Moths and a Gull!

An early start this morning to empty my moth trap, then join Barry Banson at Boulderwall Farm to assist him with the 2 traps on the reserve. I'm glad I didn't have to do them on my own because I'd still be there, 300+ macros of 69+ species, as for the micros!!!!!

While emptying the reserve traps Tree sparrows were chipping in the bushes, Marsh Harriers overhead and Hobby over. 

Over the road at Hanson hide a near summer plumage Knot, 5+ Little Ringed Plovers, 1st summer little Gull, Green Sandpiper, (3 this evening + 2 Black-tailed Godwits) a Water Rail was Squealing right outside the hide and a Reed Warbler was chuntering in front the hide. Burrowes was disappointing despite it looking really good for waders with the single long staying Greenshank, 3 Common Sandpipers, 4 Redshanks, 2 Dunlin(13 this evening) and 2 Ringed Plovers.

 At the back of Scotney the 2 Spoonbills still on the island at the Sussex end of the western back lake, 2 Little Owls on the barn, lots of Yellow Wagtails and Corn Buntings, 5+Avocets, 5 common Sandpipers, 3 Egyptian Geese and lots of Sand Martins.

Little Owl, Scotney.

Fishing line tangled around the wings!

While settling down for an afternoon sea watch I noticed a 2nd year Herring Gull in distress almost submerged at times, I knew instantly it was caught in an anglers line having seen this happen several times. As I went to help the bird another man was also trying to help it. The angler was more concerned with losing his weight and hook and actually put his foot on the Gulls head, which caused me and the other helper to threaten to do like wise to the angler, he backed off and we cut the line and untangled the gull, even saving the ignorant anglers weight and hook. I carried the Gull back along the beach away from his lines, checked it over and released it seemingly none the worse for its adventure.

Safe but some what bedraggled!

13.45-16.00 from the fishing boats joined by AJG and MH
Gannet: 12E     37W
Cormorant: 9 around
Oystercatcher: 1W
Dunlin: 9E
Whimbrel: 3W
Kittiwake: 5W
Sandwich Tern: 7E  29W
Common Tern: 19W
Sand Martin: 76 out
Grey Seal: 2
Harbour Porpoise: 6+

The usual view of a Harbour Porpoise

juvenile Redshank in the superb evening light from Firth Hide,

Platytes alpinella a new micro for the Plodland trap.