Dave Brown

dave brown · Post by **dave brown** » Thu Jan 16, 2020 3:38 pm

May can be an exciting month with many things happening at the same time. For us the month started with another visit to Oare Marshes where 6 Emperor Moths were still present, along with Nightingale, Lesser Whitethroat and 12 Yellow Wagtails. it was nice to see 3 Hobby's, but the fact that they were hawking over the reedbeds probably meant that they were after Dragonflies and possibly the Emperor Moths. Luckily, being it is one of Kent's only sites, the Southern Migrant Hawkers were yet to emerge. Another visit on the 5th only found 3 Emperor Moths

Nearby a Cattle Egret was on Luddenham Marshes on the 5th.
The 6th saw our first returning Turtle Dove, this was at Warehorne. Not much happened until the 12th when we saw a Night Heron fly over Conningbrook CP at dusk and head up the Stour Valley. Garden Warbler, Blackcap and Cuckoo also seen.
Our annual visit to Yocklets Bank for the Lady Orchids found a few in flower, along with 18 Fly Orchids, Turtle Dove purring and several Brimstone and Orange Tips. Next was Bonsai Bank for the Duke of Burgundy where we saw 21 individuals plus 5 Green Hairstreaks, 2 Dingy Skippers, 400 plus Lady Orchids, 5 Brimstones and 3 Orange Tips. A beautiful reserve.
Next was a trip to Broadstairs to see the Pied Crow. Most likely a ship assisted bird but still nice to see. It was quite flighty and mobile but with patience gave decent views. The 18th found a fine male Serin at Littlestone (Kent) singing from what was to become its favourite tree. It stayed singing its heart out for nearly a month, but no mate seen. The 20th produced an Adult Whiskered Tern at Dungeness RSPB with the same day producing Mocha, LIme Hawkmoth and Scalloped Hazel at Rucking (all moths).
On the 21st we visited the Denge Wood complex looking for the rare White-spotted Sable moth, but without any luck. The same day gave us a garden Small Copper. Less than annual here.
The 22nd was a good day at Dungeness. We started with a fine Male Red Backed Shrike, Spotted Flycatcher, Black Redstart, our first Small Heaths and Brown Argus. Good moths with Great Prominent, Orange Footman, Lime Hawkmoth and Small Elephant Hawkmoth. Then with the help of 2 friends we were shown some good plants. Small Flowered Buttercup, Slender Thistle, Rough Clover, Suffocated Clover, Clustered Clver, Burrowing Clover, Yellow Vetch and finally Sea Pea. Some day for wildlife spotting.
Another visit to Yocklets Bak saw the numbers of Fly Orchid increase to 41 supported by 2 Greater Butterfly Orchids.
With good weather continuing we searched the Orlestone Forest complex on the 25th for Butterflies finding our first ever Grizzled Skipper in the Longrope part. We assume that these had spread from the nearby Faggs Wood small colony. The next day we found 3 at the same spot. Many Brimstones, Peacocks and Common Blues were also present. Calling in at Ruckinge we were treated to a Red Belted Clearwing, Sharp-angled Carpet, Dwarf Pug and Scorched Carpet (moths). The 27th saw Grey Birch and another Red Belted Clearing at Rucking with 2 Garganey, Four Spotted Chaser and Azure Damselfly at Dungeness.
We ended a great moth with 17 Late Spider Orchids, 15 Man Orchids and 2 Bee Orchids at Wye NNR, together with 5 Adonis Blue, Dingy Skipper and Wall Brown. Nearby 80 plus Monkey Orchids were at Parkgate Down.
In summary May lived up to expectations, and the weather was generally enjoyable.

: Grizzled Skipper at Longrope Wood (Orlestone Forest).

: Duke of Burgundy at Bonsai Bank (Kent).

: Pied Crow at Broadstairs (Kent). Bird of unknown origin.

: Green Hairstreak at Bonsai Bank (Kent).

: Late Spider Orchid at Wye NNR.

David M · Post by **David M** » Thu Jan 23, 2020 7:18 pm

That's a beautiful commentary on the month of May, Dave, with a few images that are redolent of that most gorgeous period in the year.

