A surprisingly interesting morning, despite the strong wind. 21 birds were ringed today, including season firsts of juvenile chiffchaff and whitethroat. In fact only one bird was an adult, a goldfinch, amongst several juveniles caught. 2 grey wagtails going south were unseasonal, but welcome observations. Aside from these, most of the regular daily species were observed.
The highlight of the day however, was this Hornet Moth, a day flying moth that lives here on our hybrid black x Italian poplar tree. A very fresh individual, its unusual to see them so close to the floor here, without the use of a lure, but the strong winds had evidently driven this moth to seek shelter further down. Also known as a Hornet Clearwing, its one of several British clearwing moths.
Ringed birds: Blackcap 1, Blue Tit 1, Chiffchaff 1, Dunnock 1, Great Tit 2, Goldfinch 6, House Sparrow 8, Linnet 1.