It's been a busy few months at Broadwater in wildlife terms. Out on the open heath we've had the return of nightjars, with up to five breeding territories established this year. Six territories each for the tree pipits and woodlarks have successfully raised chicks, which can be seen in family groups of half a dozen or more. Yellowhammers can been heard from patches of scrub wheezing out their notorious "little bit of bread but no cheeeeeeeeese" song. The grey wagtails that have bred once already on Decoy island have been busy collecting more food for the next brood that will no doubt be appearing soon. A kingfisher was spotted there last week too, so look out for that familiar flash of electric blue.
(Grey wagtails feeding by John Tomsett)
The dragonflies and damselflies have been abundant along the stream sides and ponds, with new species (hairy dragonfly and black darter) recorded for the site. Record numbers of brimstone buterflies fluttered by in Spring, and the reserve has since filled with meadow browns, gatekeepers, ringlets, mall and large skippers, speckled woods and various members of the white family. The next generation of small tortoiseshells, red admirals, commas and peacocks are beginning to emerge, and will mingle in with arguably two of the most impressive of our UK butterflies - the white admiral and silver washed fritillary. Look out for these two large specimens gliding along the woodland rides and floating around open glades or in patches of dappled light.
(female broad bodied chaser by Leslie Cox)
The wildflowers have made a fantastic display this year, making a noticeable difference to the ride edges. Bright pink common centaury, vivid purple self-heal and brilliant yellow tormentil have been supplying an array of insects with nectar, along with the plants of lesser accolade, thistles and ragwort. Far from being the villain most people think, ragwort is an invaluable nectar source for many insects, especially the cinnabar moth caterpillar. If you look closely at the ragwort stems, you can easily spot the starkly striped black and yellow caterpillars, reminiscent of the sesame street puppets. Ragwort contains compounds of cyancide, meaning the insects that eat it become poisonous, hence their garish colours. These compounds can also affect livestock, but cattle and ponies tend to only eat it when it's died and dried out. We like to leave the flowers for the insects up until the flowers begin to wilt and then remove them before they die so the ponies don't eat it. It's a balancing act and an inexact science, but on the whole works!
(common centaury by Chloe Ryder)
Pleased to see a moorhen too on the pond the other day. Hopefully they are, or will become, resident on the pond.