Autumn Moths

 Warm, dry and sunny, SW4 - A terrific session in the garden moth trap this morning with 12 species of  macros and several micros including two migrant Palpita vitrealis. However, the highlight was a superb Crimson Speckled on the shed wall by the trap; inevitable considering the recent unprecedented influx, and my fourth pink Vestal of autumn (yesterday I saw two more Crimson Speckled moths at Dungeness, while another was photographed at Lade pits by KP-S). Whilst clearing the trap Chiffchaff and Goldcrest could be heard in the garden shrubs with Grey Wagtail and Raven calling overhead. Scotney front pits and sward was alive with several thousand Golden Plovers, Lapwings and Wigeons and associated gulls, Cormorants, common geese and ducks. In the mix were four Ruffs, two Redshanks and a late Yellow Wagtail. The drake Long-tailed Duck from earlier in the week was still present on the main lake, in near full winter plumage and one of the best specimens I have ever seen down here; unfortunately though it tends to stick to the far side of the water, spending more time below the surface than on top. I called in at the bird reserve where the usual suspects were on show from Hanson hide (per MC) while Burrowes was quiet due to staff clearing vegetation on the islands.

                                            Crimson Speckled, New Romney

                                 Juvenile Gannet, Dungeness

A one hour seawatch (1145-1245 hrs) from the fishing boats was notable for a west bound Puffin (only my third here) amongst a steady trickle of 20 Razorbills and 50 Gannets. Also noted 10 Brents, two Sandwich Terns, four Kittiwakes, two Turnstones, an Arctic Tern and an Arctic Skua, plus an inbound Sparrowhawk and Merlin.