Good to see that you have a Duke site in Kent.

dave brown · Post by **dave brown** » Mon Feb 24, 2020 3:21 pm

June 2019.
June can be the month when we run around like a headless chicken. Usually there is so much wildlife on offer, including good species of both Butterflies and Moths, but this year it was, or seemed, quieter. We did get a good start with 9 Small Pearl Borders, 25 Small Heaths, 4 Dingy Skippers, 11 Brimstone and 3 White Legged Damselflies at Park Corner Heath. Old literature shows Broad-bordered Bee Hawkmoth present but we couldn't find any. Nice to bump into Neil at this location, who confirmed that he personally had also not seen BB Bee Hawkmoth there for a number of years. Still, there is always next year.
On the way home we visited Ruckinge to see a Currant Clearwing, Sand Carpet and Large Nutmeg.
The next day it was back to Ruckinge to see Small Yellow Wave and a micro moth called Triaxomera fulvimitrella. We saw 3 more of this Micro moth flying in the Orlestone Forest complex along with 11 Common Blues and 2 Brimstone. Onto to Dungeness to see another Small Yellow Wave and a Grass Rivulet.
On the 4th we managed to track down a small clump of the rare Sea Clover near Camber (East Sussesx).The next day saw us watching 3 Hairy Dragonflies and 5 Four Spotted Chasers at Oare Marshes with a nice showing of 300 plus White Helleborines in a wood a few miles away. An early June visit (6th) to East Blean Wood found 4 Heath Fritillary already on the wing and for the 3rd year running a Norfolk Hawker in the Car Park. This scarce British dragonfly seems to have taken a liking to this part part of Britain, for small numbers are present at Westbere and Grove Ferry. It was not so long ago that you really could only find it in Norfolk. Calling in at Wye NNR on the way home we found 11 Bee Orchids, 7 Man Orchids, Orange Tip, Green Hairstreak, Adonis Blue, Common Blue and Brimstone butterflies.
The 9th saw us in East Sussex looking at old stone walls at Whinchelsea where we found lots of Wall Pennyport, also known as Navelwort. A more common plant in the west of Britain but very scarce here in the South East.
The 11th found us back in East Sussex, this time in Brede High Woods, looking for Greater Broomrape. This was an old location for this plant although I had not heard of any recent sightings. After a bit of searching, and a bit of help from another gentleman, we eventually saw 33 plants under Gorse bushes. Butterflies were hard to come by but we did eventually see 9 Small Heaths and 6 Brown Silver Line moths. Depending on your likes we did see a fine Adder basking in the sun but decided a wide berth was best.
The 13th was a hands and knees job to see good numbers of the plant Sand Catchfly at Littlestone (Kent). It seems strange seeing this scarce plant in an area full of tourists, walkers and children playing. The actual site of the plants is probably just enough off the well trodden areas.
Another visit to Wye NNR on the 15th found 3 Black Veined Moths, 17 Late Spider Orchids, 4 Adonis Blues, Dingy Skipper and the usual common butterflies.
The 17th found us at Malling Down (near Lewes) failing miserably on both Cistus and Scarce Forester moths. We are sure they are present here but we could not find any. We did find one plant of Knapweed Broomrape but little else.
The next decent day was the 20th where a few hours in the Orlestone complex found 8 Painted Lady's, 4 White Admirals, Ringlets and many Meadow Browns. In addition we again found White Legged Damselfly well away from water. On arriving back home we saw Painted Lady and a Hummingbird Hawkmoth in the garden.
The 23rd saw us make a quick and unexpected visit to Thetford where we saw many Proliferous Pinks, Spanish Catchfly,, Purple Milk Vetch together with numerous Oblique Stripped Moths. These were at both Cranwich Camp and Cranwich Heath. This reason we were there was to meet a good friend who would guide us to the very rare Tawny Wave moth. That was the plan, but it took around 2 hours before we spotted one. Fortuneatly it settled and big smiles were in order. His plant knowledge also proved invaluable with Bur Medick, Knotted Clover and Black Medick all being seen. Nerby a Six Barred Clearwing and hundreds of Purple stemmed Cats-tail was a nice end to the day.
Keeping up the good run the 25th found us at Dungeness looking at only our second ever Ringed Border (moth), supprted by Scarlet Tiger, Red Necked Footman, Langmaids Yellow Underwing, the rare micro moths Chrysocrambus linetella and Dioryctria abietella, also 16 Painted Ladys and 5 Marbled Whites.
The 27th saw us looking at our earliest ever Willow Emerald Damselfly, whilst the 29th gave us 5 White Legged Damselflies, 8 Silver Washed Fritillary, 27 White Admirals, with many Ringlets and Meadow Browns in Orlestone Forest. To cap a fine day we ended at Tenterden looking at 188 plants of Ivy Broomrape.
The 30th ended a good month with a Red Barred moth at Ruckinge, with lots of Small Skippers, Large Skippers, Marble Whites and Small Heaths at Dungeness. Best of all was an amazing carpet of Sheeps-bit in full flower in a stunning blue colour.
To sum up June was, for us, a mixed month, with some goodies, but many nights of a poor showing in our garden moth trap and a general lack of butterflies on our garden flowers.

: Wall Pennywort at Winchelsea

: Norfolk Hawker East Blean (Kent).

: Ivy Broomrape near Tenterden.

: Sand Catchfly at Littlestone

: Barred Red at Ruckinge.

