ROSY MARSH MOTH & BLACK STORKS: AN UNEXPECTED 24 HOURS

Jenna and I had planned this weekend a few weeks ago with one goal in mind: to try and trap the Rosy Marsh Moth at Cors Fochno in mid-Wales.

Before the trip, I contacted Justin Lyons, the Senior Management Officer and reserve warden, who kindly gave us permission to trap moths on the reserve. 

Heading into mid-Wales

We arrived before dusk and carried our gear along the boardwalk, setting up the light trap in what looked like ideal habitat, with plenty of bog-myrtle growing around us, a Rosy marsh moth's food plant.

Just as we were getting everything ready, news broke that two juvenile Black Storks had been found on the Wirral and apparently looked like they were going to roost overnight; I suddenly had another target to fit into the weekend. It looked like I might have a chance of seeing both species within the next 24 hours.

Thankfully, the moths didn't disappoint. Before midnight, the trap produced a Rosy Marsh Moth, our target species. It was my first time seeing one, and it certainly lived up to expectations.

The Rosy Marsh Moth was once found in the Huntingdonshire Fens during the 19th century before being thought extinct in Britain. It was later rediscovered breeding on the Tregaron and Borth bogs of mid-Wales, and in 2005 another breeding population was discovered in Cumbria. It remains a scarce species with Red Data Book status. The adults fly during late July and August, and the larvae feed mainly on bog-myrtle (Myrica gale).

With the moth photographed and safely released, we packed everything away and started the journey home. We were both exhausted, so we pulled the van over for a few hours' sleep. When we woke, the valleys were covered in thick mist, and visibility was almost non-existent.

By the time we reached Llangollen, the fog had lifted, and fresh updates confirmed the Black Storks were still showing at Parkgate Marsh. After a bacon sandwich and a much-needed brew, we headed straight there.

As usual, there were plenty of familiar faces already waiting. It wasn't long before one of the Black Storks appeared in flight, giving really good views. 

It's an impressive bird and one I'd been hoping to add to my Cheshire & Wirral list for a long time.

Before leaving, we also picked up a calling Quail from the marsh, a Hobby, along with nine Spoonbills, a Spotted Redshank and a Wood Sandpiper.

                                          

The highlight came a little later when both Black Storks took to the air and circled over Parkgate before drifting away to the east. It was a fantastic way to finish the morning.

The two Black Storks have had quite a journey. They were first seen in County Durham on 24 July before moving through Cornwall, Radnorshire and Chepstow, eventually turning up in Cheshire.

It wasn't a weekend we expected when we first planned the trip. We set out hoping to see one of Britain's rarest moths and ended up enjoying one of the best 24-hour wildlife weekends I've had in a long time.

The Black Storks have toured the country since their arrival on 24 July (BirdGuides.com sightings data).

FROM HIDDEN HIDES TO OPEN DOWNS – A MEMORABLE DAY OF BIRDING

There had been two excellent birds showing well in Oxfordshire lately, so after work I decided to try and see both species. Three Waxwings had been present daily at Warburg Nature Reserve, while a Montagu's Harrier  1st-summer male had been found at Churn, where it was showing at first light as it left its roost and again in the evening as it returned. As I had to be at work early, a dawn visit wasn't possible, so my plan was to spend the afternoon with the Waxwings before heading to Churn in the hope of seeing the harrier come into roost.

I began my afternoon at Warburg Nature Reserve, high in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It was a remote and picturesque reserve, surrounded by peaceful woodland. On arrival, I made my way to the hide and was immediately impressed by how low it had been built. It placed you almost at eye level with anything visiting the natural pool, promising wonderfully intimate views of the birds and mammals that came in to drink or bathe.

It didn't take long before the birds started arriving. A juvenile Green Woodpecker showed exceptionally well, allowing some excellent views. While I was taking photographs, a Spotted Flycatcher made a brief appearance before disappearing back into the woodland. Field Voles were constantly active around the edge of the pool, scurrying through the vegetation before occasionally stopping in the open to give surprisingly good views. 

Juvenile Green Woodpecker

Field Vole

Bullfinches and a Chiffchaff also dropped down to drink, but then came the highlight of my time in the hide.

