9.0°C > 12.0°C: Mostly overcast still, much brighter and even with some blue (didn't last). Light easterly wind. Very good visibility.
Sunrise: 07:38 BST
* = a species photographed today
$ = my first sighting of the species for this year
$$ = my first ever recorded sighting of the species in the area
Priorslee Balancing Lake: 05:55 – 09:20
(251st visit of the year)
Highlight
Highlight today was a (Common) Redshank heard only calling in flight to the South of the area. A species I do not record every year. My records are usually of bird obviously on either Spring or Autumn passage rather than birds moving between wintering sites. Bird species #103 for me here this year.
Bird notes:
- 24 Canada Geese were on the water pre-dawn, departing to the East later. A single flew in from the East much later, not staying more than a few minutes.
- the current daily party of Greylag Geese flew West while my view was obscured by trees: at least 50. Later 11 birds flew south-east higher then usual as is they might not be local birds.
- two presumed pairs of Gadwall were new arrivals.
- pre-dawn I noted 19 Mallard leaving to the East with 15 visible on the water. My later count of 29 on the water probably meant that some birds had returned.
- today's number of Black-headed Gulls was even larger than yesterday. I estimated at least 700 by 07:25.
- the Lesser Black-backed Gulls preceded the Black-headed Gulls by almost 30 minutes with at least 350 present by 07:00. All but c.20 gulls of all species had gone by 08:00. c.30 more Lesser Black-backs arrived, now with a sizeable cohort of Herring Gulls.
- I struggled to get any logic to the counts of Cormorants overhead and visiting the lake. They were everywhere today. Birds peeled off groups overhead and visited for a while. Other birds came and went and may have joined groups overhead. Groups overhead were often flying aimlessly and may have flown over twice (or more!)
- in addition to the totals of Jackdaws and Rooks passing overhead there was also a straggling party of c.50 birds of both species passing to the East. They were too far away to reliably ascribe to species. Rooks certainly predominated.
- no Chiffchaffs heard here today.
My Merlin app could again hear Marsh Tit when I couldn't. But I could hear both Moorhen and Great Crested Grebe which it failed to recognise. 2:1 to me!
Bird(s) noted flying over here:
- >60 Greylag Geese: c.50 West together; *11 high south-east
- 2 Stock Doves: together
- 41 Wood Pigeons
- 1 (Common) Redshank
- 2 Black-headed Gulls: very high south-east
- 27 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 14 Cormorants: see notes
- 109 Jackdaws
- 176 Rooks
- c.40 Jackdaws / Rooks: see notes
- 3 Skylarks: at least, heard only
- 4 Redwings: two duos
- 1 Pied Wagtail
- 1 Meadow Pipit
- 5 Siskins: together
Counts from the lake area:
- 25 Canada Geese: 24 departed; 1 arrived and departed
- 2 Mute Swans
- 4 (2♂) Gadwall
- 34 (>14♂) Mallard: see notes
- 3 (1♂) Tufted Duck
- 10 Moorhens
- 45 Coots
- 4 Great Crested Grebes
- c.700 Black-headed Gulls
- 21 Herring Gulls
- c.380 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 9 Cormorants: coming and going: see notes
- 2 Grey Herons throughout
Warblers recorded (the figure in brackets is birds noted singing):
- 1 (1) Cetti's Warbler
- 2 (0) Chiffchaffs
Noted on the West end street lamp poles pre-dawn:
Moths:
- *2 Common Plume Emmelina monodactyla: on different street lamp poles
- *17(!!) November Moth types Epirrita sp.
- in addition two moths were seen in flight only: almost certainly other November Moth types
- *2 Common Plume Emmelina monodactyla: on different street lamp poles
- *17(!!) November Moth types Epirrita sp.
- in addition two moths were seen in flight only: almost certainly other November Moth types
Flies:
- 1 male Spotted-winged Drosophila Drosophila suzukii
- *1 moth fly Psychodidae sp., possibly Philosepedon humeralis
- *1 moth fly, probably Psychoda sigma
- *1 $ male cranefly Tipula pagana
- *1 cranefly Tipula sp.
- 3 winter craneflies Trichocera sp.
- 1 male Spotted-winged Drosophila Drosophila suzukii
- *1 moth fly Psychodidae sp., possibly Philosepedon humeralis
- *1 moth fly, probably Psychoda sigma
- *1 $ male cranefly Tipula pagana
- *1 cranefly Tipula sp.
- 3 winter craneflies Trichocera sp.
Bugs:
- *1 unidentified planthopper
- *1 unidentified planthopper
Earwigs:
- *1 male Common European Earwig Forficula dentata
- *1 male Common European Earwig Forficula dentata
Spiders, harvestmen etc.:
- 1 Bridge Orb-web Spider Larinioides sclopetarius [Bridge Orbweaver]
- *1 Meta sp., possibly Meta menardi
- *2 different unidentified spiders
- *7 harvestmen Paroligolophus agrestis
Noted on the walls of the sailing club HQ pre-dawn:
- 1 Bridge Orb-web Spider Larinioides sclopetarius [Bridge Orbweaver]
- *1 Meta sp., possibly Meta menardi
- *2 different unidentified spiders
- *7 harvestmen Paroligolophus agrestis
Noted on the walls of the sailing club HQ pre-dawn:
Flies:
- 2 winter craneflies Trichocera sp.
