July 31, 2008
Jersey
I just got back from a delightful weekend in Jersey.
I didn't fit in that much birding, but certainly enjoyed seeing some maritime specialities such as Shag and Fulmar.
While visiting Elizabeth Castle I saw several Gannets far offshore, and in the castle grounds found Wall Lizards to be abundant.
The clifftops at Grosnez offered magnificent views along the coast and over to Sark and Guernsey...
... plus the chance to get eyeball to eyeball with the breeding Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gulls.
A walk through the heather here produced this recently-fledged Meadow Pipit...
... and masses of butterflies, mostly Wall and Common Blue...
... but also a few stunning Green Hairstreaks.
A less welcome insect sighting was 3 pupae and 1 fourth instar Harlequin ladybird larva in my friends' garden. The Harlequin was first spotted on Jersey in February 2007, so looks like they are now well established.
