A few waders have been taking advantage of the muddy edges created by receding water levels with redshank, little ringed plover (LRP) and green sandpiper all being seen over the past few days. The LRPs and green sandpipers are showing well today from Jupp’s View.
If you would like to test whether the yellowhammer really does sing ‘a little bit of bread and no cheese’ you could try both the triangle on our heathland trail or stroll across to the river bank (taking the public footpath near Little Hanger Hide).
Photo by Gareth Hughes
Hobby continue to hunt over the brooks and nightingales can be seen around the nature trail.
During sunnier periods keep a look out for butterflies. Meadow brown, ringlet and large skippers have all recently appeared and have joined the common blues in our wildflower meadow. There also appears to have been an emergence of small tortoiseshells in the past week or so. Even the most beautiful creatures have ugly habits – this one seems to be enjoying a cow pat!
Whilst black pond remains the place to see dragonflies do take a look along our new chain of heathland ponds. The top pool seems to be attracting the attention of broad bodied chasers and emperor dragonflies. Four spotted chasers are the most numerous but keep an eye out for other species including the downy emerald. Be sure to time it well – they seem to disappear and reappear along with the sun!