Buff-breasted Sandpiper...

While I was away in North America recently the American birds started turning up over here, including a smart Buff-breasted Sandpiper at White Nothe in Dorset, which Dave Helliar managed to see and get a few photos of:

Buff-breated Sandpiper: D. Helliar

Buff-breated Sandpiper: D. Helliar

Buff-breated Sandpiper: D. Helliar

Roesel's Bush Crickets Metrioptera roeselii were also found. This species has hugely expanded its range in the last decade or so, they are easily told from the similar Bog Bush Cricket Metrioptera brachyptera by their green face and cream border around the entire side of the thorax. I remember when I first saw this species back in the mid-eighties. They were really quite scarce then.

Roesel's Bush Cricket: . Helliar

Closer to Chard it's good to see so many insects still brightening up the day.

Hornet with prey: D. Helliar

Clouded Yellow: D. Helliar

Comma: D. Helliar

Harlequin Ladybird: D. Helliar

Comma: D. Helliar

Painted Lady: D. Helliar

Red Admiral: D. Helliar

Green Shield Bug: D. Helliar

A sure sign that Autumn is upon us, another Med Gull at Chard Res. This time an adult winter.

Med Gull: D. Helliar

Thanks to Dave for his photo round-up from the last couple of weeks.