Birds
The Lodmoor Marsh Harriers were joined by 3 fledglings around 20th June, and then a 4th youngster in the first week of July. Marsh Harriers also nest at Radipole and 2 fledglings were see from the North Hide on 6th July. A Bittern was at Lodmoor on 21st June.
There are chicks, ducklings and cygnets about on both reserves. Oystercatchers at Lodmoor have 2 healthy chicks, Mute Swans on both sites have good numbers of cygnets with them. A Great Crested Grebe juvenile can be seen outside Radipole Discovery Centre and Bearded Tit juveniles may be seen around Buddleia Loop or from the Concrete Bridge. Ducklings, including Tufted Duck, Gadwall and Pochard may be seen on both reserves.
The Common Tern chicks at Lodmoor have suffered from Herring Gull predation this year, with only 3 chicks left on one of the main islands on 9th July. A few of the adults are attempting second broods.
Other recent sightings include Cetti’s Warbler (which are everywhere) Hobby, Mediterranean Gull numbers are building back up and the Hooded Merganser is still around but looking very scruffy as he is in eclipse plumage.
Mammals
An Otter was seen twice on June 12th. Bat species at Radipole include Pipisterelle, Noctule, Serotine and Daubenton’s Bats, most of which are being seen on our regular Bat Walks. Ask staff for more details. Water Vole sightings are on the increase too.
Butterflies, Moths and other insects
Our survey team have recorded Painted Lady, Brimstone, Holly Blue, Large Skipper, Scarlet Tiger, Hummingbird Hawk-moth, Common Blue Damselfly, Blue Tailed Damselfly, Broad Bodied Chaser and Tree Bumblebee recently, as well as many commoner species.
The most exciting news is the discovery of an extremely rare (for the UK) spider species called Hyposinga heri. This tiny spider (approx 3mm) was on the point of being declared extinct, when they were discovered by our Radipole Survey Team. The spiders were also discovered on Lodmoor. Ask staff for more details.
Orchids
June and July are the best times to look along the sides of the paths for Orchid species. These include Bee Orchids, including the nationally rare Atrofuscus Brown Bee Orchid. See staff or the Radipole Map in the DC for locations. Southern Marsh Orchids are going over now, and Pyramidal Orchids are coming into flower.
Thanks for the update, very interesting.
Seize the day!