The weather is changing. Over the last week or so there has been a noticeable difference on the reserve, cool wet mornings signalling the oncoming of autumn. As mentioned on previous blogs, the field topping and baling continues preparing the reserve for the over wintering birds. The volunteer’s role in this process involves cutting the ditch edges and water features, raking the cut material back into the field for balling. This task means we get to walk over the entire reserve, being able to see all the nooks and crannies usually hidden from view. Whilst undertaking this task, some of the wildlife spotted has included wheatear on their migration back to Africa, voles running along the ditch banks, the first snipe returning to the reserve for the winter and this solitary juvenile dunlin.
The final dragonfly and damselfly survey of the year has been conducted. This is a task I have been involved with throughout the summer and have thoroughly enjoyed. Having previously only been able to pick out an emperor dragonfly, my identification skills have drastically improved and I am now able to identify the common species found on the reserve (although a guide book is always referred to!). It has been very interesting seeing the different species being abundant over each month with healthy populations of migrant hawker and common darter being observed on the last survey.
Migrant Hawker
Hairy Dragonfly
Golden-ringed Dragonfly
An additional highlight on the last survey was spotting a kingfisher on the reserve. Whilst concentrating on dragonflies darting across the water surface a shimmer of bright blue in the hedge above the water caught my eye. A kingfisher was perched on a small branch, seemingly fidgeting for a couple of seconds before flying out a few meters in front of us, across the field and up over the far hedge out of view. A great view of such an exotic looking bird.
Over at Bowling Green the new hide has been opened and has received great feedback from those visiting. It stands very impressive clad in wood with a gentle ramp leading up allowing easy access for all. In the existing refurbished hide windows have been lowered for disabled users and in the new hide, floor to ceiling windows installed which enables amazing panoramic views over the reserve. There are some finishing touches to be completed inside of the hide and the exterior being turned into a wildlife garden over the coming months. As Stephen mentioned in the previous blog (link http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/exeestuary/m/exeestuary-mediagallery/771557.aspx) currently there is a chance Osprey may been seen from the hide. Well he was right! Osprey have visited the reserve on their migration back to Africa and were spotted on Monday by our Thursday volunteer Helen. A fantastic sight to coincide with the reopening of the hide!
Adam Moore