Last year, when I wrote July’s blog, the gauge was saying 29.8 degrees centigrade, and I thought that was hot. Today it is 33 degrees and the hottest day at Wimbledon. There seems to be no let-up in this dry hot weather. Insects are up early, making the most of any plants giving their nectar away and tend to disappear in the heat until it is a little cooler in the early evening. So where are the insectivorous birds finding food for their chicks? It will be interesting to see how successful the nests have been this year.
The great-crested grebe is nesting again on a nest easily seen from the Cobham Hide. The sitting grebe must be having to keep the eggs cool rather than warm in this heat. I gather the adult soaks its feathers in water before sitting on them. Hopefully it cools the adult down as well. The cormorants can still be seen standing on their nests but won’t breed again until next year. There are not many birds to watch from the hide, at present, but it is worth sitting there to watch the dragonflies and damsels. Watch out for the bright green eyes of what I still like calling it, the Norfolk Hawker, also called the green-eyed hawker. First seen outside Norfolk at Paxton Pits. Watch them patrol back and forth in their territory. The flamboyant energetic Brown Hawkers are on the wing and there are plenty of red eyed damselflies mating on the water.
We were fortunate to see a small red-eyed damselfly when we on a wildlife survey in East Scrub on Saturday. I was quite surprised how far it was from water. I have also seen more ruddy than common darters around so far this year.
I like folklore about our wildlife and am surprised that dragonflies were given names such as the Devil’s darning needle, eye poker and horse stinger in Europe. All untrue and yet elsewhere in the world they associated with fortitude and good luck. It took until the late 18th century for them to classified by a Danish man, J.C. Fabricus and given the name Odonata (Greek meaning tooth). Look at them closely and you will see why.
The bird ringers continue their regular sessions. The average of new birds ringed is similar to most years since 2021. They were particularly pleased with the young lesser whitethroats and garden warblers they ringed in the June session.
Butterflies seem to emerge early this year. Gatekeeper butterflies are doing well again. Plenty of painted ladies here, as it seems all over Europe. The second generation of Holly blue are out. Look at the white butterflies and you may see a marbled white.
Walk through some longer grass and lots of crickets and grasshopper jump out. This bodes well for the wasp spiders, as these invertebrates are their main food source.
A lot of plants have also flowered early, and I saw my first ripe blackberries today. Only a few years back, I thought seeing a ripe one in July, unusual. This includes the grass and Foxtail and Buttercup meadows have been cut early. The Bullace in Foxtail is heavy with fruit and the cherry plums are dropping theirs.
When you come down to the reserve, don’t forget to call in our Visitor Centre. Ice Creams are very necessary in this hot weather. Also, we have a good selection of second- hand books. We have been recently donated many bird field guides from all over the world. If you looking for a particular country, please ask at the centre or give them a ring on 01480 406795.
And don’t forget, 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 .
Best wishes
Ann
Ann Thomas 9.7.26