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| There have still been a
few birds migrating lately. A Water rail was spotted skulking about a
local garden and the goldcrests mentioned last month have had their
numbers substantially increased by migration.
The main species to be seen, however, was a small flock of waxwings feeding on pyracantha berries. These birds have been reported in quite large numbers further up the coast and right up into Scotland. They seemed to move south to join us as soon as the wind turned into the north. One surprise record is of a comma butterfly feeding on the remains of a buddleia flower on the 1st November. The year has produced no real surprises in terms of species of birds and flowers, there has been one new fungus and one new beetle added to our ever-growing list of occurrences, but surprisingly, moths have added several new species. This is in spite of regular trapping and recording over a long period of time. A few of the additions can be put down to wanderers but others have been recorded in the south of the county and seem to have continued their northerly spread. Time will tell whether they manage to establish themselves locally. Many thanks to all those who have brought specimens or made contact in some other way. Without their assistance much would be missed. Tony Ezard |
Animal
Quiz - Answers for last month’s quiz
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