30 Jul 23
No sightings in today.
Sightings from previous years without links are below
2006
Priorslee Lake
13 Swifts
(Ed Wilson)
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On this day can be found via the yearly links in the right-hand column.
2006
Priorslee Lake
13 Swifts
(Ed Wilson)
29 Jul 23
No Sightings in today.
Sightings from previous years without links are below
2006
Priorslee Lake
1 Common Terns
(Ed Wilson)
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On this day can be found via the yearly links in the right-hand column.
2006
Priorslee Lake
1 Common Terns
(Ed Wilson)
28 Jul 23
No sightings in today
Sightings from previous years without links are below
2012
Priorslee Lake
Grasshopper Warbler
(John Isherwood)
Nedge Hill
17 Mistle Thrush including several juveniles
(John Isherwood)
2006
Priorslee Lake
2 Common Terns
(Ed Wilson)
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On this day can be found via the yearly links in the right-hand column.
2012
Priorslee Lake
Grasshopper Warbler
(John Isherwood)
Nedge Hill
17 Mistle Thrush including several juveniles
(John Isherwood)
2006
Priorslee Lake
2 Common Terns
(Ed Wilson)
27 Jul 23
No sightings in today.
Sightings from previous years without links are below
2006
Priorslee Lake
Redshank
(Ed Wilson)
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On this day can be found via the yearly links in the right-hand column.
Sightings from previous years without links are below
2006
Priorslee Lake
Redshank
(Ed Wilson)
26 Jul 23
No sightings in today
Sightings from previous years without links are below
2013
Priorslee Lake
Willow Tit
(Ed Wilson)
2006
Priorslee Lake
Common Sandpiper
(Ed Wilson)
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On this day can be found via the yearly links in the right-hand column.
2013
Priorslee Lake
Willow Tit
(Ed Wilson)
2006
Priorslee Lake
Common Sandpiper
(Ed Wilson)
25 Jul 23
No sightings in today.
Sightings from previous years without links are below
2007
Priorslee Lake
Oystercatcher
300+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls
3 Herring Gulls
1 Yellow-legged Gull
1 Reed Warbler
3 Blackcaps
4 Chiffchaffs
4 Sand Martins
(Ed Wilson)
2006
Priorslee Lake
3 Great Crested Grebes
3 Herons
3 Greylag Geese
17 Tufted Ducks
1 Kestrel
6 Stock Doves
303 Wood Pigeons
12 Swifts
1 Kingfisher
4 Sand Martins
7 Swallows
6 House Martins
2 Grey Wagtails
8 Reed Warblers
2 Lesser Whitethroats
1 Common Whitethroat
1 Garden Warbler
9 Blackcaps
6 Chiffchaffs
2 Willow Warblers
3 Willow Tits
1 Jay
248 Jackdaws
485 Rooks
205 Greenfinches
3 Bullfinches
8 Reed Buntings
(Ed Wilson)
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On this day can be found via the yearly links in the right-hand column.
2007
Priorslee Lake
Oystercatcher
300+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls
3 Herring Gulls
1 Yellow-legged Gull
1 Reed Warbler
3 Blackcaps
4 Chiffchaffs
4 Sand Martins
(Ed Wilson)
2006
Priorslee Lake
3 Great Crested Grebes
3 Herons
3 Greylag Geese
17 Tufted Ducks
1 Kestrel
6 Stock Doves
303 Wood Pigeons
12 Swifts
1 Kingfisher
4 Sand Martins
7 Swallows
6 House Martins
2 Grey Wagtails
8 Reed Warblers
2 Lesser Whitethroats
1 Common Whitethroat
1 Garden Warbler
9 Blackcaps
6 Chiffchaffs
2 Willow Warblers
3 Willow Tits
1 Jay
248 Jackdaws
485 Rooks
205 Greenfinches
3 Bullfinches
8 Reed Buntings
(Ed Wilson)
23 Jul 23
No sightings in today
Sightings from previous years without links are below
2012
Priorslee Lake
7 Skylarks
(John Isherwood)
2006
Priorslee Lake
Common Tern
(Ed Wilson)
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On this day can be found via the yearly links in the right-hand column.
2012
Priorslee Lake
7 Skylarks
(John Isherwood)
2006
Priorslee Lake
Common Tern
(Ed Wilson)
22 Jul 23
No sightings in today.
