A moderate breeze from the south west brought in a new bird species for the year, spotted flycatcher, with at least one present between the Observatory and the mining station all morning. Wheatear numbers inflated to 14 spread across the common, a yellow wagtail flew over, and yet another brambling was heard over the obs, continuing our unusual May for this species. More expected was a garden warbler and 2 singing reed warblers, with 3 house martins heading south along with a steady passage of swallows.
Butterflies were well represented, with 8 species seen, including the first brown argus for the year and a notable emergence of red admirals.
Moth numbers were low after the rain the previous evening, but amongst those trapped was this Light Brocade, almost annual here in May in low numbers.
Ringed Birds: Garden Warbler 1, Willow Warbler 2, Woodpigeon 1.