This week has continued to see the insects dominate the sightings board at Reception Hide. There are some very late swallowtail butterflies still on the wing, joined by white admirals and silver washed fritillaries. Another insect that seems to be going up in numbers is the willow emerald damselfly, this relative newcomer to the UK has found Strumpshaw Fen to its liking and can now be found across the whole site. Look out for its green body, white pterastigmas (AKA wing spots), spur on the side of the thorax as well as neat lines on upper thorax, the photo shows some of these features nicely.
Birds are still very much present; the adult marsh harriers are very close to their well earned rest! Since late April the males have been back and forth every day with food for the female and then in more recent months they have been bringing food for the juveniles too. Now the juveniles are fledging and can be seen from all over the reserve, this year we had nine nests, each nest can contain three to five young so in theory we should have around 36 juvenile harriers on the site at the moment!
Bitterns are being seen in flight from Reception and Fen Hide throughout the week, so keep reporting sightings and we may get a nest confirmed at the fen.
Bearded tits have been seen and heard flocking together in groups at Sandy Wall and Reception Hide.
The sparrowhawk nest to the left of reception is fledging as I type, we have a yound male and female on a dead tree begging their parents for food.
An otter was seen on Wednesday from Reception and Fen Hide, these are quite tricky to see throughout the summer months, it takes luck to see them at the moment, but they can appear anywhere at any time.
There are far too many butterflies, dragonflies and other insects to name, but when the sun shines they all become very apparent!
The reserve is fully open and in paths are in good condition so come and enjoy the summer sights and sounds.