The turtle dove continues to be seen from the Western Heath. Woodlarks, tree pipits and yellowhammers are being heard and seen across both heaths as well as 7 churring nightjars in the evening. The grey wagtail has been seen feeding on the island on Decoy pond this week and a spotted flycatcher has been seen carrying out its typical aerial feeding forays from perches on some of the surrounding trees.
At Decoy Pond, several siskin have been seen on the woodland edge, bullfinches have been seen feeding on the birch and a garden warbler continues to sing going east up stream.
Several species of fledged chicks have been seen across the reserve including nuthatch, marsh tit, coal tit, goldcrest and tree creeper.
We were also lucky this year to carry out a nest check of a Lesser spotted woodpecker at the start of June. With the help of Ken Smith a Woodpecker researcher working with BTO we were able to capture a video showing 3 chicks within the nest cavity. Below is a still from the video ( I shall try and get the video up and working soon).
Ken Smith and the BTO are asking people to help with lesser spotted woodpecker research, a bird that has declined significantly since 1970, by reporting any confirmed nests of LSW. Although it’s too late this year it is something to bear in mind come February 2016. This link gives more information http://www.bto.org/news-events/news/2015-03/lesser-spotted-woodpecker-info-wanted
Other wildlife sightings this week include grass snakes, slow worms, common lizards and even 6 adders under one of our recording mats including 2 black (melanistic) adders. The black colouration can help the adder warm up quicker when basking but also increased the chances of predation due to the individual being less camouflaged than browner individuals.
Butterflies have been abundant at Broadwater warren with common blue, ringlet, small heath, painted lady and purple hairstreak being seen this week. Dragonflies that can be seen on the reserve at the moment include golden ringed, red eyed damselfly, beautiful demoiselle, emperor dragonfly, downy emerald and lots of azure and large red damselflies.
Please let us know of any interesting sightings you may have,
Matt
RSPB Warden