Dave Brown

[dave brown]

We almost joined in
TUESDAY 6 AUG 2013.
I mentioned in my last post that it would be nice to join in on all the Kent goodies at present, in particular the Swallowtail. Little did I know that the opportunity would arise so quickly. We were on our way to Bishpstone to try and photograph the White Letter Hairstreak when I received a message to say that a Swallowtail was showing outside Dennis Hide at Dungeness. A quick change of plans as we have not seen Swallowtail in Kent for about twenty years. We seemed to get stuck behind every lorry and slow moving vehicle on the road that day. However, about an hour later we arrived to see a few locals looking glum. It had apparently flown soon after having its picture taken and not returned. About half a dozen of us spread the search and checked all the teasel and willowherb. Suddenly someone called out flying Swallowtail and five of the six watched it fly across the path and over the Visitor Centre. Guess who was looking the wrong way and failed to connect with it. Yes the wife saw it, me, no. We then spent a further two hours looking but had to concede that it had probably continued its passage.
We did see 2 Clouded Yellows, 9 Painted Ladys, 3 Peacocks, Small Tortoiseshell, Small Copper, Small Skipper, many Meadow Browns and Gatekeepers, 14 Silver Y's, Brown Hawker and Migrant. From the hide we saw a Black Neck Grebe and Marsh Harrier amongst many birds.
WEDNESDAY 7 AUG 2013.
The weather was not good for insect activity today (cloud and drizzle), but yesterdays sighting of Swallowtail was too good not to follow up, so back we went. Very little butterfly activity with only a few Painted Ladys, Peacock and 5 Silver Y's. We then made a visit to the ARC pit which held lots of moulting ducks including a Gargeney, Also present was 300 Sand Martins, Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, 5 Little Egrets and 4 Little Ringed Plovers. Is the Swallowtail still in the area, only time will tell.

[Hoggers]

Dave, while I'm sorry that you didn't see the Swallowtail, your diary entry about how you alone managed to miss it really made me laugh (in a friendly way you understand!)

I bet many of us have been looking the wrong way and missed the bird or butterfly everyone-else got to see. It hurts!

Hopefully you won't have to wait another 20 years before another one comes along!

Cheers Dave and thanks again for putting me in contact with the White Letter Hairstreaks.

Hoggers.

[dave brown]

I bet many of us have been looking the wrong way and missed the bird or butterfly everyone-else got to see. It hurts

Hoggers,
It was frustrating on the day, but its what inspires us all to keep looking and enjoying.

THURSDAY 8 AUG 2013.
Early morning did not look suitable for insects so we started the day at Oare Marshes. As we stepped out of the car a Clouded Yellow flew slowly past. A good start, further enhanced when we found the long staying Bonapartes Gull on the East Flood, together with 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 11 Little Egrets and over a thousand Black Tailed Godwits. With skies clearing in the distant we made our way to Wye NNR, where on arrival the sun was shining.
We had hardly gone up a few steps on the steep bank when two clouded Yellows appeared. Two hours on this reserve found 3 Wall Browns, 10 Brown Argus, 14 Chalkhill Blues, 30 (faded) Marbled Whites, many Common Blues with a few Red Admirals, Peacocks and a Small Tortoiseshell. A Common Buzzard flew around in the distance. A really good end to a summers day.
SATURDAY 10 AUGUST 2012.
Following directions from 2 friends we visited a wood near Ashford to view 41 Violet Helleborines. This is the most we have ever seen so it was a nice start to the day. Followed immediately by a message from our friend at Ruckinge stating he had trapped a species of Mocha moth overnight. It was tentatively identified as Blair's Mocha but a photo had been sent to an expert for clarification. Back came the message. It was in fact a Jersey Mocha. A very rare moth to Britain with only a dozen or so mainland records. A real goodie, and we didn't have to travel to the Channel Islands to see it. Also present was Small Mottled Willow, Dark Sword Grass, Sallow Kitten, Mullein Wave and Dusky Thorn.
We were on a roll today so into Hamstreet woods we went. The sun came out and so did the butterflies. One Silver Washed Fritillary, 2 White Admirals, at least 2 Painted Ladies, Brimstone, Small Skipper, 5 Purple Hairstreaks, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell and many Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, Large and Small Whites.
The day got even better when we arrived home as we discovered a Painted Lady on our Buddlehia bush. It does not get much better than this.
Dave

[dave brown]

Where were you Long Tailed Blue?
Today we received news that a Long Tailed Blue was present for its second day at Kingsdown Kent. Better still, one had become two. We therefore arrived with the view that our chances were better than 50-50 of seeing one. We were wrong however, as the cloud cover came over and butterflies were hard to find. In addition a lady on site said it was last seeing flying down the road (north) at just after 11.00 hours. We did spend 2.5 hours on site with two others and spread the search quite wide but alas no sign of any Long Tailed Blue. That's at least four hours without a sighting so maybe they have moved on.

