The promised rain held off this afternoon and provided a perfect, warm, early summer’s day. Damsels and butterflies seemed to be everywhere and there was even one report of the dazzling, orange and black, painted lady.
Here’s what else was seen today…
Although no-one has yet got a photo of them to my knowledge, there were at least two young bearded tit near the Bittern Hide today.
Common tern with a sizeable catch
There were also quite a number of water rail calling today though again, photos proved tricky!
Great crested grebe nesting from Gordon Burch. Thanks Gordon.
But probably today’s star bird was the recently arrived greenshank. Many watchers had excellent and close views of this handsome wader as it fed along the shore closest to the Wader Scrape hide.
Now you can see those green legs! Greenshank from Jane Wilkinson.
Jane also provided today’s bee orchid photograph. These beautiful mimics are only just getting going so they’ll be in bloom for a week or so yet!
Bee orchid from Jane Wilkinson. Thanks Jane.
With all the sunshine around today, there was a chance to appreciate just how stunning birds’ breeding plumage really is. Many look their best right now: starlings shine; blackbirds are at their glossiest; and the lapwings remind us why their old name is ‘green plover’.
So, to finish tonight’s sightings, here’s one of the most familiar species of Old Moor looking brilliantly exotic.
Until next time.
Green plover from Gordon Burch. Thanks again Gordon.
Super photos. Nice that a painted lady was seen. I came across 2 red admirals yesterday up at a very busy Wentworth Castle gardens at Stainborough. Both types I tend to associate with later in the year.