August 2024 was hot, hot, hot! At least until the penultimate week when it suddenly became very windy and absolutely threw it down on the 24th. Some paths (especially the Lackford Run) were a bit damp underfoot, but nothing a good pair of boots can't handle. Otherwise, it has been by far sunniest and hottest month of the year so far. This month was also full of great wildlife news. So let's get straight into August's highlights shall we?
First up, cranes. I am very happy to inform you all that our pair of nesting cranes have successfully reared their chick as it was seen this month over at Buckenham. Unlike last year, where their chick there still very small and was possibly predated, it appears that the pair learned a lesson and waited until the chick was big enough to fly. It is also big enough to fly away from predators. This marks a new milestone in Strumpshaw's history as this was the first successfully fledged crane chick at the reserve. Will there be more success next year? Only time will tell.
Photo credit: Ron McIntyre
Ospreys have been popping in at Strumpshaw throughout this summer and it continued across the month of August as well. Sightings have mostly been seen along the river, but also from our hides as they hunt the fish from our broads.
The long staying red-throated diver continues to be seen travelling up and down the river between Strumpshaw and Buckenham. It has been here since at least last November and seems to doesn't want to leave.
Earlier in the month, a spoonbill surprised a guided walk as it flew over them and the river. Perhaps one day a few of these wonderful odd-shaped billed birds to stay as long as the diver has here?
At least two garganey has been hanging around Tower Hide recently. At this time of year, these small ducks can be tricky to distinguish it with the other duck species, especially teal. Despite the drab appearance, there are hints to help telling it apart. Look for a small duck (teal sized) and check out a pale, faint stripe above the eye and a lack of green patch (the speculum) on the wing and you'll have your garganey.
Over in the woods, the spotted flycatchers appeared to have had a great year as their young are now hopping about from branch to branch. We think possibly two broods have successfully fledged.
Kingfishers have been exciting many visitors this month as at least three have been seen outside reception and along the river, though most sightings are of one bird. Otters are also surprising visitors, especially those walking to or from Tower Hide as one has been crossing in front of them to get between the river and the broads. Meanwhile, bitterns have had a great year as we believe one nest has had great success near Tower Hide.
Swallowtail season is more or less over now as the last one to be found was around Aug 5th. However, their caterpillars continued to impress along the boardwalk. They should be starting to pupate now, but for several weeks they were getting bigger and greener by the day as they munched happily on the milk parsley.
swallowtail caterpillar
Another creature that was drawing some attention was our fen raft spider that can be located at the first sluice gate along the Fen Trail. Peer over the fence and scan the floating vegetation as well as the plants dangling into the water on the sides. You're looking for a large spider (a female) with yellow stripes along the body and carrying an egg sac.
Fen raft spider
Pond dipping is still available. Many families have been enjoying them, fishing out some incredible beasties, including great silver diving beetle, our largest and rarest diving beetles. We've also had success in our nature activity trails (which you can still do this weekend) and our moth events which are always popular.
Finally, plant of the month. This is getting tricky to do as we are reaching the end of the flowering season as most plants are producing fruit and seeds right now. However, there are a few late bloomers and plants I've only just noticed. Along the sides of the woodland trail, I discovered the delicate white flowers of enchanter's nightshade. A nice little plant that was easily overlooked.
My plant of the month, though, goes to the common fleabane. You can find it along the river. They look like large flowered daisies but are yellow and reasonably tall. Their flowers remind me of miniature suns standing almost head height over the vegetation beside the river.
Can you believe we are heading into September already? The year is flying by fast, isn't it? Autumn is here and so is migration season. What rarities will show up at Strumpshaw and Buckenham this year, I wonder? See you next month!