SUNDAY 11 AUGUST 2013.
FUNTON CREEK. Rather windy but we saw lots of Gatekeepers, with a few Small and 4 Essex Skippers. 3 Greenshank, 14 Little Egrets and 2 Marsh Harriers were in the Creek itself.
ELMLEY. Very few birds at this location. The approach fields are very dry, so all the Lapwings have disappeared. The long staying Cattle Egret showed but was distant. 5 Marsh Harriers and a Common Buzzard hunted the ditches. Best of all yet another Clouded Yellow was by Kingshill Farm, along with 2 Peacocks and a Small Tortoiseshell.
OARE MARSH. The Bonapartes Gull was on the East Flood delighting the many visitors (it was really crowded with birders). Also present was a Temmincks Stint, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, Water Rail, 3 Little Egrets and yes, two more Clouded Yellows.
Our garden moth trap produced 21 species but only 41 moths, with Poplar Hawkmoth and Svenssons Copper Underwing being the best.

MONDAY 12 AUGUST 2013.
Following news of two Long Tailed Blues present near Deal we made our way to the site. As mentioned above we failed to connect with this much sought after rarity. The search did turn up masses of Silver Y moths. We counted 200, then gave up. Every flower head seemed to have one present. The butterfly list was quite good with 15 Marbled Whites, 1 Brown Argus, 2 Small Coppers, 8 Chalkhill Blues, 30 Common Blues, 7 Small Skippers, 75 Gatekeepers and 50 Meadow Browns. There was many more but we were so intent on finding a Long Tailed blue so did not keep accurate numbers.

[dave brown]

I am singing the blues
Long Tailed Blues that is. After Mondays failure to see one we returned early Tuesday morning and was watching the first of 4 Long Tailed Blues by 09.30 hours. The long tiring walk was put to one side as we approached the site and fellow UKB Marc Heath and two others waved their arms to show they had found one. I reckon Usain Bolt was left in our wake as we dashed the last 100 metres. We need not have worried for 1 of the 3 was on show for most of the next two hours. Once you got your eye in they were quite easy to pick up in flight. There was 3 in front of Ship House, we found another in front of Moonraker House and someone else found another near Sun House. Amazingly the crowd, if you could call it that, never exceeded 8 people in the morning.
Why did we see them Tuesday and not Monday? The obvious answer is that it was sunnier, but the real difference was the lack of any wind compared to Monday.
TUESDAY 13 AUGUST 2013
Kingsdown (Kent). Pride of place goes to the 4 Long Tailed Blues seen. They appeared rather worn suggesting they may have been here a few days. The two males were aggressive to each other and on one occasion were seen to spiral high skywards out over the cliff, but luckily returned to the same area.
Also seen was 4 Clouded Yellows, Painted Lady, 6 Wall Browns, 4 Small Coppers, 22 Marbled Whites, Brimstone, 16 Common Blues, 12 Chalkhill Blues, 3 Large Skippers, many Small Skippers, Gatekeepers and Meadow Browns. There was well in excess of 100 Silver Y moths and a Treecreeper added interest.
We then went on to Marshside to look for Willow Emerald Damselflies. We need not have worried for they were every where. In the area 100 metres either side of Little Grays farm we found 104. I would imagine this is currently a Kent record but there will surely be more as they consolidate their hold in the county. Also present 8 Small Red Eyed Damselflies and 2 Migrant Hawkers. A Marsh Harrier flew beside the adjacent A299.

What a brilliant day out, and in our home county.

[David M]

Breathless stuff, Dave. The last few days have been glorious for you. Clouded Yellows AND Long Tailed Blues on the same day. There can't be more than low hundreds out of our 63m population that can claim that!

