Wednesday 28th May 2025

 Some of us had given up hope for our breeding Long-tailed Tits but as if from nowhere we ringed 9 juveniles today. The first successful breeders for us here at LBO. Over night rain also blessed us with a few migrants (we will take what we can get right now). These include 1 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 4 Reed Warbler, a smattering of Swifts and Swallows and a House Martin South. Observed offshore were 2 Avocet, 6 Barnacle Geese and 10 Med Gull. A final Starling count reached 230 feeding out on the reserve and back up to 9 Shelduck. Still waiting for that end of May extra special bird though...

The adult was much easier to photograph than the youngsters.

Lunar Yellow Underwing is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan species due to its scarcity but Suffolk is a stronghold for the species. It occurs here in low numbers.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Dunnock, 9 Long-tailed Tit, 3 Reed Warbler, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Robin. 

 

Tuesday 27th May 2025

Cattle Egret was circling over the reserve heading South first thing this morning against the rather strong winds. It would later appear we had peaked early but 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Sand Martin and 18 Swallow about. Offshore 5 Common Tern, 2 Fulmar, 6 Med Gull, 2 Sandwich Tern, 3 Swift and 2 Egyptian Geese on the beach. Great to see a juvenile Pied Wagtail on the office building. Harbour Porpoise also spotted.

Small Elephant Hawk-moth is usually a regular around this time.

Ringing: 1 Chiffchaff, 4 Great Tit.

 

Monday 26th May 2025

It was nice to end on a high with yesterdays Turtle Dove although it didn't stay longer than 20 minutes which tends to be the trend with these fellas. 

Today was also an enjoyable days birding as it kicked off with 25 Barnacle Geese North. Wild or feral still great to watch. 1 rogue Siskin was in with the Goldfinches today. Other migrants 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Greenfinch, 4 House Martin, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Sand Martin, 1 Sandwich Tern, 15 Swallow and 1 Swift. Offshore produced 10 Common Scoter, 15 Kittiwake and 8 Med Gull.

Waved Umber is becoming scarcer in Northern Counties but has also become annual here in recent years.

Ringing: 1 Great tit, 1 Linnet, 1 Reed warbler, 1 Robin.

Sunday 25th May 2025

Stronger winds seemed to stir up some half decent birds throughout the morning. 1 Hobby in off the sea decided to take a dive at the Starlings before heading North. Also in the raptor department 1 Male Sparrowhawk North and a Marsh Harrier South. 9 House Martin South also a good count for us as they have been so scarce this year here. Other migrants 2 Avocet, 87 Brent Geese, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Sand Martin, 7 Swallow, 2 Swift and 1 Whimbrel. 

Later news: A Turtle Dove dropped in the compound early afternoon!

Greenfinch back in the compound is welcome any day of the week

Our moth today is Small Square Spot Diarsia Rubi aptly named for the marks on his back but is sometimes easily confused with Square Spot Rustic Xestia Xanthographa.

Ringing: 5 Great tit, 1 Woodpigeon.

Saturday 24th May 2025

 Even though it was expected, rain first thing was still a bit of a shock to the senses. No doubt the flora appreciated it but the snails were out in full force. Unfortunately the wind and rain had little effect on changing up the bird life although 1 Singing Chiffchaff was not fazed. 2 Swallow have been seen regularly for the past week and one wonders if they might be scoping for a potential nesting site. 9 Brent Geese went South for some odd reason but otherwise very little else to report.

The first fledgling Great tit probably picked the worst day so far this Spring to brave the world. We have 4 pairs on site.

Sand Dart is a nationally scarce species and since more sand is being deposited on the shingle we are seeing more of them.

Ringing: Nil.

Friday 23rd May 2025

Seemingly indecisive weather today as a we had a bit of sun, cloud and fluctuating winds but the rain is due tomorrow. Highlights today include a Common Buzzard who was soon chased off by the local Crows, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 House Martin, 5 Med Gull, 1 Stock Dove, 12 Swallow and 2 Swift. Offshore 8 Common Tern and 10 Kittiwake South. 

Finally a  recently fledged Dunnock!

We present you today the first Nut-tree Tussock for three years.

