Hi,
Another week of mostly fine weather resulted in good butterfly and dragonfly numbers which included a new addition to the reserve list in the form of Keeled Skimmer. Common Hawker, Broad-bodied Chaser and Banded Demoiselle were recorded for the first time this year. A fresh emergence of Red Admiral butterflies was noticeable whilst good numbers of Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Ringlet, Meadow Brown and Small Heath remained on the wing.
This late pair of Green Hairstreaks were busy creating the next generation during the week (Many Thanks to Gavin Chambers for the image).
With an orange head, black body and white tail the distinctive Tree Bumblebee is a recent colonist of the UK and Lake Vyrnwy.
The pair of nesting Great Crested Grebes at the top end of the lake has unfortunately failed, with a drop in water levels most likely a contributing factor. We have our fingers crossed again however as the persistent duo were already nest building towards the end of the week. The lake also played host to 2x Oystercatcher (23rd), 3x Grey Heron, 30x Canada Geese (including one gosling), 20+ Mallard (including two duckling broods) and a family of Grey Wagtail in front of the Centenary Hide.
A pair of Dipper are currently busy feeding chicks at the dam (Many Thanks to Gavin Chambers for the image).
Other interesting avian sightings during the week included a Collard Dove at Abertridwr (27th), 6x Red Kite over Llanwddyn (23rd), 2x Peregrine Falcon (daily, Lakeside Hide), Cuckoo (singing on the Red Trail), Whinchat (family parties along the Dinas Mawddwy Road), Pied Flycatcher (male Centenary Hide, 27th), Bullfinch (family party, Sculpture Park) and Crossbill (daily, Sculpture Park, Red and Blue Trails).
The Foxglove display was truly magnificent along the Bala Road.
Macrolepidoptera Of The Week
The metallic Forester Adscita statices flies by day where it can be seen feeding on the nectar of plants like wild thyme.
Finally, earlier in the week we unveiled this mystery photo on our RSPB Mid Wales Facebook Page.
Well done to everyone who identified the mystery creature as Round-leaved Sundew. This species has benefited from upland ditch blocking undertaken during the Life Active Bog Project. Acidic habitats hold a low level of nutrients for plants therefore the Sundew produces a sticky "dew" to trap insects which it then absorbs nutrients from. One lucky Sundew managed to capture a Small Heath butterfly on the reserve this week.
Cheers,
Adam