 

Bullfinch-Adult and Juvenile

Chiffchaff-Juvenile

A magnificent Hawfinch appeared, cautiously making its way down to the water's edge. Seeing one of Britain's most powerful finches at such close range was a real privilege and an unforgettable sight.

Hawfinch

What an absolute beauty of a bird! It didn’t stay for long, but it was a real privilege to see it up close. I spent a couple of very enjoyable hours there, and having the hide completely to myself made the experience even more special. Sitting quietly, so close to nature with no disturbance, is what makes these moments so rewarding.

After leaving, I grabbed a cup of tea and made my way over to Churn, where there had been some exciting news from the Oxfordshire- Berkshire borderlands: a first-summer male Montagu’s Harrier had been found.

Arriving at the site, I settled in with the other birders and prepared myself for what could have been a long wait.

In the end, I stood there for about three hours before the bird finally made an appearance. Patience is often part of birding, and on this occasion, it was certainly worth it.

The moment finally came when the Montagu’s Harrier appeared from the east, drifting into view before beginning to hunt across the fields. It showed brilliantly, quartering low over the landscape and working its way along the hedgerows, flying up and down them as it searched for prey. Watching this elegant raptor move effortlessly over the Berkshire/Oxfordshire Downs was a truly memorable sight.

Montagu’s Harrier

(c)Thomas Miller

There were plenty of birders gathered on site, many of whom had travelled a long way hoping to see their first Montagu’s Harrier. For some, this was a long-awaited lifer, which added to the atmosphere as everyone enjoyed watching this scarce and beautiful bird together.

The bird was fitted with a Darvic ring, which allowed it to be traced back to last year’s successful nesting attempt in England,  a fantastic story behind an already special individual. Montagu’s Harrier remains a rare and scarce bird in Britain, and sightings like this are always treasured.

This Montagu's Harrier, known as JJ, was ringed in 2025 by Mark Thomas of the RSPB. It returned this May to the same farm, staying for a few days then moving around the UK before coming to Churn in Oxfordshire.

In fact, it almost feels as though Pallid Harriers are becoming more regular visitors to Britain now than the much scarcer Montagu’s Harrier, making this encounter even more special.

Sadly, the story of the Montagu’s Harrier in Britain has not always been a positive one. Illegal persecution has played a huge role in the loss of this wonderful species as a regular breeding bird. Gone are the days when multiple pairs could be found scattered across the south and east of the country.

The UK sits on the edge of the species’ range, and sadly Montagu’s Harriers continue to decline across much of Europe. Changes in farming practices have also contributed to the challenges they face, although this is not about blaming farmers, many of whom now work closely with conservationists to help protect wildlife.

What a bird, and what a way to finish the day. After years since my last Montagu’s Harrier, seeing this individual show so well was a real treat. A fantastic end to a perfect afternoon and evening spent birding, one of those days in the field that will stay in the memory for a long time.

CHESHIRE AND WIRRAL BIRD NEWS

31st July

Wood Sandpiper-Parkgate Marsh/Gayton Sands RSPB-One at Boathouse Flash

Black-necked Grebe-Acre Nook Sand Quarry-Three (adult and two juveniles) still at east end; also Ruddy Shelduck still

 

Slavonian Grebe-Acre Nook Sand Quarry-Adult still at east end; also Black-necked Grebe still

 

Caspian Gull-Widnes-Adult on River Mersey sandbank west of old Runcorn Bridge

Spotted Redshank-Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB-One at Centenary Pool from Border Hide; use reserve car park off Puddington Lane (CH64 5SF; open 09:00-19:00, £7 entrance fee for non-RSPB members)

 

Wood Sandpiper-Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB-Still at Burton Point scrape; use reserve car park off Puddington Lane (CH64 5SF; open 09:00-19:00, £7 entrance fee for non-RSPB-members)

 

Spotted Redshank-Parkgate Marsh/Gayton Sands RSPB-Still at Boathouse Flash

 

Eurasian Spoonbill-Parkgate Marsh/Gayton Sands RSPB=10 still at Boathouse Flash

 

30th July 

Curlew Sandpiper-Pickerings Pasture-Again on River Mersey below car park (WA8 8LP)

 

Eurasian Spoonbill-Parkgate Marsh/Gayton Sands RSPB-Nine still at Boathouse Flash

Slavonian Grebe-Acre Nook Sand Quarry-Adult still; also Black-necked Grebe and Ruddy Shelduck still. View from gate

