Deer migrants



A very thin layer of Saharan dust settled over Rugby and with low cloud was partially responsible for the very poor visibility at the pond this morning as the smog drifted over this
part of the midlands. Had to strain your eyes to confirm the Long-tailed Duck was still present and as the morning progressed somehow a few migrants came in with
5 Yellow Wagtail and a single Common Tern which were both new for the year and
2 Rock Pipit including one showing characteristics of the Scandinavian race. Only other birds of note were plenty of Common Gulls, 2 Mistle Thrush which seem to be very elusive around here this year 30+ Meadow Pipits, Oystercatcher calling but not seen, 3 Goldeneye, Gadwall and 2 Treecreeper

Scandinavian Rock Pipit



Yellow Wagtail

Also of interest were a resting female Muntjac Deer on the scrape with 2 Hares in the field below farborough spit, a not so cuddly Brown Rat near the entrance and a Clouded Drab on the Rangers building.

Muntjac Deer

Not had much in my trap lately mainly due to a very attentive Robin but I was out before he woke this morning to find this Pine Beauty in the trap – my 6^th.

Pine Beauty

All photos by Bob Hazell