The cold wet weather hasn't made the best of starts to the season, but I think all the species have now been ticked off on the reserve lists, with one nightjar so far recorded at Russell's Inclosure. An unexpected bonus for Lewis when out looking for these over the weekend was a barn owl hunting over the area - too say he was pleased is an understatement!
Pied flycatchers seem to have settled down to breed, and there are good views of them to be had from the paths around Nagshead. Redstarts seem to be thin on the ground this year, but wood warbler have returned in better numbers than last year, and I was even listening to one singing near the car park this afternoon. There are plenty of records coming in of tree pipits, and garden warblers and spotted flycatcher have also returned around the site. All of this means that on those fine days there is plenty to be heard, even if catching a glimpse may be hard now the trees are almost fully in leaf now.
If the birds prove too hard to spot there are always the bluebells to be admired, although the carpets at Highnam are slightly more impressive than Naghead. When the temperature rises a little we should get a few more butterflies around too, at the moment it is just too cold unfortunately, but a few can be seen making the most of sunny spells around both reserves. Highnam is adorned with plenty of flowers ready for the butterflies when they emerge, including wood forget-me-not, ground ivy, garlic mustard and bugle, the general colour has blended from the white / yellow of early spring to a mass of blues now - quite spectacular.
Nightingales at Highnam have, as always, proved to be a draw to visitors. We have confirmed 6 males singing this year, mostly close to the path, and one in particular seems to not be shy and is frequently seen near the first bench along the nature trail if you follow it in a clockwise direction. A single willow warbler is also singing in that area, it is lovely to hear it singing in amongst the sound of the chiffchaffs and the blackcaps.
Woodpeckers seem to be doing very well this year, and yesterday Lewis and I hear at least 3 broods chattering from holes, probably great spotted, but we know of a few other holes which we hope might be in use by green woodpecker which are still active through the woods.
The paths in both sites still have some wet and muddy patches, but in the main are now firm again as they dry out.
HM