www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Hello Guy,
No problem. Difficult to be sure from the record shot but I believe its a Tufted Duck. The extensive white around the bill is a good pro Scaup feature but the jizz looks wrong. A few Tufted Ducks also have an extensive white base to the bill which can cause confusion. The back looks to dark for a Scaup, but could be an effect of the light and distance. When compared to a Tufted Duck a female Scaup looks more bulky/ heavy and is generally lighter. The head also looks more solid and it gives the bird a chunky feel.
I suppose a good glue is whether you picked out the bird based on white area around the base of the bill or the fact that it appeared bigger when compared to the nearby Tufted. If the latter then it could be a female Scaup but my gut feeeling is that this is a female Tufted with a heavy white presence around the base of the bill.
Just like butterflies there are always a few seen at distance that remain uncertain, which is one aspect of our hobby that makes it so interesting.

PS I notice that Felixstone Birding web site for the 5th Jan shows a female Scaup on the River Deben around Waldringfield. This close up photo clearly shows the bulk of a Scaup when compared to a Tufted Duck. It could also mean that your photo does indeed show a Scaup and that my view of the jizz is wrong.

Dave

For what it's worth I'd agree that the bird in the pics is a Tuftie. It feels wrong for Scaup (but then I still think Dave's 5th Jan duck is a Ring-necked... )

Cheers,

Gibster.

Thanks both. I admit it was the extensive white around the bill that made me think it was scaup. And once you have it in your mind that something looks different you continue to see it as something different. I should have done what I always tell people to do with butterflies - take field notes instead of a photo!!

If tufted can look like that then the probabilities are heavily stacked in favour of tufted. The 5th Jan scaup at Waldringfield, just down the river, adds a little weight to that species, but not enough to tip the balance.

Guy

14th FEBRUARY 2011 TO 27TH FEBRUARY 2011
We have not had much chance to get out and about lately so our notes are few this time. We did visit Dungenesss on the 20th Feb. The first winter Glaucous Gull was on view again at the fishing boats loafing around on the beach. Other birds seen in the Dungeness area that day included Ruddy Duck, Goldeneye, female Smew, Little Egret, Red Throated Diver and 62 Bewick Swans. At a pool near Camber we added Spotted Redshank and 3 adult Med Gulls.
Yesterday we visited Oare Marshes but the very poor weather meant our stay was short, during which time we saw 12 Pintails. Today was much better and several hours spent raptor watching in the Challock/ Charing/ Chilham area produced at least 36 Common Buzzards, 2 Kestrels and 1 Sparrowhawk but no Red Kite. The two wintering birds seem to have departed after a stay of over 4 weeks. Like several other areas of Britain Common Buzzard was quite scarce but here in Kent they have expanded in both range and numbers. Fifteen years ago you struggled to see one, now you are unluckly not see one and like today it is often the most common raptor. If only Goshawk and Red Kite were to expand so quickly Kent birding would be on a different level. Many Sklarks were singing today, and Bluebells were just poking through the ground as we walked the local woods. Roll on Spring.
To make up for the lack of news I have gone back to the past. Our blast from the past today is the male KIng Eider seen off Dungeness and Pett Level during January 2009. This is a real goodie for Southern based birders and attracted large crowds on many days. Views could be difficult in the choppy seas but I believe most people connected with this bird eventually. I have also included a photo of a White Faced Darter seen on a small pool in Abernethy during our Scottish visit of June 2008. This pool seemed to be very reliable on sunny days with at least 4 different individuals present. I am sure the pool is well known but PM me if you want directions. Its not far from the Osprey Centre and is also good for Small Pearl Bordered.
Dave