Sightings from previous years without links are below
2011
Priorslee Lake
1 Kingfisher
Female Ruddy Duck
(John Isherwood)
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On this day can be found via the yearly links in the right-hand column.
2011
Priorslee Lake
1 Kingfisher
Female Ruddy Duck
(John Isherwood)
2009
Priorslee Lake
1 Kingfisher
(Ed Wilson)
2006
Priorslee Lake
A drake Ruddy Duck
(Ed Wilson)
Priorslee Lake
1 Kingfisher
(Ed Wilson)
2006
Priorslee Lake
A drake Ruddy Duck
(Ed Wilson)
20 Jul 23
No sightings in today.
Sightings from previous years without links are below
2009
Priorslee Lake
1 Common Sandpiper
(Ed Wilson)
2007
Priorslee Lake
1 Wheatear
(Ed Wilson)
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On this day can be found via the yearly links in the right-hand column.
2009
Priorslee Lake
1 Common Sandpiper
(Ed Wilson)
2007
Priorslee Lake
1 Wheatear
(Ed Wilson)
19 Jul 23
Priorslee Lake and The Flash
14.0°C > 16.0°C: Mostly low cloud with spells of mainly light drizzle. Some sunnier moments developing. Light / moderate north-easterly breeze. Excellent visibility.
Sunrise: 05:09 BST
+ = my first sighting of this species at this site this year.
++ = new species for me at this site.
Priorslee Balancing Lake:: 04:50 – 05:45 // 07:00 – 09:45
(156th visit of the year)
Almost all bird song much reduced. For some reason this morning Song Thrushes bucked the trend with six in song.
Bird notes:
- Only the three juveniles from the original Great Crested Grebe brood noted.
- Since mid-March I have heard one or two Sky Larks singing from the fields to the East. This morning one flew overhead calling heading south-west. An unusual date for birds to pass.
Count of birds noted flying over here:
- 11 Greylag Geese: two groups outbound
- 3 Feral Pigeons: together
- 1 Stock Dove
- 141 Wood Pigeons
- 1 Herring Gull
- 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 2 Jackdaws
- 1 Sky Lark
Warblers noted (the number singing in brackets):
- *10 (5) Chiffchaffs
- 4 (1) Reed Warblers
- 4 (3) Blackcaps
- 1 (0) Common Whitethroat
Hirundines etc., noted:
- 3 Swifts
- 2 Barn Swallows
- 12 House Martins at least high over the football field c.05:25
Counts from the lake area:
- 4 Canada Geese: throughout and unmolested by the cob Mute Swan.
- 2 + 2 Mute Swans
- 18 (?♂) Mallard
- 2 (?♂) Tufted Duck: arrived
- 2 + 2 (2 broods) Moorhen
- 66 Coots
- 7 + 3 (1 brood) Great Crested Grebes
- *55 Black-headed Gulls: all on the football field c.05:30: first juvenile of the year here among them. No more than eight at the lake.
Noted on and around the street lamp poles around dawn:
Moths:
- *1 micro-moth: just perhaps Black-headed Dwarf (Elachista atricomella)
- 1 Little Grey (Eudonia lacustrata)
- *2 Common Plume (Emmelina monodactyla)
- *1 Large Emerald (Geometra papilionaria): same as yesterday
- *1 Riband Wave (Idaea aversata)
- *+1 Common Wave (Cabera exanthemata)
In the half-light around dawn I noted the first brown-toned juvenile Black-headed Gull on the football field.
In the drizzly rain this Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria) had found a sheltered place to sit and try and warm up.
I am pushed for time today to do much research. This micro-moth high up on a street lamp pole is perhaps Black-headed Dwarf (Elachista atricomella). Would be a new moth for me. I'll try and get it checked.
Yet another of those pesky grass moths and a rather tatty specimen at that. The extent of the white area in the forewing means it has to be an Inlaid Grass-veneer (Crambus pascuella). All the markings toward the tip of the wing have worn away.
Still here from yesterday and staying until fully light was the Large Emerald moth (Geometra papilionaria).
Yet another Riband Wave moth (Idaea aversata). None of those seen this year has had the area between the outer cross lines filled in. Most odd.
My first Common Wave moth (Cabera exanthemata) of the year. Best separated from Common White Wave (C. pusaria) by the curving outer cross line on the hind wing as well as the rather browner tone to the speckling.
A bumper year for Red-eyed Damselfly (Erythromma najas) for me. Another immature female and the only damselfly I saw today. Perhaps I have just 'got my eye in'.
