All the gorgeous sunny weather this week has brought out the butterflies, with brimstone, peacock, small tortoiseshell and comma spotted. The brimstone, not only is it usually the first butterfly to be seen in spring as it emerges from hibernation on warm days, but it’s also thought to be the species to inspire the use of the name “butterfly”. This is due to its “buttery” yellow colour. Bees are buzzing too with plenty of willow catkins and blackthorn flowers providing early pollen and nectar to keep them going.
The warm weather this week bodes well for our first Minibeast Safari this weekend (Sunday 12th April) too, there should be plenty of bugs and beasties emerging. Visit http://www.rspb.org.uk/events for more information.
Small tortoiseshell on a thistle. Thanks to Grahame Madge (rspb-images.com)
The blue tits are very active around the visitor centre; yesterday (09/04/15), we spotted the first three blue tit fledglings, gathered in the shrubbery by the wildlife garden feeders. There’s also been a blue tit “digging” at the bottom of one of the nest boxes. Caught on our nest box cameras, it looks like its spring cleaning, and is certainly dedicated to the cause – it’s been doing it for 6 days!
Blue tit fledgling thanks to Ray Kennedy (rspb-images.com)
Migrants are returning! Swallows spotted flying over and the sand martins, who returned a few weeks ago, are making good use of the sand martin wall. Willow warblers have been seen too, and regular chiff chaffs calling. A blackcap was also spotted.
Blackcap. Thank you to Paul Chesterfield (rspb-images.com), for the photo.
There was a glimpse of a little ringed plover on big hole and avocets seen virtually daily from all ends of the reserve. It was Wader Wednesday on the 8th with redshank, curlew, black tailed godwit and dunlin. Goldeneye, shovellers, pintails and shelduck (one reportedly with an extremely red beak) have also been seen.
Hi redwolf,
Yes, we were surprised they were so early too but with reliable reports of them, they are definitely identified correctly.
These blue tits do seem to have their timings slightly out this year, but their ability to raise their brood on a varied diet shows their versatility and adaptability I think.
Thank you,
Kate