28th FEBRUARY 2011 TO 14TH MARCH 2011
Things are still fairly quiet in Kent although hopefully this will change shortly as Spring gets a step closer. So far we have resisted the temptation to go for the Oriental Turtle Dove in Oxfordshire, although we will probably crack before too long. The potential Baltic Gull photograhed at Dungeness in the week looked really promising but despite spending 2 days looking for it we failed to relocate.
We have been seeing reasonable birds at Dungeness but it has been hard work with most of the winter birds leaving. Our sightings include the regular 1st Winter Glaucous Gull, one male and 5 female Smew (13th), male and female Goldeneye, up to 3 Marsh Harriers, Common Buzzard (Old Romney), several Little Egrets, 2 Ravens along Dengemarsh Road (12th), Green Sandpiper, 2 Slavonian Grebes, our first migrant of the year, a Wheater (12th), Black Redstart (13th), a singing Chiffchaff (13th) and singing Cetti's Warbler (13th). Sea Watching has included the return movement of Brent Geese and Red Throated Divers.
Our blast from the past this time is of a plant. Although the photo is of poor quality, (my old Fuji camera struggles with reds/ purples etc), I have included it because of the effort we put in to seeing it. This is not a rare plant, but is only found in the very north of Scotland and Orkney. Thus a trip of 700 miles was required just to get there. Then we nearly missed it. We first started at Durness Golf Club but none where in flower (June 2006). Not too disappointed we then moved to Dunnet at the other end of the north Scottish Coast. We had been told that the lady warden was very helpful and would often take you to the plants. What no one had mentioned was that the Visitor Centre was closed on a Saturday, and you can guess what day it was. By one of those odd strokes of luck she turned up at the very time we were in the car park for a purely personal reason, and although she could not take us she did give us directions, but with the bad news that none had been seen on a search in the week. Despite good directions we had failed to find any after 30 minutes but then our eagle eyed son stood still and smiled. Yes one plant was in flower and whilst we took a photo he found another one. You can imagine the relief on our faces. Obvously we had not travelled all that way for a plant, infact Mountain Ringlet at Ben Lawers was our target that holiday, but Scottish Primrose was a close second. So the photo is included for effort but not likely to win any competions.

Dave

15th MARCH 2011 TO 27TH MARCH 2011
We have been unable to take full advantage of the recent very fine weather but have still managed one or two good days. Saturday 19th March saw us at St Margarets and resulted in our first identified Butterflies of the year with 4 Brimstones and 1 Red Admiral. A one hour migration watch resulted in 945 Chaffinches, 32 Siskins and 30 Brent Geese all heading North. Groups of 6 and 2 Common Buzzards may also have been migrants rather than local. 11 Common Buzzards and a Sparrowhawk were seen near Charing and the day ended with 2 male and one female Red Crested Pochard on Eastwell Park Lake. These are not of local descent but have probably escaped from some other part of Kent.
Saturday 26th March saw us at Dungenes where it was clear that a small fall of migrants had occurred. We enjoyed 5 Black Redstarts, 7 Chiffchaffs, 7 Wheatears, 1 Willow Warbler and 2 Goldcrests. Nearby the 1st Winter Glaucous Gull remained around the fishing boats, a Bittern was flying around Hookers Pit and 2 Marsh Harriers were dispalying.
Yesterday the 27th March was a really sunny and warm day with some people just in tee shirts. We watched 11 Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks, Lesser Woodpecker, 4 Marsh Tits, 2 Nuthatches and 4 Treecreepers in the Chilham/ Charing area. We were just wondering where to go next when a phone call saying that a male Serin was still present at Dungeness made our minds up. We quickly relocated the bird on arrival but were pleasantly surprised to see 2 Serins together. These were much appreciated by the growing crowd who included a coach party visiting the local RSPB reserve. I attach a distant and poor record shot of the Serins which turned out to be quite mobile and difficult to photograph.
Dave

28th March 2011 to 07th April 2011.
Like the rest of the South East the weather recently has been absolutely gorgeous. We have been unable to take full advantage but have still enjoyed our first good numbers of butterflies.
The 2nd April saw us checking the Charing area for raptors. We saw 6 Common Buzzards and 2 Sparrowhawk’s. The 2 Red kites seem to have definitely left the area for summer. A visit to a local wood produced a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Nuthatches, 2 Marsh Tits, Coal Tit, Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcaps and 5 Chiffchaffs. The highlight though was the good numbers of butterflies present with 5 Brimstones, 2 Orange Tips, 3 Commas and a Red Admiral. Other insects included 12 Bee Fly’s and one Hornet. A visit to Oare Marshes saw 2 Adult Med Gulls looking very smart with their Black Heads and a Little Stint present on one of the islands. We ended up at Eastwell Park to see a flock of 10 Buzzards circling together.
The day also produced good numbers of early flowers, including Cuckooflower, Wood Amemome and Lesser Celandine.
The 3rd April started very well with 2 Peregrines over the house for at least five minutes with the local gulls doing a disappearing act.
We then checked Hamstreet Woods where the highlight was a total of 11 Peacocks in a one hour walk. Also 6 Common Buzzards, 3 Sparrowhawks, Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaffs, Nuthatch and Treecreeper. A check of Hempstead Forest near Biddenden produced 8 Common Buzzards and 2 Sparrowhawks. Again early flowers were well represented.
During the week we have seen our first Holly Blue and Large White. This weekend is looking good for an even better showing of early Summer Butterflies, supported hopefully by even more migrant birds.
Best wishes
Dave