I suspect this is a hoverfly but I cannot track down any species that fits with the white area in the middle of the front leg and the slightly swollen hind leg.
What seems to be a Little Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus asiliformis). This species usually shows bright green eyes. I suspect the angle is wrong for the eyes to catch the light.
In some ways a similar-looking fly but somewhat smaller and with swollen mid-tarsi. It is possibly Dolichopus wahlbergi.
Two plant bugs face off. The lower one is Campyloneura virgula. I am note sure about the other one: probably one of the difficult to separate Anthocoris group.
(Ed Wilson)
The Flash: 05:50 – 06:50
Moths:
- *unidentified micro-moth
- 2 Garden Grass-veneers (Chrysoteuchia culmella)
- +1 Single-dotted Wave (Idaea dimidiata)
- *1 Green Pug (Pasiphila rectangulata)
- *1 Engrailed (Ectropis crepuscularia)
The best photo I could manage of a Green Pug moth (Pasiphila rectangulata) way up a street lamp pole in the gloom o squirrel alley. It is not very green-looking: this colouration is usually quickly anyway. The format of the dark areas along the leading edge of the wing suggest this species.
14.0°C > 16.0°C: Mostly low cloud with spells of mainly light drizzle. Some sunnier moments developing. Light / moderate north-easterly breeze. Excellent visibility.
Sunrise: 05:09 BST
+ = my first sighting of this species at this site this year.
++ = new species for me at this site.
Priorslee Balancing Lake:: 04:50 – 05:45 // 07:00 – 09:45
(156th visit of the year)
Almost all bird song much reduced. For some reason this morning Song Thrushes bucked the trend with six in song.
Bird notes:
- Only the three juveniles from the original Great Crested Grebe brood noted.
- Since mid-March I have heard one or two Sky Larks singing from the fields to the East. This morning one flew overhead calling heading south-west. An unusual date for birds to pass.
Count of birds noted flying over here:
- 11 Greylag Geese: two groups outbound
- 3 Feral Pigeons: together
- 1 Stock Dove
- 141 Wood Pigeons
- 1 Herring Gull
- 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 2 Jackdaws
- 1 Sky Lark
Warblers noted (the number singing in brackets):
- *10 (5) Chiffchaffs
- 4 (1) Reed Warblers
- 4 (3) Blackcaps
- 1 (0) Common Whitethroat
Hirundines etc., noted:
- 3 Swifts
- 2 Barn Swallows
- 12 House Martins at least high over the football field c.05:25
Counts from the lake area:
- 4 Canada Geese: throughout and unmolested by the cob Mute Swan.
- 2 + 2 Mute Swans
- 18 (?♂) Mallard
- 2 (?♂) Tufted Duck: arrived
- 2 + 2 (2 broods) Moorhen
- 66 Coots
- 7 + 3 (1 brood) Great Crested Grebes
- *55 Black-headed Gulls: all on the football field c.05:30: first juvenile of the year here among them. No more than eight at the lake.
Noted on and around the street lamp poles around dawn:
Moths:
- *1 micro-moth: just perhaps Black-headed Dwarf (Elachista atricomella)
- 1 Little Grey (Eudonia lacustrata)
- *2 Common Plume (Emmelina monodactyla)
- *1 Large Emerald (Geometra papilionaria): same as yesterday
- *1 Riband Wave (Idaea aversata)
- *+1 Common Wave (Cabera exanthemata)
and:
- 1 Dicranopalpus ramosus/caudatus harvestman
Noted later:
Dull and damp conditions restricted things flying
- 1 Dicranopalpus ramosus/caudatus harvestman
Noted later:
Dull and damp conditions restricted things flying
Butterflies:
- *Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria)
- Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus)
- *Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria)
- Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus)
Moths:
- Horse-chestnut Leaf-miner (Cameraria ohridella): very many
- Garden Grass-veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella)
- *+Inlaid Grass-veneer (Crambus pascuella)
- Satin Grass-veneer (Crambus perlella)
- *Latticed Heath (Chiasmia clathrata)
- Horse-chestnut Leaf-miner (Cameraria ohridella): very many
- Garden Grass-veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella)
- *+Inlaid Grass-veneer (Crambus pascuella)
- Satin Grass-veneer (Crambus perlella)
- *Latticed Heath (Chiasmia clathrata)
Bees / wasps etc.:
- Garden Bumblebee (Bombus hortorum)
- Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum)
- Early Bumblebee (Bombus pratorum)
- Common Wasp (Paravespula vulgaris)
- Garden Bumblebee (Bombus hortorum)
- Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum)
- Early Bumblebee (Bombus pratorum)
- Common Wasp (Paravespula vulgaris)
Hoverflies:
- Marmalade Hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus)
- Stripe-winged Dronefly (Eristalis horticola)
- White-clubbed Glasswing (Scaeva pyrastri) [was Pied Hoverfly]
- Syrphus sp. (S. ribesii / S. vitripennis)
- *unidentified possible hoverfly sp.