[dave brown]

After the Party.
After the excitement of yesterday today was back to normal, although we are still noting the odd Clouded Yellow.
WEDNESDAY 14 AUG 2013
A winder day so butterflies were always going to be harder to find. We checked Walland Marsh in sheltered spots for any unusual dragonflies or butterflies. It was fairly quiet with a few Small Tortoiseshells, Red Admirals and Peacocks. Large and Small Whites still in good numbers, as was Migrant Hawkers. Next was the ARC pit at Dungeness. This produced Gargeney, 4 Common Sandpipers, 2 Green Sandpipers, Ruff, Black Tailed Godwit, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 10 Ringed Plovers, 6 Dunlin, 4 Little Egrets, 3 Willow Warblers, a few Common Blue Butterflies and 10 Migrant Hawkers. 75 Sand Martins were hawking over the pit flying close to the water. Nearby Burrows pit held a Wood Sandpiper and another 20 Sand Martins.
THURSDAY 15 AUG 2013.
We started at Bourne Wood, Hamstreet, which was surprising quiet on the butterfly front but very busy on the dog walking aspect. We did see 3 Silver Washed Fritillaries and the usual Gatekeepers. Next we tried the western end of Hamstreet where we found a Clouded Yellow on the edge of a freshly cut corn field. Nearby we found a spot that held 3 Clouded Yellows, Painted Lady, 2 Peacocks, many Large & Small Whites, also Gatekeepers. This hedge line also held 40 Migrant Hawkers and a Southern Hawker.
We ended the day checking the recently cleared ditches near Kenardington. Not surprising numbers of dragonflies were well down, but we did manage to find 5 Common Emeralds and a Southern Hawker.
SATURDAY 16 AUGUST 2013.
A recheck of Thursdays spot near Hamstreet found 2 Clouded Yellows still present, plus the Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock. They had been joined by several Common Blues, a Small Copper and a Purple Hairstreak was in the adjacent Oak tree. A total of 9 Common Buzzards were in the air over the woodland complex. 12 Sand Martins fly over and a Hobby sped through.
We ended the day at Ruckinge noting a few good moths. Chevron, Six-striped Rustic, Peacock, Ear, Turnip and White Spotted Pug being the pick of the bunch.

A warmer week is forecast so could be good for butterflies again.

[dave brown]

I am running a little behind with updating my diary and uploading some photos, but the weather has been good and you just have to be in the field to take advantage (one of the perks of retirement).
SUNDAY 18 AUGUST 2013.
We spent some time checking all the lanes around Walland Marsh. I always feel that this area is suitable for Willow Emerald Damselfly but so far we have failed miserably in our quest. Good numbers of Migrant Hawkers, with a few Southern Hawkers and Common Blue Damselflies, but not the prize. We turned up 4 Peacocks and 6 Small Tortoiseshells, with good numbers of Gatekeepers and Meadow Browns, but little else except Common Blues. 3 Marsh Harriers toured the area looking for prey. Dungeness was much the same as normal, with 2 Wheatears, 2 Little Egrets and 75 Sand Martins being the only thing of note.
Going back through Hamstreet we found a sunny sheltered spot with many flowers. This was a fantastic area of less than 100 square metres but produced Clouded Yellow, Purple Hairstreak, Brimstone, Small Copper, Green Veined White, 6 Small Whites, 14 Common Blues and many Gatekeepers. Nearby a similar area found another 2 Brimstone, Painted Lady, 3 Purple Hairstreaks (in adjacent oak tree), 2 Peacocks, many Gatekeepers, Southern Hawker and 10 Migrant Hawkers.
MONDAY 19 AUGUST 2013.
Today we visited an area between Winchelsea and Pett Level to see a new plant for us, Prickly Saltwort. This is slowly spreading along the beach, probably as a result of the recent sea defence works, and can now be found near the sea front cafe. We also saw 1 Painted Lady here. Nearby the pools were quiet producing only 3 Avocets and 2 Whimbrel, with 40 Sand Martins and 20 Swallows hawking over the levels. The water level on the roadside pools is high this year and unlikely to produce the waders of other years when they pumped out some of the water. A pity really as this site does attract a lot of visitors, both experienced and new to the hobby, many in the area on holiday. I always thought that this was a good way to bring wildlife to the masses.
Dave

[dave brown]

