Old Moor was 'buzzing' today as there were red tailed, buff tailed, common garden and early bumblebees seen on various parts of the reserve .. There was also an orange tipped butterfly seen out in the courtyard outside the Visitor Centre.
I would like to record at this point that I have absolutely no idea what any of the above are and don't understand why the 'early' bumblebee was reported last .. :-)
I am more the 'birdy' type myself but unfortunately there have been no reports whatsoever about anything 'feathered' on the reserve .. Well, apart from the duster in the Visitor Centre but despite numerous visits I have yet to spot this elusive object ..
There are 2 possible reasons for the lack of reports ..
Either all the birds have gone on strike and flown to another reserve .
or..
Despite there being lots of birds on the reserve no-one has actually written anything in the 'recent sightings' book in the centre .. (hint)
I,m willing to bet my hard earned reputation as a 'slightly deranged blogger' that it is the second one !
There was a curlew seen on Bolton Ings though and quick chat to the Old Moor Warden did give me a little more to be able to tell you ..
Wombwell Ings had a yellow wagtail, 2 white wagtails and a green sandpiper.
The Mediterranean/black-headed gull hybrid was still on the Mere at Old Moor .
So !! .. We now know that there is at least 1 bird there .. So to any potential visitors .. If you go to the Family hide and look out you will see a solitary gull standing on one of the islands looking decidedly lonely ..
Alternatively you could check out last Sunday's report to see a more accurate picture of what is to be found ....
The duster isn't in my field guide either ......