: Tawny Wave (Cranwich).

dave brown · Post by **dave brown** » Sat Feb 29, 2020 10:25 am

Continuing with a few photo's from June 2019.

: Heath Fritillary at East Blean Woods.

: Adonis Blue at Wye NNR.

: White Admiral at Orlestone Forest

: Bee Orchid at Wye NNR.

: Red Belted Clearwing (Moth) at Ruckinge.

: Greater Broomrape in East Sussex. Some of these plants were 0.8m tall.

trevor · Post by **trevor** » Sat Feb 29, 2020 6:47 pm

Superb White Admiral image, Dave.
First day of meteorological Spring tomorrow, so we should be off the mark soon.

All the best,
Trevor.

David M · Post by **David M** » Sat Feb 29, 2020 10:31 pm

trevor wrote: ↑Sat Feb 29, 2020 6:47 pmSuperb White Admiral image, Dave.

Agreed. That is one lustrous insect, Dave. Beautiful specimen.

dave brown · Post by **dave brown** » Fri Mar 13, 2020 2:29 pm

Thanks Trevor and David for your kind White Admiral comments.

July 2019.
As mentioned earlier 2019 was, in my opinon, poor for moths, compared to previous years. However it did have a few garden highlights. Our second ever Feeston Moth on the 06th was one of those. 2 White Points on the same night followed by one on the 11th was an indication that this once scarce species may be expanding in our area. Less than annual was Reddish Light Arches and the Miller, also on the 11th. Even better was our first ever garden record of the Gypsy Moth on the 21st. To give some idea of numbers this year our highest total of Large Yellow Underwing was 6, whereas we normally record daily totals of 40 to 50.

The 2nd found us back in East Sussex, near Ringmer, looking for Knapweed Broomrape. We managed to find one but had been expecting higher numbers. Still, the same site gave us 7 Painted Lady's and numerous Marbled Whites. The next day found us checking Elm trees near Warehorne where the very small colony of White Letter Hairstreaks was hanging on with 4 individuals. Again, good numbers of Marble Whites present. A quick visit to Dungeness where a Sussex Emerald, Goat Moth and micro moth Sitochroa palealis were available.
A pleasant walk around Stodmarsh/ Grove Ferry NNR found 16 Norfolk Hawkers viewable from the paths. Considering the vast areas of the reserve that are inaccesible to visitors it true numbers here must be significantly higher. We also came across the rare Marsh Sow Thistle near Marsh Hide. It's a very tall plant being nearly 3 metres high.
The 6th saw us at Ruckinge looking at the Small Chocolate -Tip moth. A scarce and seemingly decreasing moth in Kent.
A visit to Rye Harbour NR on the 10 July saw us looking at a fine patch of 200 plus Marsh Helleborine Orchids. A big thank you to the very helpful warden for showing us the actual spot. Also many Marsh Mallow plants.
Into the Orlestone Forest complex on the 11th where 16 White Admirals, 53 Marbled Whites, 29 Purple Hairstreaks and 4 Silver Washed Fritillaries cheered us up no end, but alas another year without Purple Emperors at this seemingly suitable location.
A visit on th 13th to Ashdown Forest, one of our favourite South East locations, was again enoyable, with 15 Silver Studded Blues, 25 Keeled Skimmers and 4 Small Red Damselflies.
A visit to Oare Marshes on the 16th to see a Lesser Yellowlegs was enhanced by 3 Southern MIgrant Hawkers. The next day (17th) found 5 Southern Migrant Hawkers, 1 Small Red Eyed Damselfly and 2 Six Belted Clearwing moths there. The 18th saw us looking at a distant male Ferruginous Duck at Pett Level on one of the pools.
The 23rd could have been a brillant day for us had we managed to find the Scarlet Darter (dragonfly) photographed the previous day at Pannel Valley (near Icklesham). Despite 3 hours searching could not relocate, still all the common dragonflies and damselflies were on the wing and made a most enjoyable visit.
The 24th saw us watching the returning Bonapartes Gull at Oare Marshes and another Six Belted Clearwing.
The 27th was a good day at Dungeness with 2 Temmincks Stints, 7 Wood Sandpipers, Curlew Sandpiper, 3 Spotted Redshanks, 10 Greenshanks and 2 Garganey. Together with a migrant Tawny Wave, yes we had gone all the way to Thetford last month to see this species, but that's the point of watching migration, you never know what surprise lies in wait. Also Pale Shouldered, Dewicks Plusia, Tree-lichen Beauty and Small Purple-barred. Probably our best moth day of the year. The next day saw a second Pale Shouldered trapped by another mother at Dungeness together with the beautiful Orache Moth.
We ended the month with 17 Willow Emerald Damselflies at Kenardington and the rare migrant micro moth Ancylolmia tentaculella at Ruckinge.

Not our best July on record but still a most exciting period of Nature Watching. Some more photos to follow.

