The reserve is very verdant at present. The grass in the hay meadows is long and the flowers on the shrubs such as blackberry appear larger than usual. The nettles have also grown tall. There are myriads of damselflies. The dragonflies, which are not such strong fliers as the damselflies in the cold wet windy weather seem to be struggling more. The butterflies are the same, wanting the warmth. However, there are plenty to see if you keep your eyes open on the Meadow Trail, especially if the sun does come out, such as the first Meadow Browns. One of our volunteers, who is a member of the Royal Photography Society (RPS) held an open camera day yesterday at the reserve with the help of other volunteers from the RPS and the Friends. Many went home with images of an emerging 4 Spotted Chaser dragonfly and lots of close-ups of damselflies and insects, such as scorpion and hoverflies.
Also look out for common spotted orchids, as you wander along the Meadow Trail. When you venture further afield, the wet weather has encouraged orchids to pop up in areas I haven’t seen before. There are bee orchids and pyramidal orchids to be found.
The Friend’s work parties are continuing during the Summer. A visit to the Riverview point and you’ll see the results. There is less Himalayan Balsam, an invasive species that likes to put its feet in water, and also 2 kingfisher nest boxes. One of which, you might just be able to see. Kingfishers are being seen regularly darting across the Heronries and down the river and the bird ringers have caught 2 kingfishers this year, an adult female and a juvenile last session. So, it looks like a successful breeding year.
The jury is out about the terns. 2 pairs may be holding their own against the black-headed gulls on the rafts. I wish them better luck than last year.
Birds nest in some unusual places. There’s been a blue tit nest in the Bus Stop hide and a robin is busily feeding above a shutter at the Visitor centre. Let’s hope the weather isn’t stopping them finding enough food for their growing youngsters
As I write, it is raining again with the heating on. I hope the Jetstream moves soon, so we and the wildlife can enjoy a little bit of Summer.
It is always good to hear about your sightings at Paxton Pits. Let me know at friends@paxton-pits.org.uk
Best wishes
Ann Thomas
Arriving from Jersey today. Staying in Cambridge. Really looking forward to walking with my camera around here, hopefully on a nice day. Great reading, very helpful. Thanks Peter.