Ringing: 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Linnet.

Thursday 22nd May 2025

A couple of Swallow have been loitering around the site this week.

Dull with a couple of spots of rain am (but again blink & you would have missed it). Migrants were 2 Chiffchaff & 2 Reed Warbler. 10 Brent flew out & north & 11 Swallow flew south. Offshore southbound 17 Kitts, 5 Oyk & Whimbrel with northbound 9 Sandwich Tern, 4 Kitts & a Common Scoter plus another Common Scoter flying into the river.

Rustic Shoulder-knot has become more infrequent over the years.

Ringing: 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Linnet.

Wednesday 21st May 2025

 

229 Brent headed out then north. A couple of spots of rain (blink & you missed it) dropped in a Chiffchaff & a Spot Fly mid morning that had not been noted earlier. Other migrants included southbound 10 Oyks, 7 Kitts, 3 Swallows, Mallard & a Kestrel offshore. A Little Egret came in off & a Hobby visited.

Peppered Moth is well camouflaged on the wall.

Ringing: 2 Linnet, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Wren.

Tuesday 20th May 2025

 Definitely a day to be by the seaside. A further 135 Brent Geese Tundra bound this morning. The best time to catch flocks going over seems to be either early morning or late evening. Still some Swallow around, 1 Swift and offshore 1 Common and 1 Sandwich Tern. 

Obviously this Jackdaw thought it was be a good day to visit the beach too. We don't record them too often given how common they are down the road.

Cream-spot Tiger in Suffolk is predominantly found either in the Brecks or along the coastline. 

Ringing: 1 Willow Warbler.

Monday 19th May 2025

A calm morning with a little cloud and today we were greeted by a little fall of Chiffchaff. A further 138 Brent Geese flying downriver and moving North too. Still quite a few Swallow buzzing around and a few new Goldfinch have arrived - their numbers have been slowly climbing as late even though the young aren't out yet. 

It is nice to see Herring Gull with colour ring ZXX out on the reserve. This bird survived a sticky situation with some netting but was rescued and released and we know all this thanks to the ringing scheme.

We are not short of singing Dunnock here at Landguard.

It might not be the most vibrant moth we record here but Cydia microgramana is nationally rare. It lives here on Restharrow.

Ringing: 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldfinch.

Sunday 18th May 2025

 A very chilly start to the day given the time of year. A Fulmar going North was notable and a few hours later another one was spotted on the river. Also very unseasonal was a lone Redwing which seems to have replaced the Ring Ouzel which wasn't seen today. A further 40 Brent Geese North today. Other migrants include 2 Barnacle Geese, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Greenfinch, 5 Common Scoter and 7 Swallow.

Lesser Whitethroats have gone a bit quieter recently as they pair up but a few late arrivals today so we will see...

Scarce Bugloss Ermine Ethmia terminella is Nationally Scarce. The species was first noted here 20 years ago.

Ringing: 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Lesser Whitethroat.

Saturday 17th May 2025

In many respects a similar day to yesterday but a singing Greenfinch is a novelty these days. Also Female Sparrowhawk circling above the observatory early AM. The Ring Ouzel has made it to day 20 making it a Landguard record breaker. Also to report 2 Reed Warbler and 11 Swallow. In the evening 168 Brent Geese North and Common Sandpiper heard on the river.

Fledging Robins have been hopping around the undergrowth. We have ringed four of the young reared here but today we ringed a dispersing juvenile from elsewhere.

Pine Knot-horn Dioryctria abietella is a pine wood specialist. It last graced us with its presence in 2021.

Ringing: 1 Magpie, 1 Robin.

Friday 16th May 2025

There's a bit of a chill to these Northerlies but some birds are coming through nonetheless. The long staying Ring Ouzel is on the brink of breaking a record. Other migrants include 1 Black Redstart, singing Chiffchaff and Reed warbler, 2 Chaffinch, 1 House Martin, 5 Sand Martin, 1 Skylark, 5 Swallow and 2 Swift. 

Stock Dove has appeared more than usual this year even occasionally showing up as a pair.

The Delicate is a well known coastal migrant which is now suspected to have colonised.

