosed site near Ashford was in order. Alas no Black Veined Moths were on the wing, maybe a few days too early. The Late Spider Orchids were in flower, but numbers are again low this year. 5 were suitable for photography.
We then visited Hamstreet Woods but could not locate the reported Nightjar. 2 Woodcocks did several circuits.

THURSDAY 10TH JUNE 2010
A trip to Sandwich Bay was the order of the day. On arrival the wind picked up and spoilt our chances of seeing much in the way of butterflies. All we could muster was 7 Small Heath, 4 Common Blue and 2 Red Admirals. We could find no Scarce Chasers, just 4 Blue Tailed Damselflies. The orchids at this site are all behind. We located 100 plus Lizard Orchids but nearly all were still in tight bud. Whilst checking these my eagle eyed son found 2 Sand Catchfly (plant) but these were behind as well. Broomrope were in good numbers, mainly Common but also Bedstraw (also known as Clove Scented). The weather then closed in putting paid to further exploration.

Dave

[dave brown]

SATURDAY 12 JUNE 2010
Had the predicated fine weather actually arrived we would have joined the others in the brambles looking for Black Hairstreak. Here in Kent it was dull and cloudly until the early afternoon, so we were not willing to make the long journey on this occasion. After rearranging our plans we ended up at Parkgate Down. It is an excellant Orchid site but also good for butterflies, except for today. It was all one species. 72 Common Blues were spread across the 3 fields that make up this nature reserve. Moths were represented by 7 Silver Y's. The first field contained 20 Monkey Orchids with many Common Spotted and Fragrant Orchid still not in full flower. The second was better with over 120 Monkey Orchids, and again many Common Spotted and Fragrant. The third field contained many Common Twayblade and Common Spotted but no sign of any Musk Orchid yet.

SUNDAY 13 JUNE 2010
In dull conditions we explored Wye Crown but not one butterfly was on the wing. Neither could we find any Burnt Tip Orchid. This is the third year running that we have failed to find any at this location. There was only ever small numbers but this is looking bad. It's a popular site for walkers, kite flyers and rabbits so perhaps the species is in trouble here.
We decided to give East Blean Woods another visit, which was a good choice as the sun came out on our arrival. Almost immediately 10 Heath Fritillaries were on the wing. Still low numbers, but perhaps a few more hot days and numbers will increase. Also seen 1 Common Blue, 1 Silver Y and 1 Treble Bar moth.
Next was Westbere for dragonflies, but butterflies seen were 3 Red Admirals, 4 Common Blue and 1 Large White. Dragonflies included 6 Scarce Chasers, 1 Large Red and many Azure, Variable, Common Blue and Blue Tailed Damselflies. 4 of the Scarce Chasers were alongside the public footpath that leads from the railway foot crossing and within the first 150 metres.
The final stop of the day was a roadside location near Crundale where 25 Man Orchids and 2 Common Buzzards were on view.
Not a brillant day for butterflies but not bad considering the weather.

Dave

[dave brown]

WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE 2010
After the disappointment of yesterdays visit to Queendown Warren (Kent) where we only saw 2 Common Blues on the wing in dull and dismal weather, todays visit to Monks Wood was much more positive.
Many thanks to the kind gentleman (PhilB?) who not only pointed out the best spot but give an update on all the latest information on Black Hairstreak at this location. It certainly is a very good spot to connect with this butterfly. My family spent an enjoyable hour in his company during which time we saw at least 9 different individuals. The sugar solution certainly seems to have a lot going for it with many staying on view for several minutes.
I will post a few photos later in the week. Also seen walking whilst around the wood, 14 Speckled Woods and 3 Common Buzzards overhead.

Dave

[dave brown]

