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It has been a while since I had a walk around this reserve. The pools were quiet albeit for a couple of Coots, Moorhen, 3 Great Crested Grebe and Mallards. Swallows and Martins flew low over the pools and also dipping into the water for a drink, a lovely sight to see in such a peaceful location. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen and heard as it drummed on an old tree trunk and apart from this bird a couple of Blue Tits and juvenile Robin were the only other woodland birds seen. A lovely heady scent of Honeysuckle suddenly filled the air whilst walking alongside the pool! It was growing in the vegetation and winding it's way up a couple of tree trunks. Summer has definately arrived when the Honeysuckle fragrance fills the air, wonderful! A Micro-Moth was found on the parapet of a bridge, I have ID'd it as Nemophora degeerella! What a mouthful, I am just pleased that I only have to write it and not pronounce it.lol!! The male has longest antennae of all British moths: female antennae much shorter. Usually in woodland. I was very pleased with this find!
On the meadow side of the reserve highlights were Song and Mistle Thrush, Chiffchaff (heard), Swifts, Jay, Buzzard, Kestrel and Saprrowhawk. Common Bird's-foot-trefoil looked a treat with the bright sunshine highlighting it's vivid yellow colour. Small tortoiseshell and Small skipper were the only butterflies seen.
The Honeysuckle scent is heavenly isn't it........we encountered some wild Honeysuckle growing at RSPB South Stack at the weekend......twas just glorious to walk through!
ReplyDeleteI love your micro-moth images.....what a great find and with antennae like that not too difficult to ID I'd have thought!
I bet that was a treat at South Stack, Ruth!
ReplyDeleteI was pleased with the Micro-moth find but it was a monkey to get a decent photo of..it just wouldn't keep still.lol!