Bronze Shield Bug, Migrant Hawker, Spotted Redshank and Small Copper Butterfly
Lots of incredible insects have been seen lately. Plus, high tides have brought visitors great views from the hides.
We’ve had particularly high tides this week, bringing plenty of birds to marvel at from the British Steel Hide! However, our marsh cattle are not so happy about it…
Highlights: Bronze Shield Bug, Migrant Hawker, Spotted Redshank, Small Copper
Today’s stunning featured photo, taken by Johnathan Lewis, is of a Bronze Shield Bug nymph. These insects are found all over the UK, but are not commonly seen — nymphs especially at this time of year. As the nymphs mature into their final instar, they lose their beautiful metallic green colours in exchange for a new brown look. This change in colour also comes with a change in diet, as the bugs give up tree sap and begin to predate on caterpillars using their long proboscises.
Continuing with the invertebrate sightings, the reserve is buzzing with dragonflies this week. You are likely to see Migrant Hawkers, Southern Hawkers, and Common Darters while exploring the reserve. The Migrant Hawkers are of note as their numbers are increasing as they (suggested by their name) migrate to Britain from mainland Europe! These dragonflies are now established breeders in the UK, but before 1940 they were only recorded as visitors. In addition to dragonflies, we also spotted a Small Copper on our most recent butterfly survey on the reserve. These sun-loving butterflies aren’t often seen during our surveys, so we were very pleased this week!
Visitors this week were also wowed by thousands of birds at our high tide watch on Wednesday evening. Over one hundred Curlew were spotted, alongside nine Spoonbill, two Spotted Redshank, Knot, and Greenshank.
Last but not least, we have started to see Pintail returning to our wetlands after breeding. This area is internationally important for Pintail, so we are happy to see them back here every winter. Wigeon and Shelduck are also beginning to return, so be on the look out for them in the coming weeks!
Featured Photo Credit: Johnathan Lewis