THURSDAY 17 JUNE 2010
The weather here in East Kent this week has been very disappointing with very little opportunity for insects to fly. Todays dull and overcast skies with a strong North East wind was no exception. There was little chance of seeing any butterflies but a visit to Dungeness was rewarded with good views of one of the Purple Herons (featured on Springwatch this week). A Bittern then flew around for several minutes giving excellant views to the dozen or so people present. Also 4 Hobbys and a Marsh Harrier.
FRIDAY 18 JUNE 2010.
Despite the cold biting wind a visit to Langdon Bay near Dover saw 2 Large Skippers, 3 Common Blues and 1 Burnet Companion. We also saw a few Common Spotted Orchids but other orchids seemed very late.
Best of the day though was 1 Painted Lady, our first of the year.
SATURDAY 19 JUNE 2010
The cold temperatures continue so it was no suprise that a visit to Castle Water near Rye only turned up 23 Blue Tailed, 1 Variable Damselfly and 1 Red Admiral. The day was saved when a phone call diverted us to Dungeness where 6 Rannoch Loopers (moths) were trapped overnight at the Observatory. Up to last year this was a major rarity for Kent, but there was an influx last year and it appears the start of one this year, with 12 also trapped on Thanet this week. We have finally caught up with this moth for they were on display as we arrived. A visit to the reserve saw 2 Hobbys and 4 Common Spotted Orchids before the showers set in.

[dave brown]

THURSDAY 24TH JUNE 2010
Following a small influx into Kent of the Rannoch Looper moth over the previous week, for only about the fifth time this year we had put the moth trap out overnight in the garden more in hope than expectation, especially being 15 miles inland. However, much to our surprise we caught one. This was even more surprising when the total species caught was 6 and the total moth count was 15. This is the rarest moth we have ever caught in our urban garden, but goes to show how big or widespread the Rannoch Looper influx must be for this very rare migrant.

SATURDAY 26 JUNE 2010
ASHDOWN FOREST
We started our day at the Forest Lodge Nature Reserve and ended up walking around the area from the Smugglers car park. In total we saw 4 Silver Studded Blues (150 yards onto the heath from the Smugglers Car Park). This is the lowest number I have seen in this area and unless further emergence occurs is slightly worrying. The good news was the number of Large Skippers. We counted 35 but probably missed many more. Also 8 Meadow Browns, 3 Small Heaths, 1 late Brimstone, 8 Blood Vein moths, 3 Latticed Heath moths, 5 Emperor Dragonflies, 6 Broad Bodied Chasers, 18 Large Red Damselflies, 15 Heath Spotted Orchids, 4 Redstarts and 3 Tree Pipits. An excellent day spent in good weather at a great location.

SUNDAY 27 JUNE 2010
IDEN MOAT (EAST SUSSEX)
5 Small Tortoiseshell, 8 Large Skippers, 1 Red Admiral, 2 Meadow Browns, 1 Downy Emerald, 35 White Legged Damselflies, 6 Four Spotted Chasers, 2 Emperor Dragonflies, 1 Hairy Dragonfly, 7 Red Eyed Damselflies, Hobby, Common Buzzard and 2 adult Mediterranean Gull. Another good day as the sunshine continues

[dave brown]

TUESDAY 29 JUNE 2010.
An early evening visit to nearby Wye only found 3 Marbled Whites on the wing, but being our first of the year these were most welcome. Also present 2 Bee Orchids, 91 Pyramidal Orchids with 2 Turtle Doves purring away.

THURSDAY 01 JULY 2010.
A day off on what turned out to be a beautiful day saw us heading to the Field Centre at Sandwich Bay. Luckily we are members otherwise the road toll fee of £6 would be off putting on a regular basis. Well worth the visit though because as we walked through the door we met the very friendly warden who said would we like to see a Spurge Hawk Moth. Yes we would was the reply as this a real stunner and a mega rarity for Kent, only the 14th record we were informed. This was most unexpected. I attach a photo but apologise for the poor quality and reflection. It was quite active and did not dare take it out of the container for photos.
We then visited the area known as the North Stream, the area surrounding the railway line and ending up looking out the hide on Restharrow pool. Seen was a very tatty looking Painted Lady, 9 Common Blue, 5 Speckled Wood, 1 Large White, 5 Large Skipper, 2 Red Admirals, 20 plus Meadow Browns, 3 Red Veined Darters (Restharrow pool), 4 Scarce Chasers, 25 Black Tailed Skimmers, 5 Banded Demoiselle, 2 Four Spotted Chasers, 8 Emperor Dragonflies, 12 Blue Tailed Damselflies and many unidentified blue damselflies. Bird wise it was very quiet, mainly Swallows and House Martins hawking insects. A good day in a very interesting location that produced some real goodies.

