31st of August: The coming of Autumn

The warmth of summer days lingers on, but cooler dawns and dusks remind us that Autumn is just round the corner, other signs of this include the changing vista of the saltmarsh, gone are the bright and vibrant greens, and instead we have deep purples and crimsons of Suaeda and Glasswort.

Although Autumn is on its way, a Wood Pigeon is building a nest in the Tamarisk behind the Lab, a bit optimistic we feel.

The Yukka, or Spanish dagger (so-called due to its sharp blade-like leaves), is once again showing off its fine flower spikes...

 It was planted over a hundred years ago.
This painting was made of it in 1927:

Insects of the week 
Butterflies on the wing lately include Small Copper, Painted Lady, Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell. While moths on show include a few Silver Y, and today a superb Red Underwing, which was found nectaring on Sea Aster near the Long Hills. A few Dragonflies can still be seen or heard clattering from bushes as you walk by, like Migrant Hawkers and  Ruddy Darters.

 

Red Underwing on Sea Aster

Migrant birds of the week

Migrant passerines finding their way onto the Point this week were four Wrynecks on the 26th, the supporting cast included a smattering of Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, as well as Redstarts, Whinchats, Stonechats, Wheatears and Willow Warblers.

 An obliging Dunlin on the saltmarsh

Mammals of the week
Common Shrew feeding near the back steps of the Lifeboat House, Pipistrelle bat in the same area, and - rather unexpectedly - a dead Mink washed up on Far Point, as well as the usual seals and Brown Hares.

Mink - a first for the Point

Brown Hare in the dunes

- Paul (with photographs by Sarah and Ajay)