Emerald damselfly during dormouse survey
During this month’s dormouse survey, we spotted a brilliant emerald damselfly, which rather obligingly stayed still long enough for a quick photo shoot! We don’t get many of that species, so was really lovely to see. Sadly, no dormice were found although a few promising nests may show something later in the year when things have cooled down a little!
Cows are coming! Next weekend (Aug 2) will be an exciting time on the reserve as we will be welcoming six or seven Dexter cross highland heifers onto the wet grassland. Last year, we had four Sussex steers, which did a fantastic job of grazing the wet grassland. The cattle reduced the amount of mechanical cutting that is required in this area, and the effect on the flora has been quite pronounced. The various species of dung beetle found in the cow pats kept many of us wardens captivated, much to the disgust of other less hardy members of staff who just don’t understand the wonders of poo!
The oystercatchers nested for the second time in the middle of the construction site and hatched out two chicks on 10th July. They have been very reluctant to leave the construction site, they like the protection that the activity offers from predators. The earthworks are mostly finished in the area but work continues on the aviary and plantings the area and adding finishing touches.
Like the oystercatcher swallows at WWT seemed to like the protection that proximity to people offers. This year they have been reluctant to use their usual spots, but with the return of visitors into our hides, I saw a swallow carrying nest material in the Ramsar hide nest cup the other day, so fingers crossed!
Visitors have been asking “what’s going on with the barn owls this year?” and the answer is, I’m not really sure! The nest box that they usually use in which to breed, has not been used by them this year. I put out a camera trap on the other most likely box to see what activity there may be, but this too was disappointing. Out of around 100 shots, only one showed an image of a rather tatty looking adult perched outside. There could be any number of reasons why they were not successful this year and it may be the case that one of the pair is just no longer with us. We will just have to continue to wonder at the glorious sights of wild flowers, butterflies and dragons…. until the beautifiul bovines arrive!
- Warden Suzi Lanaway