08th April 2011 to 11th April 2011.
What another enjoyable weekend in temperatures of 20 degrees plus. Had this been a month later the numbers of Butterflies would surely have been much higher. We have come to expect too much in recent years and forget that it is still early April.
We planned to visit West Kent on Saturday to look for raptors and other delights. However our plans were changed on hearing the news that an Osprey had been seen near Ashford at 17.00 hours on Friday. We spent 3 hours Saturday morning checking likely locations but to no avail. We did see 18 Common Buzzards in the air at the same time around Charing, together with 5 Sparrowhawks.
Cutting our losses with regards the Osprey we paid a visit to Chilham seeing 3 Swallows, our first of the year. Also in a local wood we had 3 Speckled Wood, 4 Brimstones, Peacock, 2 Large Whites and a very worn Orange Underwing. The wood was alive with bird song which included 6 Blackcaps and 4 Chiffchaffs.
On Sunday we decided to visit Stodmarsh for some early migrant birds. We were not disappointed with 5 Sand Martins, 1 Yellow Wagtai1, Reed Warbler and 2 Sedge Warblers. 6 Marsh Harriers were displaying over the reed beds. The surrounding area produced 12 Common Buzzards, 2 Peregrines, Sparrowhawk, 2 Bearded Tits and a Cettis Warbler. Butterflies were fewer but included 3 Orange Tips, 3 Brimstones and a Comma.
We ended the day on a very sunny Wye Downs where we saw 6 Green Hairstreaks, 4 Brimstones, 4 Holly Blues, 3 Orange Tips and a Comma.
What a good weekend.
Dave

12th April 2011 to 22nd April 2011
Wow, what a stunning weekend. The best Easter weather that I can ever remember. Easter Saturday and Sunday the temperature was 24 plus with wall to wall sunshine. This certainly has lead to a most enjoyable period of wildlife watching.
Saturday 16th saw us watching 4 Green Hairstreaks, 3 Brimstones, 3 Orange Tips, Comma and a Holly Blue near Wye. A Common Buzzard flew over the house.
Sunday 17th saw us visiting Hamstreet Woods to view 5 Brimstones , 6 Swallows, Blackcap, Willow Warbler and a early Nightingale. Our first Garden Warbler of the year was present at Warehorne, together with Orange Tip, Small White and Holly Blue.
An evening visit to Wye on Tuesday 19th April saw us looking at 9 Lady Orchid and 38 Common Twayblades. The Ladys were near to flowering and are extremely early, infact the earliest I have known. Also present 3 Brimstones and a Red Admiral.
Thursday 21st April we saw a Red Kite circling over Ashford town centre sending all the gulls wild with excitement (or fear).
Good Friday 21st April saw 40 plus Early Purple Orchids at Dungeness, with moths being trapped including Bordered Straw, Waved Umber, Swallow Prominent, 50 plus Tawny Shears, but best of all a beautiful Dusky Hook Tip. This stunning moth is a immigrant to the Southern Coast and only the second one we have seen.
The Dungeness day continued with 2 Grizzled Skippers, 5 Small Coppers and a number of Peacocks, Red Admirals, Large and Small Whites.
Bird wise we saw 7 Little Terns, 1 Common and 1 Sandwich Tern, 22 Bar Tailed Godwits, 4 Yellow Wagtails, Common Buzzard, 2 Peregrines, Cettis Warbler and 3 Swallows. Whilst driving around we saw 14 Orange Tips, 34 Large Whites, 2 Peacocks, 2 Hobbys and 4 Tree Sparrows.
More Easter wildlife news to follow including a mega insect sighting.
Dave

