Tuesday 17th April
On visiting the patch this morning I headed straight up Heath Lane to see if the Ring Ouzel was still present. He wasn't and neither was anything else for that matter. The ♂ Common Redstart was still present and showing well at Stanklyn Lane paddocks.
At Butts Lane there were 2 Swallows and a Pied Wagtail present. The highlight of the walk was seeing my first patch Specled Wood butterfly of the year. A Small White was also present.
Witch Lane was also fairly quiet with the only notables being 2 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Swallows and a ♂ Orange Tip butterfly.
Thursday 19th April
For a change I decided to check out the Summerfield end of Stanklyn Lane on today's visit. On the ploughed fields here I noted 6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 2 Herring Gulls and 4 Stock Doves.
At Stanklyn Lane paddocks the ♂ Common Redstart was again present, it's now been there for an incredible 7 days. 2 Robins were also present along the same hedgerow. A Raven flew over being mobbed by a Carrion Crow. A Mistle Thrush and a Swallow were also present.
Heath Lane was very quite although I did discover a stunning Drinker Moth caterpillar along the lane.
At Back Lane there were 4 Northern Wheatears (2♂, 2♀) on the plough. A Kestrel was also present.
Friday 20th April
I only had time for a whistle stop visit around Shenstone this afternoon so I targeted the two most productive places.
At Stanklyn Lane paddocks the ♂ Common Redstart was yet again present. A Raven, 3 Common Buzzards and a Swallow were up over the lane.
On the plough at Back Lane there were 5 Northern Wheatears (3♂,2♀) present today. Nearby there were 2♂ Tufted Duck at Willow Marsh Fishery.
Drinker Moth (Euthrix potatoria) Larvae
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A short clip of the Common Redstart
The Drinker Moth was a nice find and there was Common Redstart, I'd like one too.
ReplyDeleteA nice roundup there Jason and I enjoyed seeing the Redstart on video.
ReplyDeletestill more migrants there than here Jase, just one wheatear this spring is a poor return for all my hours :-(
ReplyDeleteGreat species you have been seeing Jason and the video of the Redstart is a treat and the pic of the Drinker Moth Larvae is splendid.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting post without the need for any Senakot.lol!
Great stuff, Jason - I haven't been much further than the garden lately. A great little clip of the Redstart, and I also enjoy your sound recordings. Cheers, Rob
ReplyDeleteBob - I was pleased to find the Drinker it was a real stunner.
ReplyDeleteJan - I'm glad you enjoyed the footage. The only problem was it wasn't any longer...the Redstart just wouldn't keep still long enough!
Warren - Sorry to here about your lack of Wheatears mate but who knows you may clean up with loads of Whinchats when they come through!
Pam - Your right, nn o need to take such drastic measures to clear my backlog! Glad you enjoyed the vid.
Rob - I had a spellearlier this year when my dog was ill when I didn't go much further than my garden but it was useful as it opened my eyes again to what was right under my nose!