Variety is the Spice of Life

One of the nice things about this time of year is the sheer scale of variety you can see whilst wandering around the reserve.  Outside the Visitor Centre you have cheeky squirrels

and plenty of birds to photograph, whether it's a Chaffinch

or a Robin

They're all busy scoffing seeds.  A stroll down to the pond area will often lead to a close encounter with Minnie - named for the pattern on her head that looks like Mickey Mouse ears.  We believe she may be pregnant, so hopefully we'll be able to see her regularly over the coming weeks

It's not just Adders of course, the pond nearby means Grass Snakes are never far away.  This tiny baby snake was a real treat though

The Tiger Beetles are in the same area - and they've been showing off their ferocious nature

The Beetles aren't the only Tiger here - this is a Tiger Cranefly!

The prize for "Most Difficult to Fly" insect has to go to the Longhorn Moth though - how on earth does it manage with those antenna?

It's not just moths of course, little butterflies abound, like this Small Copper