The second generation of swallowtails has begun, we have had at least 2-3 individuals emerge over the past week. From the look of the weather forecast it would appear that Tuesday may well be a good day to come and try to see them as it may be warm and sunny.
A glossy ibis has just been reported from Tower Hide, this is another of the species that is pushing north quite quickly. It would be great if this bird hangs around for all to enjoy.
This week we have continued to see kingfisher regularly as well as bearded tits from reception, ruff, green and common sandpipers from Tower hide alongside at least eight garganey.
Other birds of note include the spotted flycatcher family in the wood on Tuesday, an Osprey flyover on Wednesday and a greenshank on Thursday.
The dragonflies are still increasing in number with migrant, brown and southern hawkers being readily seen around the fen, an emperor dragonfly was seen on Sunday morning from Reception Hide. The smaller damselflies have included small red eyed, azure, common damselflies as well as common and willow emerald damselflies. There are still a few scarce chasers hanging on with black tailed skimmers vastly outnumbering them at present.
Otter was seen at the sluice on Wednesday along with at least 200 rudd/roach.
After a rainy day on Tuesday, the forecast set to improve and we will get a bit more summer for the rest of the week, this should be good timing for the second generation swallowtails, migrant waders may drop in on Tuesday and the glossy ibis may be lurking somewhere on the reserve for an added touch of the Mediterranean.