Spring decidedly in the air this mellow and bright morning - a fact that hadn't gone unnoticed by our wildlife. Over recent winters visitors will have noticed new pools appearing around Radipole and one of the desired outcomes of these mini features was to benefit amphibians - such key components of wetland ecology but surprisingly sparse until recently.
It was pleasing to discover that our 'amphibian pools' are worthy of that epithet as this morning a ball of frog spawn had appeared in one pool alongside the likely culprit. Also nodding to the brighter days in prospect are the dazzling yellow flowers of the lesser celandines brightening up the verges.
On a different tack, while on pre-dawn bittern patrol, Luke saw an otter pottering about on the orchid meadow for half an hour, and some while later Anne and Will had an otter launch a fishing expedition beneath the 'locked-gate' bridge. We will be attempting to get some more otter footage over the next few nights so, as always, watch this space.
Excellent little blog! Will certainly 'watch this space'
Seize the day!