Ringing - Sunday

We had another CES session this Sunday. It was pretty slow with only 12 birds caught but a nice variety with 9 species. Highlights included a male Bullfinch, freshly fledged Blue Tit and re-traps of Song Thrush, Blackcap, Sedge Warbler and Reed Warbler. Of even more interest was news from the previous visit that we managed a control of a Sedge warbler. At the moment we know nothing more but I will fill you in when I get the chance.

Ringing demo by Graham

The slowness of the session allowed appreciation of the other wildlife in the vicinity including a gorgeous solitary wasp - Chrysis ignata. Sadly we failed to get a photograph. we also managed a Common Frog - a tophill rarity!

We also had Grass Snake on the hay bales and tonnes of grasshopper sp. which we think are a combo of Common Green Grasshopper and Field Grasshopper but I am so woefully naive with insects its untrue.

Common Green Grasshopper

Red Admiral

Ringlet

Butterflies were the main attraction with many species on the wing including Small & Large Skipper, Marbled White and lots of Ringlets.

Skipper ID

Im rubbish at Butterflies but I have this down as Small Skipper - any thoughts?

Marsh Sandpiper, Blacktoft

Midget Greenshank with the head of a Wilson's Phalarope

A hoped for event when the Marsh Sandpiper, sensibly, decided to leave Lincolnshire for God's own by hopping the Trent. I was at Blacktoft for half 10. Not too many there and I got really good if a little distant views. It was parading round with a posse of Greenshank and took a little picking initially but once my eye was in I could see the subtle differences in leg colour, face pattern and bill morphology plus the smaller size. A very smart sandpiper - no doubts. Too far for the DSLR to cope with.

The picture here was a Greenshank...DOH

Plenty of supporting cast as well with 2 Spoonbills, 9 Little Egret, 2 Green Sandpipers, a dozen Spotted Redshank, Arctic Tern, Marsh Harrier, Common Sandpiper, Dunlin, Ruff and plenty I have forgotten I am sure...

Green Sandpiper

Ruff

Sleepy Spoonbill

Wansford

Went for a walk at Wansford this evening. There were 3 singing Sedge Warblers which is a new thing and I guess down to post breeding dispersal. Great Spot and Barn Owl were present along with plenty of Swallows and a fly through Kingfisher - my first of the year. Very nice.

Also went ringing yesterday but once I have the photos I will post on that.

There's a Moth in mi Office, what am I gonna do?

Dark Arches

This bad boy was floating round the office kitchen. ID was a collaborative effort as it was quite large and feisty.

Laid Off

My shit week has got really shit. I have been laid off with a months notice as there is no work coming in. If anyone knows anyone who needs an ornithologist let me know. A CV can be provided on request. I have experience of writing ornithological sections to EIAs, several surveys, am competent on all regular british birds, have over 340 hours offshore survey experience and have worked as an ornithologist for the last 18 months.

Local Cream Crown

Went for a listen of the local Quail this evening. One bird was calling in the field adjacent  the meadow where they had been which has now sadly been mown. This perhaps illegal cutting will probably have waylaid the first broods but hopefully now they are in the Barley they can get some young off. A mid-sized bird of prey with a shallow tail fork caused minor pant filling. Its actual identity was a Marsh Harrier heavy tail and wing moult with new central tail feathers. Minor palpitations subsided.

On returning an aquatic mustelid crossed the river but sadly slipped into reeds before I could get a proper handle on it. Gut feeling was Otter but honestly not good enough views to do anything more than speculate. Dammit. Before I got back to the car I watched a family group of at least 6 Mistle Thrushes feeding on the cut hay meadow. An Oystercatcher kleep'd over head along with a couple of Tufted Duck heading up river. A Little Grebe was whinnying on the river.

Mistle Thrush - honest, it rattled when it flew

In the garden a pair of Song Thrush and at least 1 young bird continue to forage in the garden along with a persistant Wren.

A Hoverfly was pratting about on the trellis. Any ideas on species gladly received.