- *1 male mosquito possibly Culex pipiens
- 2 winter craneflies Trichocera sp.
- *1 male mosquito possibly Culex pipiens
Spiders, harvestmen etc.:
- 37 spiders again: usual suspects
Noted later elsewhere:
- 37 spiders again: usual suspects
Noted later elsewhere:
Bees, wasps, etc.:
- European Hornet Vespa crabro: the nest site remains active
- European Hornet Vespa crabro: the nest site remains active
Nothing else
These are the eleven geese that flew south-east higher than usual. They also did not call. I decided that the size of the bill meant they had to be Greylag Geese and not the hoped for wintering wild geese arriving in the UK. My identification is confirmed in this edited photo as, counting from the right, the second, third and fourth birds all show pale grey on the forewing.
Not what it seems. The lower bird, an immature gull (Herring Gull?) is chasing the upper bird, a Cormorant and dissuading it from visiting.
Another Common Plume moth Emmelina monodactyla this one on different street lamp pole to any seen earlier this period.
One of the street lamp poles held nine of the seventeen November Moth types Epirrita sp. Here are two...
Some unusual sightings on the street lamp poles this morning. I have concentrated on those rather than repeat species I see frequently. I have noted several moth flies Psychodidae sp. here that, unusually, have clear wings and are less fuzzy than usual. I did bit of research on the internet. It suggests that Philosepedon humeralis might be the answer. Then again...
Another moth fly species. One that folds its wings tent-like over its back and has longer antennae. It is probably Psychoda sigma.
I cannot get a full identity for this species of Tipula cranefly. The pale areas in the wing are no help here. Normally these marks are more toward the wing-tip and often have darker marking associated with them. Not here!
This male mosquito is possibly Culex pipiens. It is the only species in NatureSpot that does not have banded legs. But it is noted as "rarely seen" and not flying after September – global warming? Male mosquitoes have plumed antennae and three long and hairy palps. They do not have the piercing proboscis of the female. Males feed on nectar and not on blood.
(Ed Wilson)
In the Priorslee Avenue tunnel pre-dawn:
(248th visit of the year)
Bird notes:
- 12 Mute Swans at least. Just after I arrived seven birds took off. I was unable to see much of the water and don't know how these seven relate to the 12 seen later on the water. Cuan Wildlife Rescue were present following reports of one bird with fishing wire and wood attached. One bird stayed resolutely on the island looking dejected where Cuan were unable to reach it.
- a Kingfisher was at the top end.
- after two small groups of Jackdaws flew over a big party of at least 130 few West pursued a few minutes later by 30 more. Then I noted at least 25 flying "the other way". Finally 48 in several groups flew West.
- a calling Chiffchaff heard.
- two groups of Redwing seen over
- Skylark(s) heard on six occasions overhead. None was seen. More birds?.
Bird(s) noted flying over here:
- 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull
- c.225 Jackdaws: see notes
- 6+ Skylarks
- 24 Redwings: two groups
Noted on / around the water:
- 5 Canada Geese
- 65 Greylag Geese: more inside the island?
- 12 Mute Swans: see notes
- 25 (18♂) Mallard
- 13 (6?♂) Tufted Duck
- *27 (2♂) Goosander
- 9 Moorhens
- 107 Coots
- 4 Great Crested Grebes again
- 17 Black-headed Gulls
- 3 Herring Gulls: one adult and two immatures
- *15 Cormorants
- no Grey Heron
- 1 Kingfisher
Warblers recorded.
- 1 Chiffchaff
Noted around the area:
Zoomed in even more on three birds the lowest shows the same pale grey forewing.
and two more....
...and two more. Don't worry: I am not going to show all seventeen – indeed I did not photograph them all.
This is a male cranefly Tipula pagana. Females have shorter wings (and shorter antennae)
The best I can do with this tiny creature is "unidentified planthopper". Certainly not "Asian Hornet" as Obsidentify suggested was the best fit.
The very curved pincers indicate this is a male Common European Earwig Forficula dentata
This spider seems to be a species in the Meta genus, possibly Meta menardi
A spider that looks straightforward to identify. Apparently not.
The Paroligolophus agrestis harvestmen formation team.
(Ed Wilson)
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In the Priorslee Avenue tunnel pre-dawn:
Moths:
- *1 $ Rush Veneer Nomophila noctuella; 2nd record in the area; species #48 in the tunnel 2025
- *1 $ Rush Veneer Nomophila noctuella; 2nd record in the area; species #48 in the tunnel 2025
Flies:
- 73 midges of various species
- 73 midges of various species
Arthropods:
- 2 White-legged Snake Millipedes Tachypodoiulus niger
- 2 White-legged Snake Millipedes Tachypodoiulus niger
Slugs, snails etc.:
- *1 White-lipped Snail Cepaea hortensis
- *1 White-lipped Snail Cepaea hortensis
Spiders, harvestmen etc.:
- 8 spiders: usual suspects
This moth is a Rush Veneer Nomophila noctuella. It is on the ceiling, sitting (if that is the right word) on the cover of one of the strip lights. This moth species is an often abundant migrant which despite much suitable habitat I rarely see. In fact this is only my second record in the area. It is moth species #48 in the tunnel 2025.
