A stunning day with clear blue skies and warm sunshine. A few migrant birds were noted with eight Swifts, 15 Sand Martins and a Siskin being recorded overhead. Three Lapwings were on the South End and three Redshanks were in Solfach. It was also notably "Flying Ant day" and in celebration, scores of Gulls were anting over the Wetlands and the South End, feeding up on the temporary food source.
Grayling (C) Greg Lee |
The Large Whites were in considerable numbers with 48 recorded across the island along with 60+ Green-veined Whites which were mostly concentrated in the Lowlands. Up on the Mountain, three Graylings were enjoying the heat and chasing off any other butterflies that appeared in their airspace. Butterflies may have the reputation for being graceful and elegant, but in reality they are foul-tempered and violent beasts! A male Emperor Dragonfly was hawking over a pool in the Wetlands again. It was another good day for Risso's Dolphins with a single seen off the West Coast followed by a pod of four passing close by Pen Cristin, close enough to hear them taking a breath!