: Roseles Cricket at Wye NNR.

: Spoonbill at Dungeness.

Neil Freeman · Post by **Neil Freeman** » Fri Mar 13, 2020 8:09 pm

dave brown wrote: ↑Fri Mar 13, 2020 2:29 pm ...To give some idea of numbers this year our highest total of Large Yellow Underwing was 6, whereas we normally record daily totals of 40 to 50.

That is a remarkably low count for LYU Dave. My highest count for these here in my Warwickshire garden in 2019 was 92. It was a relatively poor year in my garden overall though with some usual suspects not turning up at all.

Cheers,

Neil.

dave brown · Post by **dave brown** » Mon Mar 16, 2020 2:02 pm

A few more photos from recent outings.

: Azure Damselfly. A reasonably common damselfly as we travel around Kent.

: Marbled White at Orlestone Forest.

: Small Chocolate Tip.

: Tawny Wave at Dungeness. This must have been a migrant for Tawny Wave is only resident in Norfolk/ Suffolk.

: Late photo from May.

: Willow Emerald Damselfly near Appledore (Kent).

David M · Post by **David M** » Tue Mar 17, 2020 10:13 pm

Some nice reminders of last year, Dave, particularly the Marbled White.

Nature is giving oxygen to all our moods right now. I doubt we've ever needed it so much.

dave brown · Post by **dave brown** » Fri Mar 20, 2020 12:42 pm

Thanks David. You are right about nature giving us all something good to look forward too during what will no doubt be a very testing time for many, both
emotionally and financially.

AUGUST 2019.
The month started well with 5 Wood Sandpipers at Dungeness on the 1st, with 3 Red Underwings resting on their favourite spot (the walls of Hanson Hide). The 3rd gave 2 Pied Flycatchers and 4 Painted Lady's at Dungeness. A trip into the Orlestone complex on the 4th found 11 Silver Washed Fritillay, only 1 White Admiral, 18 Painted Lady's, only 2 Marbled Whites, 16 Brimstone, 3 Brown Argus, 2 Essex Skippers and an amazing 73 Peacocks.

The 5th was a Garden Red Letter day with both Gypsy Moth (1st record was on the 21st July) and a Southern Oak Bush Cricket (1st garden record).
The 6th was time to visit Wye NNR for the Sickle-bearing Bush Crickets, 20 counted, Also 2 Wasp Spiders, a Roseles Cricket, 14 Wall Browns, 18 Chalkhill Blues, 11 Painted Lady's, 4 Brown Argus and one, yes just one, Silver Spotted Skipper. Can they hang on here in such low numbers.
The 7th found 2 Cattle Egrets at Dungeness and a Common Blue and 2 Painted Lady's in our garden.
The 8th found 8 Southern Migrant Hawkers at Oare Marshes.
The 10th would have been a good day had we seen the Queen of Spain Fritillary that was seen and photograped at South Foreland. After 3 hours we gave up but some compensation in the form of 2 Great Green Bush Crickets.
We counted 30 Willow Emeralds at Kennardington on the 11th. Another visit on the 13th to South Foreland again saw no sign of the Queen of Spain Fritillary. A check of Oare Marshes on the 15th found no Southern Migrant Hawkers, just Migrant Hawkers, on terrorities formerly held by SMH. This happened last year. There appears to be a period of 2 or 3 days where the SMH are totally displaced by Migrant Hawkers. The returning Bonapartes Gull was on it's usual haunts on the sea front.
The 16th was interesting for us with a Raven and 2 Med Gulls over the Garden. Clearing the weeds does have it's perks. A most unexpected sighting on the 18th was a Wheatear in Ashford Station Car Park at 07.40hrs. Spurred on by this we visited the Orlestone Forest complex later in the day to find 41 Painted Lady's, 24 Common Blues, 4 Brimstones and 300 plus Migrant Hawkers patrolling the rides in amazing numbers.
A visit to Wye NNR on the 20th found 25 Sickle-bearing Bush Crickets, 40 Chalkhill Blues, 3 Adonis Blues, 19 Brown Argus, 11 Painted Lady's but no sign of any Silver Spotted Skippers. The 21st saw a Osprey at Oare Marshes.
Never one to resist another visit to Wye NR this time (24th) we did find the single Silver Spotted Skipper, along with 35 Chalkhill Blues, 17 Adonis Blues, 20 Brown Argus and 4 Painted Lady's. The same day also gave us another Garden moth trap first in the form of Toadflax Brocade and our highest count of Silver Y (31) of the year on the Buddleia Bush.
Not sure what was so special about the 25th but we counted 129 Willow Emerald Damselflies near Appledore (Kent).

So, one or two surprises, but on the whole numbers down. Hopefully it was just a case of insects finding shelter from the heat.

: Dewicks Pulsa at Dungeness (from July).