A White-lipped Snail Cepaea hortensis. After the long dry period for part of Spring and Summer slugs and snails have remained scarce. Is this one really eating the paint covering the wall?
It posed well and I could not resist: a Missing Sector Orb-web Spider Zygiella x-notata, aka Silver-sided Sector Spider.
(Ed Wilson)
The Flash: 09:25 – 10:40
- 8 spiders: usual suspects
(Ed Wilson)
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The Flash: 09:25 – 10:40
(248th visit of the year)
Bird notes:
- 12 Mute Swans at least. Just after I arrived seven birds took off. I was unable to see much of the water and don't know how these seven relate to the 12 seen later on the water. Cuan Wildlife Rescue were present following reports of one bird with fishing wire and wood attached. One bird stayed resolutely on the island looking dejected where Cuan were unable to reach it.
- a Kingfisher was at the top end.
- after two small groups of Jackdaws flew over a big party of at least 130 few West pursued a few minutes later by 30 more. Then I noted at least 25 flying "the other way". Finally 48 in several groups flew West.
- a calling Chiffchaff heard.
- two groups of Redwing seen over
- Skylark(s) heard on six occasions overhead. None was seen. More birds?.
Bird(s) noted flying over here:
- 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull
- c.225 Jackdaws: see notes
- 6+ Skylarks
- 24 Redwings: two groups
Noted on / around the water:
- 5 Canada Geese
- 65 Greylag Geese: more inside the island?
- 12 Mute Swans: see notes
- 25 (18♂) Mallard
- 13 (6?♂) Tufted Duck
- *27 (2♂) Goosander
- 9 Moorhens
- 107 Coots
- 4 Great Crested Grebes again
- 17 Black-headed Gulls
- 3 Herring Gulls: one adult and two immatures
- *15 Cormorants
- no Grey Heron
- 1 Kingfisher
Warblers recorded.
- 1 Chiffchaff
Noted around the area:
Moths:
None
Flies:
- 1 greenbottle fly Lucilia sp.
- *1 Flesh fly Sarcophaga sp.
- 1 greenbottle fly Lucilia sp.
- *1 Flesh fly Sarcophaga sp.
Beetles:
- 1 7 Spot Ladybird Coccinella 7-punctata
- 1 7 Spot Ladybird Coccinella 7-punctata
Spiders, harvestmen etc.:
- *1 harvestmen Paroligolophus agrestis
- *1 harvestmen Paroligolophus agrestis
Fungi:
- *possible Dark Honey Fungus Armillaria ostoyae
A brownhead Goosander making off. This species is always wary and usually, without hurrying, manage to be at the other end of the water to me. I caught this one unawares.
And a drake moving away. Note the tail spread on the water. I am not aware that they use it as a paddle, the feet doing the propulsion. I guess when you are chasing fish that do not want to be eaten using the tail as a rudder will prove effective.
For reasons I am sure they know many (but not all) the Coots were gathered together in a tight group. I think 55 here: the 56th is a duck Tufted Duck if you can spot it.
A Flesh fly Sarcophaga sp. Perhaps it is trying to decipher the inane scribblings that are appearing on too many (one is too many) street lamp poles.
A Paroligolophus agrestis harvestman trying to evade my gaze by sitting on the very edge of a street lamp fitting high above the footpath on the West side.
Obsidentify suggested this battered-looking fungus was most probably Dark Honey Fungus Armillaria ostoyae. Somewhat strange as honey fungus usually occurs in groups. I have no alternative suggestion.
(Ed Wilson)
- *possible Dark Honey Fungus Armillaria ostoyae
Seven (and a half – oops) Cormorants in trees on the island.
(Ed Wilson)
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2011
Priorslee Lake
14 Redwing
(Ed Wilson)
2010
Priorslee Lake
Common Gull, though it could have been Mew/Ring-billed Gull!
Yellow Legged Gull
(Mike Cooper/Ed Wilson)
2007
Priorslee Lake
2 Ruddy Ducks
42 Redwing
(Ed Wilson)
2006
Priorslee Lake
4 Wigeon
1 Shoveler
8 Pochard
64 Tufted Ducks
30 Robins
(Ed Wilson)
Priorslee Lake
14 Redwing
(Ed Wilson)
2010
Priorslee Lake
Common Gull, though it could have been Mew/Ring-billed Gull!
Yellow Legged Gull
(Mike Cooper/Ed Wilson)
2007
Priorslee Lake
2 Ruddy Ducks
42 Redwing
(Ed Wilson)
2006
Priorslee Lake
4 Wigeon
1 Shoveler
8 Pochard
64 Tufted Ducks
30 Robins
(Ed Wilson)