WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS 2006

Post by **Mark Caunt** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 6:34 pm

Wildlife Sightings for 2006

Post by **Mark Caunt** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 6:38 pm

Hugh Bell popped round to my house with this Deaths-Head Hawkmoth recovered from the Arbroath Abbey on Tuesday 4th July 2006.
Unfortunately it was already dead when the Basin Wildlife centre was informed but being in excellent condition thought the photos may interest some! Quite a moth for our area. Maybe dont get the scale from the photos of how big it was but easily the size of my index finger. Cheers Hugh!

HarryB · Post by **HarryB** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 6:10 pm

Hi All,
My wife, Eileen, got at least 10 Bottle-nosed Dolphins today, swimming from the Angus side of the North Esk, into St Cyrus Bay and showing well. Two came within 30 yards of the shore, very close to extremely excited bathers!

HarryB · Post by **HarryB** » Wed Jul 19, 2006 4:56 pm

Two Bottlenose Dolphins, very close in to the rocks at Usan this afternoon

DK · Post by DK » Wed Jul 19, 2006 5:10 pm

Saw Mondays batch heading north past the Grannies Garret, Arbroath cliffs at mid-day.

HarryB · Post by **HarryB** » Sat Jul 22, 2006 5:27 pm

Hi All,
Bob McCurley has just phoned me to tell me he saw a Minke Whale this afternoon, from the ADBC Hide at Lunan Bay.
I undertook to put this report in for him.
On the subject of whales: the next six weeks is the best time for seeing whales in this area, as the vast majority of whale reports are about this time of year.
Also the Press and Journal has carried a story today, remarking on the increased number of Minkes being seen in the North East of Scotland this year.

Post by **Mark Caunt** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 7:48 pm

Birdguides is reporting at least 3 Minke Whales feeding off Rattray Head, Aberdeenshire this morning. Monday 24th July 2006. Keep your eyes peeled...

DK · Post by DK » Mon Jul 24, 2006 8:10 pm

Common Hawker, Common Darter, Common Blue Damselfly, Emerald Damselfly at Crombie Park (N0529401) on 18th July.

Common Blue Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Emerald Damselfly, Large Red Damselfly at Montreathmont Moor Pond (NO595532) on 20th July.

Common Hawker, Black Darter, Common Darter, Common Blue Damselfly at Mile Hill Pool (NO375607) on 24th July.

HarryB · Post by **HarryB** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 8:59 pm

Hi All,
I've just had a report of a Hummingbird! from the Dubton area of Montrose.
From the description I subsequently obtained, it's obviously a Hummingbird Hawkmoth. Hughie Bell is going to check it out, but it's probably too late at night to see it now (21.00).
As soon as it's confirmed I'll post it on this website, BUT it is in a private garden.
Watch this space.

HarryB · Post by **HarryB** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 9:26 am

Hi All,
I've just checked with Hughie Bell, and been informed the moth is not as rare here as I thought. (I've never seen one).
Apparently, Mark Caunt (the Moderater for this website) has had one this year and Hughie got one in Hillside Montrose last year and there have been some other sightings locally.
Not just as rare as I thought, apparently!
Hughie informed me there have been recent sightings of Willow Herb Hawk Moth in this area - no details.

DK · Post by DK » Tue Jul 25, 2006 2:36 pm

Just recorded one today for the Arbroath cliffs, the first one I have seen this year so far. Some years I dont see any. Some places farther up the Angus coast seem to be a bit more lucky. The last two/three years have been good for them but previous to that I found them to be far less common.

Still getting small numbers of The Cinnabar, both moths and larvae at Elliot Links # NO620393. These are easy to miss in amongst the Burnets.

Just had my best ever weekly butterfly count for the Arbroath Cliffs so its a good time for anybody wanting to pick up basic Butterfly ID or take photographs. Plenty of Green-veined White, Common Blue, Meadow Brown, Greyling, Ringlet and Small Tortoiseshell and others in prime condition.

HarryB · Post by **HarryB** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 8:23 pm

This record is very slightly off area, but since St Cyrus Bay and Montrose Bay overlap at the mouth of the North Esk; between Aberdeenshire and Angus, people may like to know, tonight at 18.00, we got 1 Minke Whale and 1 Long-finned Pilot Whale, initially in St Cyrus Bay and drifting to Montrose Bay and then back again.

Post by **Mark Caunt** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 8:30 pm

Thanks again for the tip off Harry, the Pilot was a beauty, shame the Minke was a tad shy when we arrived.
Think it did drift into Angus waters briefly though.

DK · Post by DK » Wed Jul 26, 2006 7:20 pm

Also not quite in Angus but the options are very limited in finding them localy - Northern Brown Argus at St Cyrus reserve today.

No sign of them there on my last visit two weeks ago or in Clova earlier this week so they may well be off to a late start this year.

