Rutland In The Rain

 I had a day off today to make up for the fact that I have to work on this coming Saturday. With the weather once again looking far from insect friendly I headed over to Rutland Water in the company of Alan Shorrock. Birding at this time of the year is usually a bit dull and sadly for us that was pretty much the case today.

Small Copper and Comma

Despite what was largely a grey day there were a few insects braving the conditions with butterflies in particular showing fairly well. The highlight amongst them was a fresh looking Small Copper which was only my second of the year. Commas continued their good showing with at least two being noted, there were even more Red Admirals seen. Browns and whites made up the rest of the list apart that is from a single Small Tortoiseshell. Not too many odes were on show with a Southern Hawker and a few Common Blue Damselflies the only confirmed species today. Other wildlife was in short supply, it was down to some not so wild life to make the news. Three fairly well grown kittens had taken up station below a bird feeder near the centre, they had disappeared by the time we had finished our stroll. Whether it was the rain or perhaps the reserve staff that moved them on will remain a mystery!

Yellow-legged Gull and Common Sandpipers

Best bird today was probably Osprey and we enjoyed several sightings of birds during our visit. A few Little Ringed Plovers and two Common Sandpipers were the only waders other than Lapwing on view while a Yellow-legged Gull was the only other noteworthy bird. As the afternoon wore on the rain got heavier and the showers more frequent so we decided to call it quits and head for home.

Osprey