The weather hasn’t been what we expect in June, not all wet but chilly and windy most of the time. This has meant that the sightings of Butterflies and Dragonflies have been restricted to the better weather periods, but a lot of our photographer visitors have been busy getting photos of some more unusual insect species hiding in the lush vegetation. Amongst the vegetation Marsh Orchids, Bee Orchids and a Pyramidal Orchid have been seen.
Bee Orchid Pyramidal Orchid
Star Sightings
Nearly 200 Bar-tailed Godwits are still honouring the reserve with their presence and the odd handful can be seen on the main scrape with our usual summer flock of Black-tailed Godwits, while the majority are being seen from Border Hide. 3 Sanderling, 3 June, Little Stint and Little Ringed Plover 5 June were also noted.
The Marsh Harriers are fun to watch and have been seen performing mid air food passes. It will not be long before we will hopefully see this year’s juveniles learning their craft over the reserve. Ruddy Shelduck has also been seen regularly, mainly on Bridge Pool, and two Lapwing chicks seen taking its first steps onto the main scrape.
We have also had another sighting of Kingfisher passing low down over the water seen from the window at the Visitor Centre, this will be the third view this season. We can only hope they are nesting nearby.
Bar-tailed Godwit by Fausti Riccioni Male Marsh Harrier by Phil Mann Kingfisher by Sam Ryley
More Wildlife.
When the sun has come out we have had a few delights with Butterflies, Damselflies and Dragonflies continuing to provide some great photograph opportunities, and many other insects have been found and photographed by the insect enthusiasts. These include Short-winged Conehead Nymphs, Roesel’s Bush Cricket and the star invertebrate the fabulous Woundwort Shieldbug to name a few.
Scarlet Tiger Moth Photo. RSPB Large Skipper Photo. Stephen Brown
Roesel’s Bush Cricket by Ron L. Short-winged Conehead nymph Woundwort Shieldbug Photos Julie Rogers
Wardens Wanderings.
Kinga, one of our residential volunteers has been undertaking a project to survey the Water Vole population on the reserve. Kinga has put out survey rafts baited with carrots. The project has only just begun, but the cameras have confirmed the presence of Water Voles on three transects, and some good pictures obtained.
Water Vole rafts Water Vole on a raft
What’s new?
When you’re onsite visiting our beautiful reserve you might have worked up an appetite and the cafés new quiche is a hot topic and has been flying out the door with high praise from two visiting RSPB staff members this week. Ice-creams on the go, even in this unsettled weather by some brave souls, and as always if you fancy a homemade treat, the cake and cheese scones are to die for.
Family activities on offer at the moment are the Seasonal Quiz Trail and our Summer Backpack Hire is back for the kids. Don’t forget the Wildplay Area for a picnic and some woodland exploration.
As always we have our Kiosk shop with our retail offer of free delivery if you spend over £15 with us, and profits coming back to your local reserve.
Events.
The first of our much anticipated “Wildlife Wander” events returns this summer is on 27 June, with Richard one of our highly experienced guides that has over 10 years with the RSPB and a lifetime of passion and knowledge to share with you.
You may also want to join Mersey Ferries and RSPB on 30 June and 31 August for another one of our Bird Watching & Wildlife Cruises on the River Mersey and Liverpool Bay.
Perfect for families and both new and experienced folk. Species like Long-tailed Skuas, Peregrine Falcons, Osprey, and Atlantic Grey Seals have been seen on previous trips. For the kids, enjoy a selection of activities like Wildlife Bingo and a raffle with great prizes hosted by the RSPB. Book via the link to Mersey Ferries from our site.
Booking is essential and tickets sell fast, so don't miss out book now! https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/76934