Wall to Wall Sunshine
This refers both to the weather and the butterfly. The sun has been out for most of the month and so has the Wall Brown. I don't recall seeing so many, and at different locations. From my point of view 2013 could well go down as their best year.
TUESDAY 20 AUGUST 2013.
Following another disappointing night with the moth trap, only 20 species with Knot Grass the best, we visited Bockhill St. Margarets. It was not our intention to visit the Long Tailed Blues again but rather look for butterflies in the Bockhill area. The place was alive with them including 8 Clouded Yellows. Also noted were 5 Painted Ladys, 7 Wall Browns and good numbers of Chalkhill Blue, Common Blue, Small Tortoiseshells, Peacocks, Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns with a few Brown Argus. Silver Y's were everywhere, we gave up counting at 250 with a large area still to cover. The bird front was quiet with just a few Whitethroats and the local Peregrine. We met a lady on her way to see the Long Tailed Blues at Kingsdown having arrived by public transport, with the intention to walk all the way towards Deal to catch another bus. We hope that she was successful and also enjoyed the really warm day.
Next stop was Lydden. We had heard of people seeing low numbers of Silver Spotted Skippers here but we found numbers to be good, with a little bit of searching the step banks. The heat of the day was causing the Silver Spotted skippers to be very active, rarely settling. Our count of 40 sightings probably reflects a true figure of between 25 and 30 actual butterflies. Again, Clouded Yellows in good numbers with 5 seen and at least 3 Wall Browns. Also present was many Chalkhill and Common Blues with 5 Brown Argus. We found a few Autumn Gentian but the real surprise was the lack of Autumn Ladies Tresses. In fact we could not find one. Not sure why but this site normally holds good numbers at this time of the year. Maybe they are just a little late this year.
WEDNESDAY 21 AUGUST 2013.
A trip to Oare Marsh today. It can be a good spot to see Clouded Yellow even in poor years for that species. We were not disappointed with 3 seen from the road and another 2 from the trail to the hide. Having been delighted with the Clouded Yellows we were a little disappointed with the other butterflies on show, with only Common Blues, Gatekeepers and Meadow Browns seen. A Brown Hawker patrolled the dyke with 5 Migrant Hawkers flying up and down the road.
The East Flood was crammed with common waders although it was nice to see over 50 Avocets. There was no sign of the long staying Bonapartes Gull.
We ended the day at Wye NNR seeing another 2 Clouded Yellows, 4 Wall Browns, 6 Brimstones. (Its strange seeing Brimstones on the same flower heads as Clouded Yellows, you normally associate one with spring and the other with late summer/ early autumn). Also 2 late and worn Marbled Whites, 9 Brown Argus, 40 Common Blues, 2 Painted Ladys, 34 Chalkhill Blues, 12 Small Tortoiseshells, 15 Peacocks and many Large & Small Whites, Gatekeepers and Meadow Browns. What a really enjoyable two days.

[Pauline]

Some great photos Dave especially the Clouded Yellow and the Fox- why is he a worrying sight tho?

[David M]

Ground nesting birds, I suspect.

[dave brown]

Pauline,
David M is perfectly correct. Foxes can play havoc with ground nesting birds. Dungeness has had to install some electric fencing to help protect Lapwing and Ringed Plover Chicks. Many other species suffer from predation by foxes and stoats. I know its only nature but it still can be upsetting when you see a whole nest wiped out by an hungry fox.

