The reserve is alive with the sights, sounds and smells of summer! All we need now is the hot, cloudless days to go with it.
Swifts, swallows, sand martins and hobbies all race through the air above our heads as we walk the trail. Our gorgeous yellow flag iris is out now attracting a variety of bees and butterflies.
The wildlife garden is teeming with creatures. Just standing out there for 10 minutes allowed me to observe the great tits feeding their chicks in the nest box, bees flitting around the emerging flowers, frogs plopping into the pond, and a common lizard sunbathing on the shingle.
Today we’ve had sightings of a pair of yellow wagtails by the gate as you head towards Denge Marsh hide. Reed warblers, bearded tits and a yellowhammer (!) have been reported today too.
Plenty of butterflies are around the reserve with small copper, common blue and painted lady being seen.
Look out for certain wildflowers which are out now including the Nottingham catchfly, which fills the night air with scent, and beautiful pink marsh orchids.
Bird highlights this week include:
Garganey seen over in the hayfields just before Denge Marsh, a red kite and a Montagu’s harrier flying over Denge Marsh, a turnstone and 13 sanderling on Burrowes pit.
If you love birds, but would like to know more about them join us for our Birdwatching for Beginners walk which is taking place on Sunday 29th May between 11am and 1pm. Prices are £7 for adults and £3 for children. RSPB members receive 20% off. Give us a ring on 01797 320588 if you are interested in coming along.