SATURDAY 23 APRIL 2011 TO SUNDAY 24TH APRIL 2011

SATURDAY
Much as we like Dungeness we thought it was time to check out a few other Kent locations. We started our day in the Naccolt / Conningbrook area of Ashford. This turned out to be a good move in the very warm weather, our first bird was a singing Nightingale in fine voice in a small wood, followed by Cuckoo and Whinchat nearby. Other birds included 4 Yellow Wagtails, Willow Warbler and Marsh Tit. Butterflies were in excellent numbers and comprised of Orange Tips, Large and Small Whites and Speckled Woods. What a good year so far for butterfly numbers.
We then did a tour of the Graveney / Seasalter area seeing a number of Little Egrets, a reeling Grasshopper Warbler which remained mostly out of sight, 2 Nightingales, many Blackcaps, Garden Warblers, Chiffchaffs and a few Willow Warblers. 4 Speckled Woods and 2 Large Red Damselflies provided insect interest.
With the weather getting really hot we decided to go home and do a bit of leisurely shopping. Bad decision. Half the way round British Home Stores we got a telephone call saying that a VAGRANT EMPEROR (dragonfly) was currently on show at Dungeness and they were watching it fly up and down a small dyke. Wow, less than 30 British Records, non I believe twitch able, and only a reasonable distance to travel (once we had left the store in a hurry and walked the 20 minutes to home to pick up the car). We arrived on site about one hour later to be greeted with the news that it had been showing but currently not on view. It was an anxious 35 minute wait before it was picked up flying towards along the dyke, on view for a few minutes, before disappearing and not to be seen again that day despite another one hour wait.
It reminded me of a small Brown Hawker with a brilliant flash of blue on the body between the Thorax and Abdomen. What a beauty and at Dungeness, my favourite location.
The day got better with the sighting of a Bittern in flight, 7 Whimbel flying over, 1 Greenshank, Little Ringed Plover, many Large White butterflies, Hairy Hawker and Blue Tailed Damselfly.

SUNDAY
Back at Dungeness, this time at least 2 male VAGRANT EMPERORS were on show, with a potential 4 number being seen in the general area. Also 3 Hairy Hawkers, 2 Blue Tailed damselflies and dozens of Large White Butterflies. There was 19 Med Gulls in one flock over Lydd Ranges with a reeling Grasshopper Warbler nearby.
A visit to Beckley Wood failed to locate any Grizzled Skippers, but a magnificent Red Kite overhead was just reward.

Another great day.

Dave.

25th APRIL 2011 –
Bank Holiday Monday started as another fine day. The wind was a little stronger but the sun was still strong. Another visit to Dungeness was the order of the day. Whilst travelling across Walland Marsh we meet someone we knew who directed us to a very showy group of 21 Green Winged Orchids. All the years we have past this spot and we have never noticed them before. Apparently this is the first year for a while that they have flowered, or been left to flower by the sheep.
We then moved onto Dungeness to be greeted by quite a sizeable group of Dragonfly watchers looking for the Vagrant Emperor. Suddenly one was there and every one was happy although unlike the previous day it did not hang around too long. Also present Hairy Dragonfly, Large Red Damselfly and Common Blue Damselfly. Butterflies were thinner on the ground with only Large White and Red Admiral present.

29th APRIL 2011.
Today was a little better for butterflies with 24 Large Whites, 3 Orange Tips and Red Admiral on show at Dungeness. Moths included Light Brocade and Sharp Angled Peacock. Birds were 3 very obliging Hobbys, a brief Bittern, 15 Common Terns, 4 Little Ringed Plovers, Whimbrel, 7 Yellow Wagtails and a Common Buzzard.

30th APRIL 2011.
Today we ventured further a field and visited Elmley RSPB reserve. Disappointingly only Large White and Green Veined White present. Other goodies seen included 10 Blue Tailed Damselflies, 1 Hairy Hawker, 2 Hares, 15 Avocets and 10 adult Med Gulls.
For the second week running we returned home and decided to do some shopping. Wrong decision again. Half the way round we received a phone call to say a Bee-eater was currently showing at Fairfield. This time we arrived too late as it had flew high about 10 minutes previously. It was still a good little spell for we saw a Peregrine, Nightingale, Cetti’s Warbler and 9 Med Gulls.

01st May 2011
A visit to Stodmarsh produced 2 Black Terns and 6 Artic Terns amongst a flock of Common Terns. 3 Marsh Harriers, 10 Hobbys, 1 Common Buzzard, 10 Swallows , and good numbers of Reed and Sedge Warblers were present. The only butterflies seen were Holly Blue, Orange Tip and Large/ Small Whites.