: Med Gull at Dungeness

: One of many Painted Lady' in Orleston Forest.

: Southern Migrant Hawker at Oare Marshes.

: Silver Spotted Skipper. The lonelly individual at Wye NR.

David M · Post by **David M** » Sun Mar 22, 2020 8:40 pm

You do come up with some unusual stuff, Dave.

I'd never even heard of Dewicks Plusia, let alone seen it.

I searched on Google and it would appear that this is a pretty infrequent visitor:

A migrant to the UK, it has been recorded less than four hundred times, most often at light from coastal counties of England but numbers are increasing, possibly supported by transitory breeding. Easily recognised by large metallic silver 'dog-leg' mark in the centre of a pinkish-brown bar on the forewing.

https://butterfly-conservation.org/moths/dewicks-plusia

dave brown · Post by **dave brown** » Thu Mar 26, 2020 2:47 pm

September 2019.

September can be an exciting month for migration of both Birds and Moths but this year seemed flat.

The 3rd started well with both Hummingbird Hawkmoth, Vetral and Portland Ribon Wave at Dungeness with an Osprey over but nothing much else happened until the 7th when a small movement of 500 plus Swallows, 300 plus House Martins, 50 Sand Martins and the usual attendant Hobby passed over Appledore (Kent). A small fall of common migrants on the 8th at Dengemarsh was accompanied by large numbers of Migrant Hawkers.
The next decent day was the 10th at Oare Marshes with a miniumum of 5 Clouded Yellows together with lots more Migrant Hawkers and 3 Curlew Sandpipers. The 11th produced a large movement of Sandwich and Common Terns with hundreds of each, chased by 3 Arctic Skuas. 3 Avocets on the ARC pit plus a Gargeney.
The 12th found us checking Wye NNR with 4 Sickle-bearing Bush Crickets, Roseles Cricket, 14 Chalkhill blues, 4 Adonis Blues and a Brown Argus.
A check of Orlestone Forest on the 14th sill found 5 Brimstones, 33 Commas, 16 Red Admirals, 7 Peacocks and a Painted Lady.
A check of Dungeness on the 17th found Pectoral Sandpiper, Cattle Egret, Spotted Flycatcher but only 1 Clouded Yellow.
The 21st found us checking Wye NNR for probably the last visit of 2019 with 9 Sickle-bearing Bush Crickets, 1 Adonis Blue, 2 Chalkhill Blues and 11 Small Heaths indicating that the season was drawing to a close.
Our friends at Ruckinge saved the Autumn with the very rare Shining Marbled (moth) on the 22nd. The first record of this very rare moth in the UK was not until 2006 since when a few records have been noted.
We noted a big movement, many thousands, of Swallows, over Oare Marshes on the 23rd. Always an impressive sight.
The 26th saw a small sea movement at Dungeness which included 6 Baleric Shearwaters, 12 Arctic Skuas and a lone Great Skua. The 28th was good for an American Golden Plover at Oare Marshes, together with 2 Greenshank, 2 Little Stints and a Curlew Sandpiper.
With the month coming to an end the 29th found us at Dungeness looking at 3 Little Gulls, Arctic Tern, Black Tern and a good candidate for Siberian Common Tern. Photos were taken by the boys with the big lenses so hopefully something may come of this record.

Well that was September 2019. In the main quiet, disappointing and also slightly worrying. Numbers of most species seemed low for whatever reason. We need a good breeding season in 2020 to allow numbers to recover. Unfortunately with development proceding a pace ever where, and breeding habitat decreasing, numbers are lilkely to continue falling.

: Shining Marbled at Ruckinge.

: Red Backed Shrike at Dungeness from May.

dave brown · Post by **dave brown** » Fri Apr 03, 2020 2:13 pm

OCTOBER 2019

We looked so forward to October. It's usually a good chance to catch up with some scarce birds and also a last chance to enjoy butterflies before the cold weather sets in. We found it generally vey disappointing despite much searching. I believe that others in this part of the Country also found October to be poor. We were catching few moths in our garden so ended up putting the moth trap away early and, whilst the garden flowers were still in good condition very few butterflies were attracted to them.

