A Little Egret was on the wader scrape this morning (J. Finch) and a Bittern flew over the reedbeds in the main scrape this evening at 19.30hrs (Dave Standish).
Carlton Marsh
10 Painted Lady, 1 Comma (2nd brood), 13 Small Heath, 3 Common Blue, 3 Brown Argus, 3 Small Copper, 10 Hornet Mimic Hoverfly (Volucella zonaria), 2 Silver Y & 1 Yellow Shell Moth.
3 Greenshanks were on the wader scrape all day and were joined by a Green Sandpiper this evening, along with 6 Teal (K. Bannister/J. Finch).
A Red-legged Partridge sang nearby, c50 Canada Geese and 30 Mallards were feeding in a stubble field and 12 Swallows came into roost (CG).
4 Greenshanks (the highest number since 1998 when there were 5), 1 Little Egret and 2 Kingfishers were on the wader scrape at 09.20hrs (K. Bannister et al).
A total of 44 Gadwall were also present (C. Parkin).
The highlights of today were 2 Greenshanks and a Snipe on the wader scrape (K. Bannister).
Despite the cloud cover butterflies included 1 Painted Lady, 36 Meadow Brown, 19 Small Heath, 21 Common Blue, 17 Brown Argus and 8 Small Copper + 1 silver Y moth (Chris Parkin).
4 Red Underwings, 1 Old Lady and 10 Copper Underwings were taken on sugar bait last night (CG)
The Greenshank spent its third day on the wader scrape with 2 Snipe and a Lapwing. If it doesn't rain soon it's in danger of drying up (John Finch).
Also present Coal Tit and Kingfisher.
The first Willow Emerald of the year was on the dike near the hide with 1m &1f Small Red-eyed Damselfly (CG).
A Common Tern visited the scrape this morning and the Greenshank from yesterday was still on the wader scrape (N. Lunn/J. Finch).
c30 Swallows came in to roost, 3 Swift flew through before dusk, A juv. Tawny Owl called. Also Great Spot Woodpecker, Water Rail called.
Still present on the dike 2 female Small Red-eyed Damselflies, several Blue-tailed, Emerald, Emperor and Brown Hawker as well as male Ruddy Darters.
2 juvenile Buzzards and at least 2 juvenile Sparrowhawks were calling.
A Little Grebe, 12 Greylags and 20 Canada Geese were on the scrape with 20 + Gadwall and 2 Mute Swans.
Butterflies included a Clouded Yellow feeding on Devil's Bit Scabious (CG), 10 Painted Lady, 12 Red Admiral, 62 Meadow Brown, 16 Gatekeeper, 9 Speckled Wood, 5 Small Heath, 36 Common Blue, 7 Small Copper, and 1 Brown Argus.
1 male and a female Small Red-eyed Damselfly (the female ovipositing), c10m 1f Ruddy Darter, 2m Emperor and 1 Migrant Hawker (C. Parkin).
Our wildlife group was busy cutting back regenerating scrub this morning.
A pair of Little Grebes have at least 1 very very small young that was almost gobbled up by a Black Headed Gull, it just managed to dive to safety. 4 Teal and c40 Gadwall were amongst the wildfowl present.
Mixed flock of 50 Canad and Greylag on scrape, Kingfisher. A Snipe was on the wader scrape at 07.18hrs (Neil Lunn).
2m & 1f Small Red-eyed Damsel on the dike (CG).
A Green Sandpiper was on the wader scrape at 07.33hrs (K. Bannister).
Also 2 Goldcrest, 6 Red-legged Partridge (3 juvs), 2 Buzzard, Little Grebe.
4 Ruddy Darter, 6 Common Darter, 3 Common Blue and Nursery Web Spider (L & Corrall).
In the evening 2 Water Rail called, c75 Swallows roosted and 7 Swifts Flew west.
10 Purple Hairstreaks were flying around the tops of Oak (CG).
A snipe was on the wader scrape early this morning (K. Bannister)
Also present at least 3 juv. Sparrowhawks calling, Juv. Buzzard, 2 Greylags, 11 Canada Geese, and 3 Lapwing.
A butterfly survey produced 2 Comma, 13 Gatekeeper, 5 Green Veined White, 3 Red Admiral, 16 Common Blue, 1 Holly Blue, 1 Ringlet, 1 Painted Lady, c30 Meadow Brown, 1 Small Heath, 1 Brown Argus and 1 Small Copper.
3 Small Red-eyed Damselflies (1m 2f), and 2m Ruddy Darter (CG/C/ Parkin).