Dave

02nd MAY 2011- 20TH MAY 2011.

02/05/11 A visit to Dungeness to look for butterflies proved disappointing in windy weather. We did see the strange sight of a Hare running across the beach. A Hobby, Raven, Whimbrel, Sand Martins, Swifts were the birding highlights, with a Streamer moth being the best of the moths present.
We had more luck with butterflies in Hamstreet Woods with Brimstone, Large White, Peacock, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood and Holly Blue seen. 8 adult Med Gulls were present in a field near Fairfield Church.

07/05/11. An attempt to use the moth trap in the garden resulted in poor numbers again. The only moths caught being Green Carpet, Garden Carpet, 4 Shuttle Shaped Darts and a Heart & Dart.
We later travelled to Dungeness where butterflies were again thin on the ground with only Large White and Red Admiral being noted. Moths were more encouraging with the following trapped overnight. Tawny Shears (many), Light Feathered Rustic (many), Maidens Blush, White Spot (a Dungeness goodie), Pine Beauty, Engrailed, Yellow Belle, and Chinese Character.
Birds included a Black Tern, Little Ringed Plover, Cuckoo, Cettis Warbler and 3 Marsh Harriers. 2 Hairy Hawkers and 5 Blue Tailed Damselflies added to the interest. 2 Ravens were seen near Fairfield Church. 5 Brimstones and a Nightingale were seen at Hamstreet.

08/05/11 A visit to Hamstreet Woods produced Yellow Underwing moth, 2 Brimstones, Speckled Wood, 3 Orange Tips, Large White, 2 Green Veined Whites,
We then travelled to an undisclosed site a few miles away to look for Common Buzzard and had the thrill of seeing a Honey Buzzard flying around and wing clapping. Further visits have failed to find it again so presume it was a migrant in the area for a day. 3 Common Buzzards were present, as was a Cettis Warbler.
We headed into East Sussex where we saw 4 Grizzled Skippers in Beckley Wood at a site with lots of Primrose and Bugle.
We called in a Fairfield on the way home to find the Ravens still present.

10/05/11. 2 quick phones calls in succession saw me leaving work and heading to Dungeness. A COLLARED PRATINCOLE was flying around in front of Christmas Dell hide giving us decent if somewhat distant views. The distance meant that any trailing edge on the wing was proving difficult for anyone to see, hence there was some discussion over the possibility of Oriental Pratincole, but the tail was too long and confirmed its identity as Collared. This was not the first one we have seen in Kent but an excellent bird to get to grips with. It only stayed the day, but allowed many Kent birders to catch up with it. It was too distant for me to photograph it, but I am aware some with mega expensive super telephoto lens got some acceptable photos. There were also at least 25 Swallows and 10 Swifts flying over the same pit.

12/05/11. The week got better when another telephone call sent us rushing to Dungeness in the evening to view 2 RED RUMPED SWALLOWS flying around over the same pit with 25 Swallows. As we left we heard a Bittern booming on Hookers Pit. What a good end to the week and making up for the lack of butterflies.

I have added three photos. Not the best quality but I am still getting used to my new Panasonic camera and its settings/ capabilities.
Dave