The sun keeps shining and the butterflies keep coming.
Everyone keeps saying to us that there are they are noticing more butterflies this year. They are correct of course and they keep coming. The latest influx in our area seems to be Small Tortoiseshell. Last week the Dungeness regulars noticed hundreds of Small Tortoiseshells flying along the beach and even off the sea. Everywhere we visit seems to have good numbers of this species.
FRIDAY 23 AUGUST 2013.
Another trip to Walland Marsh in search of the Willow Emerald damselfly. Again none found, although we did see 2 Common Emerald Damselflies in a new spot for us. A few more Small Tortoiseshells and Common Blue butterflies noted. We called in at Hamstreet on the way home to find a late Silver Washed Fritillary, 4 Clouded Yellows, Painted Lady, 7 Small Tortoiseshells, 5 Brimstones, Brown Argus and many Common Blues, Meadow Browns, Small Whites and Silver Y's. We are still seeing lots of Gatekeepers but the numbers do seem to be reducing.
SUNDAY 25 AUGUST 2013.
A trip to Dungeness ARC pit produced 15 Small Tortoiseshells, 30 plus Common Blues, 3 Greenshanks, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 25 Sand Martins and 10 Whitethroats. Little Egrets are increasing with at least 10 seen around the pit and roosting in bushes. A check of the RSPB reserve found the 2 long staying Egyptian Geese, 2 Little Gulls, Knot and Dunlin. Galloways found 2 Pied Flycatchers, Whinchat, Stonechat and 28 Small Tortoiseshells. We ended the day at Scotney Gravel Pits seeing 2 more Egyptian Geese and 30 Sand Martins.
MONDAY 26 AUGUST 2013.
Deciding that everywhere would be crowded on the bank holiday Monday we decided that another visit to Dungeness would be in order. There are many quiet spots to watch in peace. The ARC pit gave a Little Stint, Little Ringed Plover, Marsh Harrier, 8 Little Egrets, Sparrowhawk, 12 Brown Hawkers, 3 Southern Hawkers, Clouded Yellow and a delightful Brown Argus. A check of Scotney revealed 2 Ruddy Shelduck. These had first been reported by a visitor in a field on Walland Marsh. Despite checking by several locals we had failed to refind them until the Observatory warden encountered them on his monthly duck count, the previous evening. They are probably from the feral breeding population in Holland, but who knows with ducks and geese these days.
TUESDAY 27 AUGUST 2013.
With good birds being seen in East Kent today we visited Sandwich Bay. Bird wise it was very quiet, but the moths really made up for this. We saw a Three Humped Prominent, only about the twentieth record for Britain. Also a Black Arches and Silver Stripped Hawkmoth. Just as we were leaving the building I noticed a moth resting on the window frame. It turned out to be a Humming Bird Hawkmoth. the first we have seen with its wings folded and resting. It was soon potted by the Field Centre team for others to enjoy.
Next was Grove Ferry where yesterdays Wryneck failed to show. We however did see the Spotted Crake, 3 Greenshanks, 2 Black Tailed Godwits and a absolutely stunning Kingsfisher perched on a post catching small fish. Butterflies were thin on the ground with only Common Blue. Dragonflies seen were Brown Hawker, Southern Hawker and Emperor Dragonfly. Near Wingham a Clouded Yellow flew alongside the road.
WEDNESDAY 28 AUGUST 2013.
The sun was really strong today so it was to WYE NNR that we headed. Wow, butterflies everywhere. Clouded Yellow, 3 Wall Brown, 5 Adonis Blue, 40 Chalkhill Blue, 75 plus Common Blues, 6 Brown Argus, 2 Brimstones, 3 Small Tortoiseshells, 2 Speckled Woods, 2o Gatekeepers, many Large & Small Whites and Meadow Browns. We did not check all the area due to the number of visitors, walkers, joggers and people just enjoying the beautiful weather. We moved to a quieter nearby location seeing 4 Wall Browns, 15 Adonis Blues, 25 Chalkhill Blues, 4 Brown Argus, Small Tortoiseshell with again many Large and Small Whites. 2 Common Buzzards flew overhead.
There can be little that betters a day like today.

[dave brown]