- Marmalade Hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus)
- Stripe-winged Dronefly (Eristalis horticola)
- White-clubbed Glasswing (Scaeva pyrastri) [was Pied Hoverfly]
- Syrphus sp. (S. ribesii / S. vitripennis)
- *unidentified possible hoverfly sp.
Dragon-/damsel-flies:
- *Red-eyed Damselfly (Erythromma najas)
- *Red-eyed Damselfly (Erythromma najas)
Other flies:
- *++Little Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus asiliformis)
- Black Snipefly (Chrysopilus cristatus)
- *fly sp. with swollen mid-tarsi, possibly Dolichopus wahlbergi.
- *semaphore fly Poecilobothrus nobilitatus
- *Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria)
- *several more interesting-looking unidentified flies
- *++Little Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus asiliformis)
- Black Snipefly (Chrysopilus cristatus)
- *fly sp. with swollen mid-tarsi, possibly Dolichopus wahlbergi.
- *semaphore fly Poecilobothrus nobilitatus
- *Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria)
- *several more interesting-looking unidentified flies
Beetles:
- Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni): larvae
- *Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis): conspicua form
- very few of the unidentified small beetles first noted Sunday (16th) remain
- Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni): larvae
- *Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis): conspicua form
- very few of the unidentified small beetles first noted Sunday (16th) remain
Bugs:
- **plant bug Campyloneura virgula
- One from the Anthocoris group
- *Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius)
- **plant bug Campyloneura virgula
- One from the Anthocoris group
- *Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius)
Also
- White-lipped Snail (Cepaea hortensis)
- White-lipped Snail (Cepaea hortensis)
A Chiffchaff, probably a juvenile.
Who me?
Butter wouldn't melt in its mouth.
One of two Common Plume moth (Emmelina monodactyla) seen here today.
Not easy to identify with its wings closed is this Latticed Heath moth (Chiasmia clathrata).
A male Semaphore fly Poecilobothrus nobilitatus with its white wing-tips.
Is this a female of one of the above?
An old friend: a Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria).
Today's interesting but unidentified fly.
A Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) of the conspicua form.
A Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius).
(Ed Wilson)
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The Flash: 05:50 – 06:50
(145th visit of the year)
Bird notes:
- no Black-headed Gulls today.
Birds noted flying over here:
- 2 Jackdaws yet again
Warblers noted (the number singing in brackets):
- 5 (3) Chiffchaffs
- 2 (2) Blackcap
Hirundines etc., noted:
Bird notes:
- no Black-headed Gulls today.
Birds noted flying over here:
- 2 Jackdaws yet again
Warblers noted (the number singing in brackets):
- 5 (3) Chiffchaffs
- 2 (2) Blackcap
Hirundines etc., noted:
None
Noted on / around the water
- 139 Canada Geese
- 58 Greylag Geese
- 1 Canada x Greylag Goose
- 3 + 4 (1 brood) Mute Swans
- 28 (?♂) Mallard
- 1 (1♂) all-white feral duck.
- 15 (?♂) Tufted Duck
- *8 + 2 (1 brood) Moorhens
- ? + 4 (2 broods) Coots
- 2 Great Crested Grebes
- no Black-headed Gulls
- *1 Grey Heron
Noted on / around the street lamp poles around the water etc.:
Noted on / around the water
- 139 Canada Geese
- 58 Greylag Geese
- 1 Canada x Greylag Goose
- 3 + 4 (1 brood) Mute Swans
- 28 (?♂) Mallard
- 1 (1♂) all-white feral duck.