The 1st started well with the American Golden Plover and 16 Spoonbills present at Oare Marshes, but only one Clouded Yellow. Also a flock of 500 plus House Martins over Conningbrook CP (Ashford). The 2nd saw a Black tern, 3 Little Gulls, a Arctic Tern, 3 Cattle Egrets and 10 Yellow Wagtails at Dungeness. The best we could muster on the 3rd was a Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank and Greenshank at Oare Marshes.
The next decent day was the 5th with 3 Cattle Egrets, 8 Great White Egrets, Radford Flame Shoulder and 4 Delicates (moths) at Dungeness. The 6th was even better with another example of Radfords Flame Shoulder trapped at Dungeness. This is still quite a scarce moth in Britain with the first trapped as recently as 1983. Most records are in September & October. The 3 Cattle Egrets were still on the ARC pit. 7 Willow Emerald Damselfies were still on the wing at Warehorne.
We had to wait until the 13th for the next decent record when a Dewicks Pulsa was trapped at Dungeness (photo already posted) and the Streak. A Hummingbird Hawkmoth in the garden on the 17 October was nice. I have still to take an acceptable photo of this species. I struggle to get the whole insect in focus, or even in the frame, despite many attempts. Small numbers of in coming Redwings and Fieldfares over home were recorded on most days in the period 20th to 25th, and one big movement of 865 Chaffinches and 300 Goldfinches on the 20th.
The 26th produced 2 Goldeneyes and a Long Tailed Duck at Dungeness. On the 29th a migrant Stone Curlew gave us the runaround at Dungeness before showing to the large crowd on the back of the ARC pit. For such a large bird it could disappear very quickly over the shingle and vegetation.
We ended the month with a Shorelark showing well at Dungeness on the 31st and a late Hummingbird Hawkmoth.
We did put a lot of time in the field this month but found very little to trouble the notebook. Butterflies were largely absent although a few Red Admirals and Small Coppers kept the interest going. Where were all the Migrant Moths ?

: Shorelark at Dungeness

dave brown · Post by **dave brown** » Wed Sep 23, 2020 3:23 pm

November & December 2019.

I have not updated our diary for some 5 months, and in particular had not concluded our notes for 2019. I take this opportunity to do just that.
Like many people we have had plenty of time on our hands this year, but we took the early decision to try and obey the rules that were in place, especially the one that encouraged essential travel only and limited mixing. Even when lockdown ended we continued with this view so have missed out on many good opportunties this year, including Purple Emperor, Black Hairstreak and Small Pearl Bordered amongst others. We have only been doing local bird watching although judging by the crowds reported at some sites this was probably a good move. Our favourite location of Dungeness, of which we normally visit 4 or 5 times a week, is only visited once or twice a month. On the few visits we do make the place is packed. Even midweek on a cool day can resemble a normal Bank Holiday on a hot day.
People everywhere, walkers, dog walkers, family picnics, cars trying to drive across the shingle (and getting stuck), drone flyers etc. Bearing in mind it is a National Nature Reserve for it's plants and insects, as well as birds, I am not sure for how much longer it can take this punishemnt without affecting the very thing that makes its so special. Some of the locals complain that they struggle to get out, for when the car parks are full people park along the not very wide road restricting access to houses. In the current times we all need somewhere and sometime to stress out from the pandemic but the fact that Dungeness is a NNR seems to be forgotten by most.

It seems strange to summarise late 2019 but here goes. Dungeness produced the odd Painted Lady and decent numbers of late Common Darters but birdwise it was generally quiet with 3 Cattle Egrets and 4 Caspian Gulls on the 23rd November, with a Stone Curlew on the 17th November being the best. The usual early winter sightings included Dartford Warbler, Firecrests, Bittern, Black Necked Grebes and several Great White Egrets.
Star insect had to be the Vagrant Emperor at Sandwich Bay on the 19th November. This female was struggling to survive in the cold weather and on some days she hardly moved at all, other than to wash and preen or change position on her preferred branch. With less than 50 records in Britain it was sad to see this scarce insect from Africa struggle.
December brought little change although a Glossy Ibis on the 8th on the RSPB was a welcome visitor, as was the 2 Whooper Swans on the 14th, but otherwise the month was uneventful.
So that concludes 2019. Little did we all know how 2020 was going to be known for all the wrong reasons.

I have so little to report for 2020 that I intend to summarise it all in one go around Christmas time.

I hope everyone stays safe.
Dave

: Female Vagrant Emperor at Sandwich Bay. November 2019.

Allan.W. · Post by **Allan.W.** » Wed Sep 23, 2020 3:54 pm

Yes Dave ,I Completely agree with your comments regarding Dungeness ,and certainly couldn,t have put it any better !!
We,ve had fewer visits there ourselves ,than in the past ,lets hope things return to some sort of normality in the not too distant future !
I found the Southern Migrant Hawkers (and the Violet Helleborines ) that you kindly put me on too,Thankyou Dave ! ,and had a bit of luck myself ,
finding another site for Sickle Bearing Bush Crickets near home .
Regards Allan.W.

David M · Post by **David M** » Thu Sep 24, 2020 2:55 pm

Shame to hear about the saturation of Dungeness Reserve with people, many of whom behave irresponsibly, Dave.

I understand folks want to get outdoors following a period of confinement, but in all honesty if I visited a place and found it to be packed it would put me off going there again until I knew things had calmed down. Let's hope some kind of normality resumes shortly.

dave brown · Post by **dave brown** » Wed Jan 20, 2021 2:22 pm

Summary of 2020 Part One.

