Mediterranean Gulls

Lade - warm, dry and sunny, w 2 - A fine weekend of weather and good conditions for moths with only my second ever Tree-lichen Beauty being the highlight in the garden trap; although I did notice a rash of records of this former rare migrant elsewhere across the south-east. Also of note, three Jersey Tigers, along with Nutmeg and Sallow Kitten, both moths I don't get that often.

 

                         Tree-lichen Beauty

 

                    Sallow Kitten

 

  The local patch has also been productive this weekend with a large mixed flock of gulls on south lake island yesterday comprising over 200 Black-headed Gulls and at least 65 Mediterranean Gulls, mostly moulting adults, but also several smart juveniles.Two of the adults had white numbered colour rings, but I couldn't manage to read them (sorry, Martin!).  Migrant Whimbrels continue to filter down the coast in small numbers, calling as they pass, and several Willow Warblers were around the ponds. This morning the island was barren due to a couple of spaniels in the lake nearby, while 220 Curlews flew to roost on the Desert.

                    Mediterranean Gulls on south lake island

  This afternoon a visit to the bird reserve yielded few surprises with the highlights as follows: four Cattle Egrets following the suckling herd by Cook`s pool; a juv Cuckoo by the feeding station; Black Tern, 12 fledged Common Terns, Dunlin and a spanking adult Turnstone on Burrowes; Stilt, Ruff, Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Garganey, 10 Wigeon and a Black-necked Grebe on ARC.