What I like about our wildlife on the reserve, there is always something new or unexpected to see.
Our walk, the other day, took us to the new hide overlooking Dodder Fen near the River viewpoint. Not that far from us, we saw 2 very different deer, muntjac and roe. Muntjac has been common here for over 30 years. Roe deer have been increasingly spotted in the reserve in the last few years. The muntjac soon disappeared. The Roe deer continued to graze around a small bush, only its head and ears visible. I am sure it was aware of us. Next day, the attached photo was taken by a regular Paxton Pits visitor, Peter Cariuk, and I could see why the Roe deer was attentive but didn’t want to move too far. 2 very young fawns hidden in the undergrowth. What a super photo! Thank you Peter.
With this sudden very warm spell of the last few days, the dragonflies are at last up on the wing. They are visual hunters, so rest at night perched under leaves and in bushes. In the morning, they warm up in sunny spots. This is a fantastic time to take their photograph. So, this is what our Volunteer Photography group did this morning. It was very worth the early start. The first Green-eyed (Norfolk) hawkers and Emperors are out. 4 spot chasers, scarce chasers, hairy and black tailed skimmer are out in good numbers. As well as hundreds of damselflies and banded demoiselles.
I also took a few shots of hoverflies. One of them was a pair of mating Anasymia lineata, Snouted Duck Fly. What a wonderful name and very appropriate! We talked to a hoverfly specialist the other day that had netted 20 different species in a very short time on the reserve, including 2 nationally scarce ones.
We had a cool off in the Visitor Centre and went out again to Cobham Hide to watch the Heron family in the shade. We took the short cut across the bare area of The Mound. As it turns out, not so bare, as we saw a grizzled skipper! So, they have extended their range again. Also, brown argus was on the wing.
Another butterfly I have seen more of this year than for the last few, is the Painted Lady. Blown in on the warmth southerly winds. There have also been plenty of Brimstones and Holly Blues.
The front of the Cobham hide was busy with a hairy dragonfly patrolling up and down, but never still enough for a photo. Plenty of exuviae around on the reeds from the dragons and damsels coming out the water.
The heron’s nest looked empty, but there were plenty flying around, so it looks as if they have all fledged. Like all teenagers, they will be back when they are hungry! There was no signs of the Great crested grebe and chick today, but it was seen yesterday.
The ringers had a good session last weekend. Male and female kingfisher and a male and brooding female nightingale. So, hopefully more next year. Garden warblers are also doing well, although they caught a similar number of blackcap.
The early morning dawn chorus is still strong. Cuckoo can still be heard, defending their territory. Many small birds are on their 2nd brood, like blue tits.
Well, if you have some interesting sightings on the reserve, or wish to join in with any of our volunteer activities, please contact me on friends@paxton-pits.org.uk .
This blog is a little early for 2 reasons. I am away most of June, and also because there is so much positive wildlife news.
Best wishes for your sightings,
Ann
Ann Thomas 26.5.26