Thursday 24 July 2014

24th July 2014

Weather: ESE 2-3, 0/8 cloud, mod vid but hazy

Despite the date and the blazing weather mid summer can still produce fantastic rewards on the island and today was one of those days.

A colour ringed Sanderling was noted amongst a small flock of 7 birds and preliminary enquiries revealed it may have been ringed as an adult on Orkney in 2012.  We look forward to full details in due course.

The birding was outshone by the insects today that saw at least 4 Emperor Dragonflies, 12 Migrant Hawker and a Common Darter (as well as an emergence around the island many teneral stage).  However, a stunning influx of butterflies occurred with 'vis mig' counts that included Small White (60), Green-veined White (80), Small Tortoiseshell (25), Peacock (27), Red Admiral (10), Meadow Brown (12), Grayling (5), Common Blue (5), a Painted Lady and a Small Skipper.

The star of the show however was a stunning female Dark Green Fritillary which was found near the Old Obs garden and is the first record for the island.  The photo below is from Freshfield NR by BSB.

Dark Green Fritillary - Freshfields NR (BSB)

(DB)

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