Report from Roger Lane. Tuesday 4th May 2010

Thought I'd ease my way back in gently, but the cold NE wind put a stop to that ! While I remember yesterday, 3rdMay2010, there was a Redshank feeding on the Par Bay shoreline as tide came in. Probably a continental bird, since most Cornish over-winterers left in March.
Today I went 'all over the place' looking for anything worthwhile, with virtually no success. First a morning trip to Caerloggas Downs to listen for a cuckoo. Nothing but roaring traffic and wind. Total sightings: 1 x Sp.Wood; 1 x Lg.Red Damselfly and 10+ Sand Martins (probably from the colony in pit 'just down the road'). Then on to Treskilling Downs (near Bowling Green), where at least there were 2 x GVWhites and 3 x Orange-Tips. Also heard then saw a Yell.Hammer and a C.Whitethroat, both year ticks (!) and both nest there annually. Back to Holmbush for lunch, where 1 x female Orange-Tip and 5 x Sp.Woods showed.
After lunch, to Pontsmill where NE wind inhibited both butterflies and birds. Total 'score' was 2 x GVWhites; 6+, Orange Tips; 1 x Holly Blue and 1 x Comma. The last has to be 'best' since they are beginning to 'go over' in May, ready for the June brood. The only birds of note were an incoming flock of c.30 House Martins (plus 1 x Swift) feeding in the Valley around tree tops.

Thanks for the report Roger.

Things are most certainly quiet at the moment especially at PBP and surrounding area.
Soon we should be enjoying a bonanza of sightings when things start to get into full swing...until then we just have to wait.