Like most people we found 2020 to be a very difficult one. Not just because of the impact of Covid and the necessary restrictions on everyone, but that social activities were severely curtailed wih meetings, reserves and events curtailed. Much has already been said about the year so I won't add anymore.

JANUARY 2020. The usual winter stuff was noted, including a fine male Smew at Dungeness. Always a pleasure to watch. Great White Egrets were around in decent numbers but Bewick Swans numbers were down to 24 this winter. Gone are the days of 200 plus on Walland Marsh, which is not really a marsh these days. It's heavily farmed and drained, with just pockets of marsh around Cheney Court.
The highlight of an otherwise quiet month was definitely the Sperm Whale seen off Shellness (Sheppey) on the 31st. Always sad to see a whale out of range as it usually means they are in trouble, and so it proved with the whale being found dead 2 days later.
FEBRUARY 2020. Despite what I have just said about the Bewick Swans the number increased to 38 early in the month. The male Smew was still around and 6 Whooper Swans appeared for a week or so at Appledore. The Whooper Swan in Kent is still a scarce bird, with very low numbers reported annually and some years none at all.
MARCH 2020. We saw a Glaucous Gull and Bittern at Dungeness but otherwise our nature activities were curtailed. First by choice, and then by lockdown.
APRIL 2020. Mostly spent in the garden enjoying fine weather, whilst Covid 19 gave us all a different perspective on life. During the month our garden list included many Buzzards, 2 regular Sparrowhawks, Peregrine and a Red Kite.
MAY 2020. Our first day out of lockdown found us on the 15th enjoying Brimstones, Peacocks and Speckled Woods in Orlestone Forest. It was also nice to see 2 Turtle Doves and 6 Nightingales there on the same day.
The 23rd saw us looking at a fine Lesser Butterfly Orchid in the North of the County. Always a scarce plant in Kent. Early Purple Orchids and White Helleborine seemed to be in good numbers. 7 White Legged Damselflies in Orlestone Forest on the 31st was a good record for there.
The garden moth trap produced Sallow Kittern, Poplar Hawkmoth, Light Emerald, Flame Carpet and Green Bordered Green Pea amongst the more expected species.
Moth of the month goes to the Alchymist trapped on the 24th by our good friends at Ruckinge. With social distancing arrangements made we duly saw this moth that morning. With less than ten modern British records (last influx was 1934) this probably tops our rarity list for the year.

dave brown · Post by **dave brown** » Sun Feb 07, 2021 1:49 pm

SUMMARY OF 2020 PART TWO

JUNE 2020. We witnessed a small movement of Red KItes on the 2nd, near Luddenham, 24 in total of what is still a good bird in Kent. All heading West. Of more interest was the 2 Hornet Moths we found nearby. A visit to Wye NNR the next day found 4 Black Veined Moths, 5 Dingy Skippers, 8 Common Blues, Brimstone, 32 Small Heaths, 5 Large Skippers, 17 Meadow Browns and a Latticed Heath moth. An excellent day and just what was needed to sweep away the locdown blues.
The 4th found us at Hothfield Common seeing lots of Southern Marsh Orchids followed by 5 Crossbills flying around. Later in the day we managed to connect with the Night Heron as it flew around Hythe Seafront. Night Heron is just about annual in Kent although I suspect a few more go unnoticed due to it's nature of roosting in dense bushes during the day. A Large Skipper in our garden on the 7th was an interesting record for us, but even better was the Contintal Swallowtail that we saw on Dengemarsh (Dungeness). Always a stunner.
The 14th saw us at Dungeness watching a male Red Footed Falcon in a group of 9 Hobby's. The reeds were alive with Reed and Sedge Warblers. On the way home we calledin at Orlestone Forest to see White Admirals, Meadow Browns and a Brimstone. The garden Moth Trap produced 2 Cypress Carpets. Not many years a ago this would have been a very good record but recently they are expected annually here in Kent.

JULY 2020. A visit to Orlestone Forest on the 4th found 100 plus Small Skippers, 11 Essex Skippers, many Marbled Whites and Ringlets. A return visit on the 12th found 3 Lunar Hornet Clearwings, (the first time we have noticed them here), along with a Silver Washed Fritillary. Nearby found 6 Willow Emerald Damselflies at Warehorne Military Canal.
A visit to Oare Marshes on the 13th only found 2 Southern Migrant Hawkers. Numbers there this year seemed much lower. The returning Adult Bonapartes Gull was in fine Summer Plumnage, also present was a Lesser Yellowlegs. 2 American birds in one day at one location was not bad for July.
The 24th found us at Dungeness. A Pine-tree Lappet (moth) had been trapped so a visit to the Observatory was a must for this rather unusal and rare record for Southern England. Presumably of Continental origin rather than from the small Scottish population, which some suspect may have been a release at some time. Also present was the Dungeness speciality Pale Grass Eggar.

