SPRING PUT ON HOLD

The moth trap was put out on Wednesday 28th in still and cloudy conditions. About fifty moths of ten species was a reasonable return as it had turned chilly overnight. The new one for the Island list was this blossom underwing. Delicate pinky-brown colour with the darker central band across the wings.

These are two clouded drabs showing variation in markings. Other moths caught included 35 common quakers, 5 small quaker, grey shoulder knot, 3 march moths and 4 hebrew character. There was also a sexton or burying beetle found in the trap in the morning.

Other interesting sightings for Wednesday at the park was a male pochard on the pond, the first for the year. Also a small tortoiseshell butterfly in the car park whilst the adder count is now five including a small young one from last year.

Main points of interest for Thursday 29th saw two male corn buntings on the tops of telegraph posts on the East Mersea road near Chapmans Lane.

In the evening the little owl could be heard calling loudly from Cosways caravan site. Just after dark two male tawny owls could be heard - one near the park entrance and the other sounded as if it was nearer North Farm, a couple of fields away.

The best bit though was actually seeing the owl on top of its nest box as I drove along Bromans Lane. This is the first sighting this year of the owl although I have heard it many times.