21st May -01st June 2011
21st May 2011.
A visit in the Faversham/ Whitstable / Canterbury area produced no butterflies until we reached East Blean Woods where an early emergence of Heath Fritillary produced 21 flying around the car park area and showing well alongside the footpath. This was a good start to their season, although the Cow Wheat was looking a bit dry due to lack of rain. Also present a Large White and Red Admiral. Early we had seen 3 Hobbies, Common Buzzard, Tree Pipit, Cettis Warbler and a Hairy Hawker on our travels.
22nd May 2011.
The garden moth trap was very disappointing with only a Grey Dagger, Heart & Dart and 3 Common Swifts. Next was a trip to Dungeness where a pair of Gargeney was on show in front of the viewing screen. They were supported by a Juvenile Little Gull, Cettis Warbler, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, Hairy Hawker and a few Four Spotted Chasers. The observatory moth trap contained Purple Bar, Cream Spot Tiger and Angle Shades.
28th May 2011.
Today proved fairly quiet and lacking any butterflies. A field opposite Appledore Railway station held 28 Med Gulls, whilst 2 more adults were near Brookland. Dungeness was very quiet with just 200 Swifts and the Juv LIttle Gull of note.
29th May 2011.
Today was warmer but with a strong wind the only butterflies noted were Large White. The spring orchids at Yocklets Bank were just about over with only 5 Lady Orchids still in some sort of flower. A nice Greater Butterfly Orchid was on show. Nearby 14 Man Orchids near Crundale were doing their best in the very dry conditions. Kent is in need of some urgent rain, otherwise the summer flowers could finish very early leaving many butterflies short of nectar.
30th May 2011.
At last some warm weather without a strong wind and the insects responded accordingly. Dungeness produced 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 4 Large Whites, 2 Red Admirals, 20 plus Red Eyed Damselflies, Hairy Hawker and 5 Four Spotted Chasers. 11 Hobbys seemed intent on reducing the number of dragonflies present with most hawking over the reed beds. Elsewhere the area produced a male Black Redstart, Wheatear, Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Cettis Warblers and the long staying Little Gull.
1st June 2011
Today started with not one but two text messages from friends at Dungeness. An hour later we were longing at a GREAT WHITE EGREAT on Hookers pit. Was this last years returning bird, who knows, a good bird anyway. Big and white, the sort of bird that makes even casual walkers around the reserve stop and ask about the bird. Whilst watching this 2 CRANES flew over and then circled high for about ten minutes before heading off inland, possibly towards Walland Marsh.
Not content with this news broke of a Marsh Warbler singing near the ramp. Sure enough the bird was in song in a Willow Bush adjacent to a small patch of Willow Herb right by the ramp. Despite watching for an hour and a half we had to be content with a fleeting glimpse and nothing more despite it singing on a regular basis. 5 Cettis Warblers in the general area shows that this species may have survived the harsh winter better than expected.
Dave

This is a Summary of our trip to Scotland 4th -11th June 2011
There was 3 targets for our planned trip to Ardnamurchan. Chequered Skipper, Pine Matin and the long shot of Wildcat. Not surprising we failed to see a Wildcat but we did manage the other two. This was our earliest trip ever to Scotland to tie in with the peak time for Chequered Skipper, so we knew that it would be light on many other things such as Dragonflies and Orchids.
4th June 2011.
A visit to Glasdrum Wood early AM did not provide the hoped for Chequered Skippers as the weather turned dull and cloudy. The visit was not without its highlights though for at 05.00 hours we saw a Pine Martin feeding at the edge of the road near Appin, and at 06.15 hours we saw an Otter feeding/ swimming offshore right opposite the entrance to Glasdrum Wood. 2 Golden Eagles were seemn between Lochailort and Glenuig and another looking from Glenborrodale towards Mull. One Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary and 4 Crossbills seen at Glenborrdale.
5th June 2011.
One Chequered Skipper seen in poor weather at Ariundle Wood along the path that runs alongside the north of the river. One Four Spotted Chaser with 20 Northern Marsh Orchids nearby on the road to Polloch.
6th June 2011.
A trip from Glenborrodale to Mallaig prodcued an Otter fishing just north of Glenuig, with many Northern Marsh Orchids and birds near Arisaig but no butterflies. The Golden Eagle was seen again near Lochailort and 11 Crossbills at Glenborrodale.
7th June 2011.
We arrived at Loch Arkaig in sunny weather with high hopes of Butterflies, but alas the cloud and drizzle arrived before we had done a through search and we had to make do with 2 Small Pearl Bordered Fritillaries and 2 Green Veined Whites. 2 Lesser Butterfly Orchids near the main path did their best to cheer us up. The evening produced 3 Harbour Porpoise near Glenborrodale.
8th June 2011.
The 3 Harbour Porpoise were still present. There was a pair of Black Throated Divers and two Oters from the car park at Ardslignish. Kilchoan produced 150 Northern Marsh Orchids and a Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary. Seawatching from Ardnamurchan Lighthouse was good with 1524 Manx Shearwaters passing or feeding offshore. At 15.10 hours, just after seeing a pair of Golden Eagles near Ben Hiant, a magnificant Adult White Tailed Sea Eagle went up. We watched it go higher in the distant when suddenly we became aware of another adult even higher. At one stage a Buzzard went up and started to mob the first bird showing the difference in size. The Buzzard appeared less than a quarter of the size of the WT Eagle, which we a few flaps headed back towards Mull.
Nearby 4 Green Veined Whites were flying in improving sunshine.
9th June 2011.
A Golden Eagle was sighted near Achnalea. With the afternnon sunshine warming up nicely a visit to Ariundle Wood was in order. The 2 mile circuit proved a little disappointing with only 2 Chequered Skippers seen. However, 100 metres from the car park along the main track we found more Chquered Skippers, infact 5 more, plus 2 Green Veined Whites and a Golden Ringed Dragonfly.
10th June 2011.
Although the sun shone it was still fairly cold and only 2 Small Heaths were at Sanna Bay with 5 Green Veined Whites and 1 Small Pearl Bordered at Loch Mudle. With 1 Small Pearl Bordered, 1 Northern Emerald Dragonfly and 1 Four Spotted Chaser at Glenborrdale. A Corncrake was calling at Ardslignish earlier that morning.
11th June 2011.
The journey home produced 2 Red KItes near Doune and one over the A1(M) near Peterborough.

