It has been warm and sunny on Radipole though it did cloud over for a while in the afternoon. The Purple Heron over at Lodmoor has now moved on but today three Little Egrets came to visit. They were joined by Grey Herons and Black tailed Godwits. The Marsh Harrier was seen from the North Hide.
The orchid season has definitely begun with an Southern March Orchid count of 16. I'm sure there will be more as the season progresses. Pop in or contact the Discovery Centre for the locations. I did not see any Bee Orchids on my wander I'm sure it won't be long before the first sighting is reported.
Elsewhere on the reserve the hedgerows have a distinct yellow hue at the moment. There is an abundance of yellow irises this year making welcome splash of colour. In the hedgerows is Meadow Vetchling along with Creeping and Meadow Buttercups. I also saw Bulbous Buttercups and Wild Parsnip in bloom.
On the ground was the yellow flowers of Creeping Cinquefoil and Silverweed. Both plants are the species Potentilla which is in the Rosaceae (Rose) Family and enjoy the grassy wayside habitats on the reserve. Silverweed is our only common yellow flower with silvery pinnate leaves.
Butterfly sightings reported today were the Painted Lady, Holly Blue and Brimstone.