OK I have no idea how I've not done my blog for a couple of months - sorry for my lack of writing and my teenage laziness this holiday! Either way I've got lots to catch up on over the last few busy months so here goes.
On the 2nd June I woke up and went straight to patch for 9am in order to help with the Morden Hall Park BioBlitz 2018. When I arrived, I went for a short walk around the park just to see if anything was around. 2 Reed Warbler were singing when I arrived, and Blackcap and Chiffchaff were singing in numbers. A few dragonfly were on the wing - mostly darters - and Banded Demoiselle were all along the river. When I returned to the stableyard area, I helped out with the birdwalk by the Nature group, led by Nick Rutter. Though few birds of interest were seen other than common birds, a few Greater Spotted Woodpecker were of note. The Reed Warblers didn't show as they normally did but I got a few, dodgy pics. I enjoyed the walk, as I'd never been part of an event like this on my patch. Hopefully I'll lead my own in the future, which would no doubt be helpful to my own knowledge.
In the evening I returned to the park to help be a part of a bat survey and moth trapping event. As we were given a talk by the Surrey Bat Group, discussing how to use the bat detectors, and distinguishing calls of bats between species - arguably the most interesting part of the day - we didn't start our walk until around 21:15. No bats were heard between the boardwalk and entrance courtyard, as soon as we reached the North Meadows the detectors began beeping loudly to signal Noctules on the wing. As it was dusky, it was hard to see them but they gave some great views overhead. Also detected included Common and Soprano Pippistrelle, Daubentons, Serotine and a single surprise Leislers. Though I had to miss most of the moth trapping because of cricket early next morning, I did see my first Lime Hawkmoth, Poplar Hawkmoth and a few other bits and pieces.
It was an enjoyable day, and I'm hoping to be a part of next years (though GCSEs may get in the way..!)
(All other pics taken with another phone as my phone died!)
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| Poplar Hawmoth |
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| Reed Warbler |
