Wagtail movement at Davidstow

I paid a visit to Davidstow on Thursday and stumbled on a decent movement of assorted wagtails.  I estimated around 300 Pied Wagtail with a few White Wagtail and at least three Yellow Wagtail. Two Northern Wheatear, 30 Ringed Plover and ten Dunlin added to the list but I couldn't connect with the Buff-breasted Sandpiper.

Peregrine GH

I photographed this juv Peregrine from the lower rocks at Pendeen a week ago.  It flew in from the sea directly towards me.  It had been chasing migrating Dunlins low over the sea near the three rocks.  A close crop of the image shows this bird to have a yellow ring with "GH" inscribed on it.

Citrine Wagtail at Marazion Marsh

A first year Citrine Wagtail was found on Friday by David Parker, frequenting the eastern end of the marsh.  I saw it today from the standing stone.  The species is not naturally shy but this bird was not the easiest to see.  It just preferred the reed bed margins around the juncus grass islands so was mainly obscured from decent view.  These are not exactly award winning images but they do show the important ID features, including the stout bill, necklace of dark spots creating a gorget and the pale supercilium extending round the ear coverts.  The bird called in flight and the distinctive call was heard well.

Silver-washed Fritillary

The three images below were taken last week at Cabilla Wood near Bodmin and the darker valesina form at Bentley Wood near Salisbury.  I went to Bentley Wood hoping to see Purple Emperor.  Sadly it was too windy and quite dull so I dipped.  A shame really as this year has been exceptional for the species with up to 100 individuals being seen at some localities.  Back to the Silver-washed... the valesina form is unusual but not rare.  I saw two of them on Sunday but this was the darker one.

valesina form at Bentley Wood

taken at Cabilla Woods, Bodmin

taken at Bentley Wood, Salisbury