3rd June 2016

Weather SE 0-1, 1/8 cloud, good vis

The day started early with renewed optimism for the regulars with a very light South East breeze.

The first round of the day produced a most unexpected find; a Water Rail was discovered in the 'Heli' trap flushed from the long grass.  It was caught and ringed and became only the fourth record of this secretive species for the islands following records in early August 1952 (which was also caught and ringed before the Obs was founded), one on the slipway at the North End on 5 November 1968 and a third seen first near 'Buzzard Hill' before again moving to in between rocks near the North End on 24 October 2007.   

Therefore, today's bird became the first Water Rail to be ringed by the Obs.  It was released in the Obs garden and flew a short distance before quickly running off into long grass/bracken and was not seen subsequently. 

There was little else migrant-wise on the island in respect of birds so attention turned to the contents of the overnight moth trap.  Only 18 moths were caught of four species, namely: Marbled Coronet (see above), Shears, Shoulder-striped Wainscot and Heart and Dart (see below).  However, there were significantly fewer Diamond-back moths with only 25 counted today.

Ringed: Meadow Pipit (juv), Linnet & Water Rail

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