Warblers arrive
Things are really hotting up and not just the weather. Sedge warblers and Reed warblers are now increasing especially in the reedbed. Whitethroats are more evident around the reserves hedgerows and Cettis warblers are blasting there song from most suitable areas. A Cuckoo was heard last Wednesday, but not since.
Most of our wintering Water Rail should be gone by now so with calling and sightings of them still in the reedbed bodes well for the breeding season.
This morning there were at least 3-4 Lapwing chicks with 12 adults, four of which were females still sitting tight on their eggs. A Redshank was also present first thing this morning, raising hopes that they may breed this year or next.
Also encouraging is the presence of 5 Shoveler of which 4 were males. Potentially three females sitting on nests.
Spring butterflies include Orange tip, Brimstone, Peacock, Small tortoiseshell and Green veined whites. Female Brimstone have been seen egg laying on both species of buckthorn (Purging and Alder) around the reserve.
Great sightings of Water voles are to be had in most parts of the reserve, especially the reedbed and Wetlands discovery. Fears that the winter flooding would effect their population have now been put to rest!
Grass Snakes are also being seen more regularly around the Wetlands discovery area on the sunny days.