- 15 (?♂) Tufted Duck
- *8 + 2 (1 brood) Moorhens
- ? + 4 (2 broods) Coots
- 2 Great Crested Grebes
- no Black-headed Gulls
- *1 Grey Heron
Noted on / around the street lamp poles around the water etc.:
Moths:
- *unidentified micro-moth
- 2 Garden Grass-veneers (Chrysoteuchia culmella)
- +1 Single-dotted Wave (Idaea dimidiata)
- *1 Green Pug (Pasiphila rectangulata)
- *1 Engrailed (Ectropis crepuscularia)
other things:
- *2 'looper' caterpillars, probably of Geometer moths
- Black Snipefly (Chrysopilus cristatus): female
- 1 Dicranopalpus ramosus/caudatus harvestman
Noted elsewhere around The Flash:
- Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni): larvae
- Common Red Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva)
- *2 'looper' caterpillars, probably of Geometer moths
- Black Snipefly (Chrysopilus cristatus): female
- 1 Dicranopalpus ramosus/caudatus harvestman
Noted elsewhere around The Flash:
- Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni): larvae
- Common Red Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva)
An adult Moorhen with a still unfledged juvenile.
A Grey Heron is king of the castle on a roof in Derwent Drive. Scouting for fish ponds no doubt.
Another micro-moth that I will have to have another think about.
In contrast the most cleanly marked Engrailed moth (Ectropis crepuscularia) I have noted this year.
This appears to be a 'looper' caterpillar one of two on the same street lamp pole. Such caterpillars are usually of geometer moths, so-named from their looper caterpillars measuring an equal distance as they move forward.
(Ed Wilson)
Between the lake and The Flash on / around street lamp poles:
(Ed Wilson)
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Between the lake and The Flash on / around street lamp poles:
Moths:
- 1 Garden Grass-veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella)
- *1 unidentified micro-moth
- 1 Garden Grass-veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella)
- *1 unidentified micro-moth
also
- Semaphore fly Poecilobothrus nobilitatus
- Semaphore fly Poecilobothrus nobilitatus
This micro-moth hiding amongst the darkest foliage nevertheless stood out as being different. Despite the apparent clarity of the markings I have so far been unable to track it down.
On the ceiling I found my first Dun-bar moth (Cosmia trapezina) of the year. Not a very well-marked example.
(Ed Wilson)
Sightings from previous years without links are below
2011
Priorslee Lake
4 Common Sandpiper
Female Ruddy Duck
(John Isherwood)
2006
Priorslee Lake
A male Cockatiel
1 drake Ruddy Duck
(Ed Wilson)
(Ed Wilson)
Noted in the Priorslee Avenue tunnel
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Noted in the Priorslee Avenue tunnel
Moths:
- *1 Dun-bar moth (Cosmia trapezina)
- *1 Dun-bar moth (Cosmia trapezina)
(Ed Wilson)
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On this day can be found via the yearly links in the right-hand column.
2011
Priorslee Lake
4 Common Sandpiper
Female Ruddy Duck
(John Isherwood)
2006
Priorslee Lake
A male Cockatiel
1 drake Ruddy Duck
(Ed Wilson)
18 Jul 23
Priorslee Lake and The Flash
11.0°C > 14.0°C: A few early sunny moments but increasing and lowering cloud. A calm start with a light south-easterly breeze developing. Very good visibility.
Sunrise: 05:08 BST
+ = my first sighting of this species at this site this year.
++ = new species for me at this site.
Priorslee Balancing Lake: 04:55 – 05:45 // 06:55 – 09:35
(155th visit of the year)
Bird notes:
- All three juveniles from the original Great Crested Grebe brood were present and correct: as was the single juvenile from the second brood. The possible third brood at the West end has still not provided a confirmed sighting of any juveniles.
- A Common Buzzard was causing mayhem amongst the Wood Pigeons and Black-headed Gulls as it moved around the football field area c.05:30. I have seen it in the area several times very recently so perhaps it is nesting in the Ricoh copse again despite the general lack of calls and earlier sightings.
- A Sedge Warbler was briefly in song along the North side: the first I have heard at this part of the lake this year.
- A Chaffinch heard in song, also briefly. My first song for two weeks. Now between broods?
Count of birds noted flying over here:
- 1 Feral Pigeon
- 1 Stock Dove
- 145 Wood Pigeons
- 1 Collared Dove
- 1 Herring Gull
- 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 1 Cormorant
- 2 Jackdaws
Warblers noted (the number singing in brackets):
- 11 (6) Chiffchaffs
- 1 (1) Sedge Warbler: see notes
- 7 (4) Reed Warblers
- 6 (2) Blackcaps
Hirundines etc., noted:
- 6 Swifts: they will be on their way to Africa within two weeks.
- 6 Barn Swallows: together. Local family party?
