September 15, 2008
mid-September miscellany
My birding's been decidedly spotty since getting back from the US. I managed another trip or two to some local spots with California birder Leigh, where she finally got some nice looks at Green Woodpecker and Kingfisher, though only fleeting glances of Bullfinch and Grey Wagtail completely gave us the slip. Just before the heavens opened, we watched this Magpie attacking a huge grub, presumably leftover fishing bait? (In fact, it's a Goat Moth caterpillar - thanks to Chris Martin for the ID)
Mixed tit flocks are beginning to form around town, often with Chiffchaffs, Goldcrests and Treecreepers as hangers on. The latter species was doing a good wallcreeper impression in college...
It's been decidedly tricky to come across warblers apart from Chiffchaff (everywhere!) and the odd Blackcap recently. The best I've managed otherwise is a Lesser Whitethroat on my weekly jog to Grantchester, and this Willow Warbler at the Cam Washes.
During a wet weekend at my parents I met up with Neil to dip an Aquatic Warbler at Rainham, 8 years after first dipping one at Marazion. A Water Vole was little compensation.
A pit stop at Vange Marshes on the way back yielded one Wood Sandpiper, a Black-tailed Godwit, lots of Sand Martins and a Yellow-legged Gull.
Up at ladybird HQ, stragglers into the lab included this Common Toad...
... and a Devil's Coach-horse.
The buddleias have been attracting some smart, newly-emerged Comma and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies...
... as well as this formidable-sized hoverfly, Volucella zonaria.