HarryB · Post by **HarryB** » Fri Aug 04, 2006 1:20 pm

Hi All,
This morning, from Montrose Links Golf Course, a Minke and also a Pilot Whale. Three Bottle-nosed Dolphins at the northern edge of Montrose Bay (Angus) and heading into the bay at St Cyrus (Aberdeenshire).
Any one who finds flowers, moths, butterflies or any other wildlife, including birds, when in Montrose Links Golf Course,
would you please contact me, to let me record what you've seen. The Montrose Links Golf Course have asked us to assist in providing as much detail as possible on what's about on their land, for an environmental impact study and also because they're just plain, interested!
Don't hesitate to contact me, please.
Harry Bickerstaff

DK · Post by DK » Fri Aug 04, 2006 8:11 pm

I could do butterflies and day-time macro moths if nobody else signs up for it. I dont know the Montrose Links, if someone else does it would obviously be better left to them.

Where is the best point to access the links ?

HarryB · Post by **HarryB** » Sat Aug 05, 2006 8:33 pm

Hi DK,
The situation is as follows;
The MLGC (Golf Course) are looking for as much wildlife information as possible. They approached the SWT Centre staff to ask for help and I offered to try to cover as much as possible, but given the size and my impaired mobilty, I can only do a bit. However they will welcome any help offered and I told them I'd pass the word around and try to collate all the information for them. If someone else volunteers to do that, I'll happily hand that bit over!
I'd also be prepared to try to co-ordinate volunteers, if required. It's a great place for sea-watching into the bay, because of the height of the dunes and that's why we saw the whales etc. yesterday.
Access is from the area behind the Seaside Splash, but the whole area goes all along the links, which are accessible to anyone, but obviously it's a golf course and due consideration and safety precautions are in order. 'Fore!' means watch out - it's coming your way, as I don't doubt you know already!
If you don't have my email address, I'll send it to you.
Thanks a lot.
Mike, from Arbroath, saw a young fox there this morning and we could also smell them at various parts of the links as we went around yesterday. That sighting is useful and I don't think the foxes are in any danger, as I think the golfers would prefer them. to rabbits, digging up the place.
Harry Bickerstaff

DK · Post by DK » Mon Aug 07, 2006 3:19 pm

Butterflies and day-moths done. I will do a follow up visit and type up a species list/report. A bit busy at the moment but should have it done on thursday/friday and get it out to you.

Its like a grassy version of the Cullin Ridge out there

HarryB · Post by **HarryB** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 4:48 pm

Hi DK,
Thanks for all your efforts (and knowledge). my email address is chookyburd@dsl.pipex.com There's no real secret about that, as anyone signing up for this website, can easily obtain it, as I made sure it would be available to any who require it.
I know Hughie Bell and Gordon Addison are doing night moths there and if you don't know either of them, I'll put you in touch with them. The MLGC has given power for the moth trap which they use and that may be an indication of the golf club's commitment to the whole thing.
Thank you indeed for your work and very kind offer to make it available. The whole project (if that's the right word) will take approx. a year and there's nothing in it for us, other than the sheer pleasure of helping to record what's going on.
Really. Thanks again. [/b]

HarryB · Post by **HarryB** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 2:58 pm

Hi All,
A Stoat is now being seen fairly regularly on the boardwalk round the 'dipping' pool from SWT Centre windows.
It was seen again this morning about 11.00.
There is a suspicion there may be a family of Stoats in that area. Great entertainment watching the wee guy, which seems to enjoy running around that area.

HarryB · Post by **HarryB** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 3:02 pm

Hi Folks,
Just been informed; there were 3 Stoats at the SWT Centre this morning.
At least I was correct when I informed there may be more than one!

RAB · Post by **RAB** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 10:57 pm

Minke Whale off Arbroath yesterday, 11/08/06 at about 0700hrs.

DK · Post by DK » Mon Aug 14, 2006 2:07 pm

Clouded Yellow (butterfly) turning up along the coast between Arbroath and Lud Castle today.

Post by **Mark Caunt** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 8:32 pm

Date & Time: SATURDAY 19th August 2006 - 8:15pm
Species: Hummingbird Hawkmoth
Location: Hummingbird Hawkmoth feeding off honeysuckle in my back garden, Auchmithie this evening at 8:15pm.

Alan Leitch · Post by **Alan Leitch** » Sun Aug 27, 2006 12:13 pm

Single feeding in our garden in Kirriemuir at 0715hrs - Sun 27th Aug, 2006

Bob McCurley · Post by **Bob McCurley** » Mon Aug 28, 2006 10:28 pm

28TH AUGUST -- 1430HRS.PM. -- COMMA BUTTERFLY( polygonia c-album ) 1

IN GARDEN IN BROOK STREET BROUGHT FERRY DUNDEE

SEEN AND PHOTGRAPHED -
Once a Rarity in Britain , has made a great recovery and is it now spreading Northwards into Scotland ? let us hope so , please report any sightings of this Butterfly -- have just learnt that 2 Comma,s were at Monikie Country Park last week ! this is very encourageing news .

