Considerable progress has been made in the renovation of the steps on the Powderham side of the reserve with the main structure up in situ and just waiting on the hand rails to be fitted.
We also went to Labrador bay with our volunteers work party and have installed a new step by the gate leading into the field off the car park, and re-hung a kissing gate on the Southwest coast path. The resident ponies will be moved off the reserve within the next few weeks, these will be replaced by a local farmer introducing his cattle and sheep onto the reserve to continue with the grazing of the scrubby areas.
Following on from our residential volunteers, Ryan and Phils first moth trapping, having caught six moths and only two species, we had a good night last Saturday with a total of 26 moths and 8 species. Powdered Quaker: 6, Common Quaker: 5, Small Quaker: 1, Clouded Drab: 2, Hebrew Character: 8, Early Grey: 2, Early Thorn: 1, Brindled Beauty: 1.
We placed the moth trap behind the Reserves office by Toby’s yard, which backs onto the main reserve, however at a later date we hope to progress to a few sites on the reserve.
Brindled beauty: Photograph by Phil Catton.
Early Thorn Photo Credit Phillip Catton
We have several new arrivals on the reserves with sightings of Wheatear, Swift and Whitethroat having been noted. We have also seen Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper on the Powdwerham reserve also. A number of Whimbrel has also been noted again at Bowling Green Marsh along with the Spotted Redshank, which is in full summer plumage.
Photograph supplied by kind permission of Dave Boult.
Since Phil, Ryan and I are full time volunteers we have been provided with accommodation. We have had to move house this last week due to our old landlord selling up the old property. Thankfully this was only next door.
Steve Cooper
Residential Volunteer, RSPB Exe Estuary Reserves