Dave

[dave brown]

SATURDAY 3RD JULY 2010
Another visit to the Dungeness area in glorious sunshine provided a good mix of butterflies, with a few decent moths at the observatory. Butterflies included 7 Marbled White, 50 plus Small/ Essex Skippers (most were Small), 2 Red Admirals, 2 Tortoiseshells, 2 Small Copper and 27 Meadow Browns. Good moths included 1 Scarce Black Arches, 1 Brown Scallop, 1 Peach Blossom and 1 Small Emerald.
We called in to check the Royal Military Canal at Kennardington, this produced 1 Comma, 2 Speckled Woods, 1 Red Admiral, 7 Red Eyed Damselflies and our first Brown Hawker of the year.
Hamstreet Forest produced 4 White Admirals, 1 Comma, 1 Large Skipper, 8 Small Skippers and 2 Common Buzzards.

SUNDAY 04TH JULY 2010.
Whilst the rest of the country seemed to be looking at Purple Emperors, wearing such oddities as smelly socks and dirty jeans to enhance their chances, we decided to look for White Letter Hairstreak, which is now a rarity in East Kent. We decided to visit the Royal Military Canal at Warehorne where sightings used to be regular many years ago. A 3 hour search did produce 4 sightings, but they remained in the tops of an Elm tree and gave no photographic opportunities. Also seen during the long walk was 4 Essex Skippers, 12 Small Skippers, 1 Marbled White, 25 plus Meadow Browns, 3 Small Tortoiseshells, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Ringlet and 4 Large Whites. Dragonflies seen were 1 Emperor, 2 Southern Hawkers, 1 Ruddy Darter, 12 Common Darters, 5 Blue Tailed Damselflies, numerous Azure and Variable damselflies and 1 Emerald Damselfly. Birds included 1 Common Buzzard and 2 Lesser Whitethroats.
We then spent the rest of the day in Beckley Woods (East Sussex). This was excellent, with 23 Silver Washed Fritillaries, 14 White Admirals, 2 Purple Hairstreaks, 8 Ringlets, 30 plus Meadow Browns, 1 Red Admiral, 4 Commas, 1 Large Skipper, 1 Hummingbird Hawk Moth, 9 Southern Hawkers, 35 Common Darters, 1 Black Tailed Skimmer and 1 Marsh Tit. A really good end to a most enjoyable day.

Dave

[dave brown]

SATURDAY 10TH JULY 2010
We started the day at Warehorne looking for White Letter Hairstreaks, but without luck. Strangely we found 3 Purple Hairstreaks in the Elm tree and not the usual oak tree habit. The long walk was very pleasant and resulted in 12 Small Skippers, Red Admiral, Comma, 8 Gatekeepers, 5 Large White, 25 Meadow Browns and 3 Brown Hawkers. Next stop was the Denge marsh area of Dungeness to see the by now famous Purple Herons. We had to wait about 30 minutes but then saw Purple Heron, Great White Heron and Bittern, all in the space of 10 minutes, much to the appreciation of the gathered crowd. A phone call then sent us to the trapping area at Dungeness Bird Observatory to see a resting Lesser Emperor dragonfly. It had been present for nearly two hours in the same spot so perhaps a migrant resting after the long journey. I attach a photograph, not the best of quality, but a record shot showing it to be a probable female. Our first female, but about our 10th Lesser Emperor in total. All at Dungeness over the last decade.
Back at the observatory we saw a Sussex Emerald, Maidens Blush and Obscure Wainscot (moths) and Deptford Pink (flower).
A really good day enjoyed by all the family.

SUNDAY 11TH JULY 2010.
Whilst just about everybody else had been to see Purple Emperors somewhere, up until now we had resisted the temptation. Today however was probably our last chance this flight season in predicated good weather so we found ourselves at Mark Beech (Kent) late morning. This is one of Kent’s best and well known sites, but even though well watched there are not many reports of good numbers here or sightings on the ground. We had left the smelly socks behind, but still hopeful that some would be on the wing. At about 11.30 am the first one appeared and flew around the master tree. Over the next 30 minutes we had sightings of 1, 1 and 2. Barry Wright then joined us with camera in hand and over the next couple of hours we saw further ones and twos. We never saw all PE’s together, but judging by the direction of approach and dispersal I would think at least 3, if not 4, different individuals were present. Barry managed to get several decent photographs to confirm the sightings.
Also seen were 4 White Admirals, 7 Purple Hairstreaks, 5 Ringlets, Red Admiral and 2 Brown Hawkers.
We than called at a small stream near Bough Beech to see 8 White Legged Damselflies, 11 Banded Demoiselles, 2 Southern Hawkers, Emperor Dragonfly, 3 Red Eyed Damselflies.
We were just about to pull up outside our home when my son sitting in the back suddenly said Mega at Dungeness, without even stopping we were on our way. The call in question turned out to be the wandering White Tailed Plover present on the ARC pit. We arrived to find about 20 birders looking rather depressed, not a good sign. Never one to give up we spread the search to other parts of Dungeness, luckily the bird reappeared on the same pit about an hour later much to the delight of the gathering crowd. I attach a poor record photograph which does not do the bird full justice. A really good end to an excellent weekend.

