OK, so we may all recently have been told it's the start of summer, but try telling that to the birds. Recent sightings of both Great and Arctic Skuas are quite likely to have been failed breeders returning back south (and now lingering in the area to await the southward return of terns) and a group of five Crossbills heading west low through the reserve could possibly have been dispersing continental birds. 'Likelys' and 'possiblys' I know, but what is clear is that these are autumn movements as far as the birds are concerned! Just as I was beginning to enjoy the summer too.
A little more unusual, though, was a Little Egret that slipped through the reserve on 24th masquerading as a Gannet. I think all eyes were certainly on the Gannets as a floppy Little Egret flying over 400' high cliffs would probably have caused a few more raised eyebrows. Plenty of other interest over the last week or so including a Harbour Porpoise and accompanying calf seen briefly, a variety of moths including a Hummingbird Hawk-moth and plenty of Chimney Sweepers (as their name suggests sooty black all over) and Meadow Brown butterflies now just starting to appear.
Back to the moths for a while, was walking towards Bartlett Nab along the diagonal grass path a few days ago and noticed a Meadow Pipit dispatch a moth and remove the wings in a particularly deft flick of the bill. On recovering the moth wings found it to be a male Drinker moth - a large moth so a fine meal indeed. A few days later was walking the soon to be 'nature trail' and found a complete set of female Drinker moth wings!! Conclusion Drinker moth camouflage probably not the best.
The orchid situation is currently at: - plenty of Northern Marsh, mostly just starting to fade, a few Common Spotteds (so the hybrid theory holds some ground) and a very fine showing of Pyramidals near to New Roll Up. A no show for the Bee Orchids still, so we may have to wait a few years before they pop up again.
Possibly the best news of the last week was an early evening hunting Barn Owl. Thanks to the folks of the local Wildlife Explorers Group for finding that one and a fitting end to their visit. They suffered hugely over the winter (the owls that is), so continued use of the reserve for hunting by the survivors is brilliant news. Almost as pleasing is regular use of the reserve by a singing male Yellowhammer. The reserve is a very narrow strip of land and we are keen to attract these bright gems to breed, so a singing male (albeit late in the season) is as good a start as any.
Don't forget the seabirds Ian. OK, so any early year for Guillemots in particular has seen at least 50% of our chicks fledge already, but very many thousands of adults still around, conversely Kittiwakes are keeping in line with last year and a lot of nests with two chicks, which is good news so far. Gannets with ever fluffier, ever larger, ever lazier chicks and Puffins thrilling all by prospecting new crevices (for next year) and rafting on the sea in good numbers. If there's an offshore breeze do try and catch up with the Gannets using the cliff top grass and showing sometimes down to a few metres. Please do give theses birds the space they deserve and watch from our side of the fence - everything the cliff side is theirs! With just the right wind the spectacle is simply stunning.