A good garden moth
In what has generally been a quiet period for our garden moths we suddenly hit the jackpot on the night of 28th August with White Point. This is a scarce immigrant moth usually found along the south coast, so we are very pleased that one turned up at our inland urban garden. We see them quite regularly at Dungeness but it was still a nice surprise. On the same night we also had our second garden record of Maidens Blush.
THURSDAY 29 AUGUST 2013.
Today found us checking Galloways. This is an area of Lydd firing ranges and is only open to the public on a few days per year. It is a surprisingly good area for migrants considering what goes on there. Because of the very limited access the locals tend to do saturation coverage when its available. Today a Wryneck had been found but despite a wait of a few hours we failed to see this annual migrant to Dungeness. We did see 4 Whinchats, 16 Wheatears, 3 Stonechats, 18 Meadow Pipits and 4 Small Tortoiseshells.
Next was a walk around Dengemarsh where the Great White Egret, 5 Litlte Egrets, 2 Hobbys, 6 Yellow Wagtails, Black Tailed Skimmer, 2 Emperor Dragonflies, 6 Migrant Hawkers, 3 Ruddy Darters and many Common Darters where on show. The day was made when 4 more Clouded Yellows flew through and 9 Small Tortoiseshells were on bankside vegetation. A walk around the ARC pit found another Clouded Yellow, Water Rail, Black Necked Grebe, 2 Little Egrets and 2 Greenshanks. The Observatory fridge held Rosy Wave, Double Kidney, Treble Bar and Feathered Gothic.
FRIDAY 30 AUGUST 2013.
It was another warm butterfly day and Wye NNR did not disappoint. 4 Clouded Yellows, 5 Wall Browns, 35 Chalkhill Blues, 5 Adonis Blues, 2 Brimstones, 15 Brown Argus, 6 Small Heath, 3 Gatekeepers, Small Tortoiseshell, 20 Meadow Browns and many Common Blues. What an enjoyable few hours.
SATURDAY 31 AUGUST 2013.
Another visit to Galloways. Well you have to make the most of the lack of bullets flying around. This time we connected with the Wryneck although it was a bit distant for photos. Also Hobby, 4 Whinchats, 8 Wheatears and the 3 Stonechats.
Dengemarsh produced the Great White Egret and 2 Hobbys. The ARC pit saw a female Redstart, Marsh Harrier, 3 Little Egrets, Sparrowhawk, Greenshank, 3 Ruff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Cettis Warbler, but again no fall of migrant birds. Another Clouded Yellow, Small Tortoiseshell and 6 Common Blues.
Whilst visiting the Observatory and talking to the Obs team a very large species flew over us and down the road towards the Power Station. This was mid afternoon in bright sunshine so was most unexpected. The moat held 9 Small Coppers, 10 Small Tortoiseshells,
Red Admiral and Common Blue. The fridge again held a few non food goodies in the form of Dusky Thorn, Flame Carpet and Snout.
On the way home we called in at Scotney gravel pits where the 2 Ruddy Shelducks were on show.

[CJB]

Good morning Dave,

As a long term birder and medium term 'leppy' I just wanted to say how much I enjoy reading your reports.

I am of the LTB's and well done for finding them! I sometimes go to the Witterings in Sussex and I am certain that it is a good spot for unusual migrants.

What do you think the 'very large species' was that flew over?

I look forward to the next report.

Flutter on!

CJB

[dave brown]

What do you think the 'very large species' was that flew over?

Really difficult one based on so limited description. I would fall in the Silver Washed Fritillary camp but accept that habit is probably wrong. It will have to go down as one that got away.

SUNDAY 01 SEPT 2013.
Today was a lazy day. Not exactly doing much, but just plodding around. We called in at a site near Faversham to check that all the Broad leaved Helleborines had gone over. They had, a long time ago. Clearly the long dry weather had curtailed the flowering season. Next was Oare Marsh where surprisingly we did not see a Clouded Yellow, or many people for a Sunday. We even managed to find a free parking space. Everyone must have been at the seaside. We saw 8 Curlew Sandpipers, a juvenile Little Ringed Plover, Ruff, 2 Little Egrets, Marsh Harrier, Peregrine and 85 Avocets. Not to mention the usual hundreds of Black Tailed Godwits.
MONDAY 02 SEPTEMBER 2013.
With the fine weather continuing we could not resist another visit to Dungeness and another look for Clouded Yellows. We only saw 9 but they still hold the special magic. I suppose its the fact that some years we see none at all. Its even more magical when one of them was of the form 'Helice'. The point was covered in butterflies with 2 Painted Ladys, 25 Small Tortoiseshells, Red Admiral (yes, only one), 18 Small Coppers, 8 Common Blues and a number of Meadow Browns. At sea was 4 Porpoise, a Grey Seal, 4 Black Terns and a Little Tern. Dungeness RSPB and ARC pit held Greenshank, Ruff, Green Sandpiper, 3 Little Stints, 20 plus Dunlin, Yellow Wagtail, Little Egret, 2 Black Necked Grebes and many Golden Plover and Lapwings.
The garden moth trap turned up Burnished Brass (1st of the year) and 2 Svenssons Copper Underwing.
And it was warmer than yesterday. The forecast 30 degrees for our part of Kent is on the cards for Thursday (05 Sept).