Ringing: 2 Goldfinch, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Linnet, 2 Reed Warbler.

Thursday 15th May 2025

 

Young Starlings should be out of the cottage nest box imminently.

Handful of migrants included 2 Chiffchaff, new Lesser 'throat & Whitethroat, procrastinating Ring Ouzel plus the first Spot Fly of the year. Single Whimbrel flew north.

Clouded-bordered Brindle pays us a visit roughly one year in three.

Ringing: 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Linnet, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Whitethroat.

Wednesday 14th May 2025

 

Northerly winds in high pressure looks stuck at the moment. Lesser 'throats still turning up including one originally ringed here three years ago, Other new migrants very few in number included 6 Swallow & a Sand Martin. Ring Ouzel still here for it's 17th day. Grey Heron flying north is, presumably, a non-breeder.

We do well here for Mullein Wave, which is largely a coastal species.

Ringing: 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Linnet.

Tuesday 13th May 2025

The high pressure continues but a much breezier day today. A calling Redshank over early AM was a first for the year here. Also to report 1 Chaffinch, 1 House Martin, 8 Swallow and another Little Tern over the beach. Offshore still some Kittiwakes moving North, 4 Med Gull, 12 Sanderling and 2 Sandwich Tern. 

The Harbour Porpoise has reappeared first spotted on Friday.

White Ermine Moth would do well in a fashion show. A common species but we don't catch too many here.

Ringing: 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Robin.

Monday 12th May 2025

A few quirky sightings today as at least a few birds seemed to be moving. Highlight was probably 2 Little Terns over the beach being mobbed by the resident Ringed Plover pair. Also 1 lone Barnacle Goose South, 1 Black Redstart, 1 singing Blackcap, 2 Chaffinch and 2 Song Thrush (1 this years young). Female Ring Ouzel still present. In the afternoon a female Whinchat was located just out the front of the Observatory.

Offshore 8 Little Egret flew East and were lost to view, 6 Common Scoter, 3 Common Tern, 5 Dunlin, 20 Kittiwake and a Sandwich Tern.

7 pairs of Shelduck today but no ducklings yet - there's still time.

The moth of the day is this micro Ancylus laetana. Being only the second site record it has potential to colonise on the poplars here.

Ringing: 1 Blackcap, 1 Robin, 1 Song Thrush.

Sunday 11th May 2025

A hot sleepy Sunday and despite warm Easterlies there was little movement in the bird department. Feeding Common Terns and some Kittiwake offshore whilst 2 Chaffinch, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Sand Martin and some Swallows about the reserve. 1 Female Ring Ouzel still present. Also 2 Common Seals swimming off the beach. There were plenty of 'year ticks' for our invertebrates today. 

Four-spotted Chaser sunning itself on the ridge.

All in all, 8 Butterfly species recorded today including the first Holly Blue of the year. Large Red Damselfly also a notable find. 

Figure of Eighty gets its name from the '80' mark on the wing. Although it's much clearer in some individuals compared to others!

Ringing: Nil.

Saturday 10th May 2025

More sunshine and it looks like the high pressure will continue well in to next week. All sorts of nesting activity being observed at the moment. Some of the first Linnet fledglings are making an appearance while the Pied Wagtail can be seen regularly taking food somewhere towards the docks. A Harbour Porpoise seen also for a second day not too far offshore.

Also of note 1 Ring Ouzel still on the reserve feeding around the bushes, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Song Thrush and 5 Swallow. 2 Common and 4 Sandwich Terns feeding offshore with the gulls. 

Light Brocade today which usually just about makes it on to the year list in small numbers. It favours rough ground and heathland.

Ringing: 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Linnet, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Wren.

Friday 9th May 2025

  Zero complaints about the weather today and sure enough there was a bit more insect activity in the sunshine. In the pond fresh Broad-bodied Chasers were emerging and judging by the amount of nymphs seen as we cleared out the blanket weed it should be a bumper year for them here.

Other sightings today singing Blackcap, 8 Swallow and 1 Ring Ouzel. Offshore 4 Gannet, 5 Sandwich Tern and 2 Kittiwake. 

