Hello All
Sorry for the lack of update in the last week, but it has been all go here. So i hope you have been able to come by and have a look.
The black-necked grebes are still showing well, with visitors this morning lucky enough to have them emerge from behind the island and move along right in front of the hide with both chicks securely on the adults back. Unfortunately one of the chicks has disappeared in the last week so we think something (ie lesser black back gull or heron) might have had it. Which is unfortunate but allows the adults to concentrate on their 2 remaining chicks. The chicks are being seen more often in the water and occasionally diving although they seem quite buoyant and pop to the surface again quickly.
The kingfishers have been behaving exceptionally well with great sightings as the pair come in to feed the young of their second brood as well as prepare for the third with nest excavating and mating. We expect incubation to begin soon. We are also expecting the second brood to fledged in the next few days so plenty going on. Also at the kingfisher hide have been the great and sometimes comical site of the 4 kestrel chicks fledging from the box on the pylon.
Green sandpipers have returned to site in the last week with 4 yesterday at the Draper. Along with a wigeon from the gadwall hide and teal at the Draper.
Butterflies have been appearing in good numbers with lots of ringlets and small tortoiseshells, along with comma, red admiral, large skipper and meadow brown. We have also been rewarded with a marbled white an unusual butterfly for us, reported yesterday by Toby, we are now waiting for a clouded yellow another unusual butterfly for us. Both of these species which made appearances last year but are not regularly recorded so quite a treat.
Damsels and dragons are also putting on a show with black tailed skimmers regularly basking on the paths and we have been treated to regular sightings of banded demoiselle this year which can often be elusive.
Water vole showing well at the feeding station, yesterday munching happily on the apples.
So lots to see as you move round the site, hope to see you soon.
Just a reminder that Rye Road is closed at the Hoddesdon end once again tomorrow but should be all clear for the weekend.
thanks
Vicky