[Wurzel]

I always enjoy reading your reports Dave Cracking open wing shot of the Clouded Yellow and a very interesting image of theHummingbird Hark Moth among some great images of the natural world

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[David M]

Agreed. I've never seen a Hummingbird Hawkmoth at rest before. Excellent spot.

[dave brown]

A Red and Blue Week, although we miss old blue eyes
TUESDAY 03 SEPT 2013
Fellow UKB member Marc Heath had found a Willow Emerald Damselfly at Stodmarsh over the weekend. This is the first known record for the Stour Valley. We had found 2 at a location midway between their stronghold at Marshside and Stodmarsh so it was only a matter of time that they would spread into the Valley itself. Its also a good reward for Marc and Martyn who cover this site wherever work allows. We got off to a brilliant start when pulling over at Collards Lake a Red KIte flew over the road and up the valley towards Canterbury being harassed by corvids. Thirty minutes of further watching only produced 1 Common Buzzard and 1 Marsh Harrier. Next was Stodmarsh which proved a little disappointing with only Speckled Woods and Migrant Hawkers seen insect wise. 4 Water Rail screeched, 2 Bearded Tits flew across the path, a Cettis Warbler and 5 Chiffchaffs called, and finally we located 1 Willow Emerald Damselfly. This was adjacent to the Tower Hide and on the opposite side of the path. Stodmarsh has lots of suitable habit so it will surely attract large numbers of the Emerald in time.
WEDNESDAY 04 SEPT 2013.
It was hot and sunny, so it had to be Dungeness to look for more Clouded Yellows.We were not disappointed with 3 at the point and 1 outside Firth Hide. We had been talking to the ever friendly observatory warden near the point. He informed us that the number of arriving butterflies had fallen off. Within minutes of him leaving us we found a Hummingbird Hawkmoth flying from flower to flower, our second of the year. The same area held 12 Small Coppers, 15 Small Tortoiseshells, a Red Admiral and 14 Common Blues. The observatory fridge held Dusky Thorn.
Next was the ARC pit where a Red Underwing (moth) was trying to hide on the bark of a tree, also 6 Common Blue Damselflies and 4 Brown Hawkers. From the hide and nearby RSPB we saw Peregrine, Litlte Stint, 2 Black Tailed Godwits, 2 Greenshanks, 4 Ruff, 15 Dunlin, 3 Snipe and a Great White Egret. The final stop was in New Romney where 50 plus Autumn Ladies Tresses were just coming into flower.
THURSDAY 05 SEPT 2013.
The hottest September day I can remember for a long time. It was 29 degrees as we pulled into Cliffe RSPB. A friend had informed us that he had seen a male Southern Migrant Hawker, (also known as Blue Eyed hawker), on a small pool the previous tea time. It had been seen and photographed by another regular visitor to Cliffe, with a few locals being informed immediately. Because of the time of day only people living local had any chance of seeing it. Hence we were there the next day, together with only one other person. Whether it was too hot or it had just moved on, either way we failed to re-find it in 3 hours of observation. We did see 20 plus Migrant Hawkers, 1 Common Emerald Damselfly, 5 Ruddy Darters and many Common Darters. A Clouded Yellow flew over the pool, 6 Small Tortoiseshells and a Red Admiral were on the pool side bushes. The local pit held 4 Greenshanks, Hobby, Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, 20 Little Egrets and 50 Avocets.
Despite not seeing the hoped for Hawker we had a good day, unlike the drivers and occupants of the 130 cars that crashed in thick fog on the KIngsferry Bridge.
Luckily our journey on the M2 was not affected by this tragic incident.
SATURDAY 07 SEPTEMBER 2013.
Our friend at Ruckinge struck gold again, or rather blue. His overnight moth trap had caught the very beautiful Clifden Nonpareil, which when it opens its wings shows a stunning blue colour. So in the space of a few days we had seen Red Underwing and (Blue) Clifden Nonpareil. Hence the diary entry title.
Also on show was a Vestal moth, with 4 Common Buzzards and 2 Hobbys over the local woods. Brilliant stuff, and all in, or from, his garden.
We ended the day at Dungeness seeing a Oak Hooktip at the observatory with Black Necked Grebe, Greenshank, 3 Ruff, Common Sandpiper, 4 Little Egrets, Hobby and the pesky Fox on the reserve. A Brief sea watch saw 2 Arctic Skuas, Black Tern and many Common Terns and Gannets.
This has been another good week of nature watching. And yes, Thursday was hot, very hot. Just as predicated by Mr Seaweed.

