The big news this week is the return of the Painted Lady butterflies. Although they’re not rare or endangered, their story is quite enthralling. These insects travel a mega journey from North Africa, Middle East and Central Asia to Europe, where they spend the summer. They can be found throughout the UK and Ireland, even as far north as Shetland. They’re not too fussy about habitat, so perhaps you’ll find them in your garden.
Intriguingly, the trigger for the Painted Lady migration is different to that of birds. It’s thought that birds know it’s time to leave using day length, amongst other factors. These butterflies, however, are prompted by the size of their populations. As the populations get bigger, food becomes less easy to find. Rather than individuals dying off, they all move en masse to find new resources. Later on in the year, their food will be rejuvenated. It’s a great example of a species being adaptable enough to manage its own sustainability.
In other insect news, a stunning Angle Shades was found sunbathing in front of the accommodation door in the Sulwath Garden. Who needs a moth trap anyway?
Photo credit: Charlie McMurray
We’re seeing a lot more of dragonflies and damselflies now. A Common Blue damselfly was a pleasant distraction from a wader survey earlier in the week. A nymph has been up to mischief, though. One was found munching on a metamorphosing tadpole. Let’s hope it wasn’t a natterjack.
As for the natterjack toads, we thought their breeding season was coming to an end. Yet again, they’ve surprised us by calling as loudly and proudly as ever, and laying at least six more spawn strings. With the recent dry heat, it’s a race against rapidly evaporating pools for the tadpoles.
On the bird front, it’s fairly quiet. Parents aren’t flaunting themselves so much because they’re busy rearing their young. For some, their jobs are nearly done. Chaffinch fledglings are visiting the feeders at the Visitor Centre and a Pied Wagtail juvenile is hopping around in the Sulwath Garden with its parents. Chicks from the Great Tit nestbox at the Visitor Centre are due to fledge this weekend. Come and keep an eye on them – perhaps you’ll witness the big event!