Sunday 8 June 2014

After another deluge of rain overnight and a fresh south-easterly wind, it felt like a very promising day for migrants. A Tree Sparrow found in the Lighthouse garden in the early hours made for a very good start- there have been just four records of this species on Bardsey since 2005. Considering that this species has bred on the island, it is a rather sad testament to their widespread decrease throughout much of the UK. Elsewhere, two Spotted Flycatchers were the only obvious new arrivals, whilst seven Curlews and one Turnstone were seen around The Narrows. There was no sign of yesterday's Blyth's Reed Warbler.

Today's Tree Sparrow- the first since one in April 2010, and only the third record since 2005
With many of the Oystercatcher's chicks hatching out in the last week or so, the adult birds have stepped up their incessant harrying of everything and anything that happens to come within 50 metres of their nest sites 

It has been a great few days for moths, with many scarce species making themselves known. Yesterday saw an island first appearing at Nant: a Clouded Border. A Silver-ground Carpet found near Nant was the first individual since 2009. On the micro-moth front, a new species for Bardsey was also discovered yesterday: the rather dazzling Pseudargyrotoza conwagana, and a Plum Fruit Moth in the Cristin trap was just the second record for Bardsey. In terms of migrants, a total of seven Diamond-back Moths, eight Silver Ys and four Udea ferrugalis have been seen
This Beautiful Golden Y trapped at Cristin last night is just the third record on Bardsey. The last one was trapped in June 1992
This Pseudargyrotoza conwagana presents a bit of a puzzle (aside trying to pronounce its scientific name)...although this species has never been seen on Bardsey before, a total of seven individuals were found all over the island yesterday, perhaps indicating a rapid colonisation on the island. The larvae feed on Privet and Ash, which, although present on Bardsey, is certainly not widespread
Diamond-back Moth



And finally, a brief recording of yesterday's Blyth's Reed Warbler, singing in Ty Pellaf garden

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