A flock of starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) near the cottage.
A strong NE wind, but clear morning once again produced little movement of birds. With Chiffchaff being retrapped and only 2 new individuals arriving late morning. A pair of Greenfinch passed through, with the female having a brood patch, so likely nesting locally. 9 Wheatear and a Black redstart are present near the tip of the peninsula and a turnstone along the shore. 2 Lesser whitethroat heard calling, scattered around the reserve.
A few sea movements with; 14 Gannet, 10 Greylag geese, 6 Common gull, 4 Black headed gull, 4 Med gull, a Cormorant and a Shelduck going north. 3 Cormorant only going South.
Moth trapping: Our first Muslin moth of spring, a Swallow prominent, a Shuttle-shaped dart and a Common quaker.
A male Muslin moth (Diaphora mendica), with females being white with a similar black spot pattern on the wing. A look into the scientific name; diaphora refers to the extreme sexual dimorphism and medica is the Latin word for beggar, referring to the dull appearance of males!