A beautiful day on the reserve but quiet bird wise although eight Hobbies, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard and a Red Kite (west at 11am) were seen. The Great Crested Grebes seem to have another nest and Lapwings are displaying again. Highlight for me was a fine male Emperor Moth, the first adult we have ever seen here despite years of finding the groovy caterpillars. Also seven ladybird species today and a new Jumping Spider species for the the reserve!
Hopefully this is Evacaha arcuata but it could well be Bianor aurocinctus ... honest guv!
Emperor Moth by me! simply stunning!
Tomorrow sees another early start for the dawn chorus at 4am but the reserve will be open from that time should any one wish to have an early amble round by themselves.
Howard Vaughan, Information Officer