The first Vine's Rustic of the year today. 

Ringing: 1 Robin

Thursday 8th May 2025

 

Migration has stalled with this mornings meagre offerings including Blackcap, Black Red, Ring Ouzel & Wheatear all have which have been here for several days. A new Robin did turn up and it was also pleasing to get the first couple of baby Robins taking their first flights. A couple of Turnstone are looking smart as they get ready to depart to the breeding grounds in the far north. 4 Sanderling on the beach.

The first Bordered Sallow of the year is a tad early out on parade when one considers the chilly nights recently. They live on Restharrow so Landguard is very much to their liking.

Ringing: 3 Robin, 2 Linnet, 1 Blackbird.

Wednesday 7th May 2025

 

Despite the chilly conditions a few Large Red Damselflies are appearing.

Today's paltry selection of migrants include Blackcap, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Ring Ouzel for her 10th day, Wheatear & some new Lesser 'throats continuing to arrive. Offshore northbound 20 Whimbrel, 12 Barwit, 7 Gannet, 3 Oyk & 2 Sandwich Tern.

Moth trap interest was picking up but with cooler northerly conditions prevailing it's resorted to low numbers & variety. Living on St. John's Wort Treble-bar is starting to come out.

Ringing: 4 Starling (pulli), 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Chaffinch, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldfinch.

Tuesday 6th May 2025

 Who put Summer on hold? At least today didn't stop this Wall Brown from coming out. Once a common sight it is now rare but would be excellent to see it return to the Landguard. Second record this month. 

On the bird front still 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Song Thrush and 1 Wheatear. Offshore 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel, 4 Sandwich Tern and 8 Common Tern. 

Our first Large Yellow Underwing of the season - sometimes our most common macro moth.

Ringing: 1 Blackbird, 1 Linnet, 1 Chiffchaff.

Also colour ringed two more Blackbirds - please keep an eye out.

Monday 5th May 2025

Gusty Northerly winds brought an all round much colder feel today. The Gulls were still doing their thing close offshore and seemed to have spread the word as more has joined the feeding mob. Herring Gull now numbering over 600. Also offshore 1 Fulmar, 2 Gannet, 1 Kittiwake, 1 Med Gull, 3 Common Tern, 6 Sandwich Tern and 8 Common Scoter. 

Despite a lull in passerine movement migrants include 1 Chaffinch, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Willow Warbler and 1 Ring Ouzel still. Also 1 Hobby North.

Colder temperatures so no surprise; only two species of moth. The usual Shuttle-shaped Darts and this Tawny Shears.

Ringing: 1 Chaffinch, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Linnet, 1 Willow Warbler.

Sunday 4th May 2025

A few decent birds today. Highlight being an adult male Red-Footed Falcon in the morning flying North offshore. Large amounts of gulls also on the sea today provided an opportunity for a little count. 340 Herring, 43 Black-headed, 2 Great Black-back, 8 Lesser Black-back and 13 Common. Also joined by a 12 feeding Common Tern - perhaps something was spawning? Also at sea 28 Dunlin North, 4 Sanderling and 3 Whimbrel. 

The female Ring Ouzel has been with us for a week now. Also of note today 1 Tree pipit along with Blackcap, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff and 1 Hobby. 

Chocolate-Tip today is a resident in small numbers here on the poplar trees.

Ringing: 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Linnet

Saturday 3rd May 2025

 

Glorious morning, weather wise, Migrants less so included 8 Swallow, Blackcap, Grey Wag, Reed Warbler, Ring Ouzel still with us & Wheatear. 4 Jackdaw visited. Amongst the Lesser 'throats settling in was one originally ringed here two years ago with a couple of the Whitethroats on site the last couple of days being returning juveniles from last year.

We used to call this Ash Pug, with it's vernacular name now Angle-barred Pug. Some authorities used to split it as Tamarisk Pug as that is it's foodplant. Confused ? - then join the club. Either way the site it is most commonly seen in Suffolk is Landguard, although the fact that we are trapping daily next to it's breakfast/lunch/dinner & tea probably distorts this bias.

Ringing: 1 Goldfinch, 1 Reed Warbler.