- 3 House Martins: including begging juvenile(s)
Counts from the lake area:
- 2 Canada Geese
- 2 + 2 Mute Swans
- 16 (?♂) Mallard
- 2 + 1 (1 brood) Moorhen
- 67 Coots: yesterday's new brood not noted
- 6 + >3 (3 broods) Great Crested Grebes: see notes
- 29 Black-headed Gulls: all adults on the football field c.05:30. Only four (of these?) seen later at the lake.
Noted on and around the street lamp poles around dawn:
What is probably the third pair of Great Crested Grebes with young though I have yet to see the evidence. I am sure there are juveniles under the raised feathers on the adult.
There must have been at least 25 of these tiny Horse-chestnut Leaf-miner moths (Cameraria ohridella) flying around together. When they did perch it was usually very briefly and often on the underside of leaves. Eventually I managed to photograph one at rest.
Two moths getting friendly. The curved cross-line toward the tip of the otherwise poorly-marked wing on the stationary moth indicate it is Garden Grass-veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella). I suppose the other one is.
A rather worn example but with the curved cross-line still obvious. At this date still the most abundant grass-moth.
To complete a trio of the confusing grass moths here is a Straw Grass-veneer moth (Agriphila straminella). At this date it is the second-most abundant species of grass moth, distinguished by the broad white area along the length of the folded wing combined with the absence of any cross-lines.
Often, as here, the white area fans out somewhat toward the wing tip which on freshly-emerged specimens shows a line of faint black dots.
Difficult to get at this flighty Mother of Pearl moth (Patania ruralis). When the light is at the right angle the wings do indeed look as if they are suffused in mother of pearl.
The Rugby-shirt markings of a Cinnabar (Tyria jacobaeae) caterpillar. This moth species specialises in feeding on Common Ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris) and the colouration warns predators that it will taste nasty at best, and possibly kill them.
The parallel sides to the yellow band at the side of the thorax distinguish this Common Wasp (Paravespula vulgaris) from a German Wasp (Vespula germanica) which has a slightly triangular yellow area. The markings on the abdomen cannot be used to reliably separate these species, being variable on both.
I was about to take a photo of a Common Marble moth (Celypha lacunana) when this ichneumon jumped in and scared it away. Note the small white area more or less in the middle of the antennae, the white near the tip of the hind leg and the pale green(?) scutellum. I cannot match these feature on the internet sites I use.
The 'waisted' appearance of this male hoverfly suggests that it is not the common-enough Chequered Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare) even though the pattern of the yellow markings is similar. I suspect it is a Slender Boxer (Platycheirus angustatus), a species I have not seen before. This genus of hoverflies all have the front legs with small swellings or hair tufts. It is not possible to see that on my photo.
I can tell you this is a mayfly. I can also tell you it is a male with so-called turbinate eyes (all the better to see females in a mating swarm, I read). Beyond that I am stumped. The abdomen is a different colour from any that I have seen previously: it also has longer 'tails'.
It looked as if it had long antennae but this view shows what appeared to be antennae were in fact the front legs.
A different-looking plumed midge on one of the street lamp poles. This one has speckling in the wings (one helpfully held open) and pale
The Flash: 05:50 – 06:50
(142nd visit of the year)
Bird notes:
- Some of the juvenile Coots are now almost indistinguishable from adults, especially as these are congregating together along the East side of the island where they can be a challenge to see and count except in sunny conditions: i.e. not this morning!
- Kingfisher heard yet again.
Birds noted flying over here:
- 2 Jackdaws again
Warblers noted (the number singing in brackets):
- 2 (1) Chiffchaffs
- 3 (3) Blackcap
Hirundines etc., noted:
- Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni): larvae
- Common Red Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva)
- White-lipped Snail (Cepaea hortensis)
An unusual sight of four Collared Doves together on the roof of a house in Derwent Drive. One bird has been calling from this roof for many weeks. I suspect this is a family party with the youngsters now fledged.
Poor thing. The annual moult has not helped the Canada Goose with angel-wing deformity. Now in its fourth year so it cannot be all bad.
I thought I was at Slimbridge! All Canada Geese except for one Greylag Goose centre right and the Canada x Greylag Goose at the bottom centre.
Between the lake and The Flash on / around street lamp poles:
- *2 juvenile Moorhens on grass beside the upper pool.
Noted in the Priorslee Avenue tunnel
11.0°C > 14.0°C: A few early sunny moments but increasing and lowering cloud. A calm start with a light south-easterly breeze developing. Very good visibility.
