Cygnets and Day Flying Moths

August is a quiet time of year for our birds.  Plenty of Mallards, Tufted Ducks, Cormorants and Grey Herons in the lake outside our Discovery Centre to keep our younger visitors amused though.  With school holidays now in full swing, the Discovery Centre is doing a roaring trade in duck food, the duck feeding platform is busy with our young visitors feeding the ducks who are no doubt very pleased :-)  

The juvenile Marsh Harriers are out about and so is our Great Crested Grebe families and their stripy youngsters.  I came across one of our Mute Swan families at the Viewing Shelter being fed by our visitors.  This family of 6 cygnets are getting quite big now.

The other Mute Swan family of 7 cygnets were taking some shade under the trees near the car park.  It won't be long before our Swan Herder will be here to ring them.

Though a quiet time for birds, our butterflies are busy fluttering around the reserve making the most our our wildflowers.  Red Admiral, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood and Small White have been seen about today.  

Also today on the wing are Jersey Tiger Moths.  It is at its commonest in South Devon but has expanded its range to include Dorset and the Isle of Wight. Their main flight times are from July to September and their main larval food plant is Nettles though they also feed on a range of other herbaceous plants.

Another one of our Tiger Moth species is the Scarlet Tiger Moth which has a single generation in May-June. They are common in damp areas such as fens, marshes, river banks, as well as rocky cliffs near the sea. Their main larval food plant is Comfey though they also feed on a number of herbaceous plants. This snap was taken this year in mid June.

For all the latest sightings, contact Radipole Lake Discovery Centre, details below or pop in and see us. Hot and cold refreshments, sandwiches and snacks available.