Wednesday, July 31, 2019

πŸ“– RSPB Lincolnshire ~ Sandpipers!

☀️☁️ πŸŒ§πŸ’¨ 18C Wednesday 31st July 2019 ~ An early morning start at RSPB Freiston Shore, Lincolnshire with John Raven and Geoff Hood, primarily in search of two reported White-rumped Sandpipers.

A thriving population of Tree Sparrow at Freiston
The day began with heavy rain on the route from Brandon Marsh but this thankfully subsided to light rain showers and overcast laden skies on arrival at Freiston. After parking, we walked the short distance to the viewing screen at the reservoir. There's a good population of Tree Sparrows along this route and with plenty of activity around their nest boxes, it would seem they've had a good year. However, the eye was drawn immediately to the unprecedented Common Swift passage overhead, a trend which would continue throughout the day.

White-rumped Sandpipers ~ Brilliant views of these scarce UK visitors!
Once at the viewing screen we couldn't believe our luck with the two White-rumped Sandpipers showing directly in front. On top of this, we managed to count no less than (10) Wood Sandpipers, (2) Curlew Sandpipers, (2) Common Sandpipers, (5) Green Sandpipers, (2) Greenshank, plus single Snipe, Little-ringed Plover and Redshank. While here Curlew and (4) Common Terns were also noted in flight.

White-rumped Sandpiper ~ A species which breeds in the tundra of Alaska & Canada
After spending an hour enjoying the spectacle at the reservoir we walked back to the main lagoon, pausing at the hide briefly. The lagoon was particularly quiet with just Little Grebe, (2) Common Sandpipers and (3) Common Terns of note. From here we headed on to the seawall, where we spent time under the shelter of the wooden shack which overlooks the saltmarsh.

Wood Sandpiper ~ One of 10 at Freiston today!
There was plenty of activity out to sea and along the shoreline but like nearby Frampton Marsh, the water only reaches the bank during extremely hide tides. That said Geoff scoped a number of Common Scoters, which were preening along the tideline, one of which, showing its distinct white wing bars was a Velvet Scoter. Other species of note included (3) Grey Plover, Marsh Harrier and a small number of Little Egrets, Curlews, Skylarks and Meadow Pipits. As the rain began to fall we headed back to the car park.

Curlew Sandpipers at Freiston
By the time we reached a very quiet RSPB Frampton Marsh, there was plenty of brightness around but unfortunately, the wind had increased considerably. Nevertheless, we took a circular tour taking in the seawall and all three hides but the conditions were challenging. Once again huge numbers of Common Swifts, along with many Sand Martins but much fewer Swallows and I didn't personally manage a single House Martin!  Further additions to the day-list during our stay included (5) SpoonbillBlack-necked Grebe, Ruff and Yellow Wagtail. Despite recent sightings of Long-billed Dowitcher, we were not surprised to 'dip' on this particular species in the conditions.

More Images of the Day...


Common Snipe

White-rumped Sandpiper

Site Details... PDF file can be found 'HERE'



Database uploads...

Plants: Meadow Vetchling, Common Sunflower, Broad-leaved Everlasting Pea, Chicory
Fungus: Pale Brittlestem

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

πŸ“– Aston Rowant NR

☀️32C Tuesday 23rd May 2019 ~A drop off at Heathrow airport this morning gave me the perfect opportunity for a quick visit to Aston Rowant Nature Reserve on route home.



Silver-spotted Skipper ~ From last years visit to Aston Rowant NR
Perched high on the Chilterns escarpment, the reserve contains flower-rich chalk grassland, woodland and juniper scrub. There are fantastic views over the Oxford plain (which unfortunately includes the busy M40 motorway) and it's a great place to watch Red Kites soaring overhead. However, it's also an excellent place to see Silver-spotted Skipper Butterfly and during last years visit on July 25th they were plentiful with 32 recorded.

One of a good number of Chalk-hill Blue
Similar to last years visit it was a sweltering and cloudless day with the temperature around 32C. The hill looked stunning with an array of wildflowers including great clumps of Oregano, plus Pyramidal and Common Spotted Orchids. I spent a good 90-minutes enjoying the many Chalk Hill Blues but unlike last year I only managed two Silver-spotted Skippers, both in my binoculars and flying off as I approached before I managed to secure a photo. There were a dozen Common Blues and although I didn't complete more individual counts I'll list all species noted at the end of the journal.

Originally ID'd as Chalk-hill Blue could this be Anonis Blue?
When I tweeted my sightings on the day I'd noted that there were no Adonis Blue's but on reflection one photograph in particular maybe a female Adonis? I'll check this out with my goto guys (they know who they are πŸ˜‰) However, with no images of the upper hind wing this may prove difficult, plus males are usually out first and there was no sign today!

Butterfly Species Noted:

Large White, Small White, Brimstone, Chalk-hill Blue, Common Blue, Peacock, Red Admiral, Comma, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Ringlet, Essex Skipper, Small Skipper, Silver-spotted Skipper (2)

Other Images Of The Day...


Lots of beautiful Oregano at the lower end of the escarpment

I think this is Small Scabious ~ Scabiosa columbaria

Clustered Bellflower ~ Campanula glomerata




SITE INFORMATION


Thursday, July 18, 2019

πŸ“– 10-year Butterfly Review πŸ¦‹

As my blog is currently celebrating its 10-year anniversary I thought it would be a good time to completely review and reminisce on my many trips across Europe & North America. While doing so and looking over numerous unpublished images I found that one area, in particular, required closer inspection.

My trips to Northern and Southern Spain, France and other European destinations over this period have primarily concentrated on birding and this was the area that took priority. Notwithstanding I've photographed and observed many Butterflies over this period and frankly I've been found wanting when it comes to logging and identifying these amazing insects.

After a complete review, I have now produced a personal database of my European Butterfly listings and can publish some of the images that never quite made it onto the original blog posts. As I post I'm still in the process of identifying many of my images but below is the database thus far as of July 18th 2019.

Naturally, if I'm lucky enough to identify new species already in my files, or indeed additions to my 'life-list' these too will be added onto the database, so look out for updates in the database listings above!



































ADDITIONS TO DATABASE Since Original Post (Thursday July 18th 2019)
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