Sunday 5 June 2011

Rarity search unearths a Water Rail

Heysham Obs
Nothing eastern had drifted within earshot this morning, although HNR is not an easy place to find mute skulkers.  However, a careful search of HNR was definitely rewarded atlas-wise

Heysham Nature reserve circuit - all in SD46A section
Water Rail - judging by the noise, a breeding pair in the reedbed - perhaps with small young
Reed Warbler - two singing males, one perhaps just that but the other  was then seen carrying food
Reed Bunting - singing male and female with food (an upgrade to confirmed for 46A)
Mallard - female with 2+ young

Outfalls
Beware a runt 2CY Black-headed Gull
Black-headed Gull - influx of 2CY with at least 37
Common Gull - 153, mostly 2CY
Kittiwake - the usual 2CY

Moths
Grass Rivelet flushed from the northern boundary of HNR amongst Yellow Rattle