This time of year is usually dominated with the birding news but generally the migration has been relatively quite with a flash of excitement. The weather has been very favourable over the month with many sunny days which has favoured many of the migrant’s onward journeys to their wintering quarters. One constant through the month was the constant stream of Osprey sightings both at Pagham and Medmerry with up to three birds seen on some days. Following on from the Wryneck which remained at the several for a week, two other less co-operate individuals were reported from the Tramway and North Wall. Towards the middle of the month a juv Red Backed Shrike showed for a day at Halsey’s Farm
Juv Red Backed Shrike
Throughout the month there was a steady flow of more usual migrants through the reserve with Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Flycatcher, Whinchat, Greenshank and Wheatear. Two species escaped the eyes of the locals when a Corncrake and an Aquatic Warbler where photographed by two lucky observers. In the last Weeks a Spoonbill has been gracing the two reserves
Whinchat
Spoonbill
With the excellent weather the invertebrate viewing was also exceptional, the highlight was a Swallowtail observed by one of the volunteers at Pagham Spit. More usual reports of invertebrates that have migrated here are of Clouded Yellows and Migrant Hawkers. A few migrant moths have also been recorder including a Blair’s Mochca and L Album Wainscot.
Swallowtail -- Photo by M. Welcome
Clouded Yellow
Migrant Hawker
L Album Wainscot
Blair's Mocha
The Warden, RSPB Crook of Baldoon