Tuesday 20th September 2011 - Shenstone

I only had time for a whistle stop visit to the patch this morning, so I headed straight to Eastfields Farm to check if there was any sign of the Black Redstart.  On arrival, I bumped in to Steve Avery , who had already shot some excellent video footage of the bird (I've uploaded it at the bottom of this post).  It wasn't long before I was enjoying good views of the bird too. 

A Kestrel, 10 Linnets and 6 Long-tailed Tits were also seen along Butts Lane.

I then popped over to Stanklyn Lane where a Wheatear was present along the track in the gallops field.  In the paddocks there were 2 White Wagtails, a Pied Wagtail and 2 Mistle Thrush. There were 2 Chiffchaff present in the adjacent hedgerow, one of which was singing.  A Skylark and 2 individual Meadow Pipits flew over calling.

At Heath Lane paddocks there were c.30 Linnets and a single Swallow on the wires.

Black Redstart video by Steve Avery
Click on video to enlarge

5 comments:

  1. Hi Jason, I notice on your blog in June you spotted a Black Soldier Fly.

    We've been discussing their usefulness in composting, as the larvae are now available commercially from the exotic pet food industry, but it's been difficult to confirm they are naturalised in the UK, and we were concerned about introducing species. Can you confirm if it was 'Hermetia illucens' which would allay our fears. Many thanks.

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  2. Much the same as here Jase.........apart from the blackred of course!

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  3. Hi Pumpy,
    Yes I can confirm it was 'Hermetia illucens'. I can send you a photo of the fly I took if you need confirmation?

    Jason

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  4. Ah that long staying Black Red Warren...we are on first name terms now ;-)

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  5. Thanks you very much for your confirmation Jason.

    Could you post the picture? I have started a topic on the Natural History Museum Nature Plus forum, http://www.nhm.ac.uk/natureplus/message/14118#14118 and pictures would definitely help the debate at this point!

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