[CJB]

HI Dave,
Yet more great reports.
I saw a red-underwing at the weekend in Gloucs, which I climbed onto a roof to photograph and, surprise, it took off as I got there!
I found an Elephant Hawkmoth caterpillar, which is a remarkable sight and forgot to mention the hummingbird hawkmoth I saw in Cornwall at the end of August.
Flutter on!
CJB

[dave brown]

The local wag was heard to mutter "we have not heard a peep out of you all morning"
That's what we love about our hobby. You may have a poor day but it is usually followed by a cracker. Monday was a poor day for us, but Tuesday and Wednesday more than made up for it.
SUNDAY 08 SEPT 2013.
Today was warm and sunny, made even better when a Small Copper visited our urban garden. This is a scarce butterfly to our garden, in fact its been at least 5 years since the last, so was much appreciated. On to Dungeness where another Clouded Yellow was near Firth Hide, together with 20 Migrant Hawkers, many Common Darters, 6 Common Blue Damselflies, 5 Small Coppers, 3 Meadow Browns, 7 Common Blues and a Brown Argus. Sadly no sign of the two Lesser Emperor Dragonflies seen on Thursday. Birdlife was good with 3 Black Necked Grebe, Marsh Harrier, Hobby, 3 Dunlin, Little Stint, 3 Little Egrets, Great White Egret, Common Sandpiper, 200 plus Sand Martins, 2 Yellow Wagtails, Cettis Warblers, Curlew Sandpiper and 3 Whinchats. Nearby Scotney held 2 Ruddy Shelduck and 15 Egyptian Geese with another 100 Sand Martins.
MONDAY 09 SEPT 2013.
A poor day for us. It was raining hard and due to time restraints we headed to Oare Marshes. It was even wetter when we arrived so we birded from the car. 8 Little Stints, 7 Curlew Sandpipers, 25 Sand Martins and many Avocets, Black Tailed Godwits, Golden Plovers, Ringed Plovers, Dunlin and Redshanks. We also noticed a hide full of people but concluded that they were also sheltering from the rain. Indeed they were, but on our arrival at home we found out they were also watching a showy Spotted Crake. Normally we would walk around, but today we decided not to get wet and consequently missed the news.
TUESDAY 10 SEPT 2013.
And now for the good day. We had someone coming to see us mid morning so we were taking things easy when a text message from Dungeness said Semi-Palmated Sandpiper on the RSPB reserve (thanks MC). Most modern day birders in Kent needed this for the Kent list so we knew it would be busy. The last twitchable one was in 1984, if we exclude last years bird when photographs of the distant stint at Dungeness proved it was a Semi-P after the bird had left.
Our visitor was cancelled and about an hour later we joined a packed hide to view the Semi-P. It flew off almost immediately but gave distant views over the next three hours. We went off and did other things coming back to a still packed hide, but this time it was a lot closer and allowed a ten minute scope view.
This American wader is known amongst British Birders as a Peep. A generic term for a group of very small waders with many look a likes. Hence the local wag (who shall remain nameless) came up with a series of puns, jokes, wise cracks, to pass the time. Hence my diary entry title.
In the meantime we also saw Clouded Yellow, Small Tortoiseshell, 6 Common Blues, Great White Egret, 7 Litlte Egrets, 5 Ruff, Black Tern, 2 Greenshanks, 3 Snipe, 8 Dunlin, 3 Marsh Harriers, 200 Sand Martins, Peregrine, 4 Yellow Wagtails and a Little Stint. A brief sea watch provided 3 Arctic Skuas and a few Common Terns.
WEDNESDAY 11 SEPT 2013.
Could we have two good days in a row. Yes we could. We arrived at Oare Marshes in sunshine but cold, so no insects. We had not heard about the Spotted Crake since Monday morning so was surprised when someone said that it was still present. There was only six of us present when after about 45 minutes it wandered into view and showed well for the next 15 minutes. It is in the small ditch adjacent to the East Flood hide and gave us our best ever views of this species. All the usual waders and Egrets were present, as was 14 Common Seals out on the estuary. Earlier we had done a one and half hour sea watch from Swalecliffe seeing 11 Great Skuas and 9 Arctic Skuas, but little else.