Summer has finally arrived at BMW, and all are enjoying the warm sunny weather. The young birds are fledging, and the Butterflies, Moths and Dragonflies finally being seen more often. On the Mere the waterlilies are providing a fine display.
Star Sightings
The Avocets are now assembling in numbers on the main scrape, prior to moving south. Many of the UK breeding birds winter on the estuaries around South Wales and the South Coast, with some going further to Mediterranean Coasts and even as far as Morocco.
Avocets. Photos J Hewitt
The young of the Grey Herons, Great White Egrets and Little Egrets have now fledged and can be seen gathering around the scrapes before many move out to the estuary or even further away.
Egret Images, RSPB
An eclipse Green Winged Teal was first spotted on 16 June and seen for several days. Its plumage changed quickly and has become even more difficult to find, if still about.
Another significant sighting was of a Bittern that was seen and photographed from Marsh Covert Hide on 23 June with ten Spotted Redshank were seen on the same day. Other species seen this week include Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, and Spotted Flycatcher.
More Wildlife.
With the hot summer weather in the last few days, Dragonflies and Damselflies have been seen in greater numbers, and it is always possible to spot the Hobby chasing them as its main prey species.
Azure Damselfly Broad-bodied Chaser Photos, J. Rogers Black-tailed Skimmer (Male) (Female) Photos, J Hewitt
Butterflies, and Moths are also being seen more often. Scarlet Tiger Moths have been recorded in numbers, a Large Skipper photographed, and the first sighting of a Purple Hairstreak was recorded 26 June.
Scarlet Tiger Moth Large Skipper photos, J Hewitt
In collaboration with Butterfly Conservation, we will be hosting a Moth and Butterfly event on 27 July. Join us for an early morning session to see in person a wide range of wonderful moths from the overnight survey, then join the Butterfly Conservation for a guided walk around the reserve to spot butterflies.
What’s new?
If you fancy a picnic as you wander around the reserve, there are a number of picnic tables available, and the café have various sandwiches, sausage rolls, pasties and drinks for you to purchase and take out, as well as all the hot food and drinks available each day to eat in or around the café.
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.
As mentioned above our Butterfly and Moth event is on 27 July.
Booking is essential and ticket sell fast, so don't miss out book now! https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/76934