Workers' Day

A long weekend, it makes a real difference. Trouble is we end up shipping the girls about at odd times of the day and loose our own continuity, hopefully daughter No1 will be driving by herself in the not too distant future. Fortunately the exams will be done and dusted shortly.

Anyway, migrants have been increasing, The Shunan hosts pairs of Gadwall, Teal, Shoveler and a nice pair of Pintail and it is getting slightly warmer, although this easterly is doing its best to confound us.

During the week Swallows have spread across the islands, especially in the last two days, Wheatears are around the coast and Sand Martins are in their usual haunts. I've recorded Whimbrel on both patches now, with Ruff and Black-tailed Godwits on The Shunan. There was a very smart summer plumage Grey Plover at Palace today along with plenty of Dunlin. During the week a small passerine, that might have been a Pied Fly, was in the garden, unfortunately watched briefly from the upstairs bathroom, no bins. Best bird of late though has been the Osprey that came in/off and Northside this morning giving cracking views.

 Grey Plover

Osprey

The actinic moth trap has significantly out performed the MV, to the point I'm only running the actinic at the moment. Hebrew Character, Common Quaker and Clouded Drab, plus a White-shouldered House Moth in the car have been trapped. A Large White butterfly emerged from a pupa in the green house today.

 Clouded Drab

 Common Quaker

Two hoverflies today, Eristalis pertinax in the garden and Eristalis arbustorum at The Links, Birsay.

 Eristalis pertinax

 Eristalis arbustorum

 Eristalis arbustorum showing the branched arista

We're now enjoying home-grown salad leaves, tatties are all in, peas are emerging, fingers crossed for the rest.

Ellen fished this out of the pony water, should be possible to ID.