Despite the weather being a bit dismal over the weekend, there was still plenty to see around the reserve, including some fantastic scenery thanks to the rain!
Rainbow over Village bay
Despite the fact that there’s a bit of a chill in the air lately, there are still plenty of brilliant insects around the place to spot. On a sunny Saturday morning I was lucky enough to see loads of Speckled Wood butterflies around the reserve, as well as Small Tortoiseshells, Meadow Browns and Common Blues.
Speckled Wood and Common Blue butterflies over the weekend
There were lots of grasshoppers hanging about in front of the visitor centre as well; we’ve had lots of exciting spots from the visitor centre lately, including juvenile Bullfinches, Willow tits and Coal tits, and a Sparrowhawk on the balcony!
Grasshopper on the path outside the visitor centre
I was very happy to see my first Kingfisher on the reserve over the weekend as I walked along the riverbank trail – as I only saw a bright flash of blue speeding away from me, I didn’t manage to get a photo, but I was thrilled nonetheless! As the trees begin to lose their leaves, spotting the Kingfishers will only become easier, so we’ve that to look forward to despite the cold!
I may be gradually getting over my spider phobia, as I spent ages photographing this beauty after she caught a fly – can anyone tell me what kind of spider it is?
The latest news from the hides has seen Ringed Plover, Ruff and Dunlin spotted from Lin Dike, as well as Black Tailed Godwits, Pintails and Shovelers seen over the Flashes.
There’ll be loads more to see on the reserve as the weather starts to turn – come and let us know what you spot on your wanderings!