Common Terns, Brownsea Island, 31 July

Moths, Dorset, July

Scallop Shell

Rosy Footman

Buff-tip

Nut-tree Tussock

Brussels Lace

Ravens, RW, 21 July

I picked up a group of seven Ravens circling extremely high over Manton Bay whilst following an Osprey. They were a family party (two in moult and five fresh) and all eventually drifted south-west.

Lesser Emperor, RW, 26 July

I found this male Lesser Emp during the late afternoon. It was the first record for Rutland (although it's probably occurred several times before) and the fifth for the county. Very difficult to photograph as it shot past at about 10m range and all I could do was stick the camera on manual focus and hope.

Immature Spoonbill, RW, 2 July

It often sought company with the large gulls and could easily be missed among them.

2 CY Caspian Gull, RW, 16 July

Tufted Duck family - RW - 16 June

Great-crested Grebes, RW, 13 June

This pair lost two clutches of eggs to an unknown predator (Otter?) during June-July but it was still very enjoyable watching them stealing nest material from a nearby Coots nest. I didn't realise how much character G-c Grebes had until this pair nested in front of the hide.

Singing Wryneck, Galloway Forest Park, 4 June

What initially sounded like a very distant calling Sparrowhawk actually turned out to be a singing Wryneck - my first singing one in the UK. It  was very content singing from a dead conifer and was still going at it when we passed by again later. I did email the county recorder the location but got no reply back (not bitter....) so I don't know if it lingered.

Palmate Newt, Borders

Golden-ringed Dragonfly emerging, June

Redstart, Grey Wagtail and Lesser Redpoll, Borders, June

Juvenile Grey Wagtail, RW, 30 May

A Juvenile that I first saw briefly on Lagoon 3 but then later in the Fishponds.

Longhorn Moths Displaying, RW, 30 May

Longhorn Beetle, RW, 29 May

Avocets, RW, May

Several pairs attempted to breed again but just like last year, all the chicks vanished, despite one brood being nearly three weeks old. The large numbers of immature gulls that were present during May-June may have been partly responsible but I guess we will never know the cause until one of us witnesses it.

Redshank Chicks, RW, 23 May

A brood of three that fledged successfully.