Marine Wildlife at SOC

The highlight of September was a pristine juvenile Semi-palmated Sandpiper that remained on Pennington Marsh from 3rd-18th. The Pectoral Sandpiper from August also remained in the area until 4th, while a first-winter Red-backed Shrike on Pennington Marsh (10th) and a Wryneck at Keyhaven Marsh (12th-17th) kept interest levels high.

Two Spoonbills flew over (5th) and two juvenile Buzzards fledged from a nest behind Pennington Marsh and were seen unsuccessfully trying to take a Woodpigeon (7th). Notable waders included single Spotted Redshank and Wood Sandpiper, up to three Little Stints, three Curlew Sandpipers and a flock of 24 Avocets (7th).

Migrant moths at Pennington Marshes included a female Four-spotted Footman (4th), Evergestis limbata (10th) and two Convolvulus Hawk-moths (12th and 14th). Good numbers of Vestal, Pearly Underwing, Delicate and Scarce Bordered Straw appeared amongst the abundance of commoner migrants. Of the resident species, dispersing Heath Rustics (5th and 15th) and an Autumnal Rustic (15th) were notable, as were the scarce pyralids Dioryctria abietella (11th) and Dolicharthria punctalis (18th).