The sea was very quiet although another 806 Sandwich Tern flew west during the morning.
There was more interest in the "rare" orthoptera today. During the course of the afternoon and evening at least ten Large Coneheads were noted with eight males heard and one of the two females seen ovipositing. It is becoming clear that the Sickle-bearing Bush-cricket population is doing much better than in the last couple of years with at least 14 individuals seen this evening and including a mating pair. It was a warmer night than of late and there was much better chorus from the Tree Crickets. In addition, two Southern Oak Bush-crickets were found in the front garden of the Observatory.
Sickle-bearing Bush-crickets Phaneroptera falcata Dungeness 6th September 2020 This is the first time I have actually seen any individuals engaged in mating behaviour. |