Second summer Mediterranean Gull by the Lifeboat Station this morning. Another of the same age was earlier on Warren View playing fields, along with a first summer, and an adult was on Carter Avenue park. Later on there were at least 5 Meds off Mudbank.
The view from Mudbank looking across to Starcross. There were at least 5 Mediterranean Gulls in the above flock (3 adults and 2 second summers)
A few bits and pieces today. The Mudbank/Imperial area produced 50 Dunlin, at least 6 Mediterranean Gulls, 5+ Bar-tailed Godwits, c240+ Curlew, 2+ Whimbrel, 3 Great Crested Grebes and, most unusually, a pair of Common Scoter. They were a fair way upriver. A Hobby flew east over the garden and at least 1 Grey Wagtail is knocking around the area. A further 37+ Common Scoters were off Maer Rocks this morning and a Mediterranean Gull was on the beach.
Yesterday a count of 315+ Curlew was made off the Imperial with 5 Bar-tailed Godwits, 9+ Whimbrel, c30+ Sandwich Terns, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose and c30+ Dunlin.
Moths numbers were reasonably good again last night - the highlight being Bordered Beauty and my first Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing of the year. A single Silver Y was the only immigrant noted.
The view from Mudbank looking across to Starcross. There were at least 5 Mediterranean Gulls in the above flock (3 adults and 2 second summers)
This Hobby whizzed over the garden whilst I was going through the moth trap. The local House Martins, Swallows, Swifts and Starlings all started panicking and I looked up, expecting to see a Sparrowhawk. It looks as if it has got something in its grasp.
White-triangle Slender - Caloptilia stigmatella
Bordered Beauty
Yponomeuta sp
Orange Crest - Helcystogramma rufescens - The Maer
Common Drill - Dichrorampha petiverella - The Maer - many thanks to Ben Sale for the ID.
This Bee caught my attention whilst I was looking for moths on the Maer this afternoon - Dasypoda hirtipes?
Orange Crest - Helcystogramma rufescens - The Maer
Common Drill - Dichrorampha petiverella - The Maer - many thanks to Ben Sale for the ID.
This Bee caught my attention whilst I was looking for moths on the Maer this afternoon - Dasypoda hirtipes?
Hi Matt,
ReplyDeleteYes, I think it's a male D hiritipes ... which aren't that common. It looks pale to me - see this image for comparison https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=pantaloon+bee&safe=active&espv=2&biw=1280&bih=635&tbm=isch&imgil=RRPwEhRhPQ2dbM%253A%253BzN0jD0h1_dhbfM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.alamy.com%25252Fstock-photo%25252Fpantaloon-bee.html&source=iu&pf=m&fir=RRPwEhRhPQ2dbM%253A%252CzN0jD0h1_dhbfM%252C_&usg=__HJvEQ0bVQkds56ZGGhh6B-jrJcQ%3D&dpr=1&ved=0ahUKEwiqjvOSg_3NAhXrD8AKHewyA_gQyjcINA&ei=9MyMV6rEGuufgAbs5YzADw#imgrc=XR0PfPSZ6YNOeM%3A
Hi Matt
ReplyDeleteYes likely hirtipes, it can be found on the Maer, especially at the eastern end.
Cheers
Kev
Thanks Nick, thanks Kev. I photographed several other species of Bee yesterday and could feel myself being drawn in to looking for more. Had to put the brakes on though as it could become as addictive as birds and moths and I haven't got time to do it all! By the way Kev - the eastern end of the Maer is exactly where I had them. All the best. Matt
ReplyDelete