Related
Recommended
Joe Harris (RSPB Langford Lowfields Site Manager)

I’d been getting a bit worried that the lizards seemed to have abandoned their lounging and hibernation area on the bank near the first reedbed viewing screen. Because of this I pleased to hear that at the weekend a number of young common lizards were seen sunning themselves on the logs and rocks. I headed down there yesterday and saw one dark coloured lizard looking for ants to eat. On a hot sunny day it’s well worth having a look at this area to see if you can spot one yourself.

The seasonal path through Moorleys Field (the field next to the car park) is now open and it provides an opportunity to explore a part of the reserve normally only open to wildlife. When the sun’s shining it’s a great place for seeing a wide range of insects including butterflies and dragonflies. You might even see a grass snake sunning itself near the pond.

 

News from the reedbed:

  • The common tern chick that was raised on our tern raft has now successfully fledged and can be seen flying around the reedbed accompanied by three adults, which are doing a very good job at feeding it.
  • The tern raft now has a fine collection of plants growing on it and it seems to be providing a loafing area for various wildfowl. There are lots of coot and moorhen chicks using the reedbed at the moment, along with a family of great crested grebes. 
  • The invasive pond weed Azolla which had covered the area in front on the first viewing screen seems to have dispersed a lot over the past week and the open water area is now pretty much clear of this colourful but unwanted plant.
  • The Tuesday work party have got off to a good start with rebuilding the second viewing screen, 5 of the red cedar posts have already been erected with hopefully more being put in next week.