 

Common Quail-Raby-Singing male by dairy farm

Ruddy Shelduck-Doddington Pool

Wood Sandpiper-Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB-Still at Centenary Pool from Border Hide; use reserve car park off Puddington Lane (CH64 5SF; open 09:00-19:00, £7 entrance fee for non-RSPB members)

29th July

Spotted Redshank-Pickerings Pasture-Still on River Mersey below car park (WA8 8LP)

Wood Sandpiper-Parkgate Marsh/Gayton Sands RSPB-One at Boathouse Flash

Slavonian Grebe-Acre Nook Sand Quarry-Adult still; also 2 Black-necked Grebes and Ruddy Shelduck still. View from gate

 

Ruddy Shelduck-Widnes-Drake still on River Mersey mudflats off Spike Island

 

Eurasian Spoonbill-Parkgate Marsh/Gayton Sands RSPB-10 still at Boathouse Flash; also Spotted Redshank

 

Black-necked Grebe-Woolston Eyes NR (permit only)-10+ still yesterday; reserve open from 08:00-20:00, permit and key obtainable at www.woolstoneyes.com

28th July

Slavonian Grebe-Acre Nook Sand Quarry-Adult still mid-afternoon; also 4 Black-necked Grebes and Ruddy Shelduck still. View from gate

 

Slavonian Grebe-Acre Nook Sand Quarry-Adult still from Whistler Field end; view from gate

 

Ruddy Shelduck-Acre Nook Sand Quarry-Still lurking with Egyptian Geese at north-west end

 

Eurasian Spoonbill-Parkgate Marsh/Gayton Sands RSPB-10 still at Boathouse Flash

 

Arctic Tern-Sandbach Flashes-Juvenile briefly at Elton Hall Flash then flew south-east

27th July

10 Spoonbill and 15+ Greenshank - Parkgate

Curlew Sandpiper-Pickerings Pasture-One on River Mersey below car park (WA8 8LP)

Black-necked Grebe-Acre Nook Sand Quarry-Three; view from gate

Slavonian Grebe-Acre Nook Sand Quarry-Adult still; view from gate

 

Ruddy Shelduck-Acre Nook Sand Quarry-Still viewed from Whisterfield end

26th July

Wood Sandpiper - Burton Mere Wetlands.

Ruddy Shelduck-Acre Nook Sand Quarry-Still viewed from Whisterfield end

 

Eurasian Spoonbill-Parkgate Marsh/Gayton Sands RSPB-7 still at Boathouse Flash

 

25th July

Ruddy Shelduck-Acre Nook Sand Quarry-Still viewed from Whisterfield end

Common Redstart in private garden - Lower Heswall.

18 Avocet in two flocks flying towards Neston Marsh - Parkgate.

Slavonian Grebe-Acre Nook Sand Quarry-Adult still; view from gate

 

Spotted Redshank-Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB-Still this afternoon; use RSPB car park off Puddington Lane (CH64 5SF

Blue-headed Wagtail-Hale-One this morning

Osprey-Wallasey-One flew towards New Brighton mid-morning

Eurasian Spoonbill-Parkgate Marsh/Gayton Sands RSPB-10 still at Boathouse Flash

24th July

Whimbrel-Caldy Shore

Spotted Redshank-Pickerings Pasture-One on River Mersey below car park (WA8 8LP)

Black-necked Grebe-Acre Nook Sand Quarry-Three (adult and two juveniles) still; view from gate

 

Slavonian Grebe-Acre Nook Sand Quarry-Adult still; view from gate

 

Eurasian Spoonbill-Parkgate Marsh/Gayton Sands RSPB-10 still at Boathouse Flash; also Spotted Redshank

 

Common Quail-Parkgate Marsh/Gayton Sands RSPB-Singing male south of Bevyl Road Flash

 

Common Quail-Burton Marsh-Two singing males still

23rd July

Eurasian Spoonbill-Parkgate Marsh/Gayton Sands RSPB-9 still at Boathouse Flash

22nd July

Common Sandpiper at Dove Point - Meols Shore.

