More SWF!

 A second Silver Washed Fritillary was found today. This time a male and in much better condition.

 It was constantly flying between the Buddleia and chasing other large butterflies, no doubt looking for a mate.

 Black streaks on the upper forewing indicate a male.

 Not a pristine specimen, but interesting to think that we have had both sexes in the same area.

Silver Washed Fritillary.Site tick.

 It was a real shock when I went looking for Scarce Tortoiseshells on the land behind my house and instead found a very worn, probably female Silver-Washed Fritillary.

It seemed to be missing most of its hind wings, but there was just enough to make a positive id and discount Dark Green Frit. The image below was helpful.

 Not a pretty site , but I bet she was a beauty in her prime!

After spending time on Buddleia and Bramble she relocated to Dave Wrights garden and some Wild Hemp Agrimony.

Duck Rescue!

 After a 0730 phone call from a neighbour I found myself rescuing a female Tufted Duck and her brood of five. I went armed with a bucket for the ducklings and remarkably the female let me pick her up.

 Never one to miss out on a ringing opportunity the adult was quickly processed.

 Hey mum we want some Bling!

Then it was down to the reservoir and off on some more adventures. I am sure there is just a hint of a Thank you from Mrs. Tufty! 
It was a surprise when 15 minutes later I found myself rescuing another brood of Tufted duck from Dave Wrights front garden, this time without a female. Again all were safely moved to the reservoir.
Ducklings on hatching are able to find their own food , but follow their parents. This is classified as Precocial 2. The word precocial comes from the same Latin root as 'precocious'. This is not the first time that I have helped ducklings reach the safety of the reservoir, but it does illustrate that help is sometimes required. Once on the water all is well.

Wader passage commences?

A single Common Sandpiper was on the dam this morning, perhaps signalling the start of the long journey back south. An Oyster Catcher was also calling as it flew over the reservoir yesterday.

More LTD.

 The female Long-Tailed Duck was still present today, Friday 27th June.

 It was content feeding with Tufted Duck close up against Stony Bank. It was not too concerned when a fishing boat approached and set anchor.

 It was feeding, presumably on molluscs.

 The first June record for Leicestershire and Rutland.

 Let's hybridise!

Other good news is that a Dabchick had 2 chicks riding on its back.

Long-Tailed Duck, a Thornton tick.

 Long-Tailed duck balances Tufty on its head!

Female Long-Tailed duck that seems to be going from winter to summer plumage.

 This was a Thornton tick for me and I think it may be a first for the site as there is no mention of a past record in the Avifauna.

It also appears to be a first for the month of June in Leicestershire and Rutland.

 I have been trying to keep count of the ever increasing number of Tufted Duck over the last few days, but have to admit that I missed this surprise treat.

 I presume it is either a failed breeder or never made the trip through the Baltic with the rest  of its kind. If it is the Swithland bird then where has it been?

 

 A Big Thanks to who ever found her.

Of the 89 Tufted duck I counted today there are only 5 females.

Hummingbird Hawk Moth and No to the Mow!

 After one on the Lavender at the front door, this Hummer decided to come in to the conservatory and allowed some close up views.

 This year I decided to leave some of the lawn to develop into a meadow.

 Plenty of Ox-eye daises and wild grasses.

I felt "ahead of the game" when Spring Watch announced , Say No to the Mow!