Wintersett 13.06.20 and 14.06.20

 Saturday 13.06.20

Anglers CP: Little Ringed Plover 2.  Oystercatcher 4 adults and 2 young.
Wintersett Res:  Mallard  1s/m young.  A Water Rail was in the west bank marsh.  A Juvenile Blackcap was in the south west corner.  Goldeneye 1 female.
Walton Hall: Whitethroat 2 juveniles.  Mallard 6 VS young.


Sunday 14.06.20:

Anglers CP: Lapwing 58.  Redshank 1. 
Wintersett Res: Mallard 1 vs young. 
Haw Park Wood: Crossbill 3.  Siskin 2. 
Mammal: A Weasel was in the ACP field.
Reptile: 3 Grass Snakes were in the area

Grass Snake juvenile      RBailey

Adult Grass Snake  RBailey

 Ecdysis occurs at least once during the active season. As the outer skin wears and the snake grows, the new skin forms underneath the old, including the eye scales which may turn a milky blue/white colour at this time — referred to as being 'in blue'. The blue-white colour comes from an oily secretion between the old and new skins; the snake's coloration will also look dull, as though the animal is dusty. This process affects the eyesight of the snakes and they do not move or hunt during this time; they are also, in common with most other snakes, more aggressive. The outer skin is eventually sloughed in one piece (inside-out) and normal movement activity is resumed.

Adult Grass Snake 'in blue'    RBailey