Eurasian Spoonbill-Parkgate Marsh/Gayton Sands RSPB-Eight still at Boathouse Flash

 

Common Quail-Burton Marsh-Two singing males off Burton Point

 

Common Quail-Parkgate Marsh/Gayton Sands RSPB-Singing male still distantly from Bevyl Road Flash

Black Guillemot-Hilbre Island-One east of Hilbre

Arctic Tern-Sandbach Flashes-One at Elton Hall Flash

 

Sandwich Tern-Marbury CP-Two at Budworth Mere

 

Common Scoter-Marbury CP-One at Budworth Mere

Sandwich Tern-Neumann's Flash-Two

21st July

2 Whimbrel at Dove Point - Meols Shore.

Quail heard on marsh but distant - Parkgate.

Black-necked Grebe-Woolston Eyes NR (permit only)

26+ still; reserve open from 08:00-20:00, permit and key obtainable at www.woolstoneyes.com

Ruddy Shelduck-Acre Nook Sand Quarry-Still viewed from Whisterfield end

Eurasian Spoonbill-Parkgate Marsh/Gayton Sands RSPB-Eight still at Boathouse Flash; also 2 Spotted Redshanks

20th July

Quail-Singing male still between Boathouse Flash and Old Baths-Parkgate

Ruddy Shelduck-Acre Nook Sand Quarry-Still viewed from Whisterfield end

Eurasian Spoonbill-Parkgate Marsh/Gayton Sands RSPB-Nine still at Boathouse Flash; also Spotted Redshank

9 Spoonbill, Spotted Redshank, 70 Redshank, 17 Greenshank, Water Rail + chick Boathouse Flash. Barn Owl hunting marsh.

Male Yellow Wagtail - Parkgate.

4 Mediterranean Gull (incl 1 juv) - Meols Shore.

19th July

3,050 Black-tailed Godwit - Caldy Wildfowl Collection.

Quail heard briefly this morning, also 10 Spoonbill, 3 Water Rail (1 chick), 11 Avocet, 16 Greenshank, Spotted Redshank and a Ruff, 4 Marsh Harrier and a Barn Owl hunting over the marsh - Parkgate.

Ruddy Shelduck-Acre Nook Sand Quarry-Still viewed from Whisterfield end

18th July

Black-necked Grebe-Acre Nook Sand Quarry-Two juveniles still at north end

Ruddy Shelduck-Acre Nook Sand Quarry-Still viewed from Whisterfield end

10 Spoonbill - Parkgate.

240+ Sandwich Tern, 3 Mediterranean Gull, 10 Dunlin and a Shoveler over high tide - Hoylake Shore.

17th July

Ruddy Shelduck and 2 B;ack-necked Grebes-Acre Nook Sand Quarry-Still viewed from Whisterfield end

Eurasian Spoonbill-Parkgate Marsh/Gayton Sands RSPB-Nine still at Boathouse Flash

Common Quail-Parkgate Marsh/Gayton Sands RSPB-Singing male on saltmarsh

16th July

10 Avocet, 7 Spoonbill, 5 Greenshank and a Spotted Redshank, also a Barn Owl over the marsh - Parkgate.

Spotted Redshank-Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB

Osprey-Parkgate-One flew south-east

Ruddy Shelduck-Acre Nook Sand Quarry-Still on west side

Spotted Redshank-Parkgate Marsh/Gayton Sands RSPB-One at Boathouse Flash; also 7 Eurasian Spoonbills still

ODICE PERGRATA – A POTENTIAL FIRST FOR BRITAIN

On 27 July, an Odice pergrata was trapped at Bramhall, Cheshire, in what is believed to be the first British record of this species.

Odice pergrata is currently known from the Iberian Peninsula, with confirmed records from Portugal and Spain.

The moth has been retained to allow its identity to be formally confirmed, following standard procedure for a record of this significance. Remarkably, the moth was trapped by a lady who had only taken up moth trapping about a week earlier, making this an extraordinary introduction to the hobby.

Many thanks to Steve Hind for retaining the moth so that visiting recorders and photographers could examine and photograph this exceptional find.

A genuine MEGA and a memorable day for everyone fortunate enough to witness this historic discovery.

BIRDGUIDES REVIEW OF THE WEEK:20TH-26TH JULY 2026

Mostly settled conditions produced a mini-influx of Mediterranean waterbirds and the first concerted seabird arrival of the season. Most of the attention, however, was pointed firmly towards a South-East Asian mega in the English countryside. Read more>