I've been intent on tracking down a proper spring migrant at Stokes Field for the past few years, but considering it's small size, lack of noticable habitat and relatively poor placement in the middle of Surrey suburbia, I've never managed anything other than the usual Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps. Taking the two minute stroll from house to patch this morning, it was clear that things are beginning to look more promising. The first Swallow of the year went over the entrance, and a Tree Bumblebee- a relatively new addition to the British list- alighted briefly on a grassy curb. At least 20 Chiffchaff were singing throughout the woodland, and amongst them the very welcome song of (embarrassingly) the patch's first Willow Warbler. No idea why it's never showed itself in previous springs, but then again I've never had this much time to dedicate to looking for them before.
No idea...
Tree Bee...
Small Tortoiseshell...
Following in the footsteps of the Willow Warbler were the first two butterflies of the year; Small Tortoiseshell and Comma, and a quick search around the trunks of Pedunculate Oak produced the hoped for Eriocrania subpurpurella; a spring flying moth that I was sure was going to be a complete no show considering the recent weather. Whilst watching a flock of Chiffchaff (yes, a flock; there were literally 15 in the same tree), the sudden fly-by of a red tail caught my eye, and I turned to face a stonking male Common Redstart perched in a poplar tree, a few metres further up the path. By the time I'd fully taken in what I was watching, and reached for camera, it had gone.
Following in the footsteps of the Willow Warbler were the first two butterflies of the year; Small Tortoiseshell and Comma, and a quick search around the trunks of Pedunculate Oak produced the hoped for Eriocrania subpurpurella; a spring flying moth that I was sure was going to be a complete no show considering the recent weather. Whilst watching a flock of Chiffchaff (yes, a flock; there were literally 15 in the same tree), the sudden fly-by of a red tail caught my eye, and I turned to face a stonking male Common Redstart perched in a poplar tree, a few metres further up the path. By the time I'd fully taken in what I was watching, and reached for camera, it had gone.
I'd dreamed about this moment for a long while, but an actual Common Redstart on my tiny patch in north Surrey? This was madness. I was pleased at seeing a male in Richmond Park last spring, but to find one just a few hundred yards from the front door was something special. After 3 hours without any further sign of the bird- with a brief lunch break back at home- the Redstart finally reappeared on the hill top in the late afternoon, allowing for a record shot...
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| One of many to turn up in Surrey/London today |
After the excitement of so many migrants everywhere, the rest of the afternoon was spent recording the more inconspicuous wildlife for the 1km square 'everything list', which now stands at 199 species...
Ivy-leaved Speedwell...
Pollenia rudis...
Colt's-foot...
Toad...
Toad hugging another Toad...
Bring on tomorrow.
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