Dave

[Michaeljf]

The call in question turned out to be the wandering White Tailed Plover present on the ARC pit. I attach a poor record photograph which does not do the bird full justice.

Dave,
I don't think you've loaded up a picture of the Plover there....unless it's invisible?

[dave brown]

Here is the Swallow Tail moth. I am having trouble loading the White Tailed Plover. The picture appears to be 1.78MB and the blog only accepts 512K.
Not sure why the file is that big as the photo is not that good. Computers are not my strong point. Perhaps Pete can tell me how to reduce the photo size to allow it through. Otherwise you will all have to look at the invisible picture of the Plover and imagine how good it was. I have never seen so many excited Kent birders, many having waited a life time to see one.

Dave

[Pete Eeles]

Perhaps Pete can tell me how to reduce the photo size to allow it through.

Not sure what software you have available. But try here:

http://www.picresize.com/

Cheers,

- Pete

[dave brown]

Pete, thank you for the link. I will try to downsize the photo in the week when I have more time to understand the process.
My cheap and old Fuji camera creates files that are below your limit, but my Samsung MP4 for digiscoping goes over 1MB per file.

SATURDAY 17TH JULY 2010.
Today did not look too promising weather wise, but in the end we had a reasonable time. Starting the day in Hamstreet woods (Kent) we located 3 White Admirals, 8 Purple Hairstreaks, 10 Peacocks, 1 Red Admiral, 2 Large Skippers, 4 Small Skippers, 20 Gatekeepers, 3 Ringlets, 50 plus Meadow Browns, 1 Speckled Wood and 4 Large Whites. Moths included 1 Large Emerald and 1 Buff Tip. Dragonflies present were 3 Migrant Hawkers and 30 Common Darters, birds represented by an overhead Peregrine and Sparrowhawk.
The White Tailed Plover at Dungeness was too much of an attraction so an afternoon visit gave reasonable views. It is now much more distant from the hide as the recent rains seemed to have made the water levels rise. It is still a popular draw one week on, with over 50 birders present at the time of our arrival. Also one Garganey from the viewing screen. At the observatory we saw a very battered Pine Hawk Moth, 1 Lunar Spotted Pinion and 1 Small Seraphim. The Deptford Pink was still in flower near the Observatory. A good day enjoyed by all.

Dave

[dave brown]

SUNDAY 18 TH JULY 2010.
Today we decided to visit Cliffe Pools RSPB reserve. News had filtered out during the week of at least one Southern Emerald damselfly present, so with this in mind and an opportunity to see good numbers of butterflies, it had the makings of a good day.
In the end the wind was too strong to give photographic views of the dragonfly but we did see at least one male and one female Southern Emerald, with a second male some 25 metres from the first which was probably a different individual. During the 2 hours we were there sightings were difficult because the wind was keeping everything low, but numbers of Scarce Emerald Damselfly were the highest I have ever seen in this part of Cliffe (second viewing point along the bumpy track, and then walk north east for 50 metres along the side track).
50 plus Scarce Emerald Damselfly, 20 plus Ruddy Darter, also Common Darter and Southern Hawker. 2 Marbled Whites, 2 Small Heath, 5 Red Admirals, 12 Large Whites, 6 Gatekeepers and 20 Meadow Browns.

On the way home we called in at a small wood south of Faversham to see 1 plus Silver Washed Fritillary, 2 White Admirals, 2 Purple Hairstreaks, 15 Large Whites, 2 Gatekeepers, 25 plus Meadow Browns, 2 Commas, Red Admiral, Peacock and 200 Broad Leaved Helleborines not too far from flowering.

With luck the distant photo of the White Tailed Plover is attached and also a poor shot of a Purple Hairstreak landed briefly low down.
Dave