DK · Post by DK » Mon Sep 04, 2006 2:39 pm

Lions Mane Jellyfish, Cyanea capillata at the Arbroath cliffs in Conning Tower Inlet, The Haven, The Gargoyle and Mariners Grave today.

Also a number of Small Elephant Hawkmoth, Deilephila porcellus larvae visible from the main path.

RAB · Post by **RAB** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 3:59 pm

Humming Bird Hawk Moth at Pitmuies Garden, nr Froikheim today (Sat) on buddleia towards bottom of main walled gardens.

Alan Leitch · Post by **Alan Leitch** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 8:17 pm

Hummingbird Hawk Moth back in the garden in Slade Gardens, Kirriemuir feeding from our late flowering honeysuckle at 1900hrs.

Dave Adam · Post by **Dave Adam** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 9:09 pm

Dolphins off Tangleha, St.Cyrus on Wed 6th. September at 7pm headed North. Usual bunch I expect, splashing around feeding, really big guy always seems to lead the pod.

Dave Adam · Post by **Dave Adam** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 9:41 pm

Slow Worm in Glen Esk, on the track to Whitehills water treatment plant on 27th August, first for me in Scotland, pretty wee job about the size of a big garden worm.

Dave Adam · Post by **Dave Adam** » Sun Sep 10, 2006 7:38 pm

Nicola Main · Post by **Nicola Main** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 11:06 am

Yesterday at 2.30pm Comma butterfly basking on rock in the company of dragonflies. GR NO 551 349. Carnoustie. Sent an email to Butterfly Conservation about it waiting for their reply. Regards, Nicola Main.

Post by **Mark Caunt** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 5:22 pm

Date & Time: WEDNESDAY 20th September 2006 - 10:45am
Species: Hummingbird Hawkmoth
Location: Hummingbird Hawkmoth feeding on fuchsia bushes in a private garden down Taranty Road, Forfar, this morning.

Hugh Bell · Post by **Hugh Bell** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 11:11 pm

Hummingbird Hawkmoth feeding on Buddleja at Montrose Basin Visitor Centre 17:00hrs today.

Post by **Mark Caunt** » Fri Sep 22, 2006 7:22 pm

Date & Time: FRIDAY 22nd September 2006 - 5:30pm
Species: Harbour Porpoise
Location: Harbour Porpoise from Fishtown of Usan at 5:30pm

Bob McCurley · Post by **Bob McCurley** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 7:01 pm

A Humming Hawk Moth was in the Garden of A.D.B.C. Club member

Mickey Mellon this afternoon at 1445hrs. pm.

This really made Mickey.s day coupled with the Ryder Cup Golf Victory over the U.S.A.

He asked me to post this to the Web for him

Dave Adam · Post by **Dave Adam** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 12:48 pm

Hummingbird Hawkmoth at Brechin Health Centre gardens

Post by **Mark Caunt** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 4:20 pm

Date & Time: TUESDAY 26th September 2006 - 2:15pm
Species: Hummingbird Hawkmoth
Location: Yet another Hummingbird Hawkmoth. This time in a private garden down Laurelbank, Forfar. Exceptional year for them?

Dave Adam · Post by **Dave Adam** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 7:04 pm

Seemingly this moth returns to the same flower patch at specific times of the day, so try looking for it again at the same time you first saw it. It prefers to fly in bright sunlight, lays eggs on Galium-Bedstraws-Cleavers and has been regularly seen in Orkney and Finland at 60 N. Some may over winter in Britain instead of migrating south to the med.

www.AngusBirding.com

WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS 2006

WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS 2006

Deaths-Head Hawkmoth - Tuesday 4th July 2006

Bottlenose Dolphins approx. 16.00 hrs Monday 17th July

Bottlenose Dolphins at Usan today (19 July 06)

Minke Whale at Lunan Bay today 22 July 06

Minke Whales

Very probable Hummingbird Hawkmoth in Dubton area

Hummingbird Hawkmoth

Minke and Long-finned Pilot Whale 18.00 25/07/06

Minke and Pilot Whale + Botllenose Dolphins in Montrose Bay

Montrose Links Golf Course Wildlife information

Species list Montrose Links Golf Course

Stoat at SWT Montrose Visitor Centre today 10 August 06

Stoat at SWT Montrose (again)

Minke Whale

SATURDAY 19th August 2006 - Hummingbird Hawkmoth

Hummingbird Hawk Moth

AUGUST 28TH. COMMA BUTTERFLY

Hummingbird Hawk Moth

Hummingbird Hawk Moth

Dolphins

Slow Worm

Slow Worm Picture

Comma butterfly

WEDNESDAY 20th September 2006 - Hummingbird Hawkmoth

Hummingbird Hawkmoth sighting

FRIDAY 22nd September 2006 - Porpoise

Sunday Sept. 24th. Humming Hawk Moth

Hummingbird Hawkmoth

TUESDAY 26th September 2006 - Hummingbird Hawkmoth

Hummigbird Hawk Moth