8th of September: Autumn is here

On Friday this Convolvulus Hawkmoth caterpillar was photographed by Alex Green (learning officer at the NT's Brancaster activity centre) on the coast path next to Brancaster Marshes. A rather rare occurance in Britain, this year has been a good one for them and we encourage you to keep an eye out for them.

Convolvulus Hawkmoth caterpillar (Alex Green)

Over the weekend, we have had the last organised visit of the year from the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists Society to Blakeney Point. They were mostly moth specialists, but flies, beetles and aphids were also recorded. A new aphid species for Norfolk was discovered. Over 40 moth species were recorded including this imaculate Brown-spot Pinion, an autumnal species.

Brown-spot Pinion (Joe Cockram)

In bird news, we have seen only a small number of migrants on the Point due to unfavourable winds predominantly from the south and west. On Friday the first Pink-footed Geese of the autumn were seen over the point. Today two Pied Flycatchers were recorded in the brambles, also four Whinchats, 12 Wheatears and three Willow Warblers. Hirundines (Swallows, House and Sand Martins) were also prominent as they fed on insects near the Lifeboat House.

Wheatear (Joe Cockram)

Whinchat (Joe Cockram)

- Ajay