A male Slow Worm within the Fort
Landguard felt a bit like an island first thing this morning, with fog covering the sea to the east and the river to the west but with blue skies present above the Observatory.
Sadly it didn't do much to bring in the birds, with the usual Lesser Whitethroats and Whitethroats in place and only a few migrants. A Grasshopper Warbler was reeling over the noise of the Port behind the Fort, 2 Chiffchaffs and 2 Willow Warblers were in the bushes. Vis-mig included 14 Swallows, 6 Sand Martins and 6 Goldfinch.
On the Reserve a Whimbrel was on the Beach and 5 Wheatears were by the Tank Blocks. On the sea a Bonxie headed north and 14 Common Terns loitered by the river mouth.
A few more butterflies were on the wing with an Orange-tip and Holly Blue seen on the Reserve. A male Slow Worm was recorded within the Fort, a notable record as none were seen last year.
'Bird Poo' moths are always challenging for the faint hearted. This one is Epiblema scutulana, the larval are partial to the roots and stems of Thistles.
Ringing: 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Wheatear, 1 Willow Warbler
Ringing: 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Wheatear, 1 Willow Warbler