Wednesday 26 March 2014

Lord of the Flies - William Golding

With yet another marked drop in temperature overnight, punctuated by the odd rain shower, expectations were low on the Moth front, but there were still a few oddities. Of the c44 Moths of 6 species, all common and expected, the show stealer would have to be
 TWIN-SPOTTED QUAKER
and with Fly species in general being well represented, 
even on the coldest Spring nights, these copulating
(probable) 
EMPIS TESSELLATA
Flies brought added interest while this
MOSQUITO Sp
was no surprise.
FURNITURE BEETLE
however was as not even thought of, requiring an E-mail visit to my
friend John Gifford for identification.
(larva of what are familiar as Woodworm)
Probably known to most as a Daddy Longlegs this
CRANE FLY
is the first of the Year, but sure to be followed by plenty more!
With the traps attended it was a 15 minute drive to
one of my favourite Nature Reserves
from where there has been recent sightings of Garganey, Sand Martin, Little Ringed Plover, Red Kite, Red-crested Pochard to name but a few.
To clear away the bad news immediately, none of the above were seen
but read on.
WILD DAFFODIL
Quite a bit of time has been spent searching this one out, with
all previous sightings being of the 'cultivated variety'. So here it is!
male GOLDENEYE
ADDER
best count on the Reserve so far this year is 9.
DRONE FLY
lots of them about.
Like anywhere else, Blashford may not always come up with a
Rare Bird
but what can be guaranteed, at most times of the year, are
Close Encounters
with the more common fare such as
GREY HERON
male SISKIN
female SISKIN

LESSER REDPOLL
MEALY REDPOLL
c2 reported but only one seen.
BRAMBLING
no notification of this species on the
"What's About Board"?
ROBIN
GREENFINCH
good to see plenty of these about not only here at Blashford
but also at Longham and Parley Court Farm.
Look Mum - another Lesser Redpoll.
GOLDFINCH
and ANOTHER
BLUE TIT
female CHAFFINCH
distant WREN
and likely the find of the day?
OPPOSITE-LEAVED GOLDEN SAXIFRAGE
THANKS again go to JOHN GIFFORD for another ID.
FROM the TERN HIDE
 
male TUFTED DUCK
Roll Preening
female TUFTED DUCK
BLACK-HEADED GULL
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