Summer insects take advantage of our habitat creation projects
A good time for flying insects
The weather and habitat enhancement/creation projects are delivering a home for the more obvious insects on the reserve, many more species remain hidden in the tall grasses and undergrowth. The butterflies are out in force with huge numbers of Meadow Browns enjoying the seawall and associated wild corridors and impressive numbers of Marbled Whites (see image) along the Summer Walkway, over 150 have been counted on this stretch, many more would have been in the grass out of view. Check any flowers carefully as multiple gatherings of the the 'whites' are a treat to see.
The wildlife ponds created in 2020 and 2022 have been very busy with dragonflies and damselflies (odonata) of late, some additional annual management work to open up some sections of pond edge and ditch have attracted many species and made it so much easier to see them on the Wild Safaris. On Sunday 25th June we discovered a first for the reserve and Gloucestershire- a Green-eyed Hawker (also known as Norfolk Hawker). Other species included Small Red-eyed, Blue-tailed, Common Blue and Azure Damselfly, Banded Demoiselle, Blue (Scarce), Four-spotted and Broad-bodied Chasers, Emperor, Black-tailed Skimmer and Ruddy and Common Darters.
Green-eyed Hawker from the Wild Safari 25 June 2023- M.J.McGill.
Other highlights included the following...
Middle Point
The male White-spotted Bluethroat was has been singing daily through the day including today. A Peregrine was on the driftwood log, 64 Curlew, 2 Oystercatcher and 164 Shelduck on the mud.
South Lake
Two each of breeding plumage Ruff and Spotted Redshank, 23 Redshank, 93 Black-tailed Godwit, 13 Oystercatcher, 4 Little-ringed Plover, 2 Lapwing, 4 and and at least one juvenile Avocet (the rest have fledged and are on the Severn where most of our birds have formed a 'superflock')
Knott Hide
Singing Cuckoo in the Decoy, calling Bullfinch, 2 Little Grebe.
Tack Piece
Two Little Egret and 2 Lapwing.
Rushy Hide
Male Black-winged Stilt still on the lower pond + Avocets, Lapwings, Gadwall, Teal and 3 Oystercatcher.
Duck Decoy
Great Egret, Grey Heron and Mallard with 5 new ducklings.
Top New Piece
65 Teal, 10 Shoveler, Great Egret, 3 Oystercatcher, 8 Redshank, Little Egret.
South Lake- 3m Pochard, brood of 5 Gadwall, 60 Black-headed Gull, 40 Coot among the birds on deep lake.
Martin Smith Hide
Fishing Little Egret, Sedge Warblers feeding on the mud and Reed Bunting singing.
Rushy Hide
The male Black-winged Stilt remains on site and has been favouring this area.
Summer Walkway
In addition to the butterfly bonanza a Meadow Pipit is on territory and singing from the hedge and 20 Curlew flew over from inland to the Severn.
