Blimey, a summer scorcher of a day and no mistake! This afternoon the temperature at Old Moor was a toasty 30°C with boundless sunshine. Just the excuse we needed to cast off those overcoats and enjoy some remarkable wildlife.
Here’s a summary of what was seen out there today…
As you scan down the right-hand side of the graphic above, you may notice that a mammal has scampered into the list today. It seems that Adam Hutt’s footware attracted the attention of a curious young weasel. Mind you, look closely and you’ll see what a couple of sniffs did to its curiosity!
Joking aside, it is the time that weasel ‘kits’ start exploring their surroundings and Old Moor is no exception. Look out for them on your next visit. Until then, enjoy this short video of Adam’s encounter with this fantastic, little predator.
Un-illustrated I’m afraid, but Adam also spotted two bearded tits around the Wildlife Ponds at Old Moor this morning. Phew. I was beginning to get worried as we haven’t had any reports for a good few days now. But then, that’s exactly what happened last year – and just before we began to see young beardies about the place.
If you are lucky enough to spot one of these crackin’ little birds, have a look at their backs and the sides of their long tails. If both are black, then ‘congratulations’, you’ve just spotted a juvenile bearded tit and found evidence of successful breeding! Oh, and please add your sighting to the book in the Visitor Centre.
One of the three great crested grebe youngsters at the Bittern Hide
Elsewhere in the valley, at Edderthorpe Flash, Alan Stonier provide the following sightings. He saw: three avocet, one oystercatcher, two ringed plover, seven little egret, ten (yes 10) grey heron, one snipe, one green woodpecker, a kingfisher, tufted duck with four young, one shelduck, one wigeon and plenty of gadwall – with sixty young between them! Thanks Alan.
Before I finish, a quick reminder that now is a good time to time to top up those bird baths. On a hot day like this, wildlife needs water as much as food. Any kind of shallow dish, dustbin lid or tray will do. Who knows what you'll see, taking advantage of a chance for a drink or a bath!
That’s about it for this evening. With a similarly sunny – if perhaps not quite so hot – day forecast for us tomorrow, it should be another great day for getting out there and enjoying the best of the summer wildlife.
Until next time.