Sunrise: 05:08 BST
+ = my first sighting of this species at this site this year.
++ = new species for me at this site.
Priorslee Balancing Lake: 04:55 – 05:45 // 06:55 – 09:35
(155th visit of the year)
Bird notes:
- All three juveniles from the original Great Crested Grebe brood were present and correct: as was the single juvenile from the second brood. The possible third brood at the West end has still not provided a confirmed sighting of any juveniles.
- A Common Buzzard was causing mayhem amongst the Wood Pigeons and Black-headed Gulls as it moved around the football field area c.05:30. I have seen it in the area several times very recently so perhaps it is nesting in the Ricoh copse again despite the general lack of calls and earlier sightings.
- A Sedge Warbler was briefly in song along the North side: the first I have heard at this part of the lake this year.
- A Chaffinch heard in song, also briefly. My first song for two weeks. Now between broods?
Count of birds noted flying over here:
- 1 Feral Pigeon
- 1 Stock Dove
- 145 Wood Pigeons
- 1 Collared Dove
- 1 Herring Gull
- 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 1 Cormorant
- 2 Jackdaws
Warblers noted (the number singing in brackets):
- 11 (6) Chiffchaffs
- 1 (1) Sedge Warbler: see notes
- 7 (4) Reed Warblers
- 6 (2) Blackcaps
Hirundines etc., noted:
- 6 Swifts: they will be on their way to Africa within two weeks.
- 6 Barn Swallows: together. Local family party?
- 3 House Martins: including begging juvenile(s)
Counts from the lake area:
- 2 Canada Geese
- 2 + 2 Mute Swans
- 16 (?♂) Mallard
- 2 + 1 (1 brood) Moorhen
- 67 Coots: yesterday's new brood not noted
- 6 + >3 (3 broods) Great Crested Grebes: see notes
- 29 Black-headed Gulls: all adults on the football field c.05:30. Only four (of these?) seen later at the lake.
Noted on and around the street lamp poles around dawn:
Moths:
- 1 *+Large Emerald (Geometra papilionaria)
- 1 *+Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria)
- 1 *+Large Emerald (Geometra papilionaria)
- 1 *+Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria)
and:
- 1 plumed midge
- +1 Dicranopalpus ramosus/caudatus harvestman
- 1 plumed midge
- +1 Dicranopalpus ramosus/caudatus harvestman
Noted later:
Dull conditions restricted things flying
Butterflies:
- none
Moths:
- *Horse-chestnut Leaf-miner (Cameraria ohridella): very many
- Common Marble (Celypha lacunana)
- *Garden Grass-veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella)
- *Satin Grass-veneer (Crambus perlella)
- +*Straw Grass-veneer (Agriphila straminella)
- *Mother of Pearl (Patania ruralis)
- *Cinnabar (Tyria jacobaeae) caterpillar
Dull conditions restricted things flying
Butterflies:
- none
Moths:
- *Horse-chestnut Leaf-miner (Cameraria ohridella): very many
- Common Marble (Celypha lacunana)
- *Garden Grass-veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella)
- *Satin Grass-veneer (Crambus perlella)
- +*Straw Grass-veneer (Agriphila straminella)
- *Mother of Pearl (Patania ruralis)
- *Cinnabar (Tyria jacobaeae) caterpillar
Bees / wasps etc.:
- Garden Bumblebee (Bombus hortorum)
- Red-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius)
- Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum)
- *Common Wasp (Paravespula vulgaris)
- *two species of ichneumon
- Garden Bumblebee (Bombus hortorum)
- Red-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius)
- Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum)
- *Common Wasp (Paravespula vulgaris)
- *two species of ichneumon
Hoverflies:
- Marmalade Hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus)
- Chequered Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare)
- ++*possible Slender Boxer (Platycheirus angustatus)
- Common Twist-tail (Sphaerophoria scripta)
- Marmalade Hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus)
- Chequered Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare)
- ++*possible Slender Boxer (Platycheirus angustatus)
- Common Twist-tail (Sphaerophoria scripta)
Dragon-/damsel-flies:
- none
- none
Other flies:
- Semaphore fly Poecilobothrus nobilitatus
- *unidentified mayfly
- *several interesting-looking unidentified flies
- Semaphore fly Poecilobothrus nobilitatus
- *unidentified mayfly
- *several interesting-looking unidentified flies
Beetles:
- Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni): larvae
- *Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis): larva
- Common Red Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva)
- rather fewer of unidentified small beetles first noted Sunday (16th)
- Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni): larvae
- *Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis): larva
- Common Red Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva)
- rather fewer of unidentified small beetles first noted Sunday (16th)
Bugs:
- none
- none
Also
- White-lipped Snail (Cepaea hortensis)
- [fairy ring at East end mown down]
- White-lipped Snail (Cepaea hortensis)
- [fairy ring at East end mown down]
About as good as it got this morning. This just after nominal sunrise.
