Sunday May 24 - Morton Bagot produces the goods

Sunny intervals and a brisk south-westerly. A stroll around the patch was initially enlivened by the sounded of a reeling Grasshopper Warbler. Unlike last year's bird it was not at all showy, in fact we couldn't see it at all as it sang from the middle of a large grassy field.

Normally that would constitute the bird of the day, but not this time. We were scanning a different field when Dave spotted a Stonechat. Unprecedented here in May, the reason for its presence was revealed when we discovered it was accompanying a brood of three recently fledged juveniles.

Most of the family

Rubicola ?

A closer view of one of the juveniles

I've had a flick through recent WMBC reports and Birds of the West Midlands, and I think this could represent the first breeding record for Warwickshire (discounting Sutton Park which is now in West Midlands - politically at least).

The male was very bright with a restricted orange breast and pale flanks, inviting the temptation to identify it as belonging to the continental race rubicola. However, its a fine line between rubicola and hibernans, and the impression could be affected by feather wear as I would think they look at their most striking in summer before they moult.

The rest of the patch produced nothing better than the continuing presence of the drake Teal on the flash field.

Insects were putting on a good show too. Newly emerged dragonflies included Four-spotted Chaser, and Broad-bodied Chaser, while new butterflies included Large Skipper, Brown Argus, and Common Blue.

Four-spotted Chaser

Broad-bodied Chaser

Brown Argus

Common Blue

Large Skipper

The conditions became more overcast towards midday which was good insofar as the butterflies were easy to get close to, but not so good in that they tended to settle with wings closed.

Finally, no trip to Morton Bagot would be complete without a mystery insect. In this case a stack of small beetles is presented without a name. My guess is that they may be an early instar, and that the adult beetles may be easier to identify.

Nymphs of European Chinchbug Ischnodemus sabuleti

I will add a caption if I find out what species they are. - And sure enough thanks the Tristan Bantock I now know they are the nymphs of a bug, not a beetle. The Internet is fantastic for giving answers to seemingly unfathomable questions.