Friday 17th July 2020

A humid and warm day with the first scattering of juvenile southbound migrants in the nets.

 A juv Willow Warbler and a juv Reed Warbler were a change from the normal local juveniles which are dispersing around the Observatory at this time of year. The Willow Warbler is at the early end of the records, with a few having arrived on the 16th in previous years.

Also in the bushes were a few Blackcaps and a Chiffchaff. The Black Redstart was again in its favoured spot before heading over to the tanks blocks. There was also a small movement of hirundines late in the morning with 9 Swallows and 8 Sand Martins heading south, along with 4 Swifts.

On the sea 167 Black-headed Gulls cruised south along with a Whimbrel and a Dunlin. A few Common and Sandwich Terns were again feeding offshore.

The Moth Traps have got back to what they should be like in July, both in terms of numbers and variety. Another site speciality which can be found at Landguard is the Nationally Scarce Anerastia lotella.

Ringing: 2 Blackcap, 2 Dunnock, 1 Blue Tit, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Great Tit, 1 House Sparrow, 1 Linnet, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler