It feels like spring really has flown by this year! It seems to have come and gone in a flash and now summer is upon us once again. The reserves have been very busy with breeding birds and migrants have been back in encouraging numbers. The fine weather throughout spring should also have helped with fledging success. Birds tend to go very quiet on the reserves at this time of year, but Pied Flycatchers, Redstarts and Wood Warblers can still be found with a little effort and luck at Nagshead, and Spotted Flycatchers are now tending broods at both Highnam Woods and Nagshead. 2014 certainly seems to be the year for Tawny Owls! Whether walking at Nagshead at dusk, or driving through the forest at night with a window down, the sound of fledgling Tawnies is never far away. Tawny Owls usually nest in old tree holes, but occasionally they will use an old squirrel dray, Crow or Buzzard nest. Two young were located in an old Buzzard nest near the visitor centre at Nagshead in May and had started exploring the surrounding area by the end of the month.
Tawny Owl fledglings, RSPB Nagshead 2014 (Video: Lewis Thomson)
Despite the bird breeding season winding down, there is still plenty to see and hear on the reserves. Evening walks around the clearings and heath area at Nagshead are still producing churring Nightjars, roding Woodcock, bats, Wild Boar and Glow Worms. In daylight hours on nice warm days, butterflies and dragonflies are plentiful along rides and around the ponds. Silver-washed Fritillaries are now on the wing at Nagshead, while Highnam Woods hosts impressive White Admirals. Bracken has now grown to full height at Nagshead, resulting in large mammals being even harder to see, but Wild Boar and Fallow Deer may still be encountered along quiet paths early in the morning or in the evening. The woodlands are also looking stunning and being able to retreat under the incredible oak canopy at Nagshead on hot days is always welcome.
Lewis.