Spring goes down a Bomb

You can read a lot! I've also heard from various sources seeing these is a new phenomena! For me, these have been a classic sign of spring for a few years.

Bombylius major is a regular at Tophill Low NR, East Yorkshire. Normally in sheltered sunny spots, they can be seen on the wing for a good month, six weeks from the end of March until May, depending on the weather. The one pictured, one of three seen today at the south end of the site.

Overnight moth traps attracted nearly 150 individuals. The highlights being a couple of Shoulder Stripe and good numbers of Twin-spotted Quaker, both below.

A brighter afternoon enabled a few Comma to take to the wing, while a Peacock was seen briefly in the car park.

Heading north is big for birds at the minute. After a Chiffchaff free winter, up to 6 birds were singing on site today and a Little-ringed Plover was on WNR. Meanwhile, expectedly with birds moving, a couple of Whooper Swans dropped onto D Res early afternoon, remaining until dusk, while both a Short-eared Owl and a Hen Harrier where in the D res area late afternoon.