Overall the birdlife was great with many Grasshopper and Wood Warblers, with other goodies not normally seen by us here in the South East.
I shall produce a full trip report later.

Dave

Aah, happy memories of last year on Ardnamurchan...although I'm positively green with envy at your Pine Marten sighting. I've spent hours and hours searching for them there with no luck at all. There's a good scree slope for Wildcat, apparently they hunt voles there. I've spotlit one there, plus had another bounce/lollop across the road ahead of me. I'm in the middle of moving house at the mo so my stuff's in boxes. I'll PM you the exact site details for your next trip (by which time I should have finished unpacking! )

Cheers,

Gibster.

Scottish Trip
We are pleased that our brief report has brought back happy memories for some (Gibster at least). Hopefully I can bring a smile to Gibster by attaching a photo of the Pine Martin at Appin. Our sighting was especially pleasing to us as we are aware that June can be a difficult month to connect with them. Apparently they became more secretive during the breeding season. The locals informed us that sightings are becoming regular on Ardnamurchan so hopefully others will connect on any planned visit.
Tuesday 14 JUne 2011.
Today we visited the Kent location for the recently refound DAINTY Damselfly. The weather was really kind to us and we managed to connect with at least two pairs. The location is in the public domain with exact site details for anyone thinking of going. Today a group of about ten of us had more luck on the third pool. Previous sightings had been around the second pool. I suspect that time will show them to be more widespread in the general area as it seemed quite suitable.
For anyone thinking of going I should say that I found the Dainty difficult to indentify in the field. You do need good views and Photos are a big help. Patience was needed and we spent some 2.5 hours on site. Others spent even longer, so expect some effort to confirm the species you see is Dainty.
Also present were good numbers of Black Tailed Skimmers, Four Spotted Chasers, Emperor Dragonfly and various other Blue Damselflies (Common, Blue Tailed).
Butterlies present were 50 plus Meadow Browns, 3 Large Skippeers, 2 Small Heaths and 4 Common Blues.

Dave

I LOVE that pine marten shot! It catches their character perfectly.

Guy

I have uploaded a poor photo of the Male Dainty Damselfly, taken just as it took off.
So why was this a male Dainty?

1 Not obvious from my photo but clear in the field was the fact that the Pterostigma was twice as long as wide and a pale brown colour.
2 The black marking on top of abdominal segment 2 was U shaped, almost goblet shaped, but admittedly the U was not well marked as some recent photos. Suggesting that this was a different individual to that photographed at the weekend.
3 Segment 6&7 black.
4 Segment 8 blue
5 Narrow Antehumeral strip.
6 Coenagnon spur on side of thorax.

A feature mentioned on site was the fact that the wings appeared shorter than other blue Damselflies, but this was obviously subjective and whether it is borne out by actual measurements is another matter. The quality of my photo does not allow ID confirmation on its own, but luckily photos taken by others on site do allow confirmation of both the male and female.
One photo confirmed no spine on the underside of number eight segment. A spine would have indicated Common Blue.

