That Was Better Than A Busy Barnwell!

 Something of a two parter today beginning at Harry's Park Wood though instead of moving on to Weldon things took an unexpected turn and I ended up at Eyebrook Res. It was certainly one of the hottest days of the year and with there being little breeze it was a sweaty old business trying to find some wildlife.

Purple Hairstreak and Southern Hawker.

Bears Lane was fairly active with a party of Meadow Pipits likely to have been migrants heading south. Two vocal Ravens on the other hand were probably the locally breeding pair while a fly over Crossbill was most likely part of the late Summer irruption of this species. In the wood a few insects were beginning to stir and these ncluded a couple of tatty looking Purple Hairstreaks. Other butterflies seen here were Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Green-veined White. A couple of hawker dragonflies were also getting started and these were a Southern and a Brown. Just as I was about to turn around and start my walk back my brother called and offered me a lift over to Eyebrook Reservoir. Given that the res was enjoying something of a wader bonanza it was an offer far too good to resist.

Dodgy record shot time! Cattle Egret and Whinchat.

Peering through the heat haze at Eyebrook produced a sighting of the Cattle Egret that has taken up residence recently, a somewhat hazy record shot was managed. Star of the wader show was at least one Wood Sandpiper, three have been noted. A small flock of eleven Black-tailed Godwits were resting before continuing their journey while two Greenshanks were actively feeding. Several Ruffs were also present as well as a decent number of Lapwings. Other observers had noted Dunlins and a Ringed Plover so all in all it was a good haul. We were also lucky to pick out at least two Whinchats perching in the waterside vegetation, Eyebrook often seems to do well for them on Autumn passage.

Male (top) and female Common Darters.

I spent a bit of time looking for the newly colonised Willow Emeralds but sadly drew a blank, it may still be a little early for them. Odes that did show included Brown Hawker and Common Darter as well as a Banded Demoiselle. Few butterflies were noted and most of those that were seen were whites.