This male Greenfinch seemed to be shepherding juveniles.
As yesterday the white form of a Satin Grass-veneer moth (Crambus perlella)
On vegetation beside a street lamp I found this Large Emerald moth (Geometra papilionaria).
The 'simple' antennae (not feathered) indicate this is a female. Not too many moth species are green: most prefer to go undetected by merging with tree trunks and branches when at rest.
Rather worn and faded but I think a Willow Beauty moth (Peribatodes rhomboidaria).
And this different species of ichneumon will also have to remain unidentified.
I have no idea about the identity of this fly. Smart though.
Another smart-looking fly. Hairy too.
The larva of a Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis).
(Ed Wilson)
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The Flash: 05:50 – 06:50
(142nd visit of the year)
Bird notes:
- Some of the juvenile Coots are now almost indistinguishable from adults, especially as these are congregating together along the East side of the island where they can be a challenge to see and count except in sunny conditions: i.e. not this morning!
- Kingfisher heard yet again.
Birds noted flying over here:
- 2 Jackdaws again
Warblers noted (the number singing in brackets):
- 2 (1) Chiffchaffs
- 3 (3) Blackcap
Hirundines etc., noted:
None
Noted on / around the water
- *159 Canada Geese
- *55 Greylag Geese again
- *1 Canada x Greylag Goose
- 2 + 4 (1 brood) Mute Swans
- 19 (?♂) Mallard
- 1 (1♂) all-white feral duck.
- 13 (?♂) Tufted Duck
- 7 + 2 (1 brood) Moorhens
- ? + 5 (3 broods) Coots
- 3 Great Crested Grebes
- 8 Black-headed Gulls
- 1 Grey Heron
- 1 Kingfisher: heard only
Noted on / around the street lamp poles around the water etc.:
Moths:
- 2 Little Grey (Eudonia lacustrata)
- *159 Canada Geese
- *55 Greylag Geese again
- *1 Canada x Greylag Goose
- 2 + 4 (1 brood) Mute Swans
- 19 (?♂) Mallard
- 1 (1♂) all-white feral duck.
- 13 (?♂) Tufted Duck
- 7 + 2 (1 brood) Moorhens
- ? + 5 (3 broods) Coots
- 3 Great Crested Grebes
- 8 Black-headed Gulls
- 1 Grey Heron
- 1 Kingfisher: heard only
Noted on / around the street lamp poles around the water etc.:
Moths:
- 2 Little Grey (Eudonia lacustrata)
other things:
- 1 Dicranopalpus ramosus/caudatus harvestman
Noted elsewhere around The Flash:
- 1 Dicranopalpus ramosus/caudatus harvestman
Noted elsewhere around The Flash:
- Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni): larvae
- Common Red Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva)
- White-lipped Snail (Cepaea hortensis)
Like father like son(?). One of the Mute Swan cygnets gets to grips with one of the Canada Geese.
(Ed Wilson)
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Between the lake and The Flash on / around street lamp poles:
- *2 juvenile Moorhens on grass beside the upper pool.
Moths:
- 1 Small Fan-footed Wave (Idaea biselata)
- 1 Single-dotted Wave (Idaea dimidiata)
I was not going to specifically mention the fairy ring again. I don't need to: it was obliterated when the grass was mown yesterday.
- 1 Small Fan-footed Wave (Idaea biselata)
- 1 Single-dotted Wave (Idaea dimidiata)
I was not going to specifically mention the fairy ring again. I don't need to: it was obliterated when the grass was mown yesterday.
Sibling Moorhens from the upper pool seem accustomed to me and were happy-enough to continue feeding. These I think from the first brood. A later brood has yet to fledge.
(Ed Wilson)
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Noted in the Priorslee Avenue tunnel
Moths:
- 1 Small Fan-footed Wave (Idaea biselata)
- 1 Small Fan-footed Wave (Idaea biselata)
(Ed Wilson)