AUGUST 2020. Our garden moth trap produced the goodies with Tree-lichen Beauty, 1 on the 1st, 2 on the 7th and 1 on the 11th. 2 Toadflax Brocade on the 6th and Gypsy Moth, 2 on the 1st and 1 on the 7th. The garden itself was not to be outdone with 3 Raspberry Clearwings on the 3rd. A garden first.
A visit to Fairfield on the 4th found 11 Southern Migrant Hawkers in the ditches but a visit the next day to exactly the same spoits only found 2.
The garden produced the scarce moth Acrobasis tumidana on the 9th. Normally a very good record although a number were seen this year.
Back to Dungeness on the 14th for the rare moth Cryptic Fern, also Jersey Tiger and a Ant Lion. What a line up with Cryptic Fern only being split from the Fern in 2019. Back to Dungeness on the 24th for the Large Conehead. With several others being reported this year in Southern England it suggests a recent arrival from the Continent.
The 30th ended with a mega when our friends at Ruckinge trapped in the garden a Scar Bank Gem. With less then 30 British records this was a excellent start to the Autumn.

: Lunar Hornet Clearwing in Orlestone Forest.

: Marbled White in Orlestone Forest.

attachment=0]Swallowtail Butterfly.jpg[/attachment] [attachment=4]P1470149b.jpg[/attachment

dave brown · Post by **dave brown** » Thu Feb 11, 2021 12:20 pm

SUMMER OF 2020 PART THREE

SEPTEMBER 2020. Willow Emerald Damselflies continued their spread across Kent with our finding of 7 on Walland Marsh and 5 at Godmersham, both being new sites for the species. Otherwise September was a bit of a let down with few butterflies of note. 6 Cattle Egrets and 2 Glossy Ibis at Dungeness on the 30th being the best of the rest.

OCTOBER 2020. October started off with the usual migrants of Whinchats, Curlew Sandpiper, Firecrests and Redstarts all being seen. Also a Spoonbill at Oare Marshes (4th), Wryneck also Oare Marshes (9th) and a confiding Red Backed Shrike at Littlestone (12th).
Then Dungeness hit the jackpot on the 14th with both Red Flanked Bluetail and Short Toed Treecreeper on show. Even better was to follow on the 15th when, whilst at Pett Level, news broke of the Lammergeier, which had spent part of the Summer in the Peak District, was showing at Beachy Head. A few hours later, heavy traffic and road works had delayed us, we arrived to be told that the bird had flown high out to sea over Belle Tout 10 minutes earlier. About 15 minutes later, whilst listening to birders talking about how good the views were, we suddenly picked it up flying back in. How luckily was that. Perhaps it was testing the air currents before finally setting off, which it did some 45 minutes later, never to be seen again. Hopefully it made the return journey to the Pyrenees succesfully.
Kent was not to be outdone with a 1st Winter Masked Shrike available to all near Reculver on the 17th. With an American Golden Plover at Oare on the 22nd. October for us had surpassed expections for good birds.

NOVEMBER 2020. With Covid 19 taking off again and restrictions being implemented November and December turned out to be very quiet with little to report except on the 21st November. A Craig Martin was found at Kingsdown, site of the Long Tailed Blues a few years ago. It was found late in the day and was seen to go to roost on the chalk cliffs. We took the view that a crowd of 200 plus would be present the next morning for first light, this being a first for Kent and still a National mega. With social distancing concerns we decided not to go despite the fact we needed this for a lifer. Others must have taken the same view for apparently only 75 were present. The bird then disappeared. Amazingly on the 23rd it was refound back at the same cliff. Being a weekday we took the view numbers of people present would be low and that proved the case as only 4 others were there on our arrival. The Martin had not been seen for nearly 30 minutes so we settled down for a long wait, with expections that the bird would reappear sometime. This proved to be the case when 25 minutes later when I saw it fly in towards us and over our heads. Eventually it settled on the cliff for a while before flying off again. It was seen again on several occasions over the next few days but would often fly as far as Folkestone to feed.

You will note that our butterfly sightings have been fewer this year. We soon found that all our favourite locations had been taken over by walkers, doggy walkers, joggers, cyclists and people generally soaking up the sun and open air. Nothing wrong with that, but with social distancing concerns, not to mention parking issues, we decided to stay away from many locations and missed many species. We did see species like White Lettter Hairstreak, Silver Spotted Skipper, Adonis Blue etc. but the rest will have to wait for another year.
Well that's it. The strangest of years and the worst of years for many. The pandemic has been frightening at times with daily figures that have been beyond sadness. Hopefully 2021 and the vaccination programme will bring better news for all.