The refinding of the Dainty Damselfly in Britain was down to the hardwork of John and Jill Brook who spend most of their spare time in the field. What else does Kent have in store for this year? More records of the Southern Migrant Hawker, Camberwell Beauty or even Queen of Spain Fritillary. If only the rain would leave off so we can get out there and look.
Dave

WED 15 JUNE 2011
Wondering what to do for the day a text message from someone at Dungeness made the decision easy. On show was a SQUACCO HERON, not an easy bird to see. We arrived just in time for it to be showing at the bottom of a bush on the edge of pool adjacent to Hookers Pit. Not the best of views, but considering how secretive they can be this was a good opportunity to see one without the long wait. Whilst walking back to the car park our son saw a Bittern in flight. This particular is being seen and heard on a regular basis. 2 Hobbies were hawking over the pits.
We came across 7 Small Tortoiseshells as we walked back. Later, along Dengemarsh Road we saw another 15. The day total of 22 is the most we have seen for a few years.
To end a good day we had a Hummingbird Hawkmoth visit the garden at tea time.
SAT 18 JUNE 2011
Another visit to Dungeness, this time we had flight views of the Great White Egret around Hookers Pit. It is in breeding attire but sadly without a mate. The cool and windy weather meant that a repeat showing of the Small Tortoiseshells was not not forthcoming, with only 2 found.
TUES 21 JUNE 2011.
Today the weather was marginally better witha few sunny breaks. At Eastwell park we managed to find 9 Red Eyed Damselflies, along with 5 Common Spotted Orchids. Hothfield Common only gave a Emperor Dragonfly and no butterflies. However, a wood near Chilham was much more productive with 19 Ringlets, 14 Large Skippers, a late Brimstone, our first 2 Marbled Whites of the year, Comma, Red Admiral and 2 Speckled Woods.
We ended the day near Wye, which whilst light on butterflies, was quite good for orchids. The butterflies were 1 Marbled White and 3 Ringlets. Orchids were represented by 37 Pyramidal, 2 Common Spotted and 7 Common Twayblade.

With a better forecast for Kent for the weekend hopefully the butterflies will be out in good numbers.

Dave

THURSDAY 23 JUNE 2011.
A change for the better to the weather forecast with a brighter warmer day meant a few spare hours were spent in Hamstreet Woods.
Butterflies seen were 8 White Admirals, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Comma, 3 Large Skippers, 62 Meadow Browns and 1 Ringlet supported by a Mottled Beauty moth and a Nightingale.

SUNDAY 26 JUNE 2011.
As the weather warmed up late morning a return visit to Hamstreet Woods was our planned move and resulted in a Silver Washed Fritillary, 6 White Admirals, 6 Purple Hairstreaks, 4 Large Skippers, 25 Meadow Browns, a Comma, 2 Red Admirals, 3 Small Tortoiseshells, 2 Brimstones, 5 Large Whites supported by 2 Broad Bodied Chasers, 8 Azure Damselflies and a Large Red.
Nearby a visit to Warehorne found 2 Small Tortoiseshells, 20 Meadow Browns, Red Admiral and Large White.

With the weather now really quite warm we decided to visit Iden Moat in East Sussex for Dragonflies. On view were a Downy Emerald, 5 White Legged Damselflies, 3 Large Emperors, 10 Four Spotted Chasers and many Azure Damselflies. A Common Buzzard flew nearby.

MONDAY 27 JUNE 2011.
An overnight garden moth trap produced our first Poplar Hawkmoth of the year plus Fanfoot, 2 Scalloped Oak, 2 Large Yellow Underwings, Green Pug, Yellow shell, Dwarf Cream Wave, 2 Dark Arches, Light Arches, Heart & Club and Bee moth.

TUESDAY 28 JUNE 2011.
On hearing of a few good moths trapped overnight at Dungeness we made an evening visit to view the goodies on show. Wow, what a catch. The best was Britain’s second ever modern record of DUSKY MARBLED BROWN. I understand that there are 3 or 4 records from the 1800’s with one other in 2003. This continental species was quite rightly attracting a lot of interest including a few long distance moth enthusiasts.
This was supported the Continental form of Speckled Footman, Sussex Emerald, Small Emerald, July Belle, Scarce Black Arches, Small Marbled, Barred Red (Green form), Obscure Wainscott, V Pug and Fen Wainscott.

On offer was a Moth jackpot and well worth the effort of an evening visit. Also a big thanks to the warden of the observatory, David Walker, who made the time to explain and identify the species on offer to us.

An interesting side issue to the number of moth migrants on offer following this very hot spell, was the fact that a small number of Dark Green Fritillaries had been turning up at some British migrant hot spots, suggesting a European origin.

What a great evening.

Dave