More Lepo
More lepidoptera action around the reserve with plenty of butterflies to log on the Butterfly Conservation sheet available free at the entrance desk. The survey continues until 11th August. Yesterday the moth trap was packed with just over 100 species including Pyla fusca, a moors and heathland species never recorded on the reserve before.
Click here for pyla fusca on UK Moths
Not the most exciting looking moth on the uk list unlike Ypsolopha sequella here below.
What little rain arrived yesterday didn't noticeably drop any new birds in. Swifts are still plentiful and feeding over the reserve for the time being, as numbers will soon drop away as we move into August. We can expect Swallow, House Martin, and Sand Martin around the reserve well into September.
The warm weather has been good for raptor activity with daily sightings of Marsh Harrier, Common Buzzards, Kestrels and Sparrowhawk. Peregrines are around and we should be having more Hobby sightings as we more towards autumn. Today we have had the first juvenile Marsh Harrier of the 'autumn'.
Today's waders included 5 Avocet (4 ad + 1 juv), 4 Little Ringed Plover (new in), 9 Ruff, c.30 Black-tailed Godwit, Ringed Plover, 60+ Lapwing and a few Snipe.
Regular Common Terns are visiting the reserve at the moment. Keep your eyes peeled for Stock Dove which are easily over looked.
Along the Nature Trail and feeding stations there are good numbers of young birds feeding with adults. In the tit flocks you might pick up Chiffchaff and Blackcap.
Head for the flower bed near the Ron Barker Hide for photographic opportunities with butterflies and also dragonflies along the Reed Bed Walk.
Like us on facebook here for regular news about WWT Martin Mere
