HALF-TON TRAP

Another sunny autumnal morning on Friday 16th, provided some ideal conditions for a walk to East Mersea Point. The tide was on its way back in during the morning, so lots of waders got closer to look at whilst others flew overhead back into the Colne.

Only 22 brent geese could be found with most of them over by Brightlingsea. The usual selection of waders on the mud by the Point although the two main gatherings were 500 golden plover and 70 avocets.

In some of the bushes by the Point were 3 reed buntings, stonechat and also a flock of 20 linnets which flew up to join 20 redpolls on their westward passage over the Island. Along with a few other redpolls that were noted, were a handful of siskins and the distinctive call of a brambling passing overhead was more unusual because the bird was heading eastwards over the Colne. A wheatear was seen on the beach, a second male stonechat by the fields and a rock pipit flying over. It was also nice to see two swallows flying over the fields a few times, as they passed over the park.

At the park pond the six species of regular ducks included 4 tufted ducks, pair of gadwall, shoveler, mallard, teal and wigeon. Five little egrets swooped over the pond but decided to roost elsewhere, although a sixth egret did stay.


The leaves are falling off many of the trees around the park, covering the ground in various autumnal colours. The jays are still busy picking up nuts such as sweet chestnuts and flying off to bury them, so that they have a secret larder to raid in the winter time. One or two goldcrests are foraging with the mixed tit flock around the park.
Despite the sun only the one red admiral seen and a couple of common darters noted. No sign of the adders in their usual place so maybe they've gone in for the winter.


The moth trap was left to run overnight twice during the week, in the process notching up the fiftieth night of moth-trapping at the park this year. This is on course to match last year's final tally of just over 60 sessions, assuming the weather stays reasonable. I haven't got round to adding up the number of species, or the total number of moths caught. That's something to do on a dull winter's evening late in the year.

The streak moth pictured above is suitably named, displaying the white streak mark on each wing. It is locally distributed in the county, presumably because the caterpillar's foodpant is broom, which is similarly locally found in Essex.

Both moth trapping sessions recorded 13 species, with each night noting only about 25 individuals. Other moths found included L-album wainscot, yellow-line quaker, silver-Y, November sp, green-brindled crescent, brindled green, autumnal rustic, feathered ranunculus, white-point, lunar underwing and barred sallow.


One of several autumnal-looking moths around at the moment is this dark chestnut, showing how the colour of its wings matches the same colour tint of a fallen leaf.

Not much news to report for earlier in the week, although on Tuesday a grey wagtail flew over the park and then at dusk a little owl was seen flying across the car park.

Steve Entwistle saw two short-eared owls over Maydays Farm on Sunday evening.