Monday 5th May

Another fine sunny day. Visible migration over the cliffs was surprisingly poor and migrants were thin on the ground for much of the day, though I did find a Wheatear in the morning. It was with some surprise then that a Yellow-browed Warbler and a Subalpine Warbler were found in the NOA around lunchtime, though despite much searching both only showed to 2 observers. What is is with rare birds at Holme this spring ? A Tawny Owl showed well here though, chased repeatedly through the pines and over the scrub by a marauding Magpie.

Plants new in flower today were Wintercress, Horse Radish, Watercress, Japanese Rose and Laburnum (both clearly non-natives !) and what I think is Black Mustard along the Thornham Bank. I also caught up with Alder and Thyme-leaved Sandwort in flower.

The NOA moth trap held several Northern Drabs, whilst I caught a Waved Umber, 5 Shuttle-shaped Darts and 3 Light Brown Apple Moths in Hunstanton. The moth highlight of the the day though wa undoubtedly the Emperor Moth which I found along the east bank boardwalk - my first ever for the patch. Sadly, however, though alive, it was in a terribly ragged state.

Several hoverflies were also new to the patch for this year - with tentative identifications below.

Eupeodes luniger, Holmhurst Track, 5th May 2014

Pipiza sps - probably noctiluca, Holmhurst Track, 5th May 2014

Dasysyrphus albostriatus, Holmhurst Track, 5th May 2014

Emperor Moth, Holme NWT, 5th May 2014

Wintercress, Old Hunstanton, 5th May 2014

Watercress, Old Hunstanton, 5th May 2014

Horseradish, Old Hunstanton, 5th May 2014