Orchids and Whimbrels

Yesterday’s rain finally gave way to cool cloudy conditions for this morning visit to the pond with Bob with the only birds of note between visitor centre and toft shallows being adult and second summer Yellow-legged Gull, Grey Wagtail and 500 Swift. A search for Bee and Common-spotted Orchids produced at least 10 Bee and 22 Common-spotted plus Silver Y moth. Plenty of young Blackcaps and Whitethroats showing at least they have had a good season so far despite the rain while Mute Swans have increased to 20 and the female Goldeneye is still present though easily overlooked among the thick vegetation. While waiting at the visitor centre for Bob to finish his circuit 5 Whimbrel came in from the south east at 12:10pm and went straight through heading north west. This was my first multiple record in June at the pond. Epinotia bilunana was one of the more